Language requirements in Dutch job interviews are often assessed in context rather than as isolated skills. Candidates may be expected to operate smoothly across English and Dutch and respond clearly under time pressure. This means that a formal B1 or B2 level does not always translate into strong interview performance: answers can be accurate yet unfocused, hesitant, or difficult to follow, which is why interview-specific preparation matters. See our full guide on preparing for a job interview in English. Preparation that focuses specifically on how language is assessed in interviews—rather than on general language study.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
January 2026
Are you preparing for a job interview? Our Job Interview Coaching will help you make the best possible first impression.
Liever in het Nederlands lezen? Bekijk Sollicitatiegesprek Engels: 1-op-1 coaching
One of the most common sources of confusion for job seekers in the Netherlands is language expectations. Many candidates ask the wrong question:
“Do I need English or Dutch?”
The more accurate question is: “What level of English and Dutch is expected for this role—and how will that be tested in the interview?”
Across most professional jobs, employers generally assume solid English (typically B1–B2) as a baseline, while B1 Dutch is increasingly treated as an integration threshold in client-facing, regulated, or mixed Dutch–international teams. Even when vacancies don’t spell this out, interviews often do—through language switches, small talk in Dutch, and close attention to how clearly and confidently you communicate.
English is not a formal legal requirement for most jobs in the Netherlands, but in practice it is widely expected. For many professional roles:
As a result, employers generally assume that candidates can:
In CEFR terms, this usually means B1–B2 as a practical minimum, with B2 preferred in business, technical, and client-facing roles. “Perfect English” is seldom required—but unclear, hesitant, or disorganised communication is often noticed during interviews.
At the same time, many roles in the Netherlands now explicitly require Dutch at B1 level, even when English is used regularly at work.
This is especially common in:
B1 Dutch does not mean fluency. It signals that you can:
Employers increasingly treat B1 Dutch as an integration threshold, not a communication luxury.
Even when a vacancy mentions only one language, interviews often reveal broader expectations. Common scenarios include:
This means candidates are often evaluated on how they operate across languages, not just in one.
There is no universal language rule in the Dutch labour market. Expectations vary by sector, company size, and role. However, several patterns are consistent:
According to labour market insights and recruiter reporting in the Netherlands, including Nationale Vacaturebank, language and communication mismatches remain a common reason for unsuccessful hiring processes—not because candidates lack qualifications, but because employers see higher risk.
If you are preparing for job interviews in the Netherlands:
For a full guide on how to prepare for a job interview in English, see How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English.
You do not need perfect English or fluent Dutch to get hired. But you do need to communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally at the level the role requires. That expectation is now a standard part of the Dutch hiring process.
Are you preparing for job interviews in the Netherlands?
Our Job Interview Coaching in English helps professionals prepare clearly and confidently for interviews conducted in English or bilingual settings.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Job interviews in the Netherlands in 2026 are more competitive and more structured than before. Employers still assess technical fit, but interviews increasingly evaluate how candidates communicate, reason, and collaborate. Whether your interview takes place in English or Dutch, these expectations now play a central role in hiring decisions.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
December 2025
Speak with a teacher first. Practical advice, no sales pressure.
Are you preparing for a job interview? OurJob Interview Coaching will help you make the best possible first impression.
Liever in het Nederlands lezen? Bejijk Sollicitatiegesprek Engels: 1-op-1 coaching
The Dutch job market in 2026 is tighter, more selective, and more deliberate than it was just a few years ago. Employers are hiring, but they are investing more time upfront to reduce the risk of poor hires.
As a result, job interviews have changed. They are no longer just a confirmation of qualifications, but a structured evaluation of how candidates operate in real working environments.
Whether your interview takes place in English or Dutch, the underlying expectations are largely the same. Employers assess how clearly you think, explain, and interact. For many candidates, this means performing well in both languages—English for international communication and Dutch for integration, collaboration, or client-facing situations.
This article explains:
This article is relevant if you:
You do not need to be actively focused on language improvement to benefit. Many candidates only realise communication and language are being assessed once interviews begin.
There are more qualified candidates per role than before. Employers compare not just experience, but how clearly candidates explain themselves and their relevance for the job. Being “good enough” rarely stands out.
