At Tekstschrijvers, we specialize in professional content writing and editing services in Dutch and English. We work with an enormous variety of organizations across virtually every sector imaginable. Our clients include Dutch businesses expanding globally and international businesses establishing themselves in the Dutch market. Our team consists of native English speakers alongside Dutch speakers with native-level English proficiency, ensuring we fully understand your message and can seamlessly translate it into natural, authentic English.
The Netherlands hosts numerous international companies, many with Dutch origins. That presents a fundamental challenge: adopting an English-first approach or implementing a hybrid model with content available in both Dutch and English. Whatever direction you choose, Tekstschrijvers can help you navigate this transition seamlessly.
Over the years, we’ve observed that even the most skilled Dutch professionals encounter challenges when writing in English—from selecting the appropriate tone and word choice to structuring content that feels natural and confident in a business context. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common pitfalls we’ve encountered in Dutch-to-English business writing and provide practical strategies to help you avoid them. Whether you’re developing emails, presentations or even entire annual reports, these insights will help you communicate with clarity and confidence.
Common English business writing mistakes and tips
1. Long, complex sentences
Writing in long, complex sentences can make ideas hard to follow. When too many thoughts are packed into one sentence, it can confuse the reader and weaken the message.
Example: Although the past year was again a step-up in terms of the quality of work, the ongoing challenges posed by the tight labor market continue to persist, exerting significant pressure on our operations and resources.
Improved version: In 2024, we saw progress in the quality of our work. However, persistent challenges within the labor market continue to exert pressure on our operations and resources.
Tip: Try using simple and direct language, removing unnecessary words, and dividing the sentence into two when possible.
2. Direct translations of Dutch idioms or expressions
Dutch idioms and expressions often have unique cultural and linguistic roots that don’t always translate seamlessly. As a result, directly translating them into English can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing.
“Cooperate with” vs. “Collaborate with”
Explanation: In Dutch, “samenwerken met” is often translated as “to cooperate with.” However, in English, “cooperate” can sound reluctant or passive, implying minimal or forced interaction. The writer may unintentionally give the wrong impression, while what they really mean is “collaborate with,” which conveys active, engaged teamwork.
“Follow a training” vs. “Attend a training” or “Take a course”
Explanation: While “een training volgen” is perfectly usable in Dutch, the direct English translation “follow a training” is unnatural. Consider alternatives such as “attend a training” or “taking a course” to convey the active participation in a training course or program.
“Stimulate” vs. “Foster,” “Promote,” “Incentivize,” or “Encourage”
Explanation: The Dutch use “stimuleren” extensively in business writing, often referring to providing an incentive or some other type of support to achieve a positive outcome. We “stimulate” professional development, economic growth, a supportive work environment, etc. In English, consider alternatives. Depending on your meaning, you may use “foster” (e.g., we foster a positive work environment), “promote” (e.g., we actively promote ownership through profit sharing), “incentivize” (e.g., we incentivize referrals by offering bonuses), or “encourage” (e.g., we encourage the use of AI for performing daily tasks).
“Realize turnover” vs. “Generate revenue” or “Achieve sales”
Explanation: Dutch speakers commonly use “realize turnover” as a direct translation of “omzet realiseren.” While “realize” is technically correct in English, it sounds overly formal. Native English speakers typically say “generate revenue” or “achieve sales.” These alternatives feel more natural in business contexts.
Tip: Focus on the meaning the idiom or expression is trying to convey, not just the words, and use direct language to express that meaning.
3. Unnatural word order or passive voice
Using an unnatural word order or passive voice can make sentences difficult to read and less engaging because they often hide who is doing what, weakening the overall message.
Example: Our efforts have been focused on being a more sustainable company by reducing waste and increasing our energy efficiency. We have already largely taken this step with our actions in 2023.
Improved version: We have focused our efforts on being a more sustainable company by reducing waste and increasing our energy efficiency. We have already taken a large step towards this in 2023.
Tip: Use an active voice, when possible, for a simpler and clearer sentence.
4. Overuse of filler words
People often use filler words, such as “thereby,” “hereby,” “thus,” and “herein” to add formality; however, they often make sentences longer and more complicated to read.
Example: We hereby present our 2024 annual report, thereby offering a detailed reflection of our performance and progress throughout the year.
Improved version: We present our 2024 annual report, offering a detailed reflection of our performance and progress throughout the year.
Tip: Remove filler words to make your sentences clearer and more concise.
5. Mixing British and American English
The differences between British and American English are subtle, so it’s easy to make mistakes. However, using one style consistently shows attention to detail and gives your writing a polished, professional feel. Most companies have style guides. You should check if there is a style guide and whether your company has chosen to stick with British or American English. If a style guide is not available, you should ask your communications department which style is preferred.
Example: To enhance cybersecurity awareness, we organize events and create educational programmes. We subsequently analyze participant engagement to help improve the effectiveness of our events and programs.
British English: To enhance cybersecurity awareness, we organise events and create educational programmes. We subsequently analyse participant engagement to help improve the effectiveness of our events and programmes.
American English: To enhance cybersecurity awareness, we organize events and create educational programs. We subsequently analyze participant engagement to help improve the effectiveness of our events and programs.
Tip: Check your text for the most common spelling differences, such as –or vs.-our, -ize vs.-ise, -er vs.-re, and -ll vs. -l.
Recommendation: Tekstschrijvers can also provide support in developing style guides.
Professional English writing services
Writing in a second language, especially in a business context, is challenging, even for experienced professionals. The good news is that with a few thoughtful changes, your English texts can come across much more natural and polished. And when you get stuck or need an extra set of eyes, we are here to help you.
At Tekstschrijvers, we love helping Dutch businesses and subsidiaries improve their English communication, whether it’s internal documents such as annual reports, websites and marketing materials, or client-facing content. Our writers are here to ensure your message is clear, polished, and fully tailored to your audience.
Need help with English business writing? Contact us to learn more about our English content writing services. We’d love to welcome you at our office in Rotterdam, and we’ll gladly come your way too. Send us a message through our contact form or contact us at info@tekstschrijvers.nl or + 31 88 007 22 00.
Keliya Perry
15 July 2025