So you want to learn Dutch? Where to start:

Note: In this article, I will link to several other websites and publishers. None of these are affiliate links.

In this article:

• Why learn Dutch?

• Dutch vs. Flemish: What’s the difference?

• How to set clear goals

• Choosing the right resources

• The best Dutch textbooks for beginners

Why learn Dutch?

Did you know Dutch is spoken by over 23 million people worldwide? It is the national language of the Netherlands, and aside from French, it is also the language of approximately 6.5 million Belgians. But did you know Dutch is also spoken in Suriname in South America and in Curaçao, Saint Martin, and Aruba in the Caribbean? Who would have thought that Dutch could be so exotic?

Learning Dutch can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Nothing beats the feeling of starting your language learning journey from scratch, only to find yourself a few weeks later uttering your first full sentences with growing confidence.

Learning a new language truly transforms your life forever. Think of it this way: you start out as a person with zero knowledge about Dutch, but at the end of your journey, you will be someone who is competent in this entirely new language. You will never be the same person again, in the most positive way possible. You now have the tools to express objects and ideas with an entirely new set of vocabulary. There is even a theory, known as the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, that suggests the language you speak might influence the way you perceive reality. Other studies indicate that speaking multiple languages might make you more empathetic and understanding towards other cultures. In other words, you become a better person!

Dutch vs. Flemish: What’s the Difference?

In a nutshell, Dutch is the national language of the Netherlands, and Flemish is the national language of Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. They differ in the way that British and American English do. It's the same language but with slightly different pronunciations that can even vary from region to region within the same country. Then again, even in the United States, there are differences between Texas and New York, and many British people could tell you a story or two about an incomprehensible encounter with someone who spoke Cockney or in a thick Brummie accent. All that said, while the difference between Dutch and Flemish might seem complicated at first, it is definitely not unique!

Sometimes, the Dutch and the Flemish might use different words to refer to the same object, which occasionally leads to mild confusion or a chuckle. It is important to know that both Dutch and Flemish have the same grammar and use the same dictionaries. Unless you find yourself in a remote village in the deep countryside, Dutch and Flemish speakers can understand each other with relative ease.

How to set clear goals

Create a personal language learning plan and make it SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Specific: Set a concrete goal for yourself. For instance, you could say, "I want to achieve conversational fluency within the next 12 weeks" or "I aim to progress from level A2 to level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages." This will help you narrow down your focus. Starting out with a specific goal can guide your initial steps and learning priorities.

Measurable: Establish criteria to track your progress and success. For example, you can take an online proficiency test by your deadline to assess your achievement. If your goal involves expanding your Dutch vocabulary, you might test yourself weekly to see how many new words you've learned. Tools like flashcards can be very effective for this purpose.

Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic. If you're a complete beginner, achieving native-like fluency in six months is highly unlikely. Similarly, if you only have limited daily study time, committing to two hours of practice every day might not be feasible. An achievable goal for a beginner could be mastering basic self-introduction and answering simple questions about your background in Dutch within two weeks. For an advanced learner, focusing on mastering how to express hypothetical situations in Dutch over the next two weeks could be a realistic goal.

Relevant: Align your goals with your overall objectives and interests. If your aim is to pass a language exam, focusing on the exam's curriculum and required materials makes sense. On the other hand, if you're preparing for a trip to Amsterdam or Antwerp, learning specific medical vocabulary to discuss recent developments in eye surgery is probably unnecessary. Make sure your goals are relevant to what you need and want to achieve in your language learning journey.

Time-bound: Set a clear timeline for your goals to provide perspective and create a sense of urgency. It's common to delay plans indefinitely, waiting for the "right time." Set specific deadlines for achieving each milestone. Remember, short-term goals are often easier to maintain than long-term ones. If your resolution is to learn Dutch this year, break it down into manageable time frames. Set a deadline for each month or every 8 to 12 weeks.

Choosing the right resources

Once you have decided to get started, it is important to choose the right resources to help you on your way. It is crucial to find a tool that works well for you, builds a strong foundation, and keeps you motivated. Feel free to look around and explore until you find something that feels right. There are many great apps out there, many with free options, each with its pros and cons. While these apps can be of great help to get you started or to expand your proficiency in Dutch, keep in mind that no single app alone will make you fully proficient. Use an app to keep up your daily practice while you take a Dutch class once a week. Or listen to a Dutch podcast to practice your listening skills in combination with a self-study book. Remember that a combination of different methods and resources is always better.

