The Dutch government is making learning Dutch a central pillar of its new integration policy. As a Dutchman, I say: rightly so. Mastering the language is key to feeling at home, finding work, and fully participating in society – not least in the workplace.

At ABN AMRO Bank, I was hired at one point because their British IT team missed out on vital info in briefing meetings because everyone switched to Dutch for questions and answers at the end of the meeting. My British partner and I speak Dutch in public whenever we don’t necessarily want others to understand what we are saying. Language can be a barrier as well as a key. The Dutch are acutely aware of that.

Anyone who has tried to speak Dutch in the Netherlands knows the struggle. You summon your courage, put together a sentence, and before you can finish, the response comes back – effortlessly, fluently – in English. The message is clear: “We appreciate your effort, but let’s not waste time.”

Decades ago, as editor of a business magazine in the Netherlands, I interviewed the CEO of a leading language school in The Hague. He said that he had been forced to bribe waiters in a local restaurant to stop them replying in English to his students learning Dutch. It was funny at the time, but it illustrates a real issue.

Of course, this linguistic hospitality is well-intended. The Dutch are pragmatic, proud of their English skills, and eager to make things easy. But for learners, it’s deeply frustrating. It reinforces the idea that Dutch isn’t essential, that integration can happen without it. If the government wants people to learn Dutch, it’s not just newcomers who need a mindset shift – it’s the Dutch themselves.

So here’s a thought: if newcomers are being required to learn Dutch, perhaps Dutch people should be required to let them. Maybe not a fine – but at least a little patience.