The number of students choosing to train as Frisian language teachers has more than doubled this year, according to Dutch News. The rise comes amid a wider, historic effort to protect and promote Frisian, the second official language of the Netherlands, spoken mainly in Friesland (Fryslân). While the report does not give exact figures, the trend marks a notable shift for a language that has faced pressure in education and public life.
Frisian is recognised as a minority language under European agreements, and schools in Friesland are expected to teach it. A shortage of qualified Frisian teachers has long been a concern, so more trainees could help strengthen the subject in primary and secondary schools. The increase may also reflect growing interest in regional languages and cultural heritage among younger people.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
If you live in Friesland, you may notice more Frisian in schools and public life. Frisian is closely related to Dutch but is a distinct language, and many residents speak it alongside Dutch. Learning some basic Frisian can be a friendly gesture, though Dutch remains the main language for most official and everyday situations outside the region. For newcomers, this development is a reminder that the Netherlands is multilingual, and that regional languages form part of local identity.