The Netherlands, a vibrant and highly developed European nation, is known not only for its iconic windmills, cycling culture, and tulip fields but also for its impressive multilingualism. While Dutch is the predominant language, the country stands out in Europe for the remarkably high proficiency of its population in foreign languages—particularly in English.
English is more than just a school subject in the Netherlands; it’s woven into daily life, media consumption, business, tourism, and academia.
In this article, we’ll explore just how many Dutch people speak English, why this is the case, and what it means in a global context. We’ll also compare the Netherlands to its European neighbors and highlight regional and age-based trends.
Quick Answer: Do Dutch People Speak English?
Short answer: Yes—almost universally.
🇳🇱 Dutch English Proficiency Statistics
The Netherlands consistently demonstrates exceptional English proficiency, ranking as the world’s top non-native English-speaking country.
Comparison to other European countries:
Most Western European nations fall into the “very high proficiency” band, but the Netherlands is always top, with scores of 636 (2024), 661 (2022), and 652 (2020), far above the global average (~502–477)
Why Is English So Widely Spoken in the Netherlands?
a) Education System & Early English Instruction
English is compulsory in Dutch schools. Children typically start learning it by age 10, with many schools offering bilingual streams and English taught across all levels, including universities
- ERK benchmarks: VMBO students reach A2, HAVO/B1, and VWO/C1
- Around 100 schools offer Dutch-English bilingual education
- A majority of master’s and bachelor’s degrees are now delivered in English .
b) Media & Cultural Exposure
Unlike most countries, the Netherlands subtitles foreign media instead of dubbing, exposing children and adults from an early age to English audio and dialogue
Reddit users note:
“Almost everyone here speaks English to some degree… TV with subtitles plus the internet helped a lot”
c) Business, Tourism & Globalization
The Netherlands is deeply integrated into the global economy, especially in trade, tech, science, and finance. English is the lingua franca in many sectors.
- The EPI 2024 notes:
“English fluency is a key success factor for international business in the Netherlands.”
Cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague are teeming with expats, tourists, international companies, and English-language job opportunities .
Digging Deeper: Real Numbers & Variations
National Perspective
- 90–93% of the population report being able to converse in English
- The CBS survey (78%) likely reflects more structured use like “I speak English” rather than basic conversational ability
EF EPI Scores (2024)
| Region | EF EPI Score | Proficiency Level |
| Netherlands | 636 | Very high (rank #1) |
| Amsterdam | 657 | Capital city leader |
| The Hague | 636 | |
| Utrecht | 646 | |
| Rotterdam | 639 |
City-level scores highlight Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague as especially proficient .
Regional/Niche Differences
Provinces with highest EF scores: Overijssel (668), Flevoland (652), North & South Holland (~650); lowest: Zeeland/Drenthe (~620–629)
In rural or older-population areas (e.g., parts of Friesland, Limburg), English levels are notably lower—particularly among elderly residents
Exploring Specific Keywords
Throughout this article, I’ve integrated a few of your secondary keywords naturally:
- How many people speak English in the Netherlands: 90–97% can converse at some level; 78% regularly speak it.
- How many Dutch speak English: Nearly all Dutch aged 15+, with 90–93% conversational, solid community presence.
- How many people in Netherlands speak English: Confirmed by CBS, EF, Reddit—very high national proficiency.
- How many people speak English in Amsterdam: Amsterdam scores 657 on EF EPI (higher than national average), and is among the top global cities
Comparison with Other Countries
While many European nations show high proficiency, the Netherlands consistently ranks at the top.
- EF EPI 2024: Netherlands (636), followed by Norway (610), Singapore (609), Sweden (608), Croatia (607)
- 2022 EF report: Netherlands scored 661 vs. global average of 502
In essence, English fluency in the Netherlands surpasses virtually all peers in Europe and globally.
Implications & Impact
For Residents
- Employment: Opens doors to international roles and sectors.
- Education: Access to global curricula and research via English-taught university programs.
- Culture: Deep global media consumption and bilingual citizenry.
For Tourists & Expats
- Practically no language barrier for English speakers.
- City life (especially in Amsterdam and Utrecht) frequently operates in English by default .
For Global Business
- Companies benefit from a highly skilled, English-fluent workforce.
- The Netherlands is attractive for MNCs and startups thanks to cultural and linguistic openness .
Are There Any Gaps?
- Age divide: Younger generations (<40) are nearly fully fluent; older adults (~70+) may have weaker skills .
- Rural/Provincial gap: Some remote villages and smaller towns lag behind metropolitan areas .
- Pragmatic community: Dutch often switch to Dutch when among themselves, even if they speak excellent English
Despite these differences, the national trend remains clear: English is deeply entrenched across all spheres of Dutch life.
English Proficiency by Demographic
Age Groups: Young Adults vs. Older Generations
Age plays a significant role in English proficiency across the Netherlands. Among young adults, especially those aged 18 to 35, English fluency is exceptionally high. A CBS study shows that nearly 95% of people aged 15–34 report being able to speak English, and many are fluent enough for professional or academic contexts.
This contrasts with older generations. Those aged 65 and above report significantly lower levels of fluency, often below 50%, particularly in rural provinces. Many older Dutch citizens received minimal English instruction or none at all during their schooling. However, even among older age groups, passive understanding (due to media exposure) is not uncommon.
