Why the Dutch Switch to English (and How to Stay in Dutch)

Tired of Dutch people switching to English? Discover why it happens, what it says about Dutch culture, and how to keep the conversation in Dutch.
Oct 14

Why?


It can feel discouraging. You want to practice Dutch, but everyone keeps helping you in English.

Many internationals experience this, and it raises an important question.

Why do Dutch people switch, and how can you keep the conversation in Dutch?

Why the Dutch switch to English

Efficiency and politeness

Research from Utrecht University shows that most Dutch people switch to English not to exclude you, but to help. They assume you will communicate faster and feel more comfortable in English. In Dutch culture, being efficient and polite often means helping things move along.


Confidence mismatch

Dutch speakers are usually very confident in English. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top three countries worldwide for English proficiency. Many learners, on the other hand, speak Dutch with hesitation. The Dutch instinctively adjust to the language that feels easiest for both sides.


The comfort reflex

When a Dutch person hears a foreign accent, their brain triggers what researchers at Leiden University call a comfort reflex: switching to English to reduce tension. It is a subconscious attempt to smooth social interaction, not a judgment on your Dutch level.


Regional differences

In big cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht, English has become part of daily life. In smaller towns or local communities, people are far more likely to continue in Dutch. Where you practice matters.


The impact on learners

Switching to English seems friendly, but for learners it creates a loop.

  1. You start in Dutch

  2. The other person switches

  3. You reply in English

  4. Your brain stops getting real input

The result? Your progress slows down, your confidence drops, and you miss the natural rhythm of Dutch conversation.

That is why one of the hardest parts of learning Dutch is not grammar. It is staying in Dutch when everyone around you speaks English fluently.

How to stay in Dutch: research-based strategies


Studies in language adaptation show that people are more likely to stay in your language if you open confidently. A strong, clear first sentence sets the tone.

Try:

  • “Goedemorgen, ik oefen mijn Nederlands, dus ik probeer het vandaag even.”

  • “Mag ik in het Nederlands bestellen, als dat goed is?”

You show effort and set expectations. Around 80% of people will stay in Dutch when you do this.


Accept small mistakes and keep going

Most Dutch people switch because they sense hesitation. If you keep going, even with small grammar errors, they quickly realise you can handle it.

Psycholinguistic research shows that fluency perception matters more than grammatical accuracy. Confidence keeps the interaction in Dutch.

Tip: focus on rhythm, not perfection.

Practice outside service situations

Waiters, shop assistants and call centers are under time pressure. They often switch for efficiency. Practice Dutch where there is more time.


Local sport clubs or volunteering activities


Online Dutch conversation meetups


WhatsApp with Dutch friends or colleagues


The context matters as much as the grammar.

Build listening confidence


Often it is not just about speaking. It is about catching what people say quickly enough to reply. Research in second language acquisition shows that improving listening automatically extends the length of Dutch conversations before a switch happens.


Use Dutch Online’s audio-based Smart Practice to train your ear. You will learn to understand daily Dutch at natural speed, making people less likely to switch.

A deeper cultural insight


The Dutch value equality and practicality. When they switch to English, it is not arrogance. It is efficiency. But the same culture also respects effort. When you try in Dutch, even for a few sentences, you will often see a shift: smiles, slower speech, and real encouragement.

You do not need perfect Dutch to be accepted. You just need persistence and a few smart phrases to guide the conversation back.

If you are tired of hearing “Shall we speak English?” every time you try, do not give up.

Dutch Online helps you train exactly what matters: real listening, daily conversations, and confidence to stay in Dutch.

FAQ: Why Dutch People Switch to English

Looking for more tips? Check out our other articles!