Duolingo

This is probably the most popular app out there. Personally, I like the gamification aspect. It has definitely helped me keep my streak going, even on days when I didn't feel very motivated. It’s interactive, visually appealing, and regularly updated and expanded.

Pros:

• Free, with an option to go premium

• Covers a wide range of vocabulary

• Gamified design to keep you motivated

• Mobile-friendly, perfect for learning on the go

Cons:

• Limited in-depth grammar

• The gamification aspect doesn't appeal to everyone

• Notorious for generating random sentences with little practical use in everyday settings

• Accessibility of the app could be better, according to blind and visually impaired users

Babbel

I have personally used Babbel to improve my German, and I liked it a lot. However, I have heard that the Dutch section is quite limited. It offers a more structured approach to language learning and focuses more on practical conversation than other apps. It also provides more detailed grammatical explanations alongside vocabulary practice.

Pros:

• Real-life conversation practice

• In-depth grammatical explanations

• High-quality audio from native speakers

Cons:

• Requires a subscription after the initial free trial version (though they occasionally offer great discounts!)

• Less gamified design, making practice a bit more intense

Memrise

Memrise uses mnemonic techniques and spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary. It’s a great tool if you are looking to expand your vocabulary on a certain topic.

Pros:

• Effective spaced repetition to help you remember large amounts of vocabulary

• Community-created content for niche topics

Cons:

• Less focus on grammar and conversational skills

• User-generated content may vary in quality

Pimsleur

Pimsleur focuses on auditory learning through repeated listening and speaking exercises. I have to admit, it’s not exactly my thing because the approach is quite old-fashioned, but it is ideal for learners who want to develop strong conversational skills quickly.

Pros:

• Strong emphasis on listening and speaking

• Builds confidence in conversation early on

Cons:

• Quite expensive compared to other apps

• The focus on auditory learning might not be suitable for all learning styles

Rosetta Stone

Much like the real Rosetta Stone, this method seems to have been around forever. The Rosetta Stone approach uses visual and contextual clues to teach vocabulary and grammar, mostly without translation. Some people hate it, while others swear by it.

Pros:

• Immersive and context-based learning approach

• High-quality audio and images for context

• Proven track record and methodology

Cons:

• Quite expensive compared to other apps

• Can be challenging for absolute beginners due to its focus on context instead of translations

The best Dutch textbooks for beginners

Nederlands voor zelfstudie - Prisma

This is an excellent self-study book from a series that I have used myself to study German and Portuguese. It’s perfect for absolute beginners and through a series of 18 chapters, it will take you to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It combines reading exercises with listening comprehension and grammar. In the appendix, you’ll find all the solutions for each exercise, making it perfect for self-study purposes. While the instructions come in Dutch, the most important vocabulary lists are translated into Chinese, Polish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.

Dutch for self-study - Prisma

From the same publisher comes Dutch for self-study. It follows the same approach as the previous book, with the difference that the working language is English, making it ideal for the broader international community.

Routledge Intensive Dutch Course

From Routledge comes this very comprehensive self-study book, specifically targeted at an English-speaking audience. It aims to take you from a beginner to an intermediate level over the course of one year. The 11 different units focus on everyday Dutch with practical conversation exercises, in-depth grammar, and free downloadable materials to improve your listening comprehension. There is even a separate chapter on Flemish. The only disadvantage is that the book hasn’t been updated since it was first published in 2006. Though it won’t affect the quality of your language learning process, some of the examples in the book might feel a bit outdated.

Taalcompleet A1 to B1 & Taalsterk B2

While the previous books will make you fluent up to an intermediate level, Taalcompleet and Taalsterk from the Kleurrijker publishing company offer courses up to level B2 (one level below native-like fluency). The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you for the Dutch Staatsexamen NT2, the national exam to obtain an official certificate in Dutch necessary to study or work in the Netherlands. The books are ideal for self-study, though in my opinion, they lack some writing practice.