Demand remains strongest in:
Interview expectations in these sectors are typically high, regardless of interview language.
Recruiters want clear answers to practical questions:
These answers must be structured, concise, and credible—often delivered under time pressure.
Referrals, conversations, and visibility still matter more than volume. Informal conversations increasingly act as pre-interviews and may take place in English or Dutch.
In many professional roles, English is assumed in interviews. Candidates are expected to explain their experience clearly and participate in discussion. In practice, this usually means at least B1–B2 level English, with higher expectations in business, technical, and client-facing roles.
At the same time, many employers now explicitly require Dutch at B1 level, even when English is used day to day. This is common in client-facing roles, public or semi-public organisations, regulated sectors, and mixed Dutch–international teams.
B1 Dutch signals functional independence rather than fluency. Candidates without it often face a narrower interview pool.
Customisation is expected—not just in content, but in tone and precision. This applies equally to spoken answers during interviews.
Successful candidates apply selectively and prepare deliberately. Interviews reward structured thinking, not emotional momentum.
Technical competence determines eligibility. Communication, collaboration, and adaptability are assessed directly or indirectly in nearly every interview.
By 2026, employers generally assume candidates meet the technical baseline. Interviews are increasingly used to assess how candidates work in real conditions, often across more than one working language.
Employers look for candidates who can:
Unclear communication is viewed as a practical risk, not a minor weakness.
As routine tasks are automated, interviews focus on reasoning. Candidates are asked to explain decisions, reflect on mistakes, and work through scenarios clearly and logically.
Most roles involve cross-functional teams. Interviews assess how candidates listen, respond, and disagree. These behaviours are inseparable from communication skills.
Employers expect roles to evolve. Candidates are asked how they handle change, learning curves, and uncertainty. Clear explanation matters more than perfect answers.
“Cultural fit” refers to working style: how candidates communicate under pressure, receive feedback, and contribute to team dynamics. According to Nationale Vacaturebank, mismatches in these areas remain a major reason for unsuccessful hires.
In 2026:
Candidates who prepare only for what they say often underestimate how they are evaluated. Those who prepare for communication tend to perform more consistently across interviews, probation, and day-to-day work. That overlap reflects how hiring in the Netherlands actually works today. For a practical guide on how to prepare for a job interview in English — including answer structure, STAR stories, and spoken delivery — see How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English.
Are you preparing for job interviews in the Netherlands? Our Job Interview Coaching in English helps professionals prepare clearly and confidently for interviews conducted in English or bilingual settings.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
A spoken English checklist for clearer, more confident communication in the new year!
Many spoken English problems aren’t about grammar or vocabulary — they’re about bad habits. Speaking too fast, filling every silence, weak intonation, over-explaining, and ignoring pronunciation details all reduce clarity and confidence. This checklist helps you spot the habits that quietly hold you back and shows simple, practical ways to fix them.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
December 2025
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
As the year draws to a close and the winter holidays approach, it’s a good moment to pause and reflect on 2025. It’s a time to feel good about what you’ve learned and accomplished — and also to notice which habits may be quietly holding you back when you speak English.
Most spoken English problems we see in professional contexts aren’t about vocabulary, grammar rules, or intelligence. They’re habits. Automatic behaviours that once helped you cope, but now reduce clarity, confidence, and impact.
Before setting new spoken English goals for 2026, here’s a practical checklist of common habits worth leaving behind — and what to do instead.
Many professionals speak too fast because they associate fluency with speed. In reality, fast speech often overwhelms the listener. Important ideas get lost, and your message feels rushed rather than confident.
What it often sounds like:
“So what I wanted to say is that we need to move forward on this but there are a few points we still need to consider and I think—”
What works better:
“So. What I’d like to focus on is this. We need to move forward — but carefully.”
What to do instead:
Slow down at structure points: the start of an idea, transitions, and conclusions. Chunk your speech into short phrases and insert micro-pauses between them.
Try this:
Explain one idea out loud. Record yourself. Then repeat it, pausing slightly at commas and full stops. Compare clarity — not speed.
