Amsterdam, how many languages do you speak?

Leave a comment with what city you would like to see next... 🌎

Fun fact, there’s a higher percentage of people in Netherlands (~90%) who can speak English than in Canada (~83%)

After living in Amsterdam for 4 years, I considered it a major accomplishment that when I spoke English my American accent had become so infused with a Dutch flavor that nobody could guess where I was from. I learned Dutch from the newspapers, reading the Dutch subtitles in movies, talking with my friends, going by myself into shops and restaurants, and trying my new Dutch words for the week. I was determined to immerse myself as deeply as possible into the culture and get the most out of the experience. It wasn't easy learning a new language at the age of 45 but I'm so glad for that lovely period of time in my life.

I love the Netherlands! I’m English, and speak French, German and Dutch. Once, when I was just learning Dutch, I went to a stall to order a drink, in Dutch. The man then asked me a question I wasn’t expecting, so I panicked and answered in German. He laughed, and said in English “What language would you like??” 😂😂😂😂😂

What the Dutch lady said at 0:45 is EXACTLY how i learned English as well. I'm Serbian but for as long as i can remember i've been able to speak English because of watching cartoons as a kid. We had some shows that were dubbed (Spongebob being the big one) but a lot of channels (mainly cartoon network) weren't, and as a pretty shy kid i spent most of my time watching cartoons, in english with no subtitles, i was constantly surrounded by it so the language stuck.

The Xhosa "click" at 2:04, amazing!!

From a Dutch perspective, it is true that we are familiar with English, maybe even too familiar... When I'm in a public place in one of the bigger cities, usually I automatically reply in English when I am approached. The funny thing is that sometimes the other person turned out to also be Dutch, and then I feel stupid for talking in English. 😂 But I can imagine how frustrating it is for people who want to learn Dutch via practise, I've heard how difficult it is from foreign friends...

I wanna be friends with those girls from Zimbabwe!!!

10:03 This guy's the only one shaking hands and introducing himself : this must be how he learnt 7 languages ! To love people, is key !

These interviews are insightful. We look forward to see more.

Love the Dutch people, I'm Irish, I like how direct they are, very helpful, happy-go-lucky nature, seem willing to engage in conversation and are opinionated which I like, whether u agree with them or not. been to so many places with dull natives, they are ones I really like...

Another great job 🐢 I've said this before, and I felt it again today: I love watching your videos because I feel I can really SEE your subjects. They look so open and unguarded, which says something about the man behind the camera, too.

I've never encountered a single Dutch person who was not highly proficient in English. But they seem to appreciate it when I can exchange pleasantries in Dutch, such as please, thank you, etc.

🐢 I've been to Amsterdam for a few days and I completely fell in love with the city. Also super proud of its people speaking so many languages

I speak two and a half; English, French, and the half being German. Living in Canada, my exposure to German is limited to youtube, so I enjoyed hearing the girl explaining what she liked about Amsterdam. I always get a rush when I understand a native speaking German.

Loving this language content. Keep it up brother

I'm Dutch, I speak 6 languages. I guess it's more natural to speak more languages if you live in a smaller country, or one surrounded by many countries with different languages than your own.

As to why we (Dutch folk) speak so many: we get 4 languages in school for at least 3 years. Dutch, English, French and German - even if you don't use any (well, beyond Dutch), you will always have the basics. Outside of that of course the percentage of Dutch speaking planet wide is relatively small, so we're not particularly bothered by having to speak something else.

It's so true. Watching movies and cartoons in the original language with Dutch subtitles was a great way to learn English/American. Most of the surrounding You can tell that European countries (like Germany and France) weren't doing that. And the girls at 1:06 are standing about 20 meters from the house I grew up in ;)

I remember visiting a friend who worked for the EU parliament, and living with him in an area of Brussels that had a lot of diplomats. There are kids there aged 12-14 who speak 8 languages and more. It's insane.