Can i travel through Amsterdam without knowing any Dutch?

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Ravin

You'll be fine. Most Netherlanders speak fluent English, and have arguably better speaking and writing skills in English than many so-called native English-speakers I know. Do some research beforehand, and figure out where your hotel is in relation to the airport, train stations, and center of the city, and how to get between all of them--not to mention where the sights are in relation to where you're staying. Familiarizing yourself with the geography will help immensely, before you travel to any destination. Also, it's not a bad idea to pick up a Dutch phrasebook before you go, and learn some rudimentary Dutch. Not only will this help you figure out the signs and phrases that AREN'T in English, but you'll come off as a considerate visitor for having tried to learn a little of the local language--unlike Americans, who tend to be suspicious of anyone who doesn't speak English well or at all, most non-English-speaking European countries are very appreciative of visitors who attempt the local language, even if only a little.

Gaby

NO WORRIES!!!!!!!!
the Dutch people speak very good English!! All of them!! even older people!
So, you will not have any kind on problems! do not worry!!!

you might find this useful :'bedankt' = thank you!

Stillwater

It is no problem at all. Nearly everyone speaks English. At the train, in supermarkets, at the streets: the most people speak English.
There are several reasons for this. The Netherlands is a small country depending on trade. If you want to trade, you have to speak the language. On television all TV-series are in English with subtitles. That is cheaper and everybody gets used to hearing English. If you do a study, you can not work only with Dutch books, you have to be able to read English. And last but not least: there is no Dutch Yahoo answers, because all Dutch are okay to use the English one.

TragicHero

I have been spending 10 days a month in Amsterdam for the last two years and the only non English speaking Dutch person I have met is the four year old son of one of my colleagues. You should experience no problems. Go have fun.

pffffffff

Most people in the Netherlands learned English on school, so it shouldn't be a problem. In front of the Central station there is a tourist info office.

More info on
schiphol airport info on (also train info)
http://www.schiphol.nl/

Amsterdam tourist info on
http://www.amsterdamtourist.nl/

lyyman

You won't have a problem as a lot of Dutch know English better than us.

chazzychef

You won't have a problem with language barriers. Just watch out for all the trams and bikes and crazy traffic when you walk out of the train station. You can ask any of the tellers in the train station how to get to your hotel and they can likely help you in English, though.

Where am I?

There won't be much English signs up, except for the airport, but the Dutch speak very good English and you can just ask people to direct you. Very easy to get around.

simpleminded

You will be fine not knowing Dutch. Most Dutch people do speak English. You may not find any signs in English but You won't have a problem.
It would not hurt you to have an English/ Dutch book with you.

As for your mother, she can meet you at the hotel..

Have fun !

paris

I did it,even many times and it was O.K. If you speak English it will more than enough.

dutchcutie68

don't worry about it at all, we speak very very good english, and in amsterdam itself, most don't speak dutch there hahahahaha
you will be fine

enjoy your stay

dick v

if you are not a texan they will understand you

Ralf V

Everyone speaking English can manage himself in the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam even better. I'd reckon that 80% of the people speak English, if not even more. You can always try to speak some Dutch, because shows some goodwill, but it is not that easy...

LEE

I suppose there will be no problem, because many Dutch people can speak english...Especially if you are just a tourist, they will not be angry...
But if you try to learn a few word in dutch, I am sure that they will respect you even more...

U_S_S_Enterprise

Through the major cities, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Den Haag, Utrecht and Rotterdam - you will not have issues with the language.

If you go to smaller towns, esp. in the northern parts (Friesland and Groningen) the english speaking population is somewhat smaller, but not small enough to make you helpless.

If you are still unsure, why not try and find a friend in Amsterdam who knows his/her way around, and speaks the language? I have done that on occasion (being the local contact) and it was great fun for the traveler and myself.

Have fun!

aubrey p

uh oh my gosh...they are better at english then english speakers. not many don't know english, and most signs are in english at airports, bus stations, and train....along with dutch. wow you sure havent travled much

Frank B

Most Dutch speak English. Lately they also try to learn some Turkish or Moroccan to communicate with the rest of the "Dutch".

They also speak German. If you use that option, try to shout and speak firmly. They love Germans and anything associated with it (i.e. football).

Alternatively speak learn some Frisian...(cool!) or try to use your hands...

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