Filler words (um, uh, so, actually, well, basically, you know) appear when we’re thinking. We use them because we fear silence — or worry someone will interrupt us.
In English, silence is not weakness. It’s control.
What to do instead:
Replace filler words with a pause. A short silence sounds deliberate and confident, especially in meetings and presentations.
Try this:
Choose one filler word you use often. For one day, consciously replace it with silence. It will feel uncomfortable. That’s normal — and effective.
Ending statements with rising pitch makes them sound like questions, even when the content is strong. This habit quietly undermines authority.
Example:
“I think this is the best option?”
(You sound unsure — even if you aren’t.)
What to do instead:
End important statements with falling intonation. Save rising pitch for real questions.
Try this:
Take three sentences you often say at work. Say them once with rising intonation, once with falling. Notice how different you sound.
Some speakers focus so much on correctness that their intonation becomes flat. Others repeat the same melody again and again. The result: speech that sounds monotone or hard to follow.
English relies heavily on stress and melody to signal meaning.
What to do instead:
Highlight key words with stress. Let your pitch move. Intonation guides the listener through your message.
Try this:
Underline one word per sentence that carries the main meaning. Stress only that word when you speak.
Thinking in your first language and translating into English slows you down and makes your speech less natural.
What to do instead:
Learn spoken English in chunks — fixed phrases, collocations, and sentence patterns. This reduces processing time and improves fluency.
Example:
Instead of building a sentence word by word, learn phrases like:
Many non-native speakers add extra explanation to sound precise. In speech, this often has the opposite effect.
What to do instead:
Lead with the point. Pause. Add explanation only if needed.
Try this:
Answer a question in one sentence. Stop. Let the listener ask for more.
Word stress, final sounds, rhythm, and sentence stress may feel “small,” but they strongly affect intelligibility.
What to do instead:
Focus on being easy to understand, not on sounding native. Clear stress and rhythm matter more than individual sounds.
Trying to sound polite by being indirect often leads to vague messages.
What to do instead:
Use clear professional framing:
Clarity is polite in English.
Speaking more does not automatically lead to improvement. Without feedback, mistakes become habits.
What to do instead:
Get targeted correction. Feedback feels uncomfortable — but it’s where progress happens.
Be honest. This is for you.
Answer Yes / Sometimes / No.
If you answered “Yes” or “Sometimes” to three or more, these habits are likely limiting your spoken English more than your vocabulary or grammar.
Strong spoken English isn’t about sounding native. It’s about sounding clear, confident, and intentional.
Leaving a few old habits behind can make a bigger difference than learning a hundred new words. Want to work on it with us? You can start with a free intake.
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice at our locations in:
Amsterdam (near Vondelpark or Central Station)
Amstelveen (easy parking, quiet setting)
The Hague (Zuid-Holland’s choice for English training)
Hoofddorp (close to Schiphol, central, accessible, modern)
Prefer a virtual course? Contact us about English Center courses online.
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Can't find your words when you need them most? Learning key business English phrases for meetings will help you speak fluently and confidently in most professional settings. From formal client presentation meetings to casual team discussions, this phrase bank includes exact phrases for agreeing, disagreeing, making suggestions, and leading effective conversations.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
November 2025
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Before we dive into the phrases, let's clarify the main types of meetings you might participate in:
Mastering business English phrases for meetings means knowing how to contribute effectively. Here are essential phrases for participating in discussions.
Formal:
Informal:
Formal:
Informal:
Formal:
Informal:
Formal:
Informal:
If you're leading a meeting, these business English phrases will help you maintain control and keep discussions productive.
Pro Tip: Use chair as the standard, modern term. It’s concise, gender-neutral, and widely accepted. Chair can also be used as a verb (“Who will chair the meeting?”). Use “chairperson” for formal or traditional contexts.
Formal:
Informal:
Formal:
Informal:
The rise of remote work means we all need to master virtual meeting etiquette. Here are essential phrases for online meetings.
Understanding when to use formal or informal business English phrases for meetings is crucial for professional success.
Use formal language when:
Use informal language when:
Pro tip: When in doubt, start with a formal tone and then adjust, if needed, based on the tone others set.
