How to Talk to Dutch People Without Them Switching to English

You’ve spent weeks practicing your Dutch.

You summon the courage. You open your mouth.
“Goedemiddag! Ik zoek een winterjas, misschien met korting?”

The shop assistant doesn’t miss a beat:
“Sure! We have some nice coats over here.”

And just like that, the whole conversation flips to English.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone.
This is one of the most frustrating and demotivating parts of learning Dutch.

Let’s talk about why this happens—and exactly how you can stop it.

Why Do Dutch People Switch to English So Fast?

It’s not because you’re bad at Dutch.
Seriously. It’s not you.

Here’s what’s really happening:

• They think they’re being helpful. Most Dutch people speak excellent English and default to it out of habit or kindness.

• They’re used to switching. Especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam, the switch to English is automatic.

• They don’t want to “slow you down.” Many assume you're more comfortable in English and don't want to make things harder.

• They don’t realize you want to learn. Unless you tell them, they won’t know.

So no, they’re not judging you.
But yes—it’s annoying as hell.

You finally speak Dutch and… boom.
Back to English.

Here's the Real Problem

Most learners say the same thing:

“I don’t need to be perfect—I just want a chance to try.”

But when the conversation flips too quickly, you lose:

• The chance to practice

• The courage to try again

• The momentum that makes learning stick

Over time, this starts to chip away at your confidence.

And the only fix?
You have to lead the conversation—and stick with it.

Let’s talk strategy.

Step 1: Tell Them Up Front

This changes everything.

Before they can switch, say:

“Ik leer Nederlands. Mag ik oefenen met u/jou?”
“Sorry, mijn Nederlands is nog niet perfect, maar ik wil het graag proberen.”
“Is het oké als we in het Nederlands praten?”

Translation:
I’m learning Dutch. Can I practice with you?

You’re giving them permission to stay in Dutch.
You’re showing that you want this.

It’s surprisingly powerful.

Step 2: Lead with Confidence, Even If It’s Fake

Think of every real-world conversation like a script. You don’t need to be spontaneous—you need to be prepared.

Here are some “starter scripts”:

• At a café: “Mag ik een cappuccino met havermelk, alstublieft?”

• At the market: “Wat kost dit per kilo?”

• On the phone: “Spreekt u Engels? Nee? Oké, geen probleem. Ik probeer het in het Nederlands.”

Notice something?
These are simple, usable, reusable.

If you start strong, people are more likely to follow your lead.

Step 3: Expect to Struggle—and Be Okay With It

Dutch people switch to English because they see you hesitate.

But hesitation is normal.

So instead of freezing, try using:

• “Even denken…” → Let me think...

• “Ik weet het woord niet, maar…” → I don’t know the word, but...

• “Hoe zeg je dat in het Nederlands?” → How do you say that in Dutch?

These “buffer phrases” show that you're still in it.
That you're trying.
And that you’d like them to stay with you.

Step 4: What to Do When They Switch Anyway

Let’s be honest.

You’ll try all of the above, and some people will still switch.

When that happens, try saying:

“Mag ik het even in het Nederlands proberen?”
“Wilt u het langzaam herhalen in het Nederlands?”
“Zou u dat in het Nederlands kunnen zeggen?”

These are respectful but assertive.
And in most cases, people will say “Oh, of course!” and switch back.

The key is not to get flustered.
It’s not rejection—it’s habit.

You’re just helping them help you.

Step 5: Practice Conversations Before You Have Them

This is where most learners get stuck.

You know vocabulary.
You’ve read grammar books.
You’ve done Duolingo until your owl grew wings and flew away.

But when a real Dutch person speaks to you?

💥 Brain melt.

Why?
Because you’ve never practiced the actual rhythm and pressure of live conversation.

That’s what Dodo’s Conversation Mode is built for.

How Dodo Helps You Keep the Conversation in Dutch

With Conversation Mode in the Dodo app, you train exactly what learners say they lack:

✅ Everyday dialogues
✅ Fast-paced response training
✅ Real-time audio practice
✅ Reinforcement of common phrases
✅ Dutch-only confidence boosts

You’re not just learning words—you’re learning how to use them in a real exchange.

Even better?
Your pet gets happier the more you talk.
It’s like building fluency and raising a weird little feathered buddy at the same time.

What Reddit Learners Say Works (and What Doesn’t)

Based on learner experiences:

✅ Works well:

• Telling people directly: “Can we keep it in Dutch?”

• Learning “chunks” of phrases, not just single words

• Watching easy shows like Jeugdjournaal or Buurman & Buurman

• Using graded readers like Leeslicht books (A1–A2 level)

• Daily short conversations, even just 2–3 lines

• Practicing with tools like Dodo or ChatGPT—with caution

❌ Doesn’t work:

• Relying on Duolingo alone (too little context)

• Waiting until you're “fluent” to start speaking

• Beating yourself up for switching or freezing

• Assuming Dutch people will stay in Dutch automatically

Bottom line: Confidence grows through repetition.
The more you try, the easier it becomes.

What Does This Mean for You?

• Dutch people switch out of habit, not criticism

• You can stay in Dutch by setting the tone, calmly redirecting, and preparing key phrases

• You don't need perfection—you need grit, repetition, and tools that reflect real conversations

• Dodo helps you rehearse real Dutch, so when it counts, you're ready

You’ve Got This

One day, you’ll walk into a shop, say:

“Hoi! Ik zoek een regenjas. Misschien in maat M?”

They’ll pause.
Smile.
And reply—in Dutch.

Because they’ll see it too:

You’re not just trying.

You’re doing it.

P.S. Ready to stop getting switched to English?

👉 Download Dodo and train for real Dutch conversations with Conversation Mode.
Confidence is just one chat away.