A question to GFYers in the Netherlands
 

What language do you speak there. I think of moving to the Netherlands (I've got a feeling it's a cool place to live, at least for a while.) when I will be done with the UK but I'm worried about the language. I've never learned Dutch. Can I speak English in the Netherlands with anyone or should I learn Dutch first?

Dutch is a funny sounding language.

You ever watch TV in the Netherlands?

Sounds like the Swedish Chef from the Muppet Show.

Speaking English should not be a problem, most speak it quite well

agree wtih you:2 cents:

English is a "gotta do" subject in school for everybody here in Holland, so I would say 80% would speak English, quality is depending on how many times they are used to speaking/using it.

You'd be ok in Holland for sure.

it's like english mixed with german while having a sore throat ;))

Sounds cool! :thumbsup Well, I wouldn’t stay there forever because I love my homeland in Poland and it's the place where I want to be while I retire and where I want to die. But the freedom and colorful world of the Netherlands is very tempting for me now.

And you will have dry feet :)
I hear Poland is all about floods the last week.

Yes it is... it's the worse flood since 1997. There is a wild unemployment in Poland as well, I think it's the worse unemployment since I ever remember. About month ago the half of our government died in the plane crash. Our country is ruled by corrupt politicians, clowns and one rogue preacher that we call father director. So, it's a really tough and uneasy time for most people in my mother country. I couldn't stand the things that happen there and I've moved to the UK... however, I miss it every day anyway.

people from the netherlands are moving away, why would you want to go there?

I've got a feeling it's a more tolerant country than the UK. Well, it?s quite ok here in the UK most older English seem to be tolerant... but I feel a bit discriminated by younger English, I think many of them is getting racist toward Polish and other East European immigrants. I like the the freedom in the Netherlands. Weed, bicycle traffic, flower gardens.... Amsterdam seems to be a beautiful city. :D

Dont be fooled by the amount of freedom bro :)

Most countries have this same political issue these days, I am sure. The people are unhappy across the board I read in news, in all countries it seems.

No they are not. Why would they?

you will never learn how to speak dutch since all speak english to you automatically ;)

I thought only Muslims were allowed to move to the Netherlands? :winkwink:

I have done some research about NL and I have to say, there is a lot there that makes it very attractive to me. Mostly the fact that the Dutch are described as affable, friendly people that are very open minded and tolerant........sure, that would be a shock to me since I live in quite possibly the most narrow minded, judgmental state in the US but I hope I could adapt :)

oh, in my opinion a person should make an effort to learn the language of any country they intended to take up residency at even if it is only for a few years... but that might be my American showing (as the Canadians say heh heh)

Dutch is probably the easiest language to learn for native English speakers (apart from Frisian which is spoken in the North of the NL)

Wass ist loss, wass ist dass :winkwink:

The Dutch have no problems with muslims whatsoever, if they pay local taxes, work hard, feed their families, don't cause any trouble and don't blow up shit or kill anybody. I am sure most countries would want the same for their peeps.

I had a great time in the Netherlands and I can't speak Dutch... well other than the usual, "where is", "how much is this", "thank you", etc...

I found that everyone spoke English well enough that I didn't have a single problem... I try to use some simple words and phrases in the local languaeg as a sign of respect for being in someone else's country... (I was in Amsterdam for the most part though)

I absolutely loved the city, my favorite part being how much of a melting pot it is. I think I saw people from every single country while I was there, lol.