Mastering business English phrases for meetings takes practice. Try incorporating a few new phrases into your next meeting, and pay attention to how native speakers navigate different situations. Remember, confidence comes from preparation – knowing these meeting phrases will help you contribute meaningfully and professionally in any business setting.
The key to success is not just memorizing these phrases, but understanding the context in which to use them. Whether you're participating in a formal board meeting or a casual team catch-up, having the right business English phrases at your fingertips will boost your confidence and professional credibility.
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice at our locations in:
Amsterdam (near Vondelpark or Central Station)
Amstelveen (easy parking, quiet setting)
The Hague (Zuid-Holland’s choice for English training)
Hoofddorp (close to Schiphol, central, accessible, modern)
Prefer a virtual course? Contact us about English Center courses online.
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
How many of these Halloween movie classics have you seen? Our collection spans 65 years of shock and horror. Sit back and enjoy the terror (and sometimes humor) of these well-known scary staples, as well as some lesser known gems.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
October 2025
Halloween is the perfect time to curl up with a scary (or not-so-scary) movie classic. But how many of these 13 Halloween movie classics have you actually watched? Explore the list and discover your next spooky English learning opportunity! We've included famous quotes, English difficulty levels, and age ratings so you can choose the perfect film for your language level and viewing situation.
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Famous Quote: "A boy's best friend is his mother."
English Difficulty: Intermediate – Clear 1960s American English, moderate pace
Age Rating: 15+ (violence, psychological themes)
Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece that made everyone afraid of showers. This black-and-white thriller features crisp dialogue and is excellent for understanding classic American cinema vocabulary.
Famous Quote: "Here's Johnny!"
English Difficulty: Intermediate – American English with some challenging psychological dialogue
Age Rating: 18+ (intense horror, violence, disturbing themes)
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a masterclass in building tension. Jack Nicholson's performance offers great examples of emotional range in English.
Famous Quote: "I met him, fifteen years ago. I was told there was nothing left. No reason, no conscience, no understanding; even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, good or evil, right or wrong."
English Difficulty: Intermediate – Clear American English, suspenseful pacing
Age Rating: 18+ (violence, suspense)
John Carpenter's genre-defining slasher launched Jamie Lee Curtis's career and created the template for modern horror. The dialogue is straightforward, making it accessible for English learners.
Famous Quote: "The power of Christ compels you!"
English Difficulty: Advanced – Mix of American accents, religious vocabulary, some Latin
Age Rating: 18+ (disturbing content, violence)
Considered one of the scariest films ever made, this supernatural horror classic offers challenging vocabulary around religion and the supernatural.
Famous Quote: "It's just a bunch of hocus pocus!"
English Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate – Clear, family-friendly American English
Age Rating: PG (mild scares, suitable for families)
This family-friendly comedy about three witch sisters is perfect for Halloween viewing with kids. The clear dialogue and humorous tone make it ideal for English learners.
Famous Quote: "It's showtime!"
English Difficulty: Intermediate – Fast-paced American English, wordplay and puns
Age Rating: PG/12+ (mild horror themes, some adult humor)
Tim Burton's quirky comedy-horror features Michael Keaton's manic performance. Great for learning American idioms and creative insults!
Famous Quote: "I was a bride. My dreams were taken from me. But now I've stolen them from someone else."
English Difficulty: Intermediate – Clear British and American English, musical elements
Age Rating: PG (mild scary themes, suitable for families)
Another Tim Burton gem, this stop-motion animated film features beautiful visuals and clear dialogue. The songs help with pronunciation and vocabulary retention. While the story is accessible, advanced learners will appreciate the sophisticated visual and linguistic puns woven throughout Burton's Victorian gothic world.
Famous Quote: "Feed me, Seymour!"
English Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate – Musical format with repetitive lyrics, clear American English
Age Rating: PG-13/12+ (dark comedy, mild violence)
This musical comedy-horror is fantastic for English learners. The catchy songs repeat vocabulary, and the theatrical dialogue is clear and expressive.
IMDb: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Famous Quote: "Don't dream it, be it."
English Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced – Mix of British and American English, theatrical vocabulary, fast-paced songs
Age Rating: 15+ (sexual content, adult themes)
A cult classic with a massive Halloween following. The musical format makes it a unique cultural experience, featuring both British and American accents. Great for understanding theatrical expressions and musical English.
