You may already be speaking Dutch and not know it (echt waar!)

Some Dutch words are just too good not to adopt.

They so perfectly describe a thing or situation that the Dutch word has often obliterated the English one in our lexicons, if ever there even was one. I’m thinking about the borrel and its accompanying hapjes. Cocktail party? Happy hour? Drinks? With hors d’oeuvres or finger food?

None of the English translations seem to encapsulate the full panoply and joy of the extremely diverse borrel, which works just as well for the holiday fest and after work get together as it does the birthday and home party.

For Alexander Whyte, a 34-year-old Londoner who moved to Amsterdam last year, gezellig is his Dutch word of choice.

“There’s no direct English translation,” he says. “And it encompasses so many different scenarios.”

For those new to the Dutch language, think “cosy”, or a relaxed and warm atmosphere or social situation (such as a borrel at your local brown café).

Learning Dutch

Whether you’re interested in upping your Dutch vocabulary or learning to speak Dutch, you can make like Whyte and head to Taalthuis, which offers small and personal Dutch classes—with an emphasis on fun.

“These are not your typical textbook classes from school,” says Whyte. “They’re fun and engaging and aligned with your learning trajectory. They make it a comfortable and open environment, where you talk about personal experiences and get to know your fellow students from the start. The comradery makes it easier. You feel more comfortable and eager to speak up.”

Which is what Taalthuis is all about: focusing on speaking skills so people feel more at ease talking Dutch. “It’s fun to learn Dutch,” says Taalthuis teacher Ellen Brussee. “It’s a nice, warm atmosphere—gezellig!”

With locations in eight Dutch cities—including Amsterdam, Den Bosch, Den Haag, Utrecht and Leiden—and lessons also available online, Taalthuis caters to internationals, au pairs and international students seeking to integrate into Dutch society via its language.