
How many Dutch animal names do you know? Although it may not be the first thing you want to study when you start learning Dutch, knowing how to talk about animals is important in any language. After all, our furry friends play a central role in our lives!
There are many Dutch animal words for you to discover, ranging from the names of pets to the most common bugs and reptiles. Some of this new vocabulary may be difficult to memorize, but there are plenty of words that may be easier than you’re expecting. Take, for example:
- Rat (“Rat”)
- Kat (“Cat”)
- Schaap (“Sheep”)
- Beer (“Bear”)
- Vis (“Fish”)
Are you ready to discover the Dutch animal world with DutchPod101?
In this article, you’ll learn the must-know Dutch animal names, animal body parts, verbs related to animals, and even some funny animal sounds in Dutch.

Learn some Dutch animal names with DutchPod101!

- Pets
- Farm Animals
- Wild Animals
- Sea Animals
- Bugs and Insects
- Birds
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Animal Body Parts
- Animal Verbs
- Animal Sounds in Dutch
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. Pets
The Dutch are pet-loving people! A 2016 survey found that over half of Dutch households have at least one pet.
So, what are the most common Dutch pets? The most popular pet choices are dogs and cats; a 2019 survey showed that 18% of Dutch households owned a dog, while 23% owned a cat. Besides these more obvious furry friends, many Dutch households also have fish, a tame bird, or some small rodents (mice, rats, rabbits, or guinea pigs).
Check out this Dutch animals list to learn the names of common pets (and a few fun expressions that mention them):
Kat | “Cat” |
Dutch expression: Een kat in de zak kopen Literally: “To buy a cat in the bag” Meaning: To make a bad purchase |
Hond | “Dog” |
Dutch expression: De hond in de pot vinden Literally: “To find the dog in the pot” Meaning: To arrive just too late for supper |
Konijn | “Rabbit” |
Muis | “Mouse” |
Dutch expression: Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel Literally: “When the cat’s away from home, the mice dance on the table.” Meaning: If there’s no supervision, people do what they want. |
Hamster | “Hamster” |
Dutch expression: Hamsteren Literally: “To hamster” Meaning: To hoard |
Rat | “Rat” |
Cavia | “Guinea pig” |
Goudvis | “Goldfish” |
Kanarie | “Canary” |

The Dutch word kat is very similar to the English “cat.”
- → Are you an animal lover? Then visit our World Animal Day vocabulary list and get ready to celebrate!
2. Farm Animals
Dutch farm animals are quite similar to those in many other countries: the same-old cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and goats. The most typical Dutch farm animal is probably the black-and-white Dutch cow, as they’re so representative of scenic landscapes in the Netherlands.
Here are the names of common farm animals in Dutch:
Koe | “Cow” |
Dutch expression: Dat is een waarheid als een koe. Literally: “That’s as true as a cow.” Meaning: Sometimes, the truth is so obvious you can’t miss it. |
Varken | “Pig” |
Dutch expression: Dat slaat als een tang op een varken. Literally: “That hits like pliers on a pig.” Meaning: That makes absolutely no sense. |
Schaap | “Sheep” |
Dutch expression: Als één schaap over de dam is, volgen er meer. Literally: “When one sheep crosses the dam, more will follow.” Meaning: If one person starts, more will follow. |
Geit | “Goat” |
Paard | “Horse” |
Ezel | “Donkey” |
Dutch expression: Zo koppig als een ezel Literally: “As stubborn as a donkey” Meaning: Being very stubborn |

Are you as stubborn as a donkey?
Kip | “Chicken” |
Haan | “Rooster” |
3. Wild Animals
The Netherlands is a small country with relatively little nature, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there are no wild animals here. The Dutch forests, plains, and bodies of water host a variety of wild animals, such as foxes, wolves, deer, and badgers.
In this section, we’ll teach you the Dutch animal names for some of the most common wild animals you’ll find in the Netherlands. We’ll also provide the names of other wild animals, so you can talk about them when you visit the zoo!
Beer | “Bear” |
Wolf | “Wolf” |
Hert | “Deer” |
Vos | “Fox” |
Dutch expression: Een vos verliest wel zijn haren maar niet zijn streken. Literally: A fox loses its hair but not its tricks. Meaning: People rarely really change. |
Das | “Badger” |
Leeuw | “Lion” |
Tijger | “Tiger” |
Panter | “Panther” |
Olifant | “Elephant” |
Dutch expression: Als een olifant in de porseleinkast Literally: “Like an elephant in the china shop” Meaning: Being extremely careless or tactless |
Giraf | “Giraffe” |
Aap | “Monkey” |
Dutch expression: Nu komt de aap uit de mouw. Literally: “Now comes the monkey out of the sleeve.” Meaning: Now the truth (or someone’s real character) is being revealed. |
Nijlpaard | “Hippopotamus” |
Pinguïn | “Penguin” |
IJsbeer | “Polar bear” |
Dutch expression: IJsberen Literally: “To polar bear” Meaning: To pace |

When you’re pacing, the Dutch say that you’re walking around like a polar bear.
4. Sea Animals
The Dutch are surrounded by water: 17% of the total surface of the country consists of water, and the Netherlands has a coastline of 230 kilometers. This is quite long, if you take the size of the country into account.
So what kind of sea animals might you find here? There are several types of Dutch sea animals dwelling in the waters: fish, lobsters, mussels, and—the favorite Dutch sea animal—seals.
Here’s a brief list of sea animals in Dutch:
Vis | “Fish” |
Dutch expression: Als een vis op het droge Literally: “Like a fish out of water” Meaning: Refers to someone who cannot find his or her place, or who does not belong |
Haai | “Shark” |
Dutch expression: Naar de haaien gaan Literally: “Going to the sharks” Meaning: “To go down” or “to encounter very big problems that threaten someone’s or something’s existence” |
Dolfijn | “Dolphin” |
Zeehond | “Seal” |
Walvis | “Whale” |
Zeeleeuw | “Sealion” |
Kwal | “Jellyfish” |
Octopus | “Octopus” |
Kreeft | “Lobster” |
Zeester | “Starfish” |
Mossel | “Mussel” |

Mussels are a popular seafood in the Netherlands; have you ever tried them?
- → Do you want to dive deeper? Take a bite out of these Shark Week words with recorded examples.
5. Bugs and Insects
Fortunately, the Netherlands is not home to a lot of scary or dangerous insects. While there are many bugs and insects present in the Netherlands, most are not very big and you’ll probably have seen them before.
Here’s a Dutch animal list of the most common insects and bugs:
Bij | “Bee” |
Wesp | “Wasp” |
Mug | “Mosquito” |
Dutch expression: Van een mug een olifant maken Literally: “To make an elephant out of a mosquito” Meaning: To make something big out of a small problem, or to blow something out of proportion |
Vlieg | “Fly” |
Spin | “Spider” |
Sprinkhaan | “Grasshopper” |
Vlinder | “Butterfly” |
Dutch expression: Vlinders in je buik hebben Literally: “To have butterflies in your stomach” Meaning: To be in love |
Mier | “Ant” |
Mot | “Moth” |
Slak | “Snail” |
Worm | “Worm” |
Kever | “Beetle” |
Lieveheersbeestje | “Ladybird” / “Ladybug” |

