Dutch courses are so expensive that a person with normal income can hardly afford it. Leiden University Language Center charges over 500 euros per semester. It's a big investment for somebody who is staying in the Netherlands for only few years.

By Silvija | July 14, 2008 10:33 AM

Do those in favour of we nasty foreigners speakinf dutch on the street live in the real world.

This yet another indication of the racism which plagues Dutch society.

I live here, I pay my taxes here but I will not have a gun put to my head to force me to speak one of the worlds ugliest languages.

By C adani | July 14, 2008 10:41 AM

I've taken 3 courses of Dutch, but when trying to use it "on the street" locals invariably (unless very old) speak English in return! The only non-Dutch people I know who can speak fluent Dutch have a Dutch partner, which is not always an option! If the Dutch want non-Dutch speaking Dutch, they have to take part too...

The other difficulty (especially for a native English speaker) is that the Dutch language includes an apparently random hotch-potch of English, French and German words, with no linguistic or grammatical consistency; maybe the Dutch should get their language sorted first, before moaning about people not speaking it = "Het Groene Boekje" versus "Het Witte Boekje" anybody?

However, I reckon this is (again) just a part of the ongoing circus surrounding the Dutch language...

By Paul | July 14, 2008 11:17 AM

It is good that they 'should' not 'must' speak Dutch because there is no law which compelies anybody to speak in any language. Democracy.

I total agree with Cadani's last submision in the last paragraph.

By cm | July 14, 2008 12:20 PM

And in the United States, people get frustrated when they hear a foreign language and demand people speak English. Isn't it only natural that the Dutch people want their own language spoken in their own country? Why wet your pants over an opinion poll? Nobody is saying they are going to make it the law written in blood for godsakes!

By sandra | July 14, 2008 1:24 PM

What nonsense. You speak the language of the country you are in. In America they speak English and insist immigrants learn English. If Dutch is so ugly, then go some place where the language is more suitable for you.

It isn't only here that changes are being made. Try living in Germany or France and insisting on speaking English.

By Bernard | July 14, 2008 1:38 PM

we, newcomers should speak and learn dutch language if we want to understand this new country and its wonderful people.

By yassin obama | July 14, 2008 1:40 PM

Wow, I am shocked by the responce this short news report got. Well I have to say, people that live in a forgign country should make every effort to learn that countrys language. The type of work that I do for a living, has me traveling all over the world. I speak a few different languages. A language is a living thing, it changes everyday. Spanish for one!! Spain it is very different then in Chile. English or American?? What are you speaking?? Do you live in a flat or an apartment? Are you smoking a fag or a cigerette?? This is just a few things that set so many languages apart. Also within a countrys borders, words change. Northen Chile to southern Chile. I can hardly understand them. Same in Holland, in friesland there is a difference in the way the language is spoken. You have the Haag, Amsterdam & Utrecht I hear different sounds from each. Thats a living healty language!! This is the same in every country. Oregon in the USA from texas Yall come back naw ya hear..Or please come back again. I think people that are making statements here either don´t travel much to begin with, or are just upset they are not able to learn a new language.?? Also every language has bits and pieces from other languages in it. Including and most certenly English...More then just 3 as a matter of fact. People are wrong here it is law in holland to speak Dutch. If you come as a guest to the netherlands now you are required to take a test, and to pass that test. This test is for languages skills, to make sure you are able to intergrate into Dutch life. Don´t forget people YOU ARE A GUEST!! Same when Dutch, Arab, spanish, German, whatever come to your country as a GUEST. You require them to speak your languages. The Americans and English, will not speak to you in Spanish, Arabic, German, French or Dutch in there countries. SO don´t expect it back people.. Some of this writing above is just NONSENCE!!

By DR | July 14, 2008 2:05 PM

I'm not Dutch but if I moved to the Netherlands, of course I'd speak it. I don't think its unreasonable for Dutch people to want everyone to speak Dutch in Holland. Anything other than this is silly. How will there be integtation if people don't even speak the same language?

