Amsterdam General Information
Language in Amsterdam
In most European countries, the ability to speak English is enough to help you communicate with the staff at the major tourist attractions and restaurants geared towards the tourist trade. However, in many countries, an inability to speak the local language can be rather limiting. Not speaking French can make it difficult to eat and order in the better (in other words, cheaper and less touristy) Paris restaurants, as restaurants which are off the beaten path probably won't provide menus in English or employ an English-speaking staff. It's the same in any country where English (or your language) isn't spoken.
But not in Amsterdam. Like the rest of northern Europe, almost all Dutch people speak English, and with a truly surprising level of fluency. There's no need to ask shyly if the person behind the counter at the grocery store speaks English: of course they do. Even in the smallest shop in a small Dutch town, the staff will almost always be able to speak English in fact, they might be a little annoyed that you asked.
Dutch people are required to take several languages in school, including German and English. Many people you'll encounter in Amsterdam will be able to speak English, German, French, and of course Dutch. And while you can try out your German in Amsterdam if you like, the truth is that, despite some similar sounds, Dutch is not very similar to German. Most Dutch speak better English than German, and might be offended if you try speaking to them in German when your language is obviously English. After all, in northern Europe movies and television are almost always in original version, helping the Dutch to speak nearly perfect English with a nearly perfect accent.
Even though it's easy to get around in Amsterdam with only English, it never hurts to learn a word or two of Dutch. Simply learning the words: "ja" (yes, pronounced "yah"), "nee" (no, pronounced "nay"),"graag" (please, pronounced "hkrak" the hk sound is hard and throaty), and "bedankt" (thanks, pronounced b'dunked) will show the locals that you have respect for their culture and their language.
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