How to learn Dutch

Do you feel like a new challenge? Learning Dutch is the perfect new challenge for you! Dutch may not be the most spoken language in the world, but it opens doors to vibrant cultures, strong career opportunities, and real-world connections. Plus, mastering Dutch shows your dedication and respect for the people you meet. 

In this guide, you’ll find simple, effective tips to start learning Dutch, and stick with it. No boring textbooks or endless grammar drills. Just real strategies to help you speak, understand, and enjoy the language as part of your daily life.

Why Dutch?

Knowing Dutch connects you to the economic heart of Europe, with Rotterdam and Antwerp hosting two of the three largest ports in the EU. But the language also opens the door to the Flemish region of Belgium, the rainforests of Suriname, and the beautiful Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Saint Maarten.

Besides the fact that you can gain 23 million new friends, there are countless more reasons for you to learn Dutch:

• Expanding your job opportunities
• Travelling will be easier and more fun
• The possibility of working in Dutch-speaking companies
• Expanding your social network
• Immersing yourself in the Dutch culture
• It’s an interesting language
• To gain independence
• Cognitive advantages
• …

Is it easy to learn Dutch?

Learning Dutch may seem challenging, but Dutch is actually not as hard as you might think. Of course, Dutch has its challenges, but compared to languages like Chinese, it’s actually quite manageable.

What makes Dutch easy to learn?

• Germanic roots: Dutch is relatively easy for English speakers to learn due to their shared Germanic roots. Both languages belong to the West Germanic language family, which means they have similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
• Grammar: In general, Dutch grammar isn’t as complex. Adjectives and verb conjugations in Dutch are relatively simpler compared to languages like German or Spanish, making it more accessible for learners.
• Verb tenses: In comparison to Spanish and many other languages, Dutch has many fewer different verb forms.

Some challenges

Pronunciation:

• Dutch sounds like nothing you’ve heard before.
• The "g" in gezellig and vowels like ij, eu, ui can be tricky, but once you learn the patterns, they’re consistent and manageable.

Accents and dialects:

• Dutch has 17+ dialects, and some are nearly different languages!
• Even native Dutch speakers struggle to understand each other sometimes.

 Just for fun, here we list you all the versions of the word potato or "aardappel" in Dutch:

• Aardappel – Standard Dutch
• Patat – Used in the Randstad (e.g., Amsterdam, The Hague)
• Pieper – Common in Gelderland, Overijssel, and parts of the North
• Kriel – Used in West Flanders and refers to small potatoes
• Erdappel – Limburgish and some southern dialects (influenced by German Erdapfel)
• Bolster – Brabant and parts of Zeeland
• Knol – Older Dutch word, still used in some areas
• Tuffel – Dialects in Groningen and Drenthe (similar to German Kartoffel)
• Poeper – Some dialects in Friesland
• Platte – Used in some parts of West Flanders

Confusing word order:

• Dutch word order differs from most other languages, though it's similar to German.
• In main clauses, the verb typically comes in the second position.
• In subordinate clauses, the verb moves to the end:
  • Ik weet dat hij morgen komt – "I know that he comes tomorrow."
• Word order also changes depending on sentence type:
  • Statements, questions, and subordinate clauses all follow different structures.
• Understanding Dutch word order takes practice, but once you grasp the patterns, it becomes intuitive.

Vocabulary:

• Just like German, the Dutch like combining words and making long words.
• Like, for example: Tafeltennistafelverhuurbedrijf, which is mainly just a combination of words, but you will need to master this.
• Luckily, Dutch shares a lot of words with English and German, and even with Latin languages.
• That might seem overwhelming, but it’s often just multiple familiar words stacked together.

Tips and tricks to learn Dutch

Learning a new language can be overwhelming and difficult. But it doesn’t have to be! With the following tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to start your learning journey.

1. Build a personal learning plan:

Many beginners make the mistake of simply jumping without a plan. While enthusiasm is great, it often leads to frustration if your Dutch lessons don’t match your level or address your specific challenges. That’s why the first step to learning Dutch effectively is creating a plan that’s made for you.

At coLanguage, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every student is different, not only in level, but also in time, goals, and motivation. Our teachers guide you, periodically measure your progress, and adapt your learning plan.

2. Immerse yourself in the Dutch culture

Learning Dutch is more effective when you experience the culture behind the language. Dutch culture is rich in traditions, food, and regional expressions, which help bring the language to life.

How to immerse yourself:

• Listen to Dutch music, podcasts, or audiobooks daily
• Watch Dutch movies or series with subtitles.
• Read Dutch stories or newspapers
• Cook traditional Dutch recipes and learn cultural vocabulary.
• Practice with native speakers in real-life scenarios.