As is the case in many other countries, we refer to butterflies in the stomach when someone is in love.
6. Birds
The Netherlands has quite a lot to offer bird lovers, as the country has around 300 regular migrant and resident birds and a total of 534 bird species. The most common Dutch birds are seagulls, pigeons, crows, and sparrows. But the Netherlands also has a number of waterbirds, such as swans, ducks, and geese.
Did you know that in a city like Amsterdam, you can watch a lot of birds? And not only city birds like pigeons! Because of the canals and the bodies of water that surround Amsterdam, there are many waterbirds to watch as well.
Learn the Dutch names for these birds so that you can point them out every time you spot one!
Duif | “Pigeon” |
Zeemeeuw | “Seagull” |
Kraai | “Crow” |
Adelaar | “Eagle” |
Uil | “Owl” |
Ekster | “Magpie” |
Mus | “Sparrow” |
Zwaluw | “Swallow” |
Dutch expression: Een zwaluw maakt de lente niet. Literally: “A swallow does not make spring.” Meaning: A circumstance does not lead to a final conclusion. |
Pauw | “Peacock” |
Dutch expression: Trots als een pauw Literally: “To be proud as a peacock” Meaning: To be very proud |
Gans | “Goose” |
Zwaan | “Swan” |
Eend | “Duck” |

You’ll be able to see a lot of ducks in Dutch ponds.
7. Reptiles & Amphibians
The Netherlands is not home to many scary reptiles or amphibians, though you may be able to see several frogs and toads in nearby ponds. You may even be able to find a snake in the Netherlands, as the country has three snake species (only one of which is venomous). But don’t worry! It’s not that common to encounter a snake when exploring the natural surroundings here.
Kikker | “Frog” |
Pad | “Toad” |
Slang | “Snake” |
Krokodil | “Crocodile” |
Dutch expression: Krokodillentranen huilen Literally: “To cry crocodile tears” Meaning: To feign your grief |

Have you ever seen a crocodile tear?
Hagedis | “Lizard” |
Kameleon | “Chameleon” |
Schildpad | “Turtle” |
Zeeschildpad | “Sea turtle” |
- → Would you like to learn more Dutch animal names and listen to their pronunciation? Then have a look at this Animal Names vocabulary list.
8. Animal Body Parts
Now that you know several Dutch animal names, it’s time to learn some words that will help you describe them! Memorizing the animal body parts in Dutch will allow you to tell your new friends about the time you saved a bird with a broken wing, or the time your dog got its fur all dirty. Take a look:
Staart | “Tail” |
Vleugel | “Wing” |
Haar | “Hair” |
Vacht | “Fur” |
Veer | “Feather” |
Tand | “Tooth” |
Hoektand | “Fang” |
Klauw | “Claw” |
Hoorn | “Horn” |
Hoef | “Hoof” |
Bek | “Mouth” |
Snavel | “Beak” |
Vin | “Fin” |
Tentakel | “Tentacle” |
Maan | “Mane” |
Slurf | “Trunk” |
Antenne | “Antenna” |
Poot | “Leg” |
Schub | “Scale” |
9. Animal Verbs
You can now name a variety of animals in Dutch and list their unique body parts…just one more thing is missing. Below, you’ll find several verbs related to animals that you can use in your next conversation!
Miauwen | “To meow” |
Blaffen | “To bark” |
Brullen | “To roar” |
Zoemen | “To buzz” |
Grommen | “To growl” |
Spinnen | “To purr” |
Galoperen | “To gallop” |
Bijten | “To bite” |
Steken | “To sting” |
Krabben | “To scratch” |
Likken | “To lick” |
Aaien | “To pet” |
Temmen | “To tame” / “To train” |
Voeden | “To feed” |
Vaccineren | “To vaccinate” |
- → Would you like to learn more Dutch verbs? Have a look at our vocabulary lists 50 Most Common Verbs and 25 Most Commonly Used Verbs of Any Language.
10. Animal Sounds in Dutch
The onomatopoeia used for animal sounds varies greatly from one country to another, often resulting in hilarious situations when comparing animal sounds. Let’s take the rooster, for example:
- English: cock-a-doodle-doo
- Swedish: kuckeliku
- Spanish: qui-qui-ri-qui
For your entertainment, here are the most popular animal sounds in Dutch.

How does barking sound in Dutch? Woef!
Miauw | (Cat) |
Woef | (Dog) |
Boe | (Cow) |
Bêêê | (Sheep) |
Roekoe | (Pigeon) |
Kukeleku | (Rooster) |
Kwak | (Duck) |
Grrr | (Growling sound) |
Oe oe | (Owl) |
Kwaak | (Frog) |
Knor knor | (Pig) |
- → Would you like to learn more animal sounds in Dutch? Then have a look at our Sounds That Animals Make vocabulary list, and don’t forget to listen to the recorded examples of these Dutch animal sounds.
11. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
In this guide, you’ve learned many Dutch animal names for pets, farm animals, insects, and much more. Now you’ll be able to talk with your Dutch friends about their pets or ask them about their favorite animals.
Did we forget any other important animals? Or would you like to know other animal sounds in Dutch? Please share with us in the comments below!
Make sure to explore DutchPod101.com, as we have plenty of free resources to help you practice your grammar and many useful vocabulary lists with audio recordings to help you learn new words.
Remember that Premium PLUS members can also take advantage of our MyTeacher service for 1-on-1 coaching. This way, you can practice your Dutch speaking skills with your own private teacher through interactive exercises and personalized feedback.
Happy learning!

Dutch Love Phrases: How to Say “I Love You,” in Dutch

Do you have a Dutch girlfriend or boyfriend, or has an attractive Dutchie caught your eye? Then learning how to express your feelings in the Dutch language is the first step you should take toward creating a new relationship or strengthening the bond between you and your lover.
Of course, there are the basics. For example…
How do you say “I love you,” in Dutch? That’s Ik hou van jou. And how about “my love”? That could be mijn lieverd or mijn liefje.
The Dutch may not be the most expressive people when it comes to love, but they do have their own ways of confessing their feelings and revealing their love to someone. With the right words, you’ll come a long way in your relationship—but try not to be too dramatic or clingy. The Dutch are very down-to-earth, and they view excessive romanticism as a mark of desperation.
Learn to talk about love in Dutch with this useful guide from DutchPod101.com. We’ve provided a variety of Dutch love phrases for every phase of your romantic relationship, from confessing your affection and falling in love all the way to getting married and starting a family. And if that’s still not enough, we’ll even introduce you to some Dutch endearment terms and must-know Dutch love quotes.
Let’s get to it!

Impress your Dutch love with these Dutch romantic phrases.

- First Contact: Dutch Pick-up Lines and More
- Take it to the Next Level: How Do You Say “I Love You,” in Dutch?
- Take it One Step Further: “Will You Marry Me?” and More
- Dutch Endearment Terms: “My Love” in Dutch and More
- Must-know Dutch Love Quotes
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. First Contact: Dutch Pick-up Lines and More
You’re in a bar and you spot some nice Dutchie you’d like to get to know…but how do you make first contact? While the Dutch value a direct approach in all things, it’s still important to know how to start the conversation. Have a look at these Dutch pick-up lines and other useful Dutch love phrases for when you’ve just met someone.
Kom je hier vaker? Ik ken je ergens van. | “Do you come here often?” “I think I’ve seen you before.” |
Hoe heet je? | “What’s your name?” |
- → What more can you say? Have a look at these 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself.
Wil je dansen? Wil je met me dansen? | “Do you want to dance?” “Do you want to dance with me?” |
Wil je wat drinken? Ik betaal dit rondje. | “Can I buy you a drink?” “Let me get this round.” |
In the Netherlands, it’s not customary that the man pays for everything. Rather, it’s quite common for couples to “go Dutch” and split the bill. However, when you meet someone new, offering a drink can be a good way to show your interest. While it’s less common for a girl to buy a guy a drink, this is definitely an option as well. |
Heb je een vriend? Heb je een vriendin? | “Do you have a boyfriend?” “Do you have a girlfriend?” |
The Dutch are direct, so they’re used to non-subtle ways of asking if someone is single. You could also ask: Ben je single? (“Are you single?”) |
Het was leuk met jou.I k zou het leuk vinden om je nog een keer te zien. | “I had a great time with you.” “I’d like to see you again.” |
Zullen we nog eens afspreken? Zullen we binnenkort wat drinken? | “Shall we meet another time?” “Shall we have a drink soon?” |
In the Netherlands, a common first date is to have drinks together at a bar at night. Going for dinner is far less common, as it can be viewed as awkward if you don’t know the other person very well. |

