Dutch professionals generally speak very good English.
In fact, many speak English better than they think.
Yet in real work situations, such as meetings, emails and presentations, communication in English can still feel uncomfortable, unclear, or less confident than it should. And the reason is rarely grammar.
Most Business English problems are caused by habits carried over from Dutch, not by a lack of vocabulary.
Below are some of the most common Business English mistakes I hear in my work with Dutch professionals, and simple ways to fix them.
Mistake 1: Being Too Direct in English
Directness is a strength in Dutch business culture. In English, however, the same directness can sound abrupt or even rude, especially in meetings or emails.
For example:
- “This is not correct.”
- “I don’t agree.”
- “We need this by tomorrow.”
Grammatically, these sentences are fine. Culturally, they can feel uncomfortable to international colleagues.
✅ How to fix it
In Business English, framing matters.
Try softening your message without changing your point:
- “I’m not sure this is correct.”
- “I see it slightly differently.”
- “Would it be possible to have this by tomorrow?”
You’re still clear, just easier to work with.
Mistake 2: Translating from Dutch While Speaking
Many professionals mentally prepare a sentence in Dutch and then translate it into English. This often results in English that sounds correct, but unnatural.
This can make you:
- hesitate
- lose confidence
- overthink every sentence
✅ How to fix it
Instead of translating full sentences, focus on meaning and intent.
Learn and reuse short, natural English chunks such as:
- “What I’d like to add is…”
- “From my point of view…”
- “Can I come in here for a moment?”
These phrases help you speak more fluently and reduce pressure in real‑time conversations.
Mistake 3: Using Very Formal or ‘School English’
Many Dutch professionals learned English in a school context. The result is often very correct, very formal English, especially in emails.
While this isn’t wrong, it can sound distant or stiff in everyday business communication.
✅ How to fix it
In modern Business English, simple is professional.
Compare:
- “I hereby inform you that…”
vs - “I just wanted to let you know…”
Clear, natural language builds better working relationships.
Mistake 4: Staying Silent in Meetings
This is one of the most common confidence issues I see.
Professionals often:
- understand everything
- have good ideas
- but hesitate to speak up in English
Not because they can’t speak English, but because they don’t want to interrupt, make mistakes, or slow the meeting down.
✅ How to fix it
Prepare a few safe entry phrases you can use automatically:
- “Can I just add something here?”
- “One quick thought from my side…”
- “Just to clarify…”
Having these phrases ready removes a lot of mental stress.
Mistake 5: Focusing Too Much on Grammar
Trying to speak perfect English is one of the biggest confidence blockers.
In business communication:
- clarity is more important than perfection
- your message matters more than your verb tense
✅ How to fix it
Aim for clear, understandable English, not flawless English.
Most international teams value:
- contribution
- clarity
- collaboration
—not perfect grammar.
Final Thoughts
These Business English mistakes are very common — and completely normal.
The good news?
They are not about intelligence or language level. They are about habits, confidence, and awareness.
With targeted practice and feedback based on real work situations, professionals often become more confident and effective in English much faster than they expect.
If you recognise yourself in these situations, focused Business English coaching can make a real difference — especially when it’s built around meetings, emails and presentations you deal with every day.
Thanks for reading.
Good Business English isn’t about saying everything perfectly; it’s about saying the right thing at the right moment.
Stuart, Naturally English
English 
Dutch 
French