You’ve been learning Dutch for weeks, maybe months. You walk into a shop, take a deep breath, say your carefully rehearsed sentence, and the cashier answers in perfect English. Sound familiar?
It’s one of the most common frustrations among Dutch learners, and it’s exactly what Praat Nederlands Day wants to change. On Thursday, November 26, 2026, internationals are challenged to speak Dutch for a whole day, and Dutch speakers are invited to help them do it.
What is Praat Nederlands Day?
Praat Nederlands Day started in Leiden. Launched by the Leiden International Centre in collaboration with Gemeente Leiden, the first edition took place in October 2025, with a full day of activities that brought together more than 120 participants. The idea is simple: create safe spaces where learners at any level can practise Dutch, build confidence and stay motivated on their language journey.
This year the day goes national. International welcome centres across the Netherlands are taking part, including those in The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Maastricht and Zeeland, among others. The message is the same everywhere: many internationals put off practising Dutch because people switch to English as soon as they hear an accent. Praat Nederlands Day is a day to push back on that, kindly and with a good sense of humour. It’s also a chance to step out of your comfort zone and discover the organisations and resources across the Netherlands that can help you keep learning once the day is over.
The campaign also has a “Praat Nederlands Met Me” pin that learners can wear to show they’d like to keep the conversation in Dutch, and a “Praat Nederlands at Work” initiative to help colleagues do the same at the office.
Koentact’s program in Amsterdam
Together with Amsterdam Language Café and our partners, we’re organising four events on November 26, from early morning to late evening. Pick one, or make a full day of it.
1. Relax & Speak Dutch (08:30–10:00)
Start the day calmly. From 08:30 we begin with a 30-minute guided meditation with Chloë (in Dutch and English), followed at 09:00 by a relaxed Speak Dutch Café with Koen over coffee or tea. The theme is motivation: what keeps us going when learning gets hard?
- Where: De Meditatietuin, Amstelpark 6, Amsterdam.
Park your bike outside the park; it’s about a five-minute walk from the Rode Brug - Good to know: it’s a shoe-free space, so bring warm socks or slippers. A voluntary donation is possible afterwards.
- Details on Meetup
2. Dutch Field Trip around the Public Library (11:00–13:00)
This is a regular part of our courses and normally only open to Koentact students. For Praat Nederlands Day we’re opening it up to non-students, one time only. You’ll work in small groups on fun assignments, get to know the other participants, practise describing people and discover interesting Dutch words in your surroundings on the Oosterdokskade. No need to worry about mistakes: it’s all about practising and having fun with the language.
- Where: A Beautiful Mess, Oosterdokskade 227, Amsterdam
- Level: all levels welcome
- Good to know: a fun Dutch word competition is part of the morning.
- Details on Meetup
3. Speak Dutch with Older Amsterdammers (15:00–17:00)
In collaboration with Serve the City, we bring internationals and older Amsterdammers together for something simple and valuable: a good conversation. Older residents often have great stories and time to chat, which makes them wonderful conversation partners. You don’t need perfect Dutch, and complete beginners are welcome. If it helps, you can even teach your conversation partner a little English in return. We finish with drinks and a classic bitterbal.
- Where: to be announced
- Level: all levels
- Details on Meetup
4. Dutch Language Café at A Beautiful Mess (19:30–22:00)
End the day in style at A Beautiful Mess, together with Amsterdam Language Café and AIC – Amsterdam International Community. Doors open at 19:30, followed by a Dutch workshop (20:00–20:45) and an open language café (20:45–22:00).
- Where: A Beautiful Mess, Oosterdokskade 227, Amsterdam
- Level: A1+ (not suitable for complete beginners). Native Dutch speakers are especially welcome and get a free drink as a thank-you for helping others practise.
- Price: free
- Details on Meetup
Can’t make it? Do it your own way
You don’t need an event to take part. A few ideas for November 26:
- Order your coffee, lunch or groceries in Dutch, even if the answer comes back in English. Keep going in Dutch anyway.
- Ask colleagues and friends to stay in Dutch with you for the day. A slower pace and simple sentences are all it takes.
- If you’re a Dutch speaker, give a learner a bit of extra time. Staying in Dutch is one of the best gifts you can give someone who’s practising.
Want to practise Dutch all year round?
One day is a great start, but confidence comes from regular practice. At Koentact we teach Dutch to adults at every level, in the classroom and online, with new course sessions starting every six weeks. We also offer in-company and private courses, so you can bring the Praat Nederlands spirit to your team all year long.
We hope to see you on November 26. Tot dan!