Are you ready to invite someone on a date in Dutch?
Mag ik je telefoonnummer? Mag ik je mijn telefoonnummer geven? | “Can I get your phone number?” “Can I give you my number?” |
It’s more common to ask for someone’s phone number than to ask if you may give your number to someone, and both men and women can do so. That said, giving your phone number to someone might be seen as more courteous. If your potential date is interested, they will either return the favor right away or call you later. |
- → Now that you’ve made your move, you’ll want to know the Most Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date.
→ Did someone ask you out on a date, but you’re not interested? Find out how to politely decline with these Ways to Reject an Invitation.
2. Take it to the Next Level: How Do You Say “I Love You,” in Dutch?
You went on that first date and many more. You’re in love and ready to take it to the next level. So, what’s “I love you,” in Dutch? And what else can you say to really win their affections? Here are several romantic Dutch phrases you can use to express your feelings.
Ik vind je leuk. | “I like you.” |
As mentioned before, the Dutch are not very expressive about their love. Saying this phrase to someone you’ve only just met may be seen as too fast or forward. It’s more common to express this after you’ve seen the other person several times. |
Ik mis je. | “I miss you.” |
Ik heb zin om je weer te zien. | “I look forward to seeing you again.” |
Ik denk aan jou. | “I’m thinking about you.” |
Ik ben gek op jou. | “I’m crazy about you.” |
Je bent zo mooi. | “You’re so beautiful.” |
Ik ben verliefd op jou. | “I am in love with you.” |
Wil je verkering met mij? Wil je een relatie met mij? Zullen we het officieel maken? | “Do you want to be in a relationship with me?” “Do you want to be in a relationship with me?” “Shall we make it official?” |
Verkering is another word used to refer to a romantic relationship. Although it’s a common word, it might be perceived as a bit childish. If you’d prefer to stay on the safe side, use the word relatie (“relationship”). It has the same meaning, but it’s a more neutral word. If you’ve been dating your Dutchie for a while but the relationship has not become “official” yet, then you might want to use the last option. |
Ik houd van jou. Ik houd zielsveel van jou. | “I love you.” “I love you with heart and soul.” |
Fun fact: Dutch people often use the phrase Ik hou van jou, with the d dropped from houd. Although the spelling is officially wrong, it’s a very common way to write the phrase. Where does this habit come from? The d might have been dropped simply because it’s not pronounced when the word is spoken. |

Ready to write some love letters in Dutch?
- → Are you looking for some other romantic Dutch phrases to declare your undying love? Our list of Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day might be just what you need.
3. Take it One Step Further: “Will You Marry Me?” and More
You’ve expressed your feelings successfully, it’s been reciprocated, and you’re officially in a happy relationship. Are you ready to take it one step further? Here are all the Dutch love phrases you need to steer your relationship toward the future you want. We’ve gathered key phrases for expressing true love in Dutch, meeting the parents, moving in together, getting married, and even having a baby.
Wij zijn voor elkaar bestemd. Jij bent de liefde van mijn leven. Ik kan niet zonder jou. | “We are made for each other.” “You are the love of my life.” “I can’t live without you.” |
These romantic Dutch phrases are not used very often, so make sure you only say them in the right setting and that they come from the heart. The Dutch don’t take words like these lightly. |
Ik wil graag dat je mijn ouders ontmoet. | “I would like for you to meet my parents.” |
As the Dutch move out of their parents’ place at a relatively young age and often move to another city when going to study, meeting the parents is a big deal in Dutch culture. |
Wil je met mij samenwonen? | “Would you like to move in together?” |
Wil je met me trouwen? | “Do you want to marry me?” |

Pop the question in Dutch.
Ik wil graag een kindje met jou. | “I would like to have a baby with you.” |
4. Dutch Endearment Terms: “My Love” in Dutch and More
What’s next, then? You’ll need some Dutch endearment terms to express your love each and every day. In the Netherlands, it’s very common to use endearment terms when talking to the people you love, whether it be your partner or your friends and family.
Lieverd Schatje Liefje Dropje Lekker ding Knapperd | “Dear” “Cutie” “Little dear” “Sweetie” “Delicious thing” “Beautiful” |
These are just some popular options, but there are many more! The same endearment terms also come in a lot of different forms and shapes, such as: lieffie, droppie, schatteke, knappie. It’s all a matter of preference, and many Dutch couples also use personal pet names. |

What Dutch endearment term would you use?
5. Must-know Dutch Love Quotes
As you might have expected from the not-so-romantic Dutch, there is no overload of romantic love quotes in the Dutch language. And the quotes that do exist tend to have a down-to-earth undertone. That said, here are the most popular quotes about love in Dutch:
Dutch | De liefde kan niet van één kant komen. |
Literally | “Love cannot come from one side.” |
Equivalent | It takes two to tango. |
This is one of the down-to-earth Dutch love quotes that’s quite popular in the Netherlands. It shows the Dutch attitude about love, which is that love should come from both sides: If you want to make it work, both parties will have to contribute. |
Dutch | De liefde van een man gaat door de maag. |
Literally | “A man’s love goes through the stomach.” |
This humorous Dutch love quote may also say something about their not-so-romantic nature. This is a very popular Dutch quote, and it even has its own song. It can also be used for women, children, or even for animals. People may even say it about their own cat: De liefde van een kat gaat door de maag. (“The love of a cat goes through the stomach.”) |
Dutch | Ongelukkig in het spel, gelukkig in de liefde. |
Literally | “Unlucky in the game, happy in love.” |
Equivalent | Lucky at cards, unlucky in love. |
This love quote in Dutch is nearly identical to its English counterpart. Those who always lose in gambling often have a happy love life, and vice-versa. What do you think about that? Is it true for you? |
Dutch | Oude liefde roest niet. |
Literally | “Old love does not rust.” |
This beautiful Dutch quote, with an identical English counterpart, also has its own song from the famous Dutch 80s band VOF De Kunst. They sing: Oude liefde roest niet, maar verdwijnt net zoals jij. (“Old love does not rust, but disappears just like you.”) |
- → Find more love inspiration in our free vocabulary list of quotes on Love. Or go for those bittersweet Break-Up quotes.
6. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

You’re ready to find some Dutch love!
In this article, you learned how to say “I love you,” in Dutch and many more useful Dutch love phrases. You’re now prepared to get your flirt on, express your love, and even take it a step further with a solid marriage proposal. You also know what endearment terms to use for your Dutch lieverd (“dear”) and have some old Dutch love quotes to fall back on when you want to spice things up.
Did we forget any important Dutch love phrases you know? What’s your favorite romantic Dutch phrase or endearment term?
There’s still a lot more to learn, and nothing will make your Dutch lover swoon more than mastering their native tongue. Make sure to explore DutchPod101.com and take advantage of our numerous vocabulary lists with audio recordings and other useful free resources to boost your Dutch studies.
Would you like some 1-on-1 coaching? Then consider upgrading to a Premium PLUS subscription, which will give you access to our MyTeacher service. Here, you can learn more about Dutch love and life with your own private teacher and really master the Dutch language. Through personalized feedback and pronunciation advice, you’ll catch on in no time.

