A language is not a personality
Dutch-speaking teams include people with different backgrounds, habits and communication styles. “Dutch directness” can be a useful conversation starter, but not a rule about how every colleague behaves. Notice the person in front of you rather than expecting a nationality to explain them.
Say what you mean, kindly
A clear request can still feel warm. Instead of “this is wrong”, explain what needs to change and why. When giving feedback across languages, check whether your words sound as intended. A small phrase such as “can we look at this together?” can make room for collaboration without hiding the message.
Ask about the team’s habits
How do people disagree in a meeting? Is a quick chat welcome, or should decisions be written down? What does an urgent message really mean? Asking these questions early prevents assumptions from becoming frustrations. If you are a new colleague, you are allowed to ask for context.
Build a shared rhythm
Agree on simple habits: clear handovers, time for questions and feedback that describes actions rather than labels people. Share something of home if you enjoy doing so, but stay curious about your colleagues too. A welcoming international workplace is made in small everyday moments, not by asking everybody to communicate in exactly the same way.
