What Language Do They Speak in Sint Maarten?

Header image for Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a vibrant island nation located in the northeastern Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches and lively culture. It occupies the southern half of the island of Saint Martin, which it shares with the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it boasts a unique blend of European influences and Caribbean charm, attracting tourists from around the world.

Languages Spoken

Sint Maarten, a Caribbean island nation, showcases a diverse linguistic landscape shaped by its colonial history and multicultural population. English is the predominant language spoken by 67.5% of the people, reflecting its significance in daily communication and official activities. Dutch, although one of the official languages, is spoken by only 4.2% of the population. Spanish, reflecting the influence of Latin American migration, is spoken by 12.9% of residents. Creole languages, which embody the island’s vibrant cultural heritage, are spoken by 7.1% of the population. Additionally, French is used by 5.9% of the inhabitants, illustrating the cultural ties across the French-Dutch divide on the island.

Different Languages Spoken in Sint Maarten

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Sint Maarten

LanguageUsage
Dutch4.2%
English67.5%
Spanish12.9%
Creole languages7.1%
French5.9%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Dutch Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Sint Maarten

Hallo, hoe gaat het?

Hello, how are you?

A friendly greeting to start a conversation.

Hoeveel kost het?

How much does it cost?

Useful for asking prices when shopping.

Waar is…?

Where is…?

Start of a question when asking for directions.

Ik begrijp het niet

I don’t understand

Helpful when you’re having trouble with the language.

Alstublieft en dank u wel

Please and thank you

Polite words to use during interactions.

Learn to speak Dutch

Interested in speaking Dutch in Sint Maarten? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

Download for iOS