By Neil | July 14, 2008 2:18 PM

C adani should not hide the inability to learn Dutch by expressing that view.

If it is indeed one of the world ugliest languages, it should make it more interesting.

Bringing up racism is another sign hiding ulterior motives.

What is interesting about the Dutch language is that new words are introduced and adopted frequently, which makes it difficult to keep up after having been away for a long time.

Enjoy life C adani, don't get angry so easy.

By Hank | July 14, 2008 2:22 PM

Even the Limburgers refuse to speak proper Dutch. There is a different dialect for every village around here. Will they be obligated to speak correctly in the future?

By Ali | July 14, 2008 2:26 PM

To all the haters above, I don't like the language either, but it's not a complex language, the grammar is easy, if you can't speak it it's because you're just lazy.

You can take any excuse but why immigrants speak French when they are in France, for instance? Because they have no choice. And French is much more difficult to learn.

Here because Dutch are very open people to give so much importance to English, immigrants just abuse of this and don't make the effort of learning the language.
And I know what I'm talking about, I'm an immigrant myself, struggling with Dutch, but trying to pay back the courtesy of a country that accepted me.

By Alan | July 14, 2008 2:44 PM

Hehe LOL

I life in the netherlands and yes i speak dutch i am a native speaker, But I think you can speak english or american in my country if you don't want to learn dutch because everybody can speak english well that is according to my oppinion :D. But learning a new language is always a new thrill. I hope people put effort in learning dutch.

By jantrance | July 14, 2008 3:39 PM

It seems to be about actually using Dutch, not merely the ability to speak it. So even if my family (we all speak fluent Dutch) are out and about, we have to speak Dutch instead of English. I wonder if it would work the other way around: would a Dutch family who emigrated to, say, Spain, be happy to be obliged to speak Spanish to one another in public (assuming they could)?

It just smells of jealousy, racism and nosiness to me.

By colin | July 14, 2008 3:40 PM

I have learned Dutch, and speak it relatively fluently. But I find the notion that I *must* speak it when walking down the street talking with friends beyond absurd. They tried it in Rotterdam, and it didn't work. Even Leticia Griffiths, who was a VVD minister in Amsterdam, told Verdonk the idea was nonsense when it was proposed a year or two ago. Why De Pers is bringing it up again now is mystifying. Must be getting close to komkommertijd. Pity that they have to re-ignite this stupid debate, though.

By CS | July 14, 2008 3:40 PM

Hank... I can assure you I am not angry. In fact I am more than a little amused by the termerity of those who want to see and hear only the Dutch language spoken in Holland. To Bernard, who represents the racists and bigots who love to shout the 'if you don't like it, go back to where you came from' mantra, Holland is part of the European union and I have the right to be here. In fact as a tax payer, I feel I have the right to an opinion, one which equally applies to my own country. Chill out Bernard and try not to succumb to the devils advocat!

By C adani | July 14, 2008 3:44 PM

So those who don't speak Dutch are simply refusing?

Why is it assumed that if one lives here, the language just automatically flows out of their mouths?

Why is it assumed that everybody can learn a language just like that?

Why is it assumed that those speaking another language in the street are actually living here? Or have been in the country for years?

It's no one's damned business what languages are spoken in the street. A private conversation is just that. Don't like it; don't listen. BYOB.

By Laura | July 14, 2008 3:51 PM

I understand that in this poll the Dutch say they expect more dutch in public from foreigners. But as it was said earlier, when you try to speak Dutch and they can tell your are not a native, they immediately switch to English. And yes, in America they do expect you to speak English because they do not have television, advertisements, menus, etc..etc..etc...in other languages whereas all over the Netherlands you see, hear and read English.

