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When Dutch families consider moving to Portugal, one of the most common concerns is language. But here’s the good news: Dutch and Portuguese share more in common than you might think! Thanks to Latin roots, colonial influences, and modern European integration, there are dozens of familiar words that make communication a lot easier than expected.
As Immo Lusitania helps more and more Dutch clients relocate to the Algarve, Alentejo, and even Lisbon, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly Dutch newcomers pick up the essentials. Let’s explore some of the most common and surprising look-alike words!
🗣️ Dutch-Portuguese Word Twins
Here are some pairs that are either identical or very similar in meaning and sound:
| Dutch | Portuguese | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Banco | Bank |
| Auto | Auto | Car |
| Familie | Família | Family |
| Appartement | Apartamento | Apartment |
| Universiteit | Universidade | University |
| Direct | Direto | Direct |
| Interessant | Interessante | Interesting |
| Muziek | Música | Music |
| Telefoon | Telefone | Telephone |
| Nationaal | Nacional | National |
💡 Pro Tip: Portuguese pronunciation may differ, but written words often feel very intuitive for Dutch speakers.
🛒 Everyday Words You’ll Recognize at the Market
| Dutch | Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Tomaat | Tomate | Tomato |
| Brood | Pão | Bread |
| Kaas | Queijo | Cheese |
| Melk | Leite | Milk |
| Appel | Maçã | Apple |
| Banaan | Banana | Banana |
| Olijfolie | Azeite | Olive Oil |
🛍️ Shopping in Portugal is easier than expected—especially in markets and bakeries that use visual labeling and regional dialects. Most Dutch expats say it only takes a few weeks to get the hang of everyday phrases.
🧳 Why Dutch People Feel at Home in Portugal
Besides the linguistic overlap, Portugal offers:
- A relaxed family lifestyle 🧘♂️
- Strong eco-conscious and off-grid communities 🌱
- Direct daily flights from Schiphol, Rotterdam & Eindhoven ✈️
- Affordable homes and renovation projects 🏡
- Safety, sunshine, and simplicity ☀️
🇵🇹 Immo Lusitania helps Dutch clients:
- Find authentic homes in the Alentejo and Algarve
- Navigate the entire process in Dutch, English, and Portuguese
- Coordinate legal support, renovations, and relocation services
👋 Meet Ferdi Van Duijvenbode – Your Dutch-speaking guide in Portugal
Ferdi was born in Portugal to Dutch parents and is fluent in both Dutch and Portuguese. With deep local roots and a multicultural mindset, he understands exactly what Dutch expats need when buying or relocating. Ferdi personally guides many of our Dutch-speaking clients—offering insights, trust, and full bilingual support from A to Z.
📈 Fun Fact: More than 30,000 Dutch nationals live part- or full-time in Portugal—and the number keeps growing.
📣 Ready to Make Portugal Your Home?
Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic Alentejo farmhouse or a sunlit Algarve villa, Immo Lusitania offers full-service support—in your language, at your pace.
📩 Contact us today: immolusitania.ch/contact-us
📧 Ferdi (EN, NL, PT): ferdi@immolusitania.ch
📧 Nadia (DE): nadia@immolusitania.ch
📧 John (FI, SV): john@immolusitania.ch
📲 WhatsApp Ferdi or schedule a call via Calendly
🔗 Internal Links:
🎧 Listen & Learn on the Go!
Follow our Spotify Podcast for short, helpful episodes about moving to Portugal, buying property, and understanding the culture:
👉 Immo Lusitania on Spotify
📱 Visiting Portugal soon? Stay connected with our eSIM partner Airalo:
👉 Get your eSIM here
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Immo Lusitania works with certified professionals and may include referral links to support our platform.
