Living in a foreign country can be challenging, but what happens when your partner refuses to learn the language? That’s the dilemma faced by a Dutch man and his Italian girlfriend. Despite living in the Netherlands for five years, she hasn’t made an effort to learn Dutch. This has led to arguments and hurt feelings.
The latest fight ended with the man telling her to move back to Italy if she doesn’t like the language. But was this too extreme? Should they find a compromise in this situation or is it time to call it quits? Read on to find out more.
Language barrier causing relationship troubles in the Netherlands

Language barrier strains relationship as girlfriend refuses to learn Dutch

Language barrier causing relationship troubles. Should partners share languages?

Frustrated boyfriend asks Italian girlfriend to learn Dutch or leave.

Communication breakdown leads to heated argument

Dutch man demands Italian girlfriend to learn Dutch or leave

Multilingual couple fights over language barrier, resulting in ultimatum.

Language barrier causing relationship issues. AITA for overreacting?

Language barrier causes tension in Dutch-Italian relationship
A Dutch man is frustrated that his Italian girlfriend refuses to learn Dutch despite living in the Netherlands for 5 years. The couple got into an argument after he suggested showing her a part of the country she hasn’t seen, to which she joked that she wants to go somewhere she doesn’t have to hear Dutch.
He then asked her how she would feel if he moved to Italy and refused to learn Italian. The argument escalated, and in the heat of the moment, he told her she should move back to Italy. The man is wondering if he was in the wrong for saying that and for being upset about her lack of effort to learn his language.
While many Dutch people do speak English, he feels that it’s important for her to learn the language of the country she’s living in. This situation highlights the challenges that can arise in relationships due to language barriers, and the importance of communication and mutual understanding.
Stay tuned for the reactions and comments from our readers.
NTA for wanting girlfriend to learn Dutch, but comment section debates language beauty.

NTA insists girlfriend learn Dutch after 5 years together

NTA for expecting basic language skills, but relationship may suffer.

Learning a new language can be difficult but worth it

NTA for expecting respect for culture and language. Language shaming isn’t okay.
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Stand up for yourself! You’re not the a**hole in this situation

Dutch locals share perspective on language and cultural respect.

Expecting someone to learn your language when they don’t need to? ESH

German Redditor sympathizes with Italian OP on language discrimination.

Italian girlfriend criticized for not learning Dutch, but job prospects and English-speaking expat community make the Netherlands a popular place to work. NTA.

OP’s girlfriend is criticized for not learning Dutch, but calling the language ‘ugly’ is rude. ESH

Culture clash: A heated debate on language barriers in relationships.

Expecting girlfriend to learn Dutch but not learning Italian himself. ESH.

Discussion on Dutch language and cultural differences turns into accusations of xenophobia.

Language barriers in relationships can be tough.

YTA told girlfriend to move back to her country for not learning Dutch

Communication is key! It’s okay to feel shy/embarrassed when learning

A comment on language barrier and civility.

Partner’s refusal to learn Dutch shows disrespect towards relationship

Language barrier causing relationship issues? YTA, says commenter.

Language barrier causing relationship issues. NTA for setting boundaries.

Discussing language expectations and future plans in relationships

Expats weigh in on whether girlfriend needs to learn Dutch. ESH.

Half-Dutch commenter calls out OP for being the YTA ♂️

NTA for expecting respect towards language and culture

Italian girlfriend refuses to learn Dutch, gets sent packing
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Learning Dutch can be tough, but it’s necessary for immigrants. ESH.

Learning the language of the country you’re living in? NTA wins!

Relationship advice needed.

Italian defends not speaking Dutch fluently in Switzerland, NTA.

Dutch language debate in relationship: YTA for asking her to leave

Partner insults native language, NTA for asking them to leave

Partner’s refusal to learn language and disrespect for culture causes argument.

NTA tells Italian girlfriend to leave for not learning Dutch

Learning the basics of the local language shows respect

Learning Dutch is fun! But should language proficiency end a relationship?

Sounds like he dodged a bullet. Not the a**hole.

Language expectations: fair or unfair?

Yikes! 5 years and no basics learned. #NTA

Learning basic pleasantries in a foreign country is common courtesy

Clear judgement, no a-hole here!

Intercultural relationship struggles: YTA told Italian girlfriend to leave ♂️

Learning the local language is polite ️

Debate on language learning and cultural respect in relationships

Engage with your guests through cute Dutch words! NTA.

Heritage insulted, Dutch speaker tells Italian girlfriend to leave. NTA.

Learning the language is a must when becoming a resident ️

Learning Dutch is manageable, communication is key. NTA.

Encourage her to learn Dutch, but also understand her perspective

Learning the local language is a must

Dutch language insulted, but is OP still not the a-hole?

Learning local language is important. NTA for asking girlfriend.

Being an expat doesn’t excuse not learning the local language.