By mfda | July 14, 2008 4:03 PM

You know I was born and partially raised in the Netherlands. I still speak Dutch at the level of an eighth year old. (I'm now 54) So many new words and phrases I just don't know.
The Dutch have the canny ability to change their language on a regular basis. Even their own citizens have hard time trying to keep up. So too expect that foreigners Speak Dutch in public is counter productive. No businesses person that is in the Netherlands for a short period of time can be expected to learn to speak Dutch. Even when I am in the Netherlands and I try to speak Dutch the locals always change and speak English to me. And I agree the Dutch language is not particular an user friendly language. Try to keep pronouncing their hard G's in the sentences and you will be seeing a doctor for a soar throat.

Chris. L
Ontario-Canada

By Chris Leenders | July 14, 2008 4:08 PM

Life is too short to care about which language one is speaking....This entire planet is full of many languages and variation/dialects within a language. So let us just move on to more importation matters like the enviornment, the high price of food, the wars, the poor, etc. Just for the record, I have lived in Amsterdam almost 2 years and I still do not speak Dutch. Yes, I want to speak Dutch, but it is difficult for me. I speak English at work, when I watch TV it is in English, my partner and I only speak to each other in English (he is also not Dutch), my friends and I speak English to each other, I do not feel like going to a Dutch language course after an 8 hour workday. Sorry. I will absorb a little bit of Dutch here and there, but I do not and will not go out of my way to do so. I will not change my mind on this issue either...if anyone wants me to speak Dutch in the Netherlands, well, be ready for disappointment or to be mad at me, too. ;)

By James | July 14, 2008 4:14 PM

C adani - You are very lucky to be living and working in a country that bows to YOUR language. I don't think it's a stretch for the Dutch to ask you a common courtesy to learn their language.

I don't know what country you originated from, but would a person from Netherlands be able to successfully work and live there speaking only Dutch? Or would they have to learn and exist in the native language of that country?

Dutch, like English, is a mixture of many languages and a reflection of the history of the land. How interesting and sorry how difficult it is for you to crawl out of your cave and expand your mind to this knowledge.

To immediately pull the racist card is pretty weak minded. I dare to call you the racist as you have already declared your dislike for the Dutch and their language. Yet you linger in the country. Are you also a masochist? You are free to leave, you know...

By Shanta | July 14, 2008 4:34 PM

Lots of interesting opinions here. I am British by birth and a nomad by nature. My travels started 30 years ago in The Netherlands as a teenager and 20+ countries later, I am back. I settled in Groningen and work in the hospital. I have personally struggled with learning the Dutch language over the past 6 months. As much as I love to study the language, I struggle. I have therefore been a problem for my colleagues within the work environment and I have trouble communicating in Dutch generally. So I have endured the immigrant isolation rather than the integration I long for. My colleagues are supportive, but have run out of patience regarding my language development. Many will now only speak Dutch to me, without translation or reference to the subject. This puts not only myself at risk, but also colleagues and patients we care for. Though I understand their reasoning. The Netherlands is a small country, with a unique language and its own cultural identity. I see nothing wrong with the Dutch people ensuring their language, culture and identity remain - speak Dutch and do your best to stay Dutch. And make all foreigners adapt. With life in Europe becoming open borders and multi-cultural, multi-racial, all things Dutch could be lost forever. As has happened to the British society. I came prepared to work hard, pay tax and enjoy my future here. Sadly I have terminated everything and we be returning to Scotland for now. Though I will continue to learn Dutch, without the pressure. Life as an immigrant has been difficult for me, but my associates in the group of multi-national immigrants, those that have learnt the language quicker and settled in easily, have Dutch partners, family and friends. So I am sure if I had a Dutch girlfriend / wife my language skills would have developed greatly. Dutch people have fantastic language skills, but could you please not reply in English you moment you hear my English accent. Instead help me, correct me and get me through my Dutch development. Tot Ziens.................

By Andy | July 14, 2008 4:44 PM

I have been living in Spain for almost 4 years now and obviously I speak Spanish, because that is the language of this country. Of course people who move to the Netherlands with a purpose of staying should learn Dutch. That said, when I am here in Madrid with other Dutch people I speak Dutch on the street. I think that is pretty understandable, no?

