Dutch Work Culture: Key Phrases Every Expat Should Know at the Office

At Dutch Online we often meet internationals who tell us, sometimes at events like the IamExpat Fair: “I want to reach B1.” The challenge? Many of them do not speak a word of Dutch yet.
Oct 7

Coffee culture: “Koffietje doen?”

Coffee is more than a drink in Dutch offices. It is a ritual, a way to connect, and often where real decisions start. You will hear:

“Koffietje doen?” 
“Shall we grab a coffee?”

“Loop je mee naar de automaat?”
“Coming to the coffee machine?”

Accepting these invitations is not just about caffeine. It is about social trust, building important relationships but also about getting ahead or scanning sentiment. 

Meetings and scheduling

Dutch workplaces are famous for their love of planning.

Some phrases you’ll hear daily:

  • “Ik schiet even een meeting in.” – “I’ll quickly schedule a meeting.”

  • “We plannen een bila.” – A bila is short for bilateraal, a one-to-one meeting.

  • “Heb je de agenda al rondgestuurd?” – “Have you already sent out the agenda?”


Meetings can feel endless, but they are also where consensus is built.

Be prepared for everyone to do their plasje over het voorstel – literally “everyone makes their little pee over the proposal,” meaning everyone has to give their opinion before moving forward.

This comes from the 'polder model' which we explained here. 

Hybrid working: thuis and op kantoor

Since the pandemic, Dutch companies have embraced flexible working.

Colleagues casually switch between home and office. You will hear:

  • “Ik werk vandaag thuis.” – “I’m working from home today.”

  • “Wie is er morgen op kantoor?” – “Who will be in the office tomorrow?”

  • “We doen het overleg online.” – “We’ll do the meeting online.”


It’s normal to ask where people are working from, and to switch to Teams or Zoom at short notice.


Social life at work: VrijMiBo

One of the most Dutch office traditions is the VrijMiBo, short for Vrijdag Middag Borrel (Friday afternoon drinks).

Expect snacks, drinks, and a mix of casual talk and networking.

Phrases you might hear:

  • “Kom je ook naar de borrel?” – “Are you joining the drinks?”

  • “We doen een rondje.” – “It’s my turn to buy/get drinks.”

  • “Proost op het weekend!” – “Cheers to the weekend!”


Joining the VrijMiBo is optional, but it is a good way to connect outside formal work.

Read and listen

Typical Dutch office phrases

Kun je dat even toelichten?

Can you explain that?

Laten we dat parkeren.

Let’s park that topic (for later)

Ik kom er later op terug.

I’ll come back to that later.

Dat moeten we even afstemmen.

We need to align on that.

Wie pakt dit op?

Who will take this on?

Ik ben het daar niet mee eens

I disagree

Listen to over 6,000 audio files like this, covering the Dutch you need in daily life.
From work meetings to ordering at the bakery, practise real phrases with audio and exercises.

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