Flemish/Dutch in Brussels
I went to Brussels in September last year, and learnt some Dutch to use when I got there, but found that not one person there spoke a word of Dutch/Flemish. Instead I spoke in French all the time which was good as I have spoken French for nine years and never been to France! If I were to go to Antwerp would I be able to speak Dutch there? However I am going to the Netherlands this coming September, and after my exams in the summer I intend to practise my Dutch!
Sent by: Jamie
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I lived in Bussels for 5 months, but I'm a French speaker (I study it at uni which is why I was there). In one sandwich place I went to quite often in the centre, one person would take your order, and another would take your money. They would always tell you the price both in French and Dutch (and also English as there were a lot of tourists, with it being near the Grand Place). Also, if I made a mistake in French, people in Brussels would quite often start speaking in Dutch to me. As I was there to practise my French, I generally pretended not to understand if they started speaking English!
Only partly true. Many speak Dutch but it's considered chique to speak French. If they persist, you just swear in Dutch, call them snobs, and oh yes, they understand alright.
That's a tough question. I am sure it is discussed elsewhere. It can be difficult to make yourself understood in Brussels, but personally I always stick to Dutch. French-speaking people will eventually understand. As for Antwerp, there is less chance of people switching to French, but beware of locals wanting to practise their English!
Jamie, even if you want to use your Dutch in a totally Dutch-speaking place like Amsterdam (as compared to Brussels), they will talk back to you in English! It's very hard for English-speakers to be allowed to use Dutch, even if they really want to.
I can speak Dutch (to A level standard) and never got spoken back to in English.
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