The first question I get when I tell people I’m learning Dutch is, “Why?” Despite the fact that I’m studying abroad in the Netherlands, most people, especially Dutch people, can’t seem to wrap their minds around why I would put so much time and effort into learning a language that I’ll never use again after I leave the country. In fact, I barely use Dutch even in the Netherlands—most Dutch people speak perfect English and would rather do that than watch me struggle along in my barely-intelligible Dutch. These valid arguments notwithstanding, learning Dutch has been a highlight of my study abroad experience thus far.
One of the reasons I’m enjoying learning Dutch is that it’s making me think about English (my native language) in a new way. My understanding of English grammar has improved since learning Spanish in high school and, even more so, since starting to learn Dutch because I’ve been forced to think about exactly how I construct a sentence in English in order to translate it to another language. Learning Dutch has made me think even more deeply and comprehensively about all of English’s little quirks.
Studying this new language has also given me unique insights into Dutch culture. I’ve learned words for Dutch foods and now can recognize the words used for some of the most iconic Dutch snacks, like oliebollen, hagelslag, or pepernoten. Language is also important to understanding humor, and I’m starting to appreciate a little bit of Dutch sarcasm.
Although I have yet to come across a Dutch person who speaks no English at all, knowing the little of the local language helped me in countless situations. For example, I can better understand what someone is saying when there’s a miscommunication. A few times, people have used words in English that don’t quite make sense, but I’ve been able to figure out what they mean by thinking about what those words are in Dutch and how I might translate them to English. In other situations, important information is given only in Dutch, and understanding a few key words helps me know what’s going on. For example, in train stations, delays and track changes are announced in Dutch, and knowing the numbers, how to tell time, and the words for “delay” and “track” help me find my bearings. I also feel that it’s important to demonstrate to people that I’m making some effort to learn Dutch and that I don’t take their command of English for granted.
While the early stages of learning a language are humbling—you can’t express a single thought, let alone one that requires more than a single subject and a single verb—it’s so rewarding to have even the simplest of interactions in a new language. The first complete exchange I had in Dutch consisted of exactly four words, but I walked out of that grocery store with a skip in my step. It’s exciting to start recognizing words on signs, in announcements at the train station, or while eavesdropping (or at least trying to) on other people’s conversations.
The best part of learning any language is learning fun new words. To conclude, here is a collection of some of my favorite Dutch words. I love these for their meanings, their untranslatable qualities, or, conversely, their direct translations to English.
gezellig (adj.). This is the most oft-cited untranslatable Dutch word. It describes something that is cozy and makes one happy. The most fun part of this word is how often it’s used sarcastically.
lekker (adj.). Tasty. I love lekker for its versatility — it can be used to describe anything from food to the weather.
pindakaas (noun). Peanut butter. Pindakaas literally translates to peanut (pinda) cheese (kaas). No explanation needed why this is one of my favorites.
hamsteren (verb). To hoard. This verb sounds like “hamstering” and describes the action of gathering things as if to store them for the winter. I love hamsteren because it’s so descriptive. Better yet, it has a meme to go with it.
toekomstmuziek (noun): Future music. This phrase is an idiom that is used to describe something that isn’t possible yet but could be in the future. This one makes perfect sense to me even though it doesn’t quite work in English.
Leigh Schmidt
Academic Year 2025-26
GW Exchange - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major