The Dutch language, spoken by more than 23 million people mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium, offers a unique gateway to a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant modern society and enhanced travel experiences in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium. For foreigners who want to discover and learn Dutch, Heart of Language provides an overview of the language’s appeal, practical tips for learning the language and information resources to help you on your travels.
Why Dutch can be of great value to foreigners:
- Cultural depth: The Netherlands has a rich history, world-renowned art and progressive social values. Understanding Dutch allows you to delve deeper into the culture, through literature, films or conversations with locals.
- Travel and communication: Although many Dutch people speak English, learning Dutch will enrich your travel experiences, making interactions more meaningful and enjoyable. It also opens doors to less touristy, more authentic parts of the country.
- Career opportunities: The Netherlands is home to numerous multinational companies, and speaking Dutch can be a valuable asset in the job market. In addition, proficiency in Dutch can facilitate integration for expats living in the Netherlands or Belgium.
How to learn Dutch for non-native speakers?
- Start by getting to know the sounds, rhythm and basic structure of Dutch. Listen to Dutch radio, watch Dutch TV programmes with subtitles and try to learn commonly used phrases. This will help your ear adapt to the language.
- Learn basic vocabulary and phrases: Start with essential words and phrases you can use in everyday situations, such as greetings, asking for directions or ordering food.
- Focus on pronunciation: The Dutch ‘g’ and ‘sch’ sounds can be difficult for beginners. Don’t hesitate to practise these sounds repeatedly. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation. If possible, ask for feedback from a native speaker.
- Understand Dutch word order: Dutch word order can be tricky, especially inside sentences. Practice by making simple sentences and gradually increasing the complexity. Reading Dutch books or articles can also help you internalise correct sentence structures.
- Practise listening and speaking: Engage in active listening by watching Dutch films, listening to podcasts or even learn Dutch online by following Dutch influencers on social media. Try to imitate what you hear. Speaking with native speakers will improve your speaking skills and boost your confidence.
- Be patient and persistent: Learning Dutch, like any other language, requires time and dedication. Set realistic goals, track your progress and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Regular practice, even in small doses, is the key to steady improvement.
- Take a Dutch course for beginners! At Heart of Language, you will learn Dutch from real Dutch people and benefit from the unique teaching method under hypnosis; the ideal way to improve your Dutch speaking skills. Moreover, each lesson is recorded, so you can listen back to everything you learned in the previous lesson at home.
Sign up now for a trial lesson!