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Praat Nederlands Day

9 October 2025

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On Praat Nederlands Day we challenge internationals to speak Dutch for one day!

We do so with a one-day programme packed with interesting and fun events as well as parallel initiatives that will put your Dutch to test. Check below for the full programme and discover how to join the challenge!

A day for everyone

Praat Nederlands Day is for everyone who is ready to pick up the challenge. We invite 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. Can you speak Dutch for the whole day? Or how many Dutch language learners can you support in a single day? Invite your international and Dutch friends, colleagues, and family to join the challenge and check out the programme!

Programme

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
Employees in a lab

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

Person holding a bag

FAQ

For any questions related to Praat Nederlands Day reach out to Sibilla at sibilla@leideninternationalcentre.nl

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