IMDb: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Famous Quote: "She's standing right behind you."
English Difficulty: Intermediate – Modern American English, clear dialogue
Age Rating: 15+ (intense horror, violence)
This modern horror classic revitalized the supernatural thriller genre and is widely considered one of the scariest films of the 2010s. The contemporary dialogue makes it very accessible for current English learners—if you can handle the scares!
Famous Quote: "You've got red on you."
English Difficulty: Advanced – British English, fast dialogue, cultural references, slang
Age Rating: 15+ (violence, gore, language)
This British zombie comedy is brilliant but challenging. Packed with British slang, rapid-fire dialogue, and cultural humor. Excellent for advanced learners wanting to master British English.
IMDb: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Famous Quote: "Get out!"
English Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced – Modern American English, social commentary
Age Rating: 15+ (violence, disturbing themes, racial themes)
Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning thriller combines horror with sharp social commentary. Great for understanding contemporary American English and cultural discussions.
Famous Quote: "I have crossed oceans of time to find you."
English Difficulty: Advanced – British English, Victorian-era vocabulary, literary language
Age Rating: 18+ (violence, sexual content, horror)
Francis Ford Coppola's Gothic masterpiece features elaborate dialogue based on the classic novel. Challenging but rewarding for advanced learners interested in literary English.
IMDb: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Seen all 13? Here are some underrated Halloween movie classics that deserve more love:
English Difficulty: Intermediate – Clear American English, biographical dialogue
Age Rating: 12+/PG-13 (mild themes)
Tim Burton's loving tribute to "the worst director of all time" is a beautiful black-and-white film about passion and creativity. Johnny Depp's performance is heartfelt, and the film celebrates the golden age of B-movie horror. Perfect for film lovers and anyone interested in Hollywood history.
English Difficulty: Intermediate – American English with rural accents, campy dialogue
Age Rating: 15+/18+ (violence, horror themes, dark humor)
This cult classic horror-comedy about a rural motel with a sinister secret is delightfully twisted. "It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent's fritters" is one of horror's most memorable taglines. A perfect example of campy 80s B-movie charm that deserves more recognition.
English Difficulty: Advanced – Period English (1630s), heavy accents, archaic vocabulary
Age Rating: 15+ (disturbing themes, violence)
Set in 1630s New England, this atmospheric horror film uses historically accurate dialogue. Extremely challenging but rewarding for advanced learners interested in historical English.
English Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced – New Zealand English, mockumentary format, dry humor
Age Rating: 15+ (violence, language, adult humor)
This hilarious mockumentary about vampire roommates offers a fresh take on the genre. Great for understanding New Zealand accents and deadpan comedy.
IMDb: What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Amsterdam (near Vondelpark or Central Station)
Amstelveen (easy parking, quiet setting)
The Hague (Zuid-Holland’s choice for English training)
Hoofddorp (central, accessible, modern)
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online.
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Why is English so difficult? Because English is a patchwork language, assembled like Frankenstein's monster from the remains of other languages – German, French, Latin, Greek, and more. This explains the silent letters, inconsistent spelling, and rare sounds that frustrate learners worldwide.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
October 2025
Why do we have silent letters in knife and lamb? Why does ough sound different in through, tough, cough, and bough? The answer lies in English's turbulent linguistic history.
Picture this: In a laboratory, a scientist stitches together parts from different corpses and brings his creation to life. The result? A powerful creature assembled from disparate pieces that grows beyond its creator's control. Sound familiar? That's essentially how English developed.
Like Frankenstein's monster, English is a patchwork creature assembled from other languages' remains. And like the fictional creation, it has grown beyond anyone's expectations, dominating the global business world. But English bears the scars of its violent assembly – explaining why our students find it so beautifully, maddeningly complex.
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
The origins of the English language are truly fascinating and diverse, but here’s a quick breakdown for context:
The Germanic Bones: Anglo-Saxon settlers provided English with its skeletal structure – basic grammar and everyday words like house, water, love, and work. These Germanic bones still support everything we say.