Why You Should Learn – Dutch

Learning a foreign language comes with several added benefits, from new business opportunities to a healthier mind.
But why learn Dutch, specifically? After all, there are plenty of other languages to choose from—some of which are in higher demand and more widely spoken.
There are many reasons why you should learn Dutch, and DutchPod101 is here to break it all down for you and show you that Dutch isn’t such a hard language to learn. With a little help and guidance, you’ll be able to tackle this fun challenge and advance toward your goals!
In this article, we’ll go over the 10 main reasons why you should start learning Dutch. We’ve included reasons related to: leisure (travel, friendship, love, culture); business (quality studies, work opportunities); and personal development (benefits of learning another language).
Let’s dive in.

So why should you learn Dutch?

- Reasons Related to the Country and the Language
- Reasons Related to the Benefits of Learning a Language
- Reasons Related to Personal and Professional Aspects
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn Dutch
1. Reasons Related to the Country and the Language
Some of the best reasons to learn Dutch have to do with the properties of the language itself, as well as the countries in which it’s spoken. Let’s take a closer look.
Reason 1: Learning Dutch is relatively easy.
So, why study Dutch? Because it’s quite easy, especially for English speakers. Here’s what we mean:
- Dutch is very similar to English and German.
If you speak English or German, mastering Dutch will not be too difficult for you. Dutch is very similar to these languages, making it one of the easiest languages for native English or German speakers to learn. Speaking one of these languages—even if not natively—will give you a headstart in your Dutch learning!
- You already know some Dutch words.
Nearly one-third of the Dutch language is borrowed, namely from English, French, German, and Hebrew. As such, knowing one or more of these languages will make it easier for you to pick up Dutch.
- Dutch people will appreciate your efforts.
The Dutch are used to foreigners speaking in English with them. So when foreigners (try to) speak Dutch, native speakers are pleasantly surprised and are happy to help. They’ll appreciate your effort, try to speak extra-slow, and help you whenever you get stuck.
You might need to make it clear first that you really prefer to speak Dutch, as they’ll switch to English out of habit if you don’t. But once that’s cleared up, their willingness to help will turn out to be one of the best things about learning the language.
- Your pronunciation and grammar don’t have to be perfect.
The Dutch aren’t too snobby or arrogant regarding their language. Mistakes are okay, and even Dutch natives can be quite sloppy with their own language. Grammar rules aren’t always taken into account, and even the pronunciation isn’t always perfect.
The Netherlands may be a small country, but it has a lot of dialects and accents from region to region. That’s why there’s no such thing as perfect Dutch pronunciation. Take, for example, the hard g sound in the north and the soft g sound in the south. Of course, you should try to learn Dutch the best you can, but it’s simply okay to make mistakes.
If you’d like to learn more about why learning Dutch is easier than you might think, make sure to visit our full article Is Dutch Hard to Learn?
Reason 2: Dutch is spoken in more places than you might think.
Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands and Suriname, and it’s one of the official languages in Belgium, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. It’s spoken in most of the former Dutch colonies and in small emigrant communities all over the world. Dutch is also the parent language of Afrikaans, one of the 150 official languages of South Africa. (Before Afrikaans was officially recognized by linguists, Dutch itself was one of the official languages here.)
So, why learn Dutch? Because there are about 23 million people registered as native Dutch speakers all over the world and another 5 million speak Dutch as a secondary language.
Reason 3: You’ll get to know the rich Dutch culture and history.
When you learn a language, even if you’re just focusing on practical topics such as grammar and vocabulary, you’ll get to know more about the culture and the history of its native speakers.
As your thoughts are shaped by the language you speak, learning the Dutch language will give you some insight regarding how the Dutch think. Learning a language is like opening a window into the Dutch culture, history, and way of life. And if this is too philosophical for you, there’s also a more practical reason why learning Dutch will help you learn the country’s culture and history: It’s the perfect way to be able to connect with the locals. If you can’t have a conversation with the Dutch, how can you get to know their country?
Yes, of course, many Dutchies speak English, but the culture and history of a country includes its language, sayings, humor, and even songs. So, while learning Dutch, you’ll be able to get to know all these different aspects of the Dutch culture.

How well do you know the Dutch history and culture?
- → Going to the Netherlands? Don’t leave without these Top 30 Travel Phrases You Should Know.
Reason 4: Dutch is a funny language.
The Dutch language has a very funny pronunciation with a lot of tricky sounds. It may not be the smoothest or sexiest language in the world, but it has some funny sounds no other languages seem to have.
Dutch has a lot of vowels, as it uses single vowels, double vowels, and diphthongs. A diphthong is a pair of vowels that, together, make a particular sound that no vowel on its own has. The Dutch alphabet has six vowels (a, e, i o, u, y) and nine diphthongs:
Letter | (English) Pronunciation | Example |
ai | Pronounced as [I] in “I am” in English | mais (“corn”) |
au | Pronounced like [ow] in the English word “now” | auto (“car”) |
ei | Pronounced as the [i] in the English word “find” | ei (“egg”) |
eu | This sound doesn’t exist in English, but you may know it from the French word “beurre.” | leuk (“fun”) |
ie | Pronounced like [ee] in the English word “bee” | mier (“ant”) |
ij | Pronounced exactly the same as the Dutch ei diphthong | wijn (“wine”) |
oe | Pronounced like [oo] in the English word “pool” | moe (“tired”) |
ou | This diphthong has exactly the same sound as the Dutch au diphthong. | koud (“cold”) |
ui | This sound doesn’t exist in English, but it’s a combination of the [a] sound in “man” followed by a long Dutch u. | muis (“mouse”) |
But that’s not all. The Dutch language even has triple vowels:
Letter | (English) Pronunciation | Example |
aai | This is a combination of the Dutch aa and ie. | draaien (“to turn”) |
oei | This is a combination of the Dutch oe and ie. | koeien (“cows”) |
ooi | This is a combination of the Dutch oo and ie. | nooit (“never”) |
eeu | This combination will always be followed by the letter w and is a combination of ee and oe. | sneeuw (“snow”) |
Learning these tongue-twisters may be a challenge, but it will also be fun to master them.
Dutch also has a lot of funny words. They might be the most normal words for the Dutch, but when you translate them directly to English, you’ll notice how crazy these words are:
- Boterham literally translates to “butter ham,” but it actually means “sandwich” or “a slice of bread.”
- Handschoenen literally translates to “hand shoes,” but it actually means “gloves.”
- Toiletbril literally translates to “toilet glasses,” but it actually means “toilet seat.”
Getting to know these crazy and funny Dutch words will make learning the language even more fun.

