That’s the idea behind Amsterdam Language Cafe. Fun, informal evenings where internationals and locals come together to chat, laugh, learn, and build friendships.
The Amsterdam Language Cafe, also known as ALC, has been set up by Koentact to connect internationally minded people. Every year, many language nights are hosted, either focusing on a specific language like French or Spanish, or with a bigger ‘All languages’ event.
It’s a relaxed place where you can practise languages, meet new people, and feel part of an international community. Whether you’re new in the city or just love meeting people, ALC is a welcoming community where friendships begin, and confidence grows.
Over the years, more and more volunteers have found their way to the Amsterdam Language Cafe. With thanks to these amazing hosts, organising around 40 events per year, there is always a language night around the corner!
Koen Gijzel started the Amsterdam Language Café with a fun group of people in 2010 because he believes a language truly comes alive when you use it together. The motto was: learning a new language is the best excuse to make new friends. He wanted to create a place where people can meet, practise languages and feel welcome, without the pressure of a classroom.
A very important reason for starting the event was also practical. Koen felt it was a shame that Koentact students who could not afford another course would simply disappear. He saw how much joy and progress they got from practising together. With the Language Café, they could keep coming, keep using their Dutch, and Koen could continue to see them. That felt right, human and fair.
For Koen, the Amsterdam Language Café has become a community where language is the means and connection is the goal. Did you know that people that met at a language cafe are now married and have kids!?
Curious what the Amsterdam Language Café is really like? In this blog, we take you inside one of Amsterdam’s most social language events.
From the friendly atmosphere at Salsa Punto Cubano to the mix of internationals practising Dutch (and many other languages!), this blog gives you a feel for what makes the ALC such a fun, welcoming place.
If you’re thinking about joining or just want a sneak peek into the experience, this is a great place to start.
‘Welkomsterdam’ is the newest event by the Amsterdam Language Cafe. Hosted at community space ’t Claverhuis, the event focuses on casual conversation, meeting new people, and having fun while speaking Dutch.
You’re welcome to bring your own games, and together with the volunteers we sometimes even cook food, like making pancakes, to keep things cozy, informal, and very Amsterdam-style. It’s all about feeling welcome, connected, and confident speaking Dutch.
Koentact started the Amsterdam Language Cafe many years ago. Now, it is run by 15 volunteers!
French night is run by Rebecca and Celine, Spanish night by Ana and Veronica. Fabio and Chiara host the Italian night, and the English night is run by Marc.
Dutch night is hosted by Mechteld and Game afternoon by Julia, Mechteld and Eric. Maria, Gunnar and Gigi help with the overall organisation.
Would you like to join the team? Please feel free to reach out to us with an email to info@koentact.nl or by leaving a message on our contact page. Dankjewel!
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