The Norman French Organs: The 1066 Norman Conquest performed major surgery, transplanting thousands of French words. English suddenly had sophisticated vocabulary for government (parliament, justice), culture (art, literature), and cuisine (dinner, sauce).
The Latin Blood: Latin flows through English veins via legal terms (contract, liability), academic language (university, professor), and formal vocabulary.
The Greek Brain: For scientific thinking, English borrowed Greek neural pathways: telephone, democracy, psychology, technology.
Modern Transplants: English continues evolving, accepting transplants from dozens of languages – entrepreneur (French), kindergarten (German), tsunami (Japanese). Dutch maritime expertise gave English essential sailing vocabulary: yacht (jacht), skipper (schipper), deck (dek), cruise (kruisen), plus everyday words like landscape (landschap), cookie (koekje), and boss (baas).
Understanding why English is difficult requires traveling through Britain's turbulent history – repeated invasions that each scarred the language.
Celtic Foundation (Pre-55 BC): Celtic tribes spoke languages related to modern Welsh and Irish. Few Celtic words survived in English, mainly in place names: Thames, Dover, London.
Roman Occupation (43-410 AD): Four centuries of Roman rule planted Latin seeds: street (Latin strata), wall (vallum), wine (vinum).
Anglo-Saxon Settlement (5th-6th centuries): Germanic tribes – Angles, Saxons, Jutes – brought the language that became English. They provided core grammar and vocabulary: be, have, go, come, good, bad. Crucially, they brought the distinctive "th" sound that challenges modern learners.
Viking Raids (8th-11th centuries): Scandinavian Vikings settled northern England. Their Old Norse blended with Anglo-Saxon, giving us sky, egg, knife, husband, they. Old Norse reinforced the "th" sound while other Germanic languages lost it – explaining why English learners struggle with sounds that barely exist elsewhere.
The Norman Conquest (1066): Here's where our Frankenstein story turns dramatic. William the Conqueror's victory didn't just change politics – it performed linguistic surgery. For 300 years, French dominated the ruling class while Anglo-Saxon remained the language of the “common people.” This created a linguistic class system haunting English today:
Germanic words sound direct and earthy (ask, help, start); French-Latin words sound formal (inquire, assist, commence). Business English ranges from folksy to fancy – we can choose between medieval peasants' and nobles' vocabulary.
Then English traveled to America and developed further:
American English preserved features closer to Shakespeare's pronunciation than modern British English. Americans still pronounce "r" in father and water (as Shakespeare did), while British English dropped this in the 18th century.
However, neither modern American nor British English sounds like Shakespeare's – both evolved significantly since the 1600s. There's no living museum of Elizabethan English anywhere.
How did this patchwork monster become the global business language?
Understanding English as Frankenstein's monster explains why English is difficult:
This linguistic creature, assembled from centuries of contact and conquest, became business history's most powerful communication tool. It's stitched together from different languages, but like Frankenstein's creation, English developed its own life and intelligence.
This Halloween, embrace the monster. Yes, English is frustratingly inconsistent – but it's our global language. Understanding its chaotic history makes working with it less maddening, more fascinating. When you know why English behaves this way, you stop fighting the monster and start working with it.
Happy Halloween from The English Center! May your business English be monstrously effective.
The story of Frankenstein is such a beloved classic that audiences are spoiled for choice when it comes to movie adaptations (and parodies)! Here's the trailer for the 1931 film with Boris Karloff:
For a parody that's a cult classic in its own right, check out Young Frankenstein:
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Amsterdam (near Vondelpark or Central Station)
Amstelveen (easy parking, quiet setting)
The Hague (Zuid-Holland’s choice for English training)
Hoofddorp (central, accessible, modern)
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the authors:
A. Roberts is an English trainer from South Africa, now living and working in the Netherlands. She holds a BA in English Literature.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Even experienced, confident professionals sometimes “lose their English” in high-stakes situations. The problem isn’t vocabulary or grammar – it’s the affective filter – a psychological theory that explains why stress, fear, and pressure can block fluency.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
September 2025
Understanding this filter, and learning to diminish its power, can be key to speaking with confidence in every setting: from presentations to board meetings to job interviews. This article is all about how to speak English with confidence under pressure.