Which of these words made you laugh the most?
- → These are just a few of the many funny Dutch words. Do you know any other ones?
2. Reasons Related to the Benefits of Learning a Language
Of course, learning any language can add value to your life. Here are just a few benefits you can expect to gain when you start learning Dutch.
Reason 5: Learning another language will open up your mind.
Most people don’t give their native language much thought. It all comes naturally, so why think much about it?
It’s learning another language that will make you start wondering about linguistics. Just like realizing how lovely home is when you’re away from it, you’ll realize how interesting your native language is when you’re learning another one. You’ll discover similarities and differences, and you might even develop a new appreciation for your own language.
So, learning another language will open up your mind to your own language and to the world around it. Especially if you’re a native English speaker (and you’re used to using your native language abroad), learning another language will be an enriching experience culturally, professionally, and personally.
Reason 6: Knowing Dutch will help you learn other European languages.
As we mentioned earlier, the Dutch language is quite similar to the English and German languages. But why is that?
Dutch is part of the Indo-European family of languages and belongs to the Germanic branch, as do English and German. Dutch has the same Germanic core as the German language, but integrates more Romance loans than the German language does (and fewer than English does). As is the case with German, the vocabulary of Dutch also has strong similarities with the continental Scandinavian languages, but differs quite a lot in text and speech.
So, knowing the Dutch language will help you learn quite a few other European languages, namely: English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish. These languages might be quite different (especially in pronunciation), but the similarities they share with the Dutch vocabulary and/or structure will give you a headstart when learning one of these other languages.
Reason 7: It will give your brain a boost.
Learning Dutch not only opens up your mind to your own language and helps you learn certain European languages, but it can also improve the overall health and functionality of your brain.
Learning a second language has many brain-boosting benefits: a better memory, greater multitasking skills, an improved ability to conceptualize, and faster, more decisive decision-making. Learning a new language can even help prevent dementia.
This boost can also help with learning other languages. If you already speak a foreign language, it will be easier to learn yet another language, as your brain is accustomed to the challenges of learning a foreign language. Therefore, bilinguals often find it easier to learn a third language.

Memorizing words gives your brain a boost.
3. Reasons Related to Personal and Professional Aspects
If you’re still wondering why to learn Dutch, have you yet considered the potential gains you could experience in your personal and professional life? Here are three more ways that learning Dutch can enhance your life:
Reason 8: You’ll be able to enjoy studying in the Netherlands.
Speaking Dutch opens up lots of opportunities for education in the Netherlands. With some great universities as well as hogescholen (literally meaning “high schools,” but these are universities of applied sciences), the Netherlands has many study options to choose from.
In the Netherlands, there’s WO (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, meaning “scientific education”) taught at universities and HBO (hoger beroepsonderwijs, meaning “higher professional education”) taught at hogescholen.
The great thing about the Dutch universities is that they offer high-quality education at relatively low costs, especially compared to the price of big universities in the U.S. and U.K.
Many of these schools have an international or multicultural environment with a wide range of courses in English. So you don’t have to manage Dutch at a high level to study in the country, though knowing the language will give you a richer study experience.
So why study Dutch? Because of the great study opportunities, of course! These are just two great facts about studying in the Netherlands, but there are many more reasons why you should study in the Netherlands.
- → Do you want to study in the Netherlands? Then you can start practicing with our vocabulary list of Words and Phrases for Living on a School Campus.
Reason 9: Learn Dutch to enjoy new business opportunities or career options.
The Netherlands has one of the richest and most stable economies in the European Union. There are many international companies located in the country and the Dutch government is very helpful to small businesses, having special measures to stimulate their development. So, there are many business opportunities and career options to enjoy in this small country.
But these many opportunities are not the only reasons to work in the Netherlands. Other great reasons are the high working standards (with a great work/life balance), a good healthcare system, and an excellent standard of living.
As you can see, working in the Netherlands offers some great opportunities. Although not all companies or positions require a knowledge of the Dutch language, knowing Dutch will still help you find work here and have a better overall experience.
Even if you don’t want to move to the Netherlands, knowing another language will be a positive selling point when you’re looking for a job in your own country. Learning Dutch will provide opportunities to work for companies that either have ties with the Netherlands or are in contact with Dutch groups.
- → The secret to doing business in the Netherlands? Impress them with your Dutch, thanks to our list of Phrases for Doing Business Successfully.
→ Do you have a job in the Netherlands already? Then our vocabulary list Talking About the Workplace may help you get used to the place!
Reason 10: Improve your relationships and communication with Dutch loved ones and their family.
Last but not least, a great reason to bother learning Dutch is to impress or win over a special someone in the Netherlands.
If you have a Dutch boyfriend or girlfriend, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to talk with him or her in their native language? It would definitely be a great way to impress them, and you’ll also get to know them better as you’ll start to understand their culture and way of thinking. You can start to declare your love to them with a beautiful ik hou van jou (“I love you”). Or give them a Dutch koosnaampje (“pet name”).
Learning the language would also mean that you could start communicating better with your lover’s family and friends. This way, the next time you go to a Dutch birthday party, you could talk with your Dutch in-laws about koetjes en kalfjes (translates literally to “talk about little cows and calves,” which refers to making small talk). This time, you’ll be the one participating in the conversations of your Dutch family, instead of them having to make the effort to speak English with you.

Speak Dutch with your Dutch lover.
Even if you don’t have a Dutch lover, wouldn’t it be great to be able to speak in Dutch with your Dutch friends?
- → Do you want to get romantic with your Dutch lover? Then you might find value in our vocabulary list of Dutch Words Related to Valentine’s Day or these Dutch Quotes about Love!
4. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn Dutch
In this guide, you’ve learned the main reasons why you should learn Dutch. We’ve shown you many of the benefits of learning the Dutch language, from its practical applications in the business world to the sheer fact that it’s pretty funny at times. Learning any language, in fact, can improve the quality of your life: broader opportunities for study, enhanced brain function, and a more open mind are just a few examples.
Are you still thinking: Why should I learn Dutch? Or do you already know your answer? If so, do you feel ready to start learning Dutch or do you need some more guidance?
Make sure to explore DutchPod101.com, as we have plenty of free resources to help you practice your grammar and many useful vocabulary lists with audio recordings to learn new words.
Remember that you can also use our Premium PLUS MyTeacher service for personal one-on-one coaching. This way, you can practice your Dutch speaking skills with your own private teacher through interactive exercises and personalized feedback.
Happy learning!

Dutch Proverbs & Sayings About Life, Love, and All the Rest

Proverbs are little phrases of wisdom, passed down from one generation to the next. While some proverbs seem to extend across borders, others are unique to a specific culture or way of living.
For this reason, learning Dutch proverbs and sayings is a great way to expand your vocabulary and gain cultural insight. These nuggets of practical advice and observations can really serve as a window into the age-old wisdom and traditions of the Dutch.
They may be old-fashioned, but the Dutch still use these old proverbs on a daily basis. They serve as a reflection of who they are and the values they stand for.
In this article, you’ll learn thirty of the most common Dutch proverbs about love, success, life, personality, weather, and family and friends. Studying them will help you learn more about the Dutch, while memorizing and using them in conversation is sure to impress native speakers!

