No Dutch? How to Get By and Fit In When Working in the Netherlands

Many flex workers arrive in the Netherlands without speaking a word of Dutch. This does not stop you from working, but in daily life it often makes things harder, and it can easily make you lonely. Here is what English is enough for, what is worth learning, and who you can turn to when you are stuck.

How much do you need Dutch?

For warehouse, production and many other physical jobs, job ads often do not ask for Dutch. At many workplaces instructions are given in English or in the team leader's own language, and teams of mixed nationalities work together.

You are not alone: according to the Dutch statistics office (CBS), in 2025 about 7% of adults, roughly 960 thousand people, said they were a labour migrant. There is no single exact number, but it is certain that very many people are in a similar situation.

Where it is harder without the language:

• official letters, for example from the tax office (Belastingdienst) or the municipality,
• at the doctor's, at the pharmacy,
• in shops, when you are looking for something or want to complain,
• and last but not least, when you want to make contact with local people.

English is your best friend

In the Netherlands very many people speak English, especially young people. If you know some English, you can handle most everyday situations.

If your English is weak too, there are still solutions:

• Use a translation app. Camera translation is especially good for letters, labels and signs.
• For an official letter, ask the agency or someone you trust to help you understand it.
• Never sign anything you do not understand. Ask for a translation, or ask for time to look into it.

What to learn first

You do not need to go to a language school to make your life much easier. A few dozen words and phrases make a huge difference.

Greetings and politeness: - Hoi / Dag – hi / hello - Dank je wel – thank you - Sorry – sorry, excuse me - Ik spreek geen Nederlands – I do not speak Dutch

At work: - Pauze – break - Overuren – overtime - Ploeg – shift - Veiligheid – safety - Pas op! – watch out! - Ziekmelden – to report sick

On papers: - Loonstrook – payslip - Vakantiegeld – holiday pay - Huur – rent - Zorgverzekering – health insurance

Learn the safety words and the warning signs first. They are not only about comfort, they also keep you safe.

If you do not understand an instruction

The biggest mistake at work is to nod when you did not understand what they asked. This can lead to an accident or to bad work, which in the end causes trouble for you.

• Feel free to ask again: Kun je dat herhalen? – could you repeat that?
• Ask them to show you, not just tell you.
• If someone in the team speaks your language and also Dutch or English, ask them to help you in the first days.
• Always ask for the safety training in a language you understand. It is in your own interest.

How to learn when you are tired after your shift

After a long day nobody feels like opening a textbook. A few tips that work in practice:

• Ten minutes a day: with a language app, even on the bus or during a break.
• Labels and signs: in the shop, on the street, at work there is Dutch text everywhere. Translate what interests you.
• Ask your colleagues: Dutch colleagues are usually happy when someone tries.
• Dutch TV with subtitles, Dutch radio in the background: your ear quickly gets used to the sound.
• Free language initiatives: many towns have a library or a volunteer group where you can practise talking. Ask the municipality or the library.

Loneliness is a quiet problem

Shared housing does not mean you have company. Many people just scroll on their phone in their room after their shift, and hardly talk to anyone for months. In the long run this can be bad for your mood, your sleep and your work.

What can help: - Look for groups of people from your home country on social media. They often organise activities together and help with practical questions. - Move: running, football, the gym. Sport is a good way to meet people. - Explore the area by bike on your days off. - Stay in regular contact with people at home, but not only with them. You need connections in your new surroundings too.

On Eyesonworks.eu you can also filter by type of work and housing. If community matters to you, look for a job ad where you know where you will be housed, and ask the agency who else lives there.

Where can you get help?

If you get stuck, you do not have to solve it alone. Some places you can turn to:

• Your agency's contact person: many uitzendbureaus (employment agencies) have a coordinator who deals with workers' matters. Ask who it is and how to reach them.
• Municipality (gemeente): this is where you register. If you stay less than 4 months, you can register at the desk of one of the 19 RNI municipalities, and you get a BSN (citizen service number).
• Juridisch Loket: free legal advice if you have a question about work, housing or a contract.
• Trade unions: FNV and CNV can help you with your rights as a worker.
• Doctor (huisarts): if things are hard emotionally too, the GP is the first step. Do not wait until it gets very bad.

In short

• You can work without speaking Dutch; English and a translation app help a lot.
• Learn the safety and workplace words first, then the common words on papers.
• A few minutes of learning a day counts, especially if you practise with colleagues.
• Community, sport and regular contact protect you against loneliness.
• With questions, turn to the agency, the municipality, the Juridisch Loket, or FNV or CNV.