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
In the 1980s, linguist Stephen Krashen introduced the concept of the affective filter. It’s not a literal mechanism in the brain but a construct — a way of explaining how emotions like anxiety, self-consciousness, and stress can block language performance.
“A high affective filter… prevents input from reaching the part of the brain responsible for language acquisition.”
— Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition, Krashen (1982)
In other words, the knowledge is there — but stress raises the filter and makes confident communication harder.
Today, researchers use terms like cognitive load and emotional regulation to describe the same phenomenon. Stress hormones such as cortisol interfere with working memory, which is critical for fluent speech.
“We feel, therefore we learn.”
— Immordino-Yang & Damasio (2007)
In business communication, this means that pressure can:
C-level leaders often experience a higher affective filter because:
This is why many confident professionals report: “I can speak fluently in casual settings, but in meetings or interviews, I freeze.”
The good news is that the filter can be lowered. Practical strategies include:
Your body sends signals to both your audience and your brain. By managing posture and movement, you can lower stress and project calm authority.
In short: by managing the body, you manage the mind. Confidence isn’t only in what you say — it’s in how you inhabit the space while saying it.
The affective filter is a construct, but its effects are very real. For confident professionals, the challenge is not language ability but performance under stress. By lowering the filter — through body management, rehearsal, and mental reframing — you unlock the fluency and confidence you already have.
At The English Center, we are not just English teachers — we are communication trainers who help professionals combine language skill with executive presence and confidence.
Even confident executives can struggle in high-stakes English situations — not because they lack skill, but because stress raises the affective filter, a construct that blocks fluency. To lower it: manage posture and body language, breathe, rehearse under realistic pressure, focus on clarity, and reframe nerves as energy. The result? More confidence, more impact, and communication that matches your leadership level.
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
75-90% of CVs get filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems before reaching recruiters. These ATS friendly CV tips will help you beat the system and make your CV both ATS-compatible and human-friendly.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
September 2025
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Are you preparing for a job interview? OurJob Interview Coaching will help you make the best possible first impression.
Liever in het Nederlands lezen? Bejijk Sollicitatiegesprek Engels: 1-op-1 coaching.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that many employers use to scan, sort, and rank resumes and CVs. Think of it as a digital gatekeeper that acts as the first filter between you and the recruiter. If your CV isn't ATS-friendly, it may never reach human eyes—even if you're a strong candidate.
The statistics are sobering:
Understanding how ATS technology works is crucial for optimization. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Best choice: .docx (Microsoft Word) – safest for ATS parsing and universally accepted
PDF: Only if the job posting explicitly allows it. While PDFs keep formatting intact, some older ATS systems may not read them correctly.
Avoid: .pages, .odt, .rtf, or image-based PDFs — ATS may not read them properly.
Rule of thumb: Unless told otherwise, submit as .docx.
Your file name is part of your first impression. Recruiters often download CVs and resumes and share them internally—a clear, professional name ensures your document won't get lost. These ATS friendly CV tips include proper file naming.
Think of ATS alignment like SEO for your resume:
Preparing for your job interview? Our Job Interview Coaching will help you put your best foot forward. Prefer to read about our job interview preparation in Dutch? Doorgaan naar onze Sollicitatiegesprek in Engels training.
If you're applying for jobs internationally, you may notice two different terms: CV and resume. While they both describe a document that outlines your experience and qualifications, usage varies by location.
In Europe (and much of the world): The term "CV" (short for curriculum vitae) is standard.
In the United States and Canada: The term "resume" is preferred. It serves the same purpose as a European CV and should be concise (1–2 pages). In North America, "CV" is reserved for academic, research, or medical contexts, where the document can be several pages long and include publications, presentations, and detailed academic history.
In practice: For most job seekers outside of academia, a CV and a resume mean essentially the same thing—a short, tailored document that markets your skills, experience, and education to potential employers.
Finding the right job can be challenging, but every strong application brings you closer to your goal. Remember, your resume is more than a document—it's your introduction and your chance to show how your experience fits what an employer needs. Approach the process with patience, persistence, and confidence.
