Shopping in the Netherlands?

Question

How do I shop in the Netherlands if I dont speak dutch? Do most products have english translation or labels on it?

Answer 1

The most shop owners speak english (and even german) so you can just ask them. And the labels are sometimes also in english

Answer 2

You would not really have too much trouble.

As stated - just ask.

People here love to show off their ability to show english.

However, if you do decide to stay a longer time - a basic understanding of dutch does help you, so consider taking a basic language course if you are staying for more than 9 months.

Answer 3

Well some products actually are in English anyway

but if not then ask

over half the people you will bump into there or store owners will know English fluently or enough to direct you in the right direction

they love helping out and definitely love being able to practice there English so don't be shy!

:)

Answer 4

Don't worry too much.  As mentioned, if in doubt just ask a shop assistant (or even a fellow customer in English)

Also you will find that actually many brands are common e.g. in the UK Knorr is a big brand (e.g. soups) and is also here in the same name.  Persil is a big washing powder in the UK and it is called Omo in the Netherlands.

The majority of goods have pictures on, and goods are grouped together in Supermarkets, but unfortunately for you, it is not always normal to have an English translation.  Normally it is just in Dutch and French.  However it's good for your Dutch of course.

One tip though if you are planning to stay long-term.  

If you try to eat typically American/English recipes you can probably manage for the main part but may struggle for some specific (e.g.) spices, or the tea bags are not the same, or gravy granules etc etc.  Also supermarkets here do not carry the same volume of goods (size constraints) and ready-meals especially are not common here.  Imported goods (from the US/UK) are here in some of the bigger shops e.g. Oreos are becoming more and more common to find all over.  Also there are specialist shops (and online ones) that sell English/American food items - BUT you will pay the price

As the saying goes "When in Rome do as the Romans do". Therefore try experimenting with some of the things you don't recognise.  The instructions are usually fairly easy to translate (a dictionary or google translate can help).  You will find it cheaper in the long-run to adapt to the normal things sold in supermarkets here

As for other goods - well again - big brands are common throughout - e.g. Braun, Siemens etc.  If you are looking for non-food stuff then just ask immediately for help.  Naturally it is in the interest of shop assistants to want to sell you goods from their shop so the vast majority will be able to find someone to help you in English

Don't worry honestly - just take a walk around a few shops, browse a little and you will start to get familiar with things before you know it

Best of luck! :0)

Answer 5

You don't need to be able to speak the language to recognize the milk and the bread, do you? Most things are pretty recognizable and if not, there is always someone who can help you out in English.

Good Luck.