Vincent Otto
25 Aug 2025
5 common mistakes when translating into Dutch – and how to avoid them
1. Word-for-word translation instead of conveying meaning
One of the biggest mistakes in German to Dutch translation is literal translation. Language does not work one-to-one – certain idioms or phrases do not make sense in Dutch. Solution: A professional translator conveys the meaning, not just the words, ensuring clear, natural texts.
2. Ignoring cultural differences
A text can be linguistically correct but culturally inappropriate. For example, Dutch people often prefer direct communication, while German texts sometimes appear more formal. Localisation is also crucial in marketing. Solution: Work with a translator who is familiar with both cultures and adapts your text to the Dutch target audience.
3. Incorrectly translated technical terms
In contracts or technical texts in particular, incorrectly translated terms can quickly lead to misunderstandings. Legal nuances and industry-specific terminology must be translated accurately. Solution: Use a specialist translator for contract translations or technical texts who is familiar with the terminology.
4. Marketing texts without localisation
An advertising slogan that works in Germany often does not work in the Netherlands – or may even sound strange. A ‘normal’ translation is not sufficient here. Solution: A Dutch marketing translator ensures that your message is not only correct, but also convincing and culturally appropriate.
5. Too much trust in machine translations
Tools such as Google Translate or DeepL seem practical at first glance. However, they are risky, especially when it comes to business communication, contract translations or marketing texts. They do not provide cultural adaptations or style, and often contain dangerous inaccuracies. Solution: Use machine translations as a rough guide at most – and rely on a professional German-Dutch translator for important documents.
Conclusion: Avoid mistakes, ensure success
Whether in business communication, contract translations or marketing texts – small translation errors can have big consequences. With an experienced translator, you can ensure that your texts are just as precise, convincing and professional in Dutch as they are in English.
Do you need a professional German ↔ Dutch translation? I can support you with my specialist knowledge, linguistic accuracy and cultural competence.