Dutch Language Café

We’re not the only ones who love The Hague, so do many international residents. The Hague is a city that people from all over the world call home. And that’s exactly what Roben tapped into when he started the Dutch Language Café: an amazing spot in the city where internationals can meet people and learn Dutch in a very accessible way. A true asset to The Hague and rightfully a The Hague treasure!

It’s a place where the Dutch “word of the week” hangs above the bar, where typical Dutch sayings decorate the walls, and where you’re really encouraged to make the Dutch language your own. You’ll even find instructions on how to order a cup of coffee or tea (in Dutch, of course) right on the counter. During our first visit to this international café, a few people were working on their laptops, and we saw on the activity board that this is the location for game nights, pub quizzes and bingo. And of course, whether you’re international or not, you can just drop by for a nice cup of coffee, a slice of cake and new connections.

Chit-chat moments & soup

Every afternoon between 1 and 2 p.m. there’s a “chit-chat moment,” and at 12:30 everyone gathers for “soup and gezelligheid” (coziness). And cozy it is! A warm welcome from the people working there. A beautiful building on the Herengracht. And little red, white and blue flags you can place on your table if you’re in the mood for a Dutch conversation. You can play a game, read a book or chat with one of the always-present Dutch-speaking staff members. The Dutch Language Café is a close-knit and growing community, a place every international resident of The Hague should step into at least once.

International buzz

Oh, and good to know: this is also a lovely place for anyone who was born here and already speaks Dutch. All that wonderful international buzz gave us real travel vibes and the people who (just like I do when I’m in Spain) try their absolute best to express themselves properly in Dutch. A real gem. So definitely mention it to all your international friends! And hey: join the community dinner on Thursday, open your laptop there sometime, or just drop in for a coffee and a game.