Dutch voiceover translation is not that easy

Dutch, or Nederlands as it is called in my native tongue, is the mother tongue of approximately 23 million people worldwide. Most residents of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname speak Dutch. Additionally, Dutch is an official language in Aruba, Curaçao, and Saint Martin, making it a significant language in various regions beyond Europe. However, there is not one Dutch language. Well, not really.

Dutch voiceover translation faces substantial differences in words and pronunciation

Although the vocabulary and grammar of the Dutch language are largely consistent across these regions, there are substantial differences in word usage and pronunciation. Cultural nuances also play a significant role in how the language is spoken and understood in different areas. This means that while Dutch may be the common thread, the way it is woven into daily life varies widely. This makes Dutch voiceover translation and localization a challenge.

Two separate markets: Belgium and The Netherlands

Although Belgium and my country the Netherlands are neighboring countries, we don’t live in the same media market. That means that books, magazines, radio, television and online media generally don’t cross our borders. At least not without localization, like subtitling. 

That is mostly because of the differences between our languages. In the Netherlands we speak Dutch, whereas our Southern neighbors speak Vlaams, or Flemish in English. Vlaams is not an official language, but a variant of Dutch. Flemish has unique characteristics that distinguish it from standard Dutch. 

Examples of linguistic differences

Essentially, we speak the same language in Belgium and the Netherlands, but there are significant differences. In the Netherlands, about sixteen million people speak Dutch. In Belgium, six million people speak Dutch, which is about sixty percent of the Belgian population. Another part of the Belgians, around four million, have French as their mother tongue.

Between Dutch and Flemish, there are hundreds of words and expressions that are not interchangeable. For example:

Vijgen na Pasen (Flemish) – Mosterd na de maaltijd (Dutch)
Both mean ’too little, too late’ but the expressions are completely different.

Muizenstrontjes (Flemish) – Hagelslag (Dutch)
Refers to chocolate sprinkles (yes, we love to put hagelslag on bread in the Netherlands).

Lavabo (Flemish) – Wastafel (Dutch)
Both mean ‘sink’

Camion (Flemish) – Vrachtauto (Dutch)
Both mean ’truck’

Ambetant (Flemish) – Vervelend (Dutch)
Both mean ‘annoying’

This linguistic diversity reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the Dutch-speaking world but can pose challenges in communication, especially in professional settings like voice-over work.

The challenge in Dutch voiceover translation

These variations make Dutch voiceover translation not impossible, but it certainly adds a layer of complexity. When creating content that will be consumed by Dutch speakers, it’s crucial to consider these regional differences. The same goes for localization. A one-size-fits-all approach to translation can lead to misunderstandings or a message that doesn’t resonate with the intended audience.

Real-world example

For instance, I once had to voice an instructional film for employees of a large French-Dutch construction company. My client was a French video production company. The Dutch voiceover translation was clearly done by a Flemish speaker and had to be voiced by me, a native Dutch voiceover artist. 

The script included, ‘Als er een camion op de werf arriveert (…),’ which is incomprehensible for a Dutch person. We would say, ‘Zodra er een vrachtwagen bij de bouwplaats aankomt (…).’

And this was just the tip of the iceberg; the script was full of these so-called Belgicisms. Unfortunately, the client was adamant; the script had already been approved by their client, so I had to record it as it was. It’s a shame to spend so much money on a voice-over when the audience has no idea what is being said.

The importance of targeting your audience in Dutch (voiceover) translation

Therefore, I strongly advise determining beforehand which specific part of the Dutch language area your production needs to target. Working with local speakers for both the translation and the voice-over is essential to ensure authenticity and accuracy. Native speakers bring invaluable insights into regional idioms, colloquialisms, and the subtle nuances of pronunciation that can make or break the effectiveness of your project.

Translation and voiceover casting

If you like, I can review the (voiceover) translation for you to ensure it meets the highest standards, or I can handle the entire process from start to finish. The same level of care applies to the casting of your voice-over artists. Ensuring that you have the right voice, with the correct accent, that resonates with your target audience can significantly enhance the impact of your production.

By paying attention to these details and leveraging the expertise of local professionals, you can create content that truly speaks to your audience, no matter which part of the Dutch-speaking world they are in.