What is what language is spoken in the netherlands?

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, also known as Nederlands. While there are regional dialects, they are all considered variations of the same language. There are subtle differences in pronunciation and vocabulary between regions, but mutual intelligibility is generally high.

It's important to note that:

  • Flemish (spoken in Flanders, Belgium) is very closely related to Dutch, and often considered a dialect by some, while others classify it as a separate language. Mutual intelligibility is extremely high between Dutch and Flemish.

  • Many Dutch people speak English fluently, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. English is widely used in business and education. Other languages are also spoken, particularly amongst immigrant communities.

So in short, while the official and most common language is Dutch, English is very widely understood and spoken.