For many internationals, speaking Dutch can be one of the biggest challenges to feeling at home in the Netherlands. On Thursday, 26 November 2026, The Hague International Centre invites internationals from across the Hague region to take part in Praat Nederlands Day, a nationwide initiative that encourages people to practise Dutch, build confidence, and discover local opportunities to continue learning the language.
Throughout the day, participants will be able to join a wide range of activities across the city designed to make Dutch language practice accessible, welcoming and enjoyable. From walking tours and conversation cafés to workshops, games, cultural activities and trial Dutch lessons, Praat Nederlands Day offers opportunities for people of different language levels and interests to use Dutch in real-life situations.
More Than Learning a Language
Learning Dutch is about more than mastering grammar and vocabulary. Language plays an important role in helping people feel at home, connect with neighbours and colleagues, and participate fully in everyday life. Yet many internationals find it difficult to practise Dutch outside the classroom.
Praat Nederlands Day aims to lower that barrier by creating welcoming opportunities to use Dutch in everyday situations. The initiative invites internationals of all backgrounds, including highly skilled professionals, students and families, to challenge themselves to speak Dutch for a day and explore opportunities to continue learning. Employers, local organisations and Dutch residents are also encouraged to participate by creating welcoming opportunities for internationals to practise the language.
A Day of Dutch Across The Hague
At the heart of Praat Nederlands Day in The Hague is a city-wide programme developed together with local partners. Through workshops, conversation sessions, trial lessons, cultural activities and interactive experiences, participants will have the opportunity to practise Dutch, meet fellow learners, connect with local organisations and discover resources that support their language journey.
The programme is being delivered in collaboration with a wide range of organisations committed to language learning and participation in the city. Partners including Direct Dutch Institute, Kickstart School, Taalthuis, DNA Languages, Bibliotheek Den Haag / Taalhuis, Dutch Language Café, PEP Den Haag, Haags Historisch Museum, At Home Abroad, as well as local experts and community initiatives, will contribute activities showcasing the many opportunities available for learning and practising Dutch in the Hague region.
The day will conclude with a special edition of Welcome to The Hague, the newcomer event of The Hague International Centre. This special Praat Nederlands Day edition will bring together newcomers and international residents for an evening focused on connection, community and Dutch language practice. Participants can enjoy interactive networking activities, including a Meet & Mingle Bingo and an accessible Dutch Culture Pub Quiz, offering a fun and low-pressure way to practise Dutch, learn more about Dutch culture and build confidence while meeting fellow internationals.
Whether participants know only a handful of Dutch words or are already comfortable holding conversations, Praat Nederlands Day offers an opportunity to take the next step, expand their network and experience how language can help strengthen connections with the city and its communities.
From Leiden to a National Movement
Praat Nederlands Day was first launched by Leiden International Centre in collaboration with Gemeente Leiden in 2025. Following a successful first edition, the initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, with international centres across the Netherlands joining forces to encourage Dutch language practice and support internationals in feeling more at home in their local communities.
Participating centres include Leiden International Centre, The Hague International Centre, Rotterdam International Centre, IN Amsterdam, Utrecht International Center, Holland Expat Center South, International Welcome Center North, Expat Centre Maastricht Region and International Center Zeeland.
More information and the full programme for The Hague region can be found at:
