Being Dutch means according to me that you always try to express yourself in another language. Even if you only have minimal knowledge of the language.
The examples of classic Dutch 1-on-1 translation errors are numerous (this brilliant book always makes me laugh). It is like the most basic and ancient version of google translate is released when we say something. To give you an example, last month I heard someone say “we don’t want to burden the project with tooters and bells”. Now I don’t care where you came from, but that’s just wrong (if you want to know it is “bells and whistles”). But there are far more embarrassing examples (as mentioned see the book). Now do not get me wrong, I feel the willingness of us Dutchies to try and make an effort is something praiseworthy. Many people I know have actually learned the languages for ages and should probably speak flawlessly, but do not dare to do so.
So I advocate for doing things even when you know very little, it is a great way to learn and experiment. And to keep your skills alive or broaden them…but maybe be bold enough to say you are trying as you don’t know the language (or skill) well and ask the other person(s)to assist you in getting better… Vulnerable – yes. Wise – absolutely