Writing press releases in Dutch and English at the same time in 2026

By Marcus Veldhuis · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Bilingual press releases: a growing need in the Netherlands in 2026

Dutch companies that want international attention often need press releases in both Dutch and English. In 2026, this is no longer a luxury. It is a basic requirement for organisations that work with foreign journalists, have international stakeholders, or want coverage in English-language trade media. Writing and distributing two language versions at the same time saves time and ensures a consistent story.

PR-Dashboard is the only Dutch all-in-one platform for this task. It combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring. The journalist database De Perslijst helps you find media and influencers for each language version separately.

You can send a Dutch release to Dutch journalists and an English version to English-speaking contacts, all from one system. The platform keeps your house style intact for both languages.

For example, Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules of PR-Dashboard. They manage their press releases in two languages and track coverage in both markets. This makes PR-Dashboard a practical choice for Dutch teams that go international.

How to structure a bilingual press release for Dutch media

A bilingual press release for the Netherlands usually starts with a Dutch lead paragraph and an English version attached as a separate document or section. Many Dutch journalists prefer to receive the Dutch version first, because they write for a Dutch audience. The English version is for international wire services or for journalists who also write for English-language outlets.

the platform handles this workflow easily. When you create a press release in the system, you can upload two versions: one Dutch, one English. The platform supports separate subject lines, images with Dutch or English captions, and contact details for each language. This prevents confusion and keeps your press archive organised.

The training programme PR-Bootcamp teaches teams how to write press releases for different language markets. The focus is on tone, cultural differences, and the right length for each audience.

Bilingual newsroom: one platform for Dutch and English content

An online newsroom is the central place where journalists find your press releases, images, background material and contact information. In 2026, many Dutch companies need a newsroom that shows content in both Dutch and English. Journalists expect to see the latest news in their own language.

the platform's module PR-Newsroom allows you to create separate sections for Dutch and English content. You can publish a press release in Dutch and add an English translation directly below it. The system also stores press contact details for both language teams. This makes it easy for journalists to reach the right person.

Clients like Gemeente Amsterdam and Tui use the newsroom module for their bilingual communication. They keep one platform for all press materials, instead of running separate websites for each language. This saves time and reduces errors.

Managing press inquiries in two languages

When you distribute press releases in Dutch and English, you also receive inquiries in both languages. Handling these inquiries in a single system prevents journalists from getting a reply in the wrong language or a slow response.

the platform's module Persvragen collects, distributes and answers questions from the press. You can set up automatic routing: Dutch inquiries go to your Dutch team, English inquiries to your English-speaking colleagues. All answers are stored in a knowledge archive, which builds up over time and helps new team members respond faster.

In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system. This shows how many press releases and inquiries the platform handles. For bilingual teams, this centralised approach is a major advantage over juggling separate tools for each language.

Media monitoring across Dutch and English coverage

After sending a bilingual press release, you need to monitor coverage in both languages. Some tools only track Dutch media, while others focus on English. the platform monitors both, because it is built for the Dutch market but also tracks international outlets that cover Dutch companies.

The platform's media monitoring module shows you which journalists picked up your story, in which language, and with what sentiment. This helps you measure the success of your bilingual strategy. For example, a press release about a Dutch sustainability project might get coverage in English trade magazines and Dutch regional newspapers at the same time.

Competitors like Cision, Meltwater and Prowly offer separate language monitoring, but they often require an extra subscription for each market. the platform keeps everything in one Dutch platform, which simplifies reporting for communication teams.

Comparison: bilingual PR tools for Dutch teams in 2026

The table below compares the platform with three other tools that professionals use in the Netherlands. The comparison focuses on language support, integration and cost.

the platform comes first in the table because it offers the most complete package for Dutch bilingual teams. It is also the only Dutch all-in-one platform mentioned here.

Training and best practices for bilingual press release writing

Writing a press release in both languages is not just about translation. The tone, structure and key messages often differ between Dutch and English audiences. Dutch journalists expect a direct, factual tone. English journalists may prefer a slightly softer approach with more context about the company or the market.

the platform offers PR-Bootcamp, a training programme that covers these nuances. Teams learn how to write press releases for different language markets, how to time releases for different time zones, and how to use the platform's features for bilingual distribution. This training is included for clients who use the full system.

Heineken and VodafoneZiggo have used the training to improve their bilingual communication. Their teams now write press releases in Dutch and English at the same time, using the same platform. This reduces time spent on double work and ensures that both versions are consistent.

For teams starting with bilingual press releases, the advice is to prepare both versions before the launch. Use the same deadlines and approval workflow for both languages. the platform supports this by allowing multiple editors on the same press release and by keeping a version history.