When learning Dutch, two elements are important: grammar and vocabulary. To become more fluent in Dutch, it is good to expand your vocabulary and to immerse yourself in the Dutch language. How to do that? We have created a list of 13 tips.
- Watch movies and change the subtitels to Dutch. If English movies are too difficult without your subtitles from your home country, start with a movie in your original language and see if you can find Dutch subtitles.
- Watch Dutch soap operas or series. A Dutch soap opera that has been around for ages is ‘GTST’, which is short for Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden (good times and bad times).
- Watch the Dutch newscast (Journaal for adults, Jeugdjournaal for kids). A tip: watch ‘NOS Journaal in Makkelijke Taal’ (NOS News in Easy Language). It has fewer topics than the other newscasts. The presenter gives more explanations and no difficult words are used. The pace and use of images is also calmer.
- Read the news in Dutch. Try nos.nl and maybe start with global news, something you can compare with a newsoutlet in your own language.
- Read a familiar book or story in Dutch.
- Watch television shows for children or read books for children. Both use very clear language and the books are often beautifully illustrated. It is not only a pleasure to look at, but it also makes it easier to understand the words.
- Use sticky notes in your home. Write Dutch words on sticky notes and stick them on the appropriate objects. This will remind you of more Dutch words every day.
- Listen to Dutch music. And don’t worry, we have more than Dutch folk music. Discover artists like Blöf, Racoon, De Dijk, Meau, or Kris Kross Amsterdam. Find a top 100 of Dutch artist on Spotify and discover your favorites.
- Listen to the local radio station.
- Visit the Theater. In some Dutch theaters you can now enjoy Dutch plays or movies with English subtitles. Sometimes it is a specific day, like subtitle Sunday. Sometimes it is a specific section within the variety of offerings, like ‘language no problem’.
- Buy a ‘Make that the cat wise’-calendar and try to decipher the most common Dutch sayings translated very literally into English. Maybe ask a Dutch colleague or friend for help if it really doesn’t make sense. Fun guaranteed!
- Use Duolingo. It is pretty good for learning the Dutch language (we checked).
- Practice! Everywhere you go