- Dutch Proverbs About Love
- Dutch Proverbs About Success
- Dutch Proverbs About Life
- Dutch Proverbs About Personality
- Dutch Proverbs About Family & Friends
- Dutch Proverbs About the Weather
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. Dutch Proverbs About Love

Let’s discover that Dutch love…
They say that love is what makes the world go ‘round. With that in mind, let’s kick off our list with a few popular Dutch love proverbs!
#1
Dutch | Ga niet op het uiterlijk af. |
Equivalent | “Never judge by appearance.” |
This Dutch proverb is used to warn against falling in love with someone for only their looks. Looks are not the most important thing, so instead of judging someone by their appearance, you should rather have eyes for someone’s personality. |
#2
Dutch | Als de armoede binnenkomt, vliegt de liefde het raam uit. |
Literally | “When poverty comes in, love flies out the window.” |
Meaning | Poverty often means the end of relationships. |
Having money troubles often causes relationship troubles as well. When there’s stress about money, the tension in a relationship often rises. This is an old Dutch proverb about love that’s used less nowadays, but there’s still some truth to it. It’s most often used in reference to romantic relationships, but can also be used when talking about friendships. |
#3
Dutch | Van liefde rookt de schoorsteen niet. |
Literally | “The chimney does not smoke from love.” |
Meaning | You cannot live on love alone. |
This Dutch proverb reflects the typical level-headedness of the Dutch. It may not be that romantic, but it’s true: you cannot live on love alone. |
#4
Dutch | Liefde maakt blind. |
Equivalent | “Love makes blind.” |
This proverb is the same in Dutch as it is in English. It’s frequently used in songs and literature. |
#5
Dutch | Iets bedekken met de mantel der liefde. |
Literally | “Covering something with the cloak of love.” |
Meaning | This refers to not discussing something with others, but rather keeping silent and accepting the situation. |
It may feel a bit contradictory to the Dutch directness and honesty, but even the Dutch sometimes prefer to keep quiet about something, out of love for the other person. This old Dutch proverb is a true classic and is often associated with motherly love. |
- → Would you like to learn some more Dutch sayings about love? Then have a look at our Dutch Quotes About Love vocabulary list.
2. Dutch Proverbs About Success

Here’s how to achieve success, according to the Dutch.
While success can mean different things to different people, there are some basic truths and words of advice we can all relate to. Here are some Dutch idioms and proverbs related to success and hard work—we hope they inspire you!
#6
Dutch | Een kat in de zak kopen. |
Literally | “Buying a cat in the bag.” |
Equivalent | To buy a pig in a poke. |
If you buy “a pig in a poke,” it means you’ve just made a bad purchase. The Dutch use this saying when someone buys something that’s very disappointing or breaks down very quickly. This saying dates back to when people would buy a pig or hare in a sack, only to come home and find out it’s a cat instead. It’s a bad purchase because you can create a tasty dish with a pig or hare, but not with a cat. The Spanish language has a similar proverb: dar gato por liebre, meaning “to give someone a cat instead of a hare.” |
#7
Dutch | Hoge bomen vangen veel wind. |
Literally | “High trees catch a lot of wind.” |
Meaning | People in a high position face a lot of criticism. |
Those who hold a high position have to face a lot of criticism. Just like tall trees, which rise above the small ones and are most exposed to the wind, high-ranking people are exposed to all kinds of judgment, hatred, and envy. A variant of this Dutch proverb is: Hoge masten vangen veel wind. / “High masts catch a lot of wind.” |
#8
Dutch | Als de berg niet tot Muhammad wil komen, dan moet Muhammad naar de berg gaan. |
Equivalent | “If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain.” |
Meaning | If you cannot get what you want, you must adapt to the circumstances or adopt a different approach. |
This is another Dutch proverb that has the exact same meaning as its English equivalent. Both are based on the legend in which Muhammad ordered a mountain to come to him, which did not happen. Afterward, he supposedly uttered the words: “Well, mountain, since you do not want to come to Muhammad, Muhammad will come to you.” |
#9
Dutch | Een ezel stoot zich niet twee keer aan dezelfde steen. |
Literally | “A donkey doesn’t stub itself against the same boulder twice.” |
Equivalent | Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. |
One should not make the same mistake twice. According to this Dutch proverb, only a fool would do so. |
#10
Dutch | Wie het eerst komt, wie het eerst maalt. |
Equivalent | “First come, first served.” |
Meaning | Who comes first is helped first. |
This saying means that whoever is first to pick up or buy something can be sure that what they want is still available. Those who come later may be too late, and everything may already be gone. This old saying originates from the time when wheat had to be brought to a mill to be grinded. So, the one who arrived first with their wheat could count on it being grinded first. |
#11
Dutch | Schoenmaker, blijf bij je leest. |
Literally | “A shoemaker must not go beyond his last.” |
Meaning | You should stick to what you know. |
The Dutch might say this to someone who judges something of which he or she has no knowledge. This old Dutch proverb comes from a story about the famous Greek painter Apelles, who lived in the fourth century B.C. The artist liked to hide behind his paintings so that he could hear what spectators really thought of his artwork. One day, he heard a shoemaker comment on the shoes in one of his paintings, which was missing a shoelace hole. Apelles adjusted his work, but the shoemaker still found something to complain about. Apelles was fed up and said these famous words to the shoemaker: Sutor, ne ultra crepidam. / “Shoemaker, no further than the shoe.” |
- → Eager for more inspiring words of wisdom? Don’t miss our vocabulary list of the Top 11 Quotes About Success.
3. Dutch Proverbs About Life

Some inspirational Dutch proverbs to help you enjoy life to its fullest…
For time immemorial, people have been asking themselves how to live life well. There are several idioms and proverbs in Dutch on the topic, and studying them can give you a glimpse of how the Dutch view this topic.
#12
Dutch | Belofte maakt schuld. |
Literally | “Promise is debt.” |
Meaning | If you promise something, you should honor that commitment. |
This Dutch proverb reflects two things the Dutch value highly: honesty and loyalty. If you promise to do something, you have to stick to that promise. |
#13
Dutch | Wie goed doet, goed ontmoet. |
Literally | “Who does good, meets well.” |
Equivalent | If you do good, good will be done to you. |
This old Dutch proverb is still very true today. It means that if someone does good things for other people, that person can sometimes expect good things in return. It’s sort of a Dutch karma mindset, related to their highly valued honesty. |
#14
Dutch | Door de bomen het bos niet meer zien. |
Literally | “Can’t see the forest through the trees.” |
Equivalent | Missing the forest because of the trees. |
When you pay too much attention to details (the trees), you’ll lose sight of the whole picture (the forest). For example, there’s so much information on the internet that it can be difficult to find what you’re looking for. |
#15
Dutch | Geld moet rollen. |
Literally | “Money must roll.” |
Equivalent | Money is there to be spent. |
You might say the Dutch are a pragmatic and responsible group of people, but they also have their impulsive and crazy moments. In the Netherlands, when someone comments about someone else’s (irresponsible) spending, that person may respond: Geld moet rollen. Many people also say this to encourage spending for the sake of the Dutch economy. |
#16
Dutch | Nood breekt wet. |
Literally | “Necessity breaks the law.” |
Equivalent | Necessity has no law. |
The Dutch are quite the law-abiding citizens. Even though they value their freedom, they also know that they have this freedom because people respect the law. However, in emergency situations, things are permitted that would otherwise not be permitted. |
#17
Dutch | Een gewaarschuwd mens telt voor twee. |
Literally | “A warned man counts as two.” |
Equivalent | Forewarned is forearmed. |
This Dutch proverb about life reflects the typical pragmatic and practical attitude of the Dutch. Someone who knows in advance what can go wrong should prepare for it. |
- → Get even more inspired with these Top 10 Dutch Inspirational Quotes.
4. Dutch Proverbs About Personality

