HOW TO LEARN TO SPEAK DUTCH: TOP TIPS AND TRICKS

Dutch is a West Germanic language, and the most common dialect spoken throughout The Netherlands. While plenty of individuals here are perfectly fluent in English, we need to remember that learning the basics is always a good idea if you are planning a visit in the near future.

However, what if you happen to be notoriously bad when it comes to language skills? If so, there is no need to throw in the towel just yet. There are plenty of ways in which can begin from a strong foundation, and the Dutch will certainly appreciate your efforts. Let’s examine three unique suggestions.

Learn from Native Speakers

As opposed to static lessons from a textbook, experts agree that conversing with a native speaker is always the best way to start your journey on a positive note. Thankfully, you no longer have to physically travel to The Netherlands to get in on the action. It is possible to reserve private Dutch lessons online at your convenience. These will enable you to speak with professionals, and you can even take the time to ask specific questions about the journey. In other words, Dutch lessons can also aid in the overall preparation process.

Watch Your Favourite Films

Another extremely useful tactic involves watching a familiar film in Dutch. You can then place the subtitles in English. The main benefit here is that you will likely already be aware of the dialogue. It will then be easier to identify specific words and phrases with a discrete context. This is also a fun studying technique that can be great if you become exhausted with traditional lessons.

Less is More

One common mistake is to bite off more than you can chew when becoming acclimated to a second language. The issue here is that you are likely to forget a significant portion of the material. It is instead better to focus on high-frequency words that are commonly used in everyday life. These make up more than 75% of most spoken languages. Once you gain more skill, you can begin focusing on the nuances of Dutch.

Above all, be patient. As Dutch is not a romance language, it can be more difficult to grasp when compared to French, Spanish, or Italian. The good news is that your hard work will pay off in the long run. You can then experience The Netherlands in all its glory without being hampered by a profound language barrier.