Language in Dutch court hearings: Do I need an interpreter?

For many expats, one of the most pressing concerns when going to court in the Netherlands is the language barrier. Dutch legal language can be difficult – even for native speakers. So what happens if you’re not fluent in Dutch? 

Here’s what you need to know about the language used in court and how to prepare if you don’t speak Dutch. 

The language of the court is Dutch 

Court hearings in the Netherlands are held in Dutch. This applies to all spoken communication, as well as all official documents, decisions, and court records. 

There are a few exceptions – for instance, in international commercial disputes or arbitration cases, the court may allow English. But in regular civil law cases, the default and official language remains Dutch. 

Even though Dutch judges are highly educated and often speak English very well, the court must still use Dutch as the official language. Court staff also rely on Dutch to take accurate notes of the hearing. 

What about documents? 

Documents like passports, birth certificates or diplomas are generally accepted in English, German, French or Spanish. There’s no need to have them translated unless the court explicitly asks for it. 

However, more complex or specific documents – such as medical reports, contracts, or financial statements – may need to be translated into Dutch if the court or the other party requests it. 

Do I need an interpreter? 

If you’re not fluent in Dutch, you must arrange for an interpreter. The court does not provide one. If you work with a lawyer, they will usually take care of organising the interpreter for you – but you should always double-check this. 

Even if your lawyer speaks your language, they are not allowed to act as your interpreter in court. This is because the roles of lawyer and interpreter must remain separate. 

Why a multilingual lawyer still helps 

Working with a lawyer who speaks your language is still incredibly valuable. It helps you: 

• Fully understand your rights, obligations, and options. 

• Feel heard and supported during preparation. 

• Discuss your case freely without worrying about translation errors. 

• Communicate easily in informal settings – such as hallway negotiations or strategy talks. 

In court, however, your lawyer must remain in their role as legal representative – and a certified interpreter must do the translating. 

How interpreting works in court 

Most interpreters work with simultaneous translation. They sit slightly behind you and speak into a microphone, while you wear headphones. This allows you to follow what’s happening in real time without interrupting the flow of the hearing. 

However, not all interpreters use a microphone and headphones. Some still work the traditional way, sitting beside you and whispering the translation directly. While both methods are accepted, using headphones is often more effective – especially if you understand a little Dutch. Without them, your brain may constantly switch between languages, which can be confusing and make it harder to focus on what really matters. 

When it’s your turn to speak: 

• You speak in your preferred language (for example, English or Spanish). 

• The interpreter then translates your words into Dutch – usually consecutively, meaning after you’ve finished speaking. 

A few tips for speaking through an interpreter 

• Pause regularly: Don’t speak for several minutes without a break. The longer you talk, the harder it is to translate accurately. 
•  Use clear sentences: This makes the interpreter’s job easier and ensures your message comes through as intended. 
•  Be patient: It can feel unnatural to pause mid-thought, but this helps ensure that nothing gets lost in translation. 

Even if the judge understands everything you say in English, the court still needs an official Dutch translation – especially for the written record. 

Conclusion 

If you’re not fluent in Dutch, you will need an interpreter in court. The court doesn’t arrange this for you, so make sure to sort it out in advance – either yourself or through your lawyer. While a multilingual lawyer makes the preparation much easier, they can’t replace a certified interpreter during the hearing. With the right support in place, you can be fully involved in your case and trust that everything you say is clearly understood and properly translated. 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legally binding. Although we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know by contacting us via the contact form located at the bottom of the page.

Picture : Created by Sora/ ChatGPT