Praat Nederlands Day 2026
What is Praat Nederlands Day?
Praat Nederlands Day is an initiative of several international welcome centers all around the Netherlands to promote Dutch language learning among internationals living and working in the Netherlands. On this day, we want to offer opportunities to practice speaking and using Dutch in everyday situations, as well as feature local initiatives and resources that can help internationals with integration and language learning. Interested in seeing what other international welcome centres are doing for this day? Visit our shared Praat Nederlands Day website.
Praat Nederlands Day started in 2025 as an initiative of Leiden International Centre to promote Dutch language learning among international residents in the Leiden region. This year, welcome centers all around the Netherlands are joining the initiative.
Why do we organise Praat Nederlands Day?
Learning Dutch opens doors to a whole new way of building life and connections in the Netherlands. However, learning the language takes time and active effort, and opportunities to practice Dutch in everyday situations – especially if you’re still a beginner – can feel hard to come by. That’s exactly why we are organising Praat Nederlands Day: To bring forward opportunities for internationals to practice Dutch in friendly environments where you are allowed to take a moment to think and make mistakes. With this day, we also want to send a signal to employers and locals that learning a language takes time, but supporting language learners with this journey doesn’t actually take that much extra effort. Small actions such as speaking at a slower pace or starting casual conversations in Dutch are often great ways to help.
Who is Praat Nederlands Day for?
Praat Nederlands Day is for internationals from all backgrounds (such as highly-skilled professionals, labour migrants, students, families and spouses), as well as employers and local Dutch residents. Everyone who wants to improve their Dutch or connect with others in Dutch is welcome to join!