Yes, you can still learn Dutch as a third language even if you never plan to visit a Dutch-speaking country, but it depends on your personal goals. If your main aim is practicality or career utility, German or Turkish might offer more speakers or regional relevance. However, if you are drawn to Dutch for its cultural richness, literature, or the challenge of a Germanic language, it is absolutely worth pursuing.
Dutch is spoken by about 24 million native speakers, mostly in the Netherlands and Belgium, but also in Suriname and parts of the Caribbean. Since you are not planning to travel, your motivation will likely come from other sources: reading Dutch books or news, watching films or YouTube channels, listening to music, or connecting with online communities. The language is often described as a bridge between English and German, so if you already know English, Dutch vocabulary and grammar will feel familiar. Many learners find it easier to start than German because of simpler grammar (no case system in everyday speech, for example).
On the other hand, German has over 100 million native speakers and is more widely studied for business, science, and travel across Central Europe. Turkish, with about 80 million speakers, opens doors to Turkey and diaspora communities worldwide. Both offer more immediate practical benefits if you want to use the language in daily life or work. Dutch is more niche, but that can also mean less competition if you ever need it professionally.
To decide, ask yourself: What excites you about learning a language? If it is the joy of mastering a new system, Dutch is a rewarding choice. If you want maximum return on investment in terms of speakers or travel, German or Turkish might be better. You can also start with Dutch and switch later; no decision is permanent.
Concrete next steps: Use free resources like Duolingo or Memrise for vocabulary, listen to Dutch podcasts (e.g., "Zeg het in het Nederlands" or "DutchPod101"), and read simple news sites like NOS Jeugdjournaal. Join online language exchange communities on Reddit or Discord to practice speaking. If you later decide to switch, your language learning skills will transfer. The key is consistency, not perfection.