How to Say English in Dutch: Informal and Formal Ways

If you’re interested in learning how to say “English” in Dutch, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover both informal and formal ways to express this term, as well as provide helpful tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.

Informal Ways of Saying English in Dutch

When speaking casually or with friends, you can use a few different informal terms to refer to the English language. Here are some options:

1. “Engels” – This is the most common and straightforward way to say “English” in Dutch. It’s pronounced as “en-ghels” and is widely understood across the Netherlands and Belgium.
2. “Engels taal” – If you want to be more specific, you can say “Engels taal,” which translates to “English language.” While the term “Engels” is usually sufficient, adding “taal” emphasizes that you are referring to the language itself.
3. “Engels spreken” – To specifically mention speaking English, you can use the phrase “Engels spreken.” This translates to “speaking English” and is commonly used when discussing language capabilities.

Now, let’s move on to formal ways of saying English in Dutch, which are particularly useful in professional settings or when talking to individuals you don’t know well.

Formal Ways of Saying English in Dutch

When in formal situations, it’s essential to use more polite and respectful language. Here are some formal alternatives to express the term “English” in Dutch:

1. “Het Engels” – This is the formal translation of “English” in Dutch. It’s pronounced as “het en-ghels” and is commonly used when referring to the language in a professional or official context.
2. “De Engelse taal” – Similar to the informal phrase, “Engels taal,” you can use “de Engelse taal” to emphasize that you are referring to the English language in a more formal manner.
3. “Spreken in het Engels” – Another way to say “speaking English” formally is by using the phrase “spreken in het Engels.” This conveys the same meaning but in a more respectful way.

Regional Variations

Note: While Dutch is spoken across the Netherlands and Belgium, there might be slight regional variations when it comes to specific terms or preferences. The variations mentioned above are generally applicable across regions, but keep in mind that minor differences may exist.

Now that you know the informal and formal ways to say “English” in Dutch, let’s dive into some additional tips and examples to help you with your language journey.

Tips and Examples

1. Language Learning: If you’re learning Dutch, it’s helpful to practice using these phrases in various contexts. For instance, you could ask a native Dutch speaker, “Kan je Engels spreken?” meaning “Can you speak English?”

2. Politeness: When in doubt, opt for the more formal ways of expressing “English” in Dutch, especially when speaking to someone you don’t know well. It’s better to err on the side of politeness in such situations.

3. Combining Phrases: Feel free to combine these phrases with other words to expand your vocabulary. For example, you can say “Engelse lessen” for “English lessons” or “Engelse cultuur” for “English culture.”

4. Language Exchange: Engaging in language exchange programs or finding language partners can be an excellent way to improve your Dutch while helping others practice their English.

Remember, proficiency in any language takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t become fluent overnight. Embrace every opportunity to learn and use your language skills.

To summarize, here are the main ways to say “English” in Dutch:

• Informal: “Engels,” “Engels taal,” “Engels spreken”
• Formal: “Het Engels,” “De Engelse taal,” “Spreken in het Engels”

Now that you have a good understanding of how to say “English” in Dutch, go forth and continue your language learning journey with confidence!