Maria, a young singer from Groningen, has travelled to Malta ahead of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest final next week. She will represent the Netherlands with her song Stronger Together, which is about togetherness, looking out for one another, and making an effort to understand other people. The music video was recorded in the centre of Groningen. Maria is the youngest participant in this year's contest, and she admitted to feeling a few nerves as she boarded her flight.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
Maria's song title and message are a gentle reminder of the value of connection, something that resonates with anyone settling into a new country. The Dutch phrase for good luck, 'succes', is worth learning, and you might hear people say 'zet hem op' to cheer someone on. Following a Dutch contestant like Maria can be a lighthearted way to practise listening to Dutch and to pick up everyday expressions around encouragement and support. It also offers a glimpse into how the Netherlands celebrates young talent from regions like Groningen. If you are new here, events like this can be a friendly conversation starter with neighbours or classmates.