Practising Dutch at Work: Small Steps, Big Wins

Taking your language skills out of the classroom and into the workplace can feel… well, daunting! Suddenly, the cosy safety of a lesson is gone, and you’re surrounded by native speakers who have emails to send, deadlines to meet, and meetings to run.

But here is the good news: the best language learning happens in everyday environments, including your workplace. With a few gentle routines and open conversations, you can build confidence, make mistakes (yes, you should make them!) and gradually bring more Dutch into your day.

Below are some practical ideas shared by our community; easy ways to start switching into Dutch without disrupting your team’s flow.

International House Leuven

18 November 2025

Start with a team conversation

Before diving in, talk to your colleagues or manager about what might work best for your team. There will always be moments where efficiency has to come first, and that is perfectly normal. However, through small, everyday changes, you’ll be amazed by how much progress you can make.

Most colleagues appreciate the effort and are happy to support you, once they understand how they can help.

3 simple ways to practice Dutch at work

1. Add an “I’m learning Dutch” banner to your emails

A simple sentence at the bottom of your emails can make a world of difference. It reminds you to practise, and it signals to your Flemish-speaking colleagues that you’re learning and willing to try.

It also gives you permission to be imperfect, which is one of the biggest hurdles for many learners. See below for your very own "I'm learning Dutch" e-mail banner.

2. Switch your social chit-chat

Low-pressure social conversations are a wonderful place to build confidence. Try switching small talk into Dutch, a little at a time:

“Hoe was je weekend?”
“Heb je plannen vanavond?”
“Wat een verkeer vandaag!”

These tiny exchanges add up, and they help you experience the rhythm and tone of everyday Flemish.

3. Mix languages in meetings

In multilingual workplaces, flexibility can be your superpower. For example, you might speak in English while listening in Dutch, which lets colleagues express themselves comfortably while you ease into a Dutch-speaking environment.

You can also:

Ask for simple Dutch, and any technical terms to be said in English too

Ask for a quick summary in Dutch after a main point.

Repeat one key point in Dutch to practise speaking.

Request slides or notes in Dutch if available; even a quick skim helps build vocabulary.

For online meetings, try turning on auto-captions to support your listening (just keep in mind they may struggle with regional accents or background noise!). This can be a great way to build comprehension gently, without pressure.

Start small, and be brave

Trying Dutch at work can feel vulnerable at first, but don’t underestimate the power of showing willingness. It takes courage, and people notice and appreciate it.

Our biggest advice: start small, stay consistent, and see where it takes you. Even just a few minutes of Dutch a day can start to shift your confidence.