On Praat Nederlands Day we challenged internationals to speak Dutch for one day!
We did so with a one-day programme packed with interesting and fun events as well as parallel initiatives that encouraged the use of Dutch in every-day life. Let's look together at the highlights of our very first edition.
A Day for Everyone
Praat Nederlands Day is for everyone who is ready to pick up the challenge. We invited all residents of the Leiden region to join us: whether you were born here or somewhere else in the world, whether you have been living in the region for years or just a month. Our goal was simple: create safe spaces for learners to practice Dutch at any level, to build confidence and increase motivation for their Dutch language journey.
Highlights from Praat Nederlands Day 2025 - A big thank you to all the partners that made this day a success!
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Do I Speak Dutch Yet?
Professor Janet Connor, linguist antropologist at Leiden University, guided us through rethinking the experience of learning a language and the process of integration. Putting on the lenses of antropology, Connor changed our understanding of how we learn languages, as well as how different cultures interpret and value them. The lecture sparked interesting questions for both internationals and professionals who work for their integration, a great start of the day!
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Praat Nederlands... at the Museum!
In collaboration with Museum De Lakenhal and Rijksmuseum van Oudheden we organised two special tours for internationals in Leiden. What was so special? The tours were offered in easy-Dutch, so that learners of Dutch with a minimum of A2 could practice their Dutch skills in a new setting - while having fun and learning more about Leiden history and the Roman Empire!
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Dutch Classes
For the more diligent learners we also organised two Dutch classes with the language school Taalthuis and the Academic Language Centre of Leiden University. We had everyone covered: from the very beginners, who had the chance to experience a Dutch course for the first time, to more experienced learners who built some vertrouwen in their speaking skills.
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Meet&Mingle
To close the day with success we organised a special edition of our monthly Meet&Mingle. Larger, tastier, and full of Dutch! Thanks to the teachers from Taalthuis, our participants at all levels could spend the night conversing and meeting new people while speaking Dutch.
The whole programme hosted more than 120 participants, a great success for our very first Praat Nederlands Day!
Why do we organise Praat Nederlands Day?
Learning Dutch is key to feeling at home in the Netherlands. However, many internationals delay learning the language and struggle to regularly practice speaking Dutch. This is often because Dutch people will switch into English when speaking to a non-Dutch native.
With Praat Nederlands Day (part of our Praat Nederlands Met Me campaign) our goal is to encourage more internationals to learn and practice Dutch in their everyday life, and to help Dutch residents to communicate with language learners.
Show off your efforts!
Want to let everyone know that you are trying to practice Dutch? Wear one of our Praat Nederlands Met Me pins! You can pick one up for free at Leiden Tourist Office (VVV) or at one of our events.
Praat Nederlands… at Work
Will you be working on Praat Nederlands Day? Do not worry – we’ve got you covered! Ask your company to join our initiative Praat Nederlands at Work to get a package for you and your colleagues with tips to practice Dutch during the day.
Learn more
Praat Nederlands… at the Shop
Gather your courage and start from the basics: practice your Dutch while shopping! During Praat Nederlands Day you will find helpful phrases to use during your daily shopping at various local shops in Leiden city centre. Combine it with wearing one of our pins, to make sure the people at the counter know you are eager to practice!
Do you own a business in Leiden and want to join the initiative? Send an email to sibilla@leideninternationalcentre.nl
Practice your Dutch in these shops!