By Jenny | July 14, 2008 5:05 PM

Well I would like to learn to speak dutch, but... the courses charges too much and the dorm the university providing me is isolated. So I think there are two ways I hope Dutch people could help us. First, providing some cheap or free dutch lessons. Second, encouraging dutch students and international students living together.

Do Dutch people hate living with foreigners? If they do......

By Li Nan | July 14, 2008 5:07 PM

I am a New York City resident. When I was in Holland nine years ago, a local Bus driver said why bother learning Dutch !! He said English is the most important Language in the World.

By ShuBaby | July 14, 2008 5:14 PM

Ali is clouding the issue by referring to regional dialects which exist in all languages. Many countries are trying to standardize, German and The Netherlands has been doing this. But regional dialects will remain. This all goes back to the fact that if you don't like the way of things in the country you are in go back to where you came from. Why come here to change it. Most of the citizens agree with the language proposal. End of story.

All the whiners who are not native to the country get rather tiresome. Why live here if they don't like it. Not one is chaining them here. Much of the grown anti-immigration sentiment in the EU is coming from this very fact. I am A citizen but I was not born here. I learned the language and became fluent as I did in German and if I can do it, certainly anyone else can. But it does take effort.

By Bernard | July 14, 2008 5:27 PM

So let me get this right

I can speak english in the bar but when i go outside for a cigarette i have to speak dutch.

Wow all these new rules.

By Not Important | July 14, 2008 5:55 PM

When I was in The Nederlands, I found most Dutch people VERY accommodating, when speaking to me, In English. I did pick up a few words of Dutch, which helped me also....

There's an "old saying" that we use quite often, in the USA, it is:

When In Rome, Do as the Romans :-)

By LB | July 14, 2008 8:23 PM

I am not Dutch and I'm not trying to become Dutch, so how can anyone force me to speak any particular language? It is not that easy to practice Dutch anyway, at least in the Randstad. The movement to enforce "Dutch on the street" is yet another indication of the hidden (or not so hidden anymore) racism that is on the rise.

By Levent Mollamustafaoglu | July 14, 2008 9:17 PM

I am an Asian expat who lives in the Netherlands. I was expatriated here several years back by my previous employer. I have spent long office hours during the week days and working in a US-based MNC means that English is the business language. Weekends are used to relax, shop and catch up with my own life. I barely have any time to take Dutch lessons as I also need to study for my professional exams. I like living in the Netherlands and I think Dutch people are generally tolerant and friendly. Making friends where with locals and foreigners is not an issue and language is not a barrier to friendship which is why my friends and I speak English here. There is no doubt that if you live in foreign country it would be better if you learn and speak the local language. I don't like to stereotype people and I don't have a problem with the Dutch language even though I could barely string a sentence properly. However, I despise people telling me what I should speak in without knowing the circumstances. I probably speak more languages than the average Joe on the street. Not all non-Dutch speaking foreigners deliberately & arrogantly refrain from speaking Dutch. Call me sensitive but judging from insinuations I have had to listen to about foreigners who don't speak Dutch, if you are an Anglophilic buitenlander than you are being arrogant and pompous. However, if you are 3rd world allochton buitenlanders, hmmm...don't even go there.

By Jay Tee | July 14, 2008 9:24 PM

I agree! All foreign films and TV should also be dubbed into dutch and all foreign speakers at conferences and public talks should also be banned! Advertisements that use foreign language slogans are right out of the question and when it comes to radio stations that can be heard in public places and shops and bars... well... not only should Dutch acts stop singing in English, but also there should be a ban on that ridiculous jingle that that goes "Sky Radio, Music that makes you feel good"!!! It's a disgrace!!!!!!!

And i've heard that some Dutch websites are also written in English!!!! It's foul and makes me sick!!

By geuzen76 | July 15, 2008 12:32 AM

I lived in Netherlands for 2 years and tried so hard to learn the language! the local spoke such good english they spoke back to us in English when they recognised we didn't have native dutch accents.. i am from and live in Australia where everywhere you go you hear mixtures of so many different languages & this is whats unique about Australia - the mix of people. your either proud of it or struggle to deal with it.

By anna z | July 15, 2008 2:13 AM

I'm Dutch and live in the USA. We always speak Dutch to each other, even when we're out in public. And Americans don't care. Lot's of people here speak different languages!

By Virginia | July 15, 2008 3:48 AM

I think, try to speak Dutch in the public to Dutch people is acceptable. But what I am concerning is, when we are talking with people from our home country in the Dutch public, do we still have to speak Dutch to each other? that would be ridiculous

shall we ask all the foreigners in China to speak Chinese??????

By liana | July 15, 2008 7:26 AM

What really surprises me about some of these responses is the lack of respect for the Dutch culture and language. Nobody is asking you to be perfect in the language, just make an attempt to integrate and learn the language. Insulting the Dutch language and culture only makes you less welcome in this country. Do you see Dutch expats in America, or Canada demanding to speak Dutch and not learn English? I think not. Stop being childish on here.

By Sandra | July 15, 2008 7:51 AM

I'm American, trying to learn Dutch because of my Dutch partner. I'm doing it because I want to know his native language, although he speaks better English, than most Americans! Here in America, there are many languages spoken. Sure, English is the primary language, but Spanish is a close second. English is encouraged to be spoken by all, and is the primary language taught in our schools. English seems to be the "universal" language. But, I don't think it's wrong for a country rich in history to encourage it's native language to be spoken.

By Marty | July 15, 2008 8:42 AM

I thought that in a free and liberal society I'm free to speak any language that I would like to. It seems that a majority of the Dutch does not know what free and liberal means! I'm Dutch, born and raised (at least that's what official documents say), but if I prefer to speak English, Russian, or even Twents in public, I think it is really my own business and nobody elses. And of course, anybody who's not willing to communicate with me is free to refuse to do so as well! That's freedom!

By Hugh | July 15, 2008 9:01 AM

Iam fullblooded Dutch but i like the English language very much. and I couldn,t care less to hear maroccan or other languages , if they only behave well.

By Cor[nickname :Neil}Aug.15.

By Cor Baan | July 15, 2008 10:02 AM

Given the nature of encouragment for foreign investment and 30% tax rulings from the Dutch government. They are running the economy and have made decisions based on the lucrative aspects of having "Foreign" nationals here. If we were all to "go back to where we came from" then the whole economy will be forced to rely on ATV days, high sickness, 4 day working weeks, 9-5 mentality and a lot of discussions around secondary benefits. EG: "What do you mean I have to by my own suit?!!".

I think the Dutch are great, but other nationalities play a part in making the country a better place to live.

By Mark | July 15, 2008 12:47 PM

Just a suggestion if i may. I live in the U.S. and here there is a non-profit agency called the Literacy Council,and on previous occasion's i myself have volunteered my time there to serve as tutor to those for whom English is not their first language,but would like to improve their skill's in it. I had one spanish speaking student and another from Lithuania and while tutoring them i always took the opportunity to learn anything i could about their culture and language - not putting mine above their's or vice versa - more of an exchange situation. Perhap's something similar could be considered so that at least the cost wouldn't be such an issue.

By EVM | July 15, 2008 1:12 PM

I have been living in The Netherlands for more than five years. And just a simple question to all those fighters:
what does it mean, 'speaking Dutch in the streets'? I would invite everybody, including Rita Verdonk to read the professional litertaure that offers explanations on labguage skills levels.

De Raad van Europa heeft in 1997 een Gemeenschappelijk Europees Referentiekader voor het moderne vreemde talenonderwijs vastgesteld. Met behulp van het Referentiekader kunnen burgers uit de verschillende lidstaten laten zien over welke taalkwalificaties zij beschikken en wat hun diploma's waard zijn in Europa.

By Riet | July 15, 2008 2:37 PM

I think that the Dutch government must first increase the quality of education. I had to follow 2 years integration course and after these 2 miserable years I still wasn't able to speak the language. Because every 2-3 months I got a new teacher, the teachers weren't qualified and etc.