Urban vs. Rural Areas
Urban areas such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam boast the highest English proficiency levels. For example, Amsterdam scored 657 in the EF English Proficiency Index 2024—one of the top global city scores.
In contrast, rural areas like Zeeland, Friesland, and Drenthe show lower averages. Here, English may still be understood, especially by younger people, but it’s less likely to be spoken fluently, particularly by older residents or those without higher education.
Level of Education and English Fluency
Education is a clear indicator of language ability. Dutch citizens with university degrees almost universally speak English, many at a C1 or higher level. According to the Dutch Ministry of Education:
- VMBO students reach A2 level
- HAVO reaches B1
- VWO achieves C1
Bilingual education programs and English-taught university degrees also contribute to exceptionally high fluency among students. Higher education correlates not only with improved fluency but also more frequent use of English in professional settings.
Real-Life Scenarios: What to Expect as a Tourist or Expat
Communicating in Major Cities
If you’re visiting the Netherlands, particularly cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam, you can expect seamless communication in English. From train stations and tourist attractions to hotels and restaurants, almost all staff are capable of communicating fluently.
In fact, you might find yourself forgetting you’re in a non-English-speaking country. Amsterdam is especially English-friendly—over 95% of residents speak English, and signage, menus, and websites are almost always bilingual.
This supports the answer to: “How many people speak English in Amsterdam?” The short answer is: nearly all adults under 65, and certainly everyone working in the service sector.
Situations Where Dutch May Still Be Needed
While most public services accommodate English speakers, you may still encounter Dutch-only contexts in:
- Legal documents (e.g., housing contracts)
- Small-town public offices
- Older general practitioners
- Volunteer organizations or local clubs
In smaller villages or older communities, the language barrier may be more noticeable. But locals are generally helpful and may switch to English if they can.
Healthcare, Shopping, and Government Services
Healthcare:
Most hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics in cities have English-speaking staff. However, Dutch remains the language of official documentation and prescription labels. Emergency services staff usually speak English, especially in urban areas.
Shopping:
In malls and retail outlets, staff almost always speak English. Supermarkets may label products only in Dutch, but smartphone translation apps often suffice.
Government Services:
Websites and applications often offer English versions, though official forms and customer service may still be primarily in Dutch. The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) provides excellent English support for expats.
How the Netherlands Ranks in Global English Proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index Ranking
The Netherlands has consistently been a top performer in the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI). According to the 2024 report:
- Netherlands scored 636
- Ranked #1 globally among non-native English-speaking countries
🇳🇱 Netherlands EF EPI Scores
🏆 World #1 in 2021 & 2022
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Compared to its neighbors:
- Germany: Score 616 (EPI 2024), ranked #9
- Belgium: Score 609, ranked #11
- France: Score 547, ranked #31
This means that how many Dutch speak English is significantly higher than the number in Belgium, Germany, or France.
The Netherlands has led this ranking for several consecutive years, demonstrating the country’s enduring commitment to multilingualism.
Trends Over Time
The Netherlands has steadily improved its English skills since the EPI’s inception in 2011. Government and private education reforms, along with digital immersion, continue to enhance these abilities, keeping the country at the top of global charts.
Common Dutch Attitudes Toward Speaking English
Willingness to Switch to English
The Dutch are often described as pragmatic and direct. If they detect that you’re not fluent in Dutch, they will almost instantly switch to English—often before you ask.
Many Dutch people enjoy practicing their English or find it easier in international settings. In fact, in business and universities, meetings often default to English if even one person isn’t Dutch.
Cultural Views on Language Learning
There is no cultural resistance to using English in public life. In fact, it’s viewed as a necessity for success in careers and academia. English-language media is consumed by nearly everyone—from Netflix to gaming, YouTube, and music.
At the same time, the Dutch take pride in their own language and may switch back to Dutch when speaking among themselves, even if everyone present speaks fluent English.
Tips for Interacting with Locals
- Don’t assume everyone wants to speak English—ask politely first.
- Learn basic Dutch greetings (“Hallo,” “Dank je,” “Tot ziens”) to show respect.
- Use English confidently, especially in cities—people are used to switching.
- In rural areas, be patient. A slower pace and simple vocabulary can help.
Conclusion
The Netherlands stands out as one of the most English-proficient countries in the world. From its early education system to its global business ties and digital media consumption, multiple factors contribute to the country’s impressive English fluency.
Whether you’re wondering how many people speak English in the Netherlands, curious about everyday experiences as a tourist, or planning to relocate as an expat, the answer is reassuring: English is spoken by a vast majority of the population, particularly in cities and among younger generations.
With over 90% of Dutch adults able to speak English and Amsterdam boasting fluency levels above 95%, navigating life in the Netherlands is incredibly accessible for English speakers.
Sources
- Wikipedia: “English language in the Netherlands” & “Languages of Netherlands”
- NL Times & IamExpat: EF EPI rankings, city/province scores
- Travel.com: Over 90% of Dutch speak English travel.com
- HigherLanguage & CBS survey: 78% adult English speakers
- EF English Proficiency Index 2024 – Netherlands
- CBS Netherlands: Language skills statistics
- IamExpat.nl – Education & Language in the Netherlands
- NLTimes.nl – Netherlands tops English rankings
- Eurostat Language Skills Data
- Reddit discussion on English in rural Netherlands
- Wikipedia: English Language in the Netherlands
Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.
