Datum : 22 november 2024 Categorie : Blog

From Germany to The Netherlands: Finding My Place Through Language

Door Vanessa Rau

Moving to the Netherlands? Exciting! Moving for love? Even better! Three years ago, I took the plunge, leaving Germany for a new life in the Netherlands with my Dutch boyfriend. I thought, “Hey, it’s just across the border; how different could it be?” Turns out, very different. And the biggest difference? The Dutch language – obviously.

In Germany, I’d always been a social butterfly, always building connections easily.

But here? Without Dutch, I quickly felt like I’d hit a wall. Sure, everyone speaks English, but I quickly learned that if you want real friendships and to be part of the community, Dutch is the key. Without it, I’d sometimes feel like the friendly outsider — welcomed, but not quite “in.”

Even at work, it became obvious that speaking Dutch was a huge asset. My first job here was in an international environment, so English worked fine, but when I switched to a more Dutch-focused company, I suddenly found myself missing out on the details, little jokes, fast-paced conversations, and casual chats at the coffee machine. I knew I had to change something, so I set a goal: learn Dutch and really give it a shot.

First, I tried the DIY route – books, language apps, binge-watching Dutch TV shows – but it only got me so far. I was starting to understand a lot more, but speaking? Still felt totally out of reach. Eventually, I decided to join a conversation course at Babel, and that made all the difference. Speaking in a supportive environment did wonders for my confidence. Of course, my German accent isn’t going anywhere, but you know what? I’m now working in Dutch, making friends in Dutch, and I even handle  ordering at restaurants in Dutch. And honestly, people here usually call my accent “schattig”—cute. So, who cares if I sound a little different?

Where I once felt like I was living in translation, I now feel at home here. Learning Dutch has unlocked so many aspects of life that I didn’t even realize I was missing. If you’re moving here or are already here and feeling stuck, my advice? Take that first step. Find a Dutch course and dive in – maybe your company will even help with the cost!

And hey, if you need advice or just want to chat about it, feel free to reach out for a coffee (digital or in person)! Let’s swap stories and make this journey a little easier. 😊

Vanessa Rau – Manager Maatwerk