And the second point - probably it would be a good idea to force Dutch people to learn their own language as well as immigrants, because each time when I ask my partner, friends or colleagues to explain me the Dutch grammar - they just simply can't do it. What I hear from them - we don't know we just speak Dutch.

By Ksenia | July 15, 2008 4:26 PM

We live in NL since 2002...both we are not dutch and it's difficult for me to improve my " Nova College" dutch( went there for one year - level 3)I do all my calls in dutch it's fine if anyone talks back in english I force him/her to continue in dutch that's my way doing things and it works for me.
I quitt my job to actually do a dutch course otherwise it's impossible unless your company does a course during working hours...this might be a idea for the goverment so half pay's the company and half the employe??
I agree it's tooooo expensive the amount they charge for a course is a rip off !!!
My husband is native english he is not talented for languages so does it makes him a bad person?? Not everybody can learn a language some don't get it!
I also was living for one year in Spain a great country great people and yes there is a difference not many people speak english which is a good thing for foreigners so you have to learn spanish asap.
People there are chatty I found the fun in the languages they have a good humor and that's on a daily basis.. I'm sorry I can not make a joke or beeing funny in dutch it's not a funny language I do miss the humor.
Back to globalisation yes get your head round some people are here for the jobs for the money that's all!
Hold on only americans have 30% and some brits but not all of them my husband is on 52% so relocation is coming and I think lot's a people will leave who can affort to live in such a expensive country..no fun!

By minnie | July 15, 2008 7:29 PM

I feel English is almost a seperate case, as it has become the default global language (most widely spoken secondary language). So people should attempt integration but it can be hard to ask them to speak dutch only and not 'global'

Secondly english speakers have a lot of experience with non-native english speakers. But the situation is not true for Dutch so they can only accept that you speak dutch well or not at all. The mid-ground that many people here post about is not as accepted in the culture. There is a phrase for in dutch for poor spoken english 'steenkool engels' but there is no dutch word for poorly spoken dutch there is simply too little experience of that happening as there too few non native speakers.

PS it is as pointed out totally unenforceable so it will never come into effect and shouldn't be treated too seriously.

PPS I invite the 'go back home' brigade to come to my hopeless integration class (there are always plenty of free spaces :)

By Chris | July 16, 2008 3:30 PM

I don't know why everyone's arguing about this so passionately. Surely it's a joke; butd if it isn't, then it's simply nonsense and doesn't deserve the time of day.

By Chris | July 17, 2008 10:50 AM

Well if it doesn't deserve the time of day Chris... why have 45 people, so far, given it the time of their day.

I didn't start an argument, merely a healthy debate. Well, not healthy for the Dutch, but as an expat I am loving it!!

By Mr Craig | July 17, 2008 3:13 PM

I think you're all missing the point, this integration through learning the language isnt about us caucasions, for the Dutch need to speak English to take part in international business. This is about putting extra hurdles in the way of first or second generation dutch nationals, who are likely to be muslim, that import young brides who remain isolated through lack of language and/ or education.

Forcing people to speak Dutch in the streets isnt the way to do assist these fragments of society. But ensuring they have sufficient access to education in which ever language is a way to reach them, so they have an opportunity to learn and question the repression their religion puts upon them. It also allows them to be less of a burden on the social system if they get educated and can work. It is fact that these factions of society are less educated and rely more on teh generous welfare system.

Making bold statements of having to speak Dutch in teh streets keeps this discussion alive.

By hlm | July 18, 2008 9:57 AM

Bottom line, either you learn to speak the language or you do not. If you are fortunate enough to have an academic background and securing employment is no problem then good for you. For those of us with only work experience and above average intelligence it is mandatory to speak the language. I have lived here 7years and have yet to do so, sadly I am paying the economic price for this self-destructive delay. I am now re-enrolling in the Dutch course offered by your most generous government for FREE and plan to learn the language to the best of my ability. Attitude is everything in life, why turn down the opportunity to learn?

By gina | December 9, 2008 8:36 AM