- Passion - Haarlemmerstraat 17, 2312 DJ Leiden
- If & Coco B.V. - Haarlemmerstraat 26, 2312 GA Leiden
- Coef Men - Haarlemmerstraat 34, 2312 GA Leiden
- ReShare Store - Haarlemmerstraat 184, 2312 GH Leiden
- Bluesome - Haarlemmerstraat 207, 2312 DR Leiden
- Lola - Haarlemmerstraat 170, 2312 GG Leiden
- Vintique - Burgsteeg 4, 2312 JS Leiden
- Fa. P.B. Labrujère en Zn. - Haarlemmerstraat 25, 2312 DJ Leiden
- CECIL - Haarlemmerstraat 35, 2312 DK Leiden
- 't Oorzaakje - Haarlemmerstraat 73-A, 2312 DL Leiden
- Leuke Zaak - Nieuwe Rijn 17, 2312 JC Leiden
- Boutique van Gendt - Burgsteeg 8, 2312 JS Leiden
- Hartendief - Breestraat 171, 2311 CP Leiden
- Bij Dani - Haarlemmerstraat 225, 2312 DR Leiden
- Sazo Kids & Co. - Nieuwe Rijn 15, 2312 JC Leiden
- Vintage Island - Nieuwe Rijn 22, 2312 JC Leiden
- Fair Priced Vintage store
- Harlem 6 - Haarlemmerstraat 6, 2312 GA Leiden
- T.A.S. Lederwaren - Haarlemmerstraat 37, 2312 DK Leiden
- Van Os Tassen en Koffers - Haarlemmerstraat 85, 2312 DZ Leiden
- Pipoos - Haarlemmerstraat 45, 2312 DK Leiden
- Primera - Haarlemmerstraat 125, 2312 DN Leiden
- Plato - Vrouwensteeg 4-6, 2312 DZ Leiden
- Happy Pokéshop - Breestraat 137, 2311 CM Leiden
- Mevrouw Kern - Breestraat 141, 2311 CM Leiden
- Nedgame - Haarlemmerstraat 230, 2312 GK Leiden
- VelvetMusic - Nieuwe Rijn 34, 2312 JE Leiden
- Kleurijk Geluk - Stille Mare 9, 2312 DH Leiden
- Stones 4 You - Haarlemmerstraat 211, 2312 DR Leiden
- Swan - Breestraat 109, 2311 CL Leiden
- Harlem 46 - Haarlemmerstraat 46, 2312 GB Leiden
- My Jewellery - Nieuwe Rijn 9, 2312 JB Leiden
- Lucies - Nieuwe Rijn 38, 2312 JG Leiden
- Wereldwinkel - Burgsteeg 12, 2312 JS Leiden
- Pluum by San - Breestraat 115, 2311 CL Leiden
- Studio Alter - Nieuwe Rijn 44, 2312 JG Leiden
- Boekhandel de Slegte - Breestraat 73, 2311 TL Leiden
- Mayflower Bookshop - Breestraat 70, 2311 CS Leiden
- Boekhandel Kooyker - Breestraat 89, 2311 CK Leiden
- De Pindakaaswinkel - Haarlemmerstraat 53, 2312 DK Leiden
- Pomino - Breestraat 173, 2311 CP Leiden
- Mamie Gourmande - Gangetje 14, 2311 ER Leiden
Easy-Dutch Audio Tour
If you'd rather spend some time wandering around the city, you should also try out the new Dutch audio tour for families from Stad van Ontdekkingen. This tour is orginially thought for children - but who says we cannot use it to practice our listening at a easier Dutch level? Through 11 stops, you will learn more about Leiden and why we call it the City of Discoveries!
To the audio tour
FAQ
All Praat Nederlands Day events are shared on this page and on our Event Calendar. Here you can find out more about each event and sign up to those you are interested in.
Natuurlijk! We welcome Dutch learners at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced. Check out our programme to find the activity most suitable for you. Everyone is also welcome at our closing evening: Praat Nederlands Meet&Mingle. We will be ready to cater to all levels, making sure everyone gets the chance to practice their Dutch.
Our pins are available for free at Leiden Tourist Office (VVV) and at our events. For this special day we have also printed stickers that you can collect at our events!
We love to see the support of our fellow Dutch residents! Remember: your help is key to make sure internationals can feel at home and master their Dutch skills. You can learn more about learning Dutch and integration at our lecture Do I Speak Dutch Yet? by professor Janet Connor, or join our conversation evening and help internationals practice their Dutch with a native speaker!
If you want to join our programme, send an email to Sibilla at sibilla@leideninternationalcentre.nl explaining what kind of activity you are planning, for what level and audience.
For any questions related to Praat Nederlands Day reach out to Sibilla at sibilla@leideninternationalcentre.nl
