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You're a rare exception, then. Every single person I know who has tried to learn Dutch has expressed frustration that the Dutch, more even than many (most?) oth
by mercer 8y ago
You're a rare exception, then. Every single person I know who has tried to learn Dutch has expressed frustration that the Dutch, more even than many (most?) other European countries, will immediately switch to English if they notice you're not fluent.
EDIT: That said, I do agree that if you get past a certain level of fluency it might be easier. And I suppose it depends on where you live. Cities are probably harder.
- mikorym 8y agoSimilarly, Dutch people don't try to talk to Afrikaans people, they also switch to English. There are exceptions when there are vested interests.
- fenomas 8y agoThere are a lot of variables, but one thing to keep in mind is that when people switch from $language to English, a subset of them may simply see the conversation as their chance to practice English (rather than as your chance to practice $language).
- mercer 8y agoThe problem with Dutch people is that their English is, all else being equal, unusually good compared to at least most of mainland Europe. So whatever the variable (city/rural, expat/local, etc.), you're very likely to run into a Dutch person who is fluent in English, and usually fluent enough where it's not even a matter of 'a chance of practice' for them, just a matter of avoiding mutual frustration. At least when you're talking to someone who wants to practice, there's a chance they'd still prefer or revert to their own language. With lots of Dutch people that's not an issue.
- TotempaaltJ 8y agoPro tip froma friend who was learning Dutch: if you open every conversation with "I'm learning Dutch, so I'm going to try speak only Dutch" (in Dutch), people are more inclined to help.