For many companies in the Netherlands, publishing content in both Dutch and English has become the new norm. Your Dutch workforce, clients and partners expect to read your website, articles, or reports in Dutch, while international stakeholders expect the same information in English.
Choosing one agency that can create content in both languages simplifies the process. However, few agencies offer both Dutch and English writing and editing services. And among those that do, the level of expertise varies. Before you choose, here are four things worth checking.
Published work in both languages
An agency’s service page tells you what it offers, but published work shows what it actually produces. Look for examples of content in both languages: the website itself, articles, case studies, and other publications.
A portfolio tells you more than just whether they work in Dutch and English. It shows how often they work with each and which industries they already understand.
Native or professional expertise
Writing in a language involves more than having a strong vocabulary and correct grammar. Each language has its own tone, style, and conventions that influence how information is presented and how it’s received by the reader.
Native or professional expertise helps copywriters navigate these differences. An agency with real command of both languages understands what each audience expects and how they communicate, allowing content to feel natural and credible rather than translated.
Content that‘s adapted, not mirrored
Writing for two languages requires more than a direct translation. What sounds natural and professional in Dutch doesn’t always land the same way in English. A reference that clicks instantly for a Dutch reader might need some context for an international audience. You may want to include a different example altogether. That’s not just a translation call. It takes understanding that you’re writing for a different cultural frame of reference and knowing what that looks like in practice.
When choosing an agency, look for one that understands when to translate and when to adapt. The right partner keeps the original message and purpose intact while adjusting wording and examples to fit each audience‘s language and cultural context.
One voice, two languages
Consistency matters as much as adaptation. If a company’s brand voice is approachable and direct in Dutch, that same personality should come through in English, even when the wording changes.
An agency working across both languages should be able to carry your brand identity across them, keeping your tone and style consistent so readers recognize your company regardless of language.
Put these checks to the test
At Tekstschrijvers, Dutch and English sit side by side. Our writers work in both languages every week, creating content for companies that need to connect with customers here and audiences abroad.
If you are weighing up your options, apply these four checks to us as well. We are happy to show you our portfolio, talk through how we handle brand voice, and take on a short brief so you can assess our work before you commit.
Keliya Perry
7 August 2026