The most spoken language in the Netherlands is Dutch. It is recommended that you learn a bit of their language to easily communicate with locals. However, if you are an expat who has never heard of a single Dutch word, don’t worry. Locals in the Netherlands are the most proficient when it comes to the English language and you will not have a problem conversing with them.

Language Skills
Netherland's high proficiency rate in English has given them an EPI score of 70.27 by the EF English Proficiency Index. They actually ranked as top 1 when it comes to English proficiency, among the 100 other countries near them. This mainly is because of their early exposure to the English language through television shows that also targets kids, subsequently making it natural for the people in the country to learn English. So don’t worry, if you’re about to dine in a restaurant, or you will be checking in at your hotel, you may freely speak to locals in English.

However, you may want to please your Dutch friends by learning how to greet them in their native tongue. Should you be saying ‘Hello’ in a formal manner, you may try saying ‘Hallo’ or pronounced as ‘HAH low.’ Or should you be greeting informally, you may also say the word ‘Hoi’ or pronounced as ‘hoy.’ To hear how these words are pronounced and to know a little more greetings, you may check out this link here.

Body Language
Regardless of the region they are in, Dutch are relatively conservative when it comes to their personal space. Locals do not like it when people stand too close to them and invade their privacy, so better stand at least an arm’s length away from a local if you post yourself as a stranger to them. When you are around friends or families that are locals, brief kisses that are characterized by soft touches of each others’ cheeks are okay and so are light touching of arms and shoulders.

Most locals in the country are generally conservative in public, so kissing and hugging in public is not very common unless you are a couple. If you are meeting a local for the first time, you may consider giving a handshake instead regardless of your gender. When conversing with Dutch people, mind that eye contact is very important and is a sign of sincerity. However, diverting your gaze occasionally is normal.

Avoid pointing or resting your index finger to the forehead or the temple, most specially when talking to somebody. This gesture is considered an insult and it means that the person under discussion is a lunatic. Also, avoid putting your hands inside your pockets when you’re in public and especially when talking to someone, it can make a local very uncomfortable being with you around.

Topics for Discussion
Dutch love discussions that are with sense and meaning. It doesn’t matter to them if it leads to a friendly argument or debate. So don’t hesitate talking about diversity and differences in cultures or topics that relate to history, art, nature or architecture, regardless if your points of view aligns. The locals are also open to discussions about any types of sports from running to cycling and sports that involve a ball, just take note that they refer to American soccer as football. You can lead your conversation too to a sport where they excel at and perhaps mention,”I believe the winner was Dutch!”.

You may also want to try discussing your travel experiences, even those that are not in the Netherlands. Share what you think about the places you’ve visited, and don’t forget to ask if they have gone there as well. This encourages the local to exchange a conversation that helps both of you to be comfortable with each other. If you are going to share about your trip to the Netherlands, don’t forget to mention the wonderful features of their country and your pleasant experiences during your trip. Just take not to avoid heavy topics on religion and politics as it may lead to a bitter argument. Also take note not to comment on someone’s dress, appearance, or weight, because it can sound rude to a local.

Just a word of caution about the culture of directness by the Dutch. Locals in the Netherlands are very forthright and will be brutally honest with you about their point in a conversation. Just be open to their being straightforward and if you can respond nicely, you willll really enjoy talking to the locals in the country.