You speak Dutch.
They answer in English.
Sound familiar? You know the language. You start the conversation. Then someone switches to English. They may mean well — but you wanted to keep speaking Dutch.
Real voices. Real conversations.
Knowing Dutch is one thing.
Using it is another.
Sometimes the words are there. The confidence to use them in real conversations takes practice — especially when the conversation suddenly turns to English.
You have something to say.
You rehearse the sentence in your head. By the time it feels right, the moment has passed.
They answer in English.
It may be well-intentioned. Still, you lose an opportunity to speak Dutch and wonder whether you should try again.
You want to feel part of it.
At work, with neighbours or over coffee, you want to join in as yourself — even if every sentence isn’t perfect.
You don’t need perfect Dutch to participate. You need room to speak.
Founder · from experience, for your experience
I spoke Dutch.
They answered in English.
“I know what it feels like to finally find the courage to speak Dutch — and hear English in return.”
I’ve lived in the Netherlands for 15 years. When I arrived, I wanted to learn Dutch and become part of the conversations happening around me.
I worked hard, and within two years I was speaking Dutch fluently. I also passed two Dutch state exams. Yet I remember starting conversations in Dutch and getting answers in English. People may have been trying to help. To me, it sometimes felt as though they had already decided I couldn’t speak Dutch.
That frustration stayed with me. Because learning the language is one thing. Feeling confident enough to keep using it is another.
The teacher who
changed the experience.
His name was Ron. An older teacher from Rotterdam, living in Harlingen, who cared deeply about helping his students learn Dutch.
He put a microphone in our hands. He had us speak on a stage. He found creative ways to get us talking — things I didn’t expect from an ordinary language lesson.
Ron’s dedication, his teaching and my perseverance helped me develop the confidence to speak. It’s a memory I still carry with me.
More than words. A reason to use them.
Less rehearsing.
More real talking.
A proposed online confidence programme built around situations that matter — taking the leap, practising out loud and carrying that confidence into everyday life.
Find your starting point.
Notice where you hesitate: a meeting, a café, a neighbourly chat or someone switching to English.
Give your voice some room.
Build comfort through guided speaking exercises and practice in recognisable situations.
Take it into real life.
Make space for more Dutch conversations at work, with friends and out in the world.
What if you had
the words ready?
When someone replies in English, you can choose to keep practising without making the moment awkward.
Get programme updates ↗When the language switches…
“Dank je, maar we kunnen ook Nederlands praten. Ik wil graag oefenen.”
“Thanks, but we can speak Dutch too. I’d love to practise.”
If this sounds like you,
you’re in the right place.
DUTCH ISH. is being created for people who already have some Dutch and want more confidence using it beyond the classroom.
This is for you if…
- You already understand and can speak some Dutch.
- You work and live in the Netherlands.
- You hesitate in meetings, small talk or everyday conversations.
- You want to keep speaking even when someone answers in English.
What we’re working towards.
- Feeling more at ease starting conversations.
- Speaking even when a sentence isn’t flawless.
- Asking to continue in Dutch when that is what you want.
- Building connection through your own voice.
You have the words.
Make room for your voice.
↗Before you
say hello.
Is this a beginner’s Dutch course?
No. DUTCH ISH. is being developed for international professionals who already know some Dutch and want more confidence using it.
What if people keep switching to English?
You may not control another person’s language choice, but you can practise ways to ask to continue in Dutch and feel more prepared for these moments.
Is Alexandra a Dutch language teacher?
Alexandra founded DUTCH ISH. from her own experience learning and using Dutch. Her qualifications and the final teaching team will be described once confirmed.
What will the programme include?
We’re developing an online speaking-confidence programme inspired by Alexandra’s experience. The final format, lessons, live sessions, duration and price have not been announced yet.
Let’s keep it
Dutch.
Be among the first to hear about DUTCH ISH., an online speaking-confidence programme inspired by Alexandra’s story and created for internationals who want to use their Dutch more freely.