Once your CV gets through, the next challenge is the interview itself. For a full guide on how to prepare, see How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English.
Need support with job searching or interviewing in English? We're here to help you present yourself at your very best. Learn more about how we help non-native English speakers succeed in their career goals with Job Interview Coaching.
In partnership with the Gemeente Amsterdam and RMT, The English Center supports low-income job seekers—many of whom are expats or newcomers—aiming for roles in the English-speaking market. The process begins with a personal intake to understand each client’s goals, followed by tailored support in CV and cover letter writing, and English job interview practice. This program is highly effective, with a success rate of approximately 90%. Read more about The English Center's work with the Gemeente Amsterdam.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
For professionals from cultures that value straightforward communication, navigating English-speaking workplaces can feel like walking a diplomatic tightrope. How do you stay clear and confident while avoiding the dreaded labels of "blunt" or "rude"? The answer lies in balancing diplomacy and directness—a skill that bridges cultural gaps without sacrificing your message's power.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
September 2025
Are directness and diplomacy opposites?
Not exactly, but in international business, they often feel like it! In this article, we find the sweet spot where you can be direct and clear, whilst still being diplomatic.
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Many cultures—including German, Dutch, Scandinavian, Russian, and Israeli—value directness. Say what you mean, cut to the point, avoid wasting words. It feels efficient, honest, and respectful.
But in many English-speaking contexts, directness can be misread as bluntness, rudeness, disrespect, insensitivity, or arrogance. In English spheres, diplomacy is valued, so please – soften your tone, leave room for interpretation, and protect the other person’s “face.” (face = pride or self respect)
For professionals from direct-speaking cultures, these difference can create misunderstandings. The good news? Diplomatic English can be learned, practiced, and mastered—without losing your clarity or confidence.
Common challenge: Direct translations from German or Dutch can sound too blunt.
Useful softeners:
Practice: Turn “That’s a bad idea” into three softer alternatives.
Common challenge: Feedback may come across as overly critical or personal.
Tips:
Pattern: Positive → Constructive → Positive (feedback sandwich).
Common challenge: Saying “No” too directly or interrupting without softening.
Useful alternatives to “That’s wrong”:
Practice: Transform “I don’t agree” into three more diplomatic versions.
Read more about How to Disagree Diplomatically
Common problem: Over-prioritizing logic and efficiency while embarrassing others.
Best practices:
Example: Instead of “You made a mistake with the figures,” try:
“Just to be sure I understand—should this figure be 1.2 or 1.3 million?”
Common problem: Addressing tension head-on, which may feel abrupt in English.
Diplomatic alternatives to “You’re wrong”:
Practice: Handle disagreement without using the phrase “I disagree.”
Common challenge: Questions that sound impatient or accusatory.
Useful starters:
Common challenge: Jumping straight to business, which can feel abrupt.
Instead, try:
Tip: In online meetings, start with a smile, a polite greeting, and a simple opener:
“Hi, I’m . It’s good to meet you—where are you joining from today?”
Common challenge: Speaking too fast, sounding monotone, or too formal.
Tips for a warmer, more diplomatic style:
Explore Diplomatic English for Business further
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Modern workplace communication is packed with acronyms and initialisms, and while they're great for efficiency, they can be confusing if you don't know the code. This cheat sheet is your quick reference guide to the most common business abbreviations. Keep it handy for those moments when you need a fast translation.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
August 2025
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your Spoken English? Check out our Private Personalized English Courses.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Acronyms = Pronounced as new words
Initialisms = Each letter is said separately
Acronyms and initialisms are both forms of abbreviations (shortened forms of words or phrases).
Pro tip: In everyday conversation, people often say "acronym" for both — but now you know the technical difference!
Speak each letter separately.
Note: All of the abbreviations listed above are initialisms, though ASAP and SaaS can also be used as acronyms (say “AY-sap” and “sass”).
You can use these in correspondence with colleagues in a less formal tone.
Speak each letter separately.
✅ Know your audience — not everyone knows every abbreviation
✅ When in doubt, write it out
Ready to polish your business English? Our Spoken Business English courses help you communicate with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews
Or click the CEDEO-erkend logo to see us at the CEDEO site.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
