The same goes for the question of where the king got his knowledge of German. At least he didn’t say that from home. “I never spoke German with my father at home,” said Willem-Alexander. His father Prince Claus of course had a difficult start in the Netherlands with his engagement and marriage with Princess Beatrix and decided from the start to speak only Dutch. “I learned it while skiing, from friends and family and a little bit at school,” said der Koning. But when the cases came into play, he dropped out.
That he is praised in Germany for his good German, which he recently called a bit rusty after staying home for a year because of the corona restrictions, Willem-Alexander put it into perspective. ,,I make many mistakes.” His three daughters have all chosen German and Princess Amalia has just graduated in German. Willem-Alexander advised all Dutch people, especially those who live in the border region, to learn the language of the Netherlands’ largest neighbor and most important trading partner. “Go learn German, go speak German,” said the king.
Text: Hans Jacobs / RoyalBlogNL
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