Will Dutch people understand the German language?

[tyovan]

A question for our Dutch speaking friends:

I'm going to be visiting the Netherlands and also Flanders. I don't want to be one of those guys who just goes around asking everyone 'Spreekt u Engels?' and who just kind of assumes and demands that everyone speak English.

I speak basic German, I studied it for two years in school. Dutch and German appear to be fairly similair languages (to my rather untrained eye). So my question is - if I try to speak to a Dutch or Flemish person in German, are the languages related enough that they'll understand me?

[Digital Marine]

Well, alot of Dutchies speak German but i think that more actually speak English.

You could just try to ask ''spreekt u engels'' with your funky accent.. if they don't understand it.. ask it in English and if they don't just try German... and if the person doesn't speak that as well.. screw him or her and find someone else who does.... there's always someone around who can speak it :-P


EDIT: And i don't think the Languages are really THAT close related.. maybe some of the basic stuff they'll understand but don't try to ask difficult stuff in German, keep it basic.

[Shadow]

You have to mix German and English than you get Dutch. ;)
For my German ear Dutch sounds quite weired I can only understand a few words if any.

[dez000]

I understand German, but I can't speak it... Most Dutch Talking people talk English tho and won't mind to talk in English either.

PS: German is just a Dutch dialect... you all know it :p

[Hawkeye]

I agree with DeZzErX

[tyovan]

Ok thanks for the info guys.

I guess I'll just stick to Ja, Nee, Okee, Alstublieft, Dank u wel, Spreekt u Engels, and Ik begrijp het niet.

:)

[toki]

Depends. When i read dutch or listen carefully i get sometimes maybe 70%. I can't speak or write though. We get dutch TV here and sometimes i just give it a try. Had a dutch friend living here for some years and got some better understanding.

Many dutch will understand german, but i'd say if a person from a third country comes to the Netherlands and tries german first he'll probably get some blank stares. Like "Dude this isn't Germany". I'd say try english first.

And when you're close to the german border they (maybe) don't mind and most speak german. Many cross the boarder to go shopping on both sides.

When i drove to Roermond with my finnish gf she was a bit dissapointed first and didn't even realize she was in another country in the beginning. "Huh why do they speak german to you?" She expected something more "exotic".
I had to point at the roadmarks and license plates. "Yes this is the Netherlands" :lol:

[Hawkeye]

Ok thanks for the info guys.

I guess I'll just stick to Ja, Nee, Okee, Alstublieft, Dank u wel, Spreekt u Engels, and Ik begrijp het niet.

:)


try "je bent een teringlijer", means as much as "you were very kind to me"

[Graspol]

I'm living about 10 km from the German border,und wir können ziemlich gut Deutsch sprechen und lesen,sicher bei die altere generation ist es so das die besser Deutsch sprechen und verstehn dann Englisch. Für die jungere generation gilt denke ich das umgekehrte. Mit meinem jahres alte von 38 liege ein bischen in die mitte,also macht es mir kein flaus aus ;) ob es Deutsch oder Englisch betrifft.

Grüße von der Danny aus die Niederlände.


P.s entschüldige für einige fehler in das schrift

[Count Lippe]

Very good German, mate!:)

And now a little hint for tyovan4: If you want a dutchman to help you, just walk over to him and say "Jij hebt een kleine lul". It'll get you many sympathies. ;)

[chopsticks]

Ya, try english first. Here's another helpful tip. If you want to compliment a girl just say "jij bent een lelijke trut", which means "you are quite a beautiful girl".

And Germans are actually dutch, they just don't know it yet. :D

[Flying Dutchman]

Just speak englisch from the first time you see any person, if he doesnt speak englisch he's illegal in the country or he/she is a comple retart

[TheKiwi]

Most of the German's I know say that Dutch sounds like someone trying to speak Klingon through a mouthful of broken glass. :D