Language immersion connects you to the Dutch-speaking world, making learning more natural and enjoyable.

Immersion recommendations

• Dutch series: Undercover, Women of the Night, Knokke off
• Dutch movies: Zwartboek, Spoorloos, Alles is liefde
• Dutch newspapers: De Telegraaf, De Volkskrant, Trouw, De Standaard
• Dutch podcasts: Echt Gebeurd, Een Beetje Nederlands, De Volksjury
• Dutch books: Het Diner, Het Achterhuis, Short Stories in Dutch for Beginners

3. Speak as much as possible

Speaking early is crucial. Don’t wait until you “know enough.”

• Practice short phrases and dialogues from day one
• Make mistakes, it’s part of the process
• Use language exchanges or take speaking-based classes

At coLanguage, conversation isn’t a “bonus”, it’s the core of what we do. Our conversation classes are designed to simulate real-life situations, so you can learn by doing, not just studying. We believe in social learning, because it keeps you motivated, accountable, and engaged.

And yes! You can start speaking even if you're a beginner. The sooner you speak, the sooner you’ll feel like you're actually learning the language.

4. Learn with a teacher

While apps and textbooks can help, learning Dutch with a professional teacher offers structure and support that self-study often lacks.

Benefits of learning with a teacher:

• Personalized feedback to improve pronunciation and accuracy
• Guidance in practical situations like travel or work conversations
• Customized learning plans tailored to your level and goals
• Teachers can answer questions about grammar
• Regular speaking practice to build fluency

At coLanguage, we select experienced and professional teachers to guide you in the conversation classes. With experienced teachers and flexible online classes, you can progress consistently and confidently.

5. Consistency is key

Consistency is key when it comes to language learning. It’s important to dedicate small, regular chunks of time to practice every day. Even 15 to 30 minutes per day can make a huge difference over time.

Tips for staying consistent:

• Read short articles, stories, or news in Dutch
• Listen to Dutch music or podcasts while commuting or during breaks
• Practice speaking with a teacher or language partner daily

At coLanguage, we understand that real learning happens when you build a consistent routine that fits your lifestyle. 

Our structured learning plans are designed to fit into your schedule, with personalized lessons that can be practiced in short sessions. Whether you’re at home, on your commute, or during a lunch break, you’ll have access to interactive materials that you can use anytime, anywhere.

6. Surround yourself with the Dutch

Surrounding yourself with the Dutch language is one of the most effective ways to speed up your learning process. Here are some practical ways to do that:

• Change the language on your devices: Switch your phone, computer, and apps to Dutch. This helps you get used to reading and understanding the language in real-life contexts every day.
• Language cafés: Join language cafés where you can practice speaking Dutch with native speakers in a casual, relaxed environment.
• Tag objects around your house: Write the Dutch words on flashcards and attach them to the objects in your home.
• Volunteer or work in Dutch-speaking environments: Volunteering or finding a job where Dutch is the primary language helps you practice in real-world situations, while also interacting with native speakers.

Are there any Dutch certificates?

Yes, there are! The Nederlandse Taalunie is responsible for the diffusion of Dutch, and both the NT2 exam and the CNaVT (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal) in Belgium follow official guidelines based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) that define which grammar and vocabulary should be studied at each level.

We structured those guidelines in our learning materials, and during your conversation classes with any of our teachers, you study exactly what you should know for the preparation of any of those exams, in accordance with the cross-country guidelines of the Nederlandse Taalunie.

Survival Dutch for beginners

Before diving into the complexities of Dutch, it’s helpful to learn some survival words and phrases that will help you navigate everyday situations with ease.

• Goedemorgen: Good morning
• Alstublieft: Please
• Dank je: Thank you
• Sorry: Sorry
• Hoeveel kost het? How much does it cost?
• Ik spreek geen Nederlands: I don’t speak Dutch
• Kunt u het herhalen alstublieft?: Could you repeat please?
• Doei: Bye
• Ja: Yes
• Nee: No
• Hoe gaat het?: How are you?
• Kunt u me helpen?: Can you help me?

Start learning with coLanguage

Our approach is designed to keep you engaged, motivated, and on track. This way, you can reach fluency without feeling overwhelmed. Here's how we do it:

• Personalized guidance from experienced teachers
• Clear and structured course plan following official language guidelines
• Practical conversation classes
• Flexibility in lesson format and timing
• Short supportive revision materials for reinforcement

Each CEFR level at coLanguage consists of 6 modules and can be completed in 1-2 months. You’ll learn 800 new words per level, covering key vocabulary, grammar, and real-world dialogue. 

Don’t wait any longer and start your learning journey with coLanguage! Sign up and start today!