Which Dutch proverb reflects your personality?
No two people are exactly alike, though there are some common personality and character traits we can easily pinpoint in others. Below are a few Dutch proverbs and sayings on this very topic!
#18
Dutch | Als je hem een vinger geeft, neemt hij de hele hand. |
Literally | “If you give him a finger, he takes the whole hand.” |
Equivalent | Give him an inch and he will take a yard. |
This Dutch proverb refers to the greediness of people. If you help someone one time, they’ll come back for more. If you give someone a little bit of something, he or she will want more and more. |
#19
Dutch | Van een mug een olifant maken. |
Literally | “To make an elephant out of a mosquito.” |
Equivalent | To make a mountain out of a molehill. |
This common Dutch saying refers to people who are exaggerating. The Dutch are very down-to-earth and they don’t really like too much drama. They often use this proverb when someone is turning a small problem into a big one. |
#20
Dutch | Als er één schaap over de dam is, volgen er meer. |
Literally | “If one sheep crosses the dam, more will follow.” |
Meaning | If one person tries something new, others will have the courage to do so as well. |
If someone sets an example, there will soon be people who follow that example. |
#21
Dutch | Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding. |
Literally | “A monkey may wear a golden ring, but it will always be an ugly thing.” |
Equivalent | You cannot make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. |
This is a widely known Dutch proverb, and it may be one of the most amusing ones as it also rhymes. It can refer to someone’s ugly personality: one’s appearance doesn’t make up for their negative personality. But it may also refer to someone who is not very good-looking: if someone dresses nicely, it doesn’t improve the natural appearance of that person. |
#22
Dutch | Blaffende honden bijten niet. |
Literally | “Barking dogs don’t bite.” |
Equivalent | Barking dogs seldom bite. |
This common Dutch proverb may be used in reference to actual barking dogs, but it’s also used when talking about “barking” people. People who make the loudest threats are the least likely to take action. |
- → Which Dutch adjective describes your personality best? Discover this in our useful vocabulary list, and practice your pronunciation with the included audio recordings.
5. Dutch Proverbs About Family & Friends

Now for some Dutch proverbs that reflect some of the Dutch family values.
Family and friends are the most important people in one’s life, so it makes sense that there would be at least a few Dutch proverbs touching on these unique relationships.
#23
Dutch | Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel. |
Literally | “When the cat leaves the house, the mice dance on the table.” |
Equivalent | When the cat’s away, the mice will play. |
Without supervision, people do whatever they like. This Dutch proverb is often used by parents when talking about their children. When they leave them without supervision, the children will do whatever they like. |
#24
Dutch | Beter één vogel in de hand dan tien in de lucht. |
Literally | “Better to have one bird in the hand than ten in the air.” |
Equivalent | A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. |
This common Dutch proverb refers to the value of having a few very close friends, rather than having a lot of friends that you hardly ever see. A variant of this saying is: Beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend. / “Better a good neighbor than a distant friend.” The proverb may also mean that it’s better to have something little than nothing at all. Or that small, concrete results are better than big plans. (There’s the Dutch pragmatism again!) |
#25
Dutch | De appel valt niet ver van de boom. |
Literally | “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” |
Equivalent | A chip off the old block. |
Children often resemble their parents. This is a common saying in the Netherlands, often said when a child has the same looks, interests, or talents as their parents. |
#26
Dutch | Zo vader, zo zoon. |
Equivalent | “Like father, like son.” |
Like the previous saying, this one also states that children inherit the characteristics of their parents. There’s also a variant: Zo moeder, zo dochter. / “Like mother, like daughter.” There used to be a Dutch television program called Zo vader, zo zoon. The program revolved around guessing the father of a son from a group of four. A permanent panel had to try to guess by asking questions and presenting situations that would reveal which one the father was. |
#27
Dutch | Beter alleen, dan in kwaad gezelschap. |
Literally | “It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.” |
This Dutch proverb already says it all: It’s better to be alone, than to be with bad people. |
- → Would you like to expand your family-related vocabulary? Have a look at our Must-Know Terms for Family Members vocabulary list.
6. Dutch Proverbs About the Weather

The Dutch know their rain.
People often use different aspects of weather and the seasons as an analogy for things we experience in life. Here are just a few examples of how the Dutch do this…
#28
Dutch | Het regent pijpenstelen. |
Literally | “It is raining pipes.” |
Equivalent | It is raining cats and dogs. |
Knowing the Dutch weather, it’s no surprise that the Dutch have a few sayings about the rain. Like its English equivalent, this one is often used when it’s raining very hard. |
#29
Dutch | Na regen komt zonneschijn. |
Equivalent | “After rain comes sunshine.” |
Although this proverb might refer to the weather, it’s most often used to say that there will be better times after a period of adversity. |
#30
Dutch | Door wind en weer gaan. |
Literally | “Going through wind and weather.” |
Meaning | Nothing can stop you. |
This saying is a symbolic reflection of the Dutch stamina and their attitude toward facing bad weather. This is directly reflected in the Dutch bike culture. It doesn’t matter if it rains or if the wind blows strongly—the Dutch will take their bike and gaan door wind and weer, or “go through wind and weather.” |
- → Expand your Dutch weather vocabulary with these useful lists of must-know terms for summer and autumn.
7. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
In this guide, you’ve learned about the most important Dutch proverbs and sayings on a variety of topics. Do you already feel inspired and motivated to learn more about the Dutch language, culture, and history?
Then it’s definitely time to discover DutchPod101! Our numerous vocabulary lists with audio recordings and other useful free resources are designed to boost your Dutch studies and keep your Dutch learning fresh and entertaining.
Would you prefer some one-on-one coaching? Remember that DutchPod101 also has the MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS members. With this service, you can practice everything you’re learning with your personal tutor. You’ll quickly master the Dutch language through your teacher’s personalized feedback, fun assignments, and pronunciation advice.
Happy learning with DutchPod101!

A Practical Amsterdam Travel Guide with Local Tips

Have you ever visited Amsterdam? It’s the most famous Dutch city, and for good reasons. Beautiful architecture, lovely shops, buzzing nightlife, green parks, and a variety of museums make the city of Amsterdam a place anyone can enjoy.
Your Amsterdam travels will also be a great opportunity to practice your Dutch. Because Amsterdam is such a touristic city, the inhabitants sometimes get a bit tired of the many tourists (especially in the summer). The best way to gain the respect of Amsterdammers (the people of Amsterdam) is through showing respect for the city and its culture—and learning a bit of Dutch is a great way to do this! Locals will definitely appreciate you trying to speak their native language. If in trouble, though, you can always save yourself by switching to English; many people in Amsterdam speak it fluently.
In this useful Amsterdam travel guide from DutchPod101.com, you’ll discover the best places to visit in Amsterdam. And if you have some extra time, we’ll even give you some great recommendations for places to visit outside of the Dutch capital.

What would you like to visit in Amsterdam?

- Before You Go
- 10 Things You Must Do in Amsterdam
- 3 Must-See Places Just Outside of Amsterdam
- Survival Dutch for Amsterdam Travelers
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. Before You Go
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and also its most populated city, with over 800,000 residents. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, then have a look at these useful travel tips!
When to Go
What’s the best time to visit Amsterdam? The best period to visit this city is from April to May. It’s spring in the Netherlands, which means nice weather and not too many tourists (as may be the case during summer). The next best time to visit Amsterdam is from September to November; this is after the peak tourist season, but the weather may still be pleasant.
So what about summer or winter? The summer in Amsterdam can be beautiful. It’s a fun time with a lot of outdoor entertainment, but the city will be full of tourists. If you don’t mind this, you’re sure to have fun and meet some interesting people. The winter gets quite cold in the Netherlands, so it may not be the best time to visit Amsterdam. That said, the city becomes really idyllic this time of year with all the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations.
Getting Around
Amsterdam is the city of bikes. Be aware that the Dutch don’t play around when it comes to cycling. It’s their main means of transport, so if you choose to cycle your way around Amsterdam, try to adapt the best you can to the fast Dutch bike culture.
Other ways to navigate the city are by foot (the city is not that big), tram, metro, train, or bus. If you want to use the impressive Dutch public transport system, then you can buy a reusable card called OV-chipkaart. You can buy it at the machines at the train stations and just top it up; this is much cheaper than buying individual day or hour passes.
Language
In Amsterdam, you can get by without knowing any Dutch—but the more you learn before your trip, the better! Knowing some basic Dutch will allow you to interact with locals (who will appreciate your effort), read signs and menus, and immerse yourself deeper into the culture. The Dutch do speak very good English, so you can always switch to this language in a pinch.
Sleeping & Eating
The central area of Amsterdam (with the beautiful canal belt) is one of the most well-known areas of the city, but it’s also one of the most expensive and touristy areas to stay. Consider lodging within one of the beautiful Amsterdam neighborhoods and get a real taste of how the locals live, from Noord (“North”) to Zuid (“South”) and Oost (“East”) to West (“West”). You can also choose to stay outside of the Ring (that’s the highway going round Amsterdam), in Zuid-Oost, Diemen, or Amstelveen. This will be cheaper and it’s a quick trip to town by public transport.
Amsterdam has many restaurants to choose from, but try to stay away from the very touristy ones (like those on the big squares or main avenues). Rather, visit Amsterdam like a local and try out some of the cozy, lesser-known pubs or restaurants.
Dagschotel (Literally “day dish,” meaning “daily special”) is the dish of the day, and many Amsterdam restaurants feature it on their menu. It’s often cheaper than the other dishes listed. Also keep in mind that while you can find traditional Dutch cuisine in older Dutch restaurants, many of the restaurants in Amsterdam have been influenced by several other cuisines.
Would you like to save some money? Then make use of the many street vendors selling Dutch classics, such as fries, poffertjes, bitterballen, or herring. Alternatively, you could do your own groceries; Dutch supermarkets have all you need to make sandwiches or other easy meals.
Packing Reminders

What would you pack for your trip to Amsterdam?
The weather in Amsterdam can change quickly between sun, rain, wind, and cold weather—it can all happen in one day! Prepare yourself by packing well. We recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat and some clothes that will protect you against the (sometimes harsh) wind. If you go in the winter, bring multiple layers, gloves, scarves, beanies, and thick socks.
Don’t forget your EU adapter, either. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need it to charge your mobile, camera, or other gadgets.
- → Do you feel prepared for your trip to the Netherlands, or do you need some more help? Either way, these Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Travel in Dutch will surely help you get ready for your trip.
2. 10 Things You Must Do in Amsterdam
Whether you’re a culture-lover, a shopping addict, crazy about the arts, or a true foodie, you’ll find plenty of excitement in this fun capital city. Following is a summary of the very best sights, activities, and places to visit in Amsterdam.
1 – Discover De Jordaan.
De Jordaan is an old volksbuurt (working-class neighborhood) of Amsterdam. If you’re looking for the true Amsterdam locals, you’ll find them here (although the neighborhood has been gentrified in recent times). It’s located on the outside of one of the major canals and is characterized by pretty streets, cool bars, and fun shops. It’s the perfect neighborhood to stroll around, take pictures of the beautiful bridges and gorgeous houses, shop along the Westerstraat, and have a bite to eat in one of the many hip bars or restaurants.
The great thing about De Jordaan is that it’s very central (and therefore also touristic), but it has kept its authenticity and you can still experience some true local Amsterdam life here.
2 – Take a canal tour.

The Dutch canals are beautiful by night
If you want to see Amsterdam in another light, then why not see it from its grachten (“canals”)? Take a canal tour to see the city’s highlights from around the canal belt and learn something about this historical part of the city. Did you know that the Amsterdam canals date back to the seventeenth century?
Many canal tours start near the Centraal Station (“Central Station”), and you have many different canal tours to choose from: hop-on hop-off rides, tours with audio guides, and more. It’s also a great way to get oriented in the city.
3 – Discover Amsterdam by bike.
Amsterdam (and the Netherlands in general) is all about bikes—with reason, it’s called the bike capital of the world. So if you want a true Dutch experience, you should ride a bike in the nation’s capital. It’s a great way to explore the city, both inside and outside the city center. You can either ride on your own or join a bike tour. There are many bike rental shops, so it won’t be hard to rent a bike or find a tour.
Whatever you do, stick to the bicycle lane on the right side of the road and respect the other cyclists. The Dutch can go quite fast when cycling, so try to stay out of their way and never stop in the middle of the bike lane to take pictures.
4 – Have a picnic at the Vondelpark.
Vondelpark is the city’s largest and most popular park. It’s located in southern Amsterdam, close to the famous squares Leidseplein and Museumplein. Amsterdammers and tourists alike love to come here to do sports, have some drinks (there are various restaurants and bars in the park), or have a picnic. In the summer, it’s very common for locals to pack a bag with food (and sometimes even a BBQ), some drinks, and a blanket to have a picnic with friends and family.
Amsterdam has many other parks to visit, including Oosterpark, Sarphatipark, and Westerpark. Though these are less iconic, they’re definitely worth a visit as well. They tend to be less crowded, and locals who live close by visit these parks to meet friends, enjoy the sun, or have a picnic.
5 – Cross the river to discover Amsterdam-Noord.
Amsterdam-Noord is hip and happening. It’s located above the Central Station in northern Amsterdam, and you have to cross the river IJ to get there. But it’s all worth it. Taking the free(!) ferry is already an enjoyable experience, and you can even bring your bike. There are a lot of open-air bars, markets, restaurants, and even festivals to discover in the area.
Amsterdam-Noord has different areas, so make sure to take the right ferry to the right area. One of the areas that’s booming is the NDSM Werf (“Wharf”), which is a former shipyard that has become a hip hangout. It has many restaurants and bars as well as a huge flea market (IJ-Hallen) that takes place once a month.
Another area to visit is just in front of Central Station. Here, you can find the iconic EYE Filmmuseum (“EYE Film Institute”), dedicated to cinema and movie making. You can watch a movie here, enjoy its wonderful exhibitions, or have a bite to eat in its fancy restaurant with a great view.
6 – Visit one of the many markets in Amsterdam.

What tulips would you buy on the Bloemenmarkt?
Amsterdam is home to many markets, from traditional markets to flower markets and vintage markets. The Bloemenmarkt (“Flower Market”) is located on one of the canals and can be enjoyed year-round, with tulip stands in the spring and Christmas decorations in the winter.
If you like vintage markets or flea markets, you need to add the following markets to your Amsterdam itinerary:
- ❖ Waterlooplein
❖ Noordermarkt (every Monday morning; on Saturday, it’s a farmers’ market)
❖ IJ-Hallen (once a month)
Do you want to visit some traditional Amsterdam markets? Then the Albert Cuyp Markt or Ten Kate Markt are great picks. They feature music and typical Dutch food, such as haring (“herring”).
And last but not least, the Westergasterrein is a former gas works that has been made into a creative culinary area with a great Sunday market.
There are even more great markets, but try to visit at least one of the ones we’ve mentioned when you’re in Amsterdam.
7 – Shop at the negen straatjes, a shopping heaven for boutique-lovers.
Do you love to shop? Then the Negen Straatjes is your place to go, boasting many cute shops, gift stores, boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s located at the southwestern end of Amsterdam’s main canal ring, so it’s also a very beautiful area. This alone makes it worth visiting even if you’re not a shopaholic. These nine streets are perfect to stroll through, to have a drink in one of the little cafés, or to buy some non-touristy souvenirs.
8 – Visit the famous museums.

The iconic Rijksmuseum
There are lots of great museums in Amsterdam, the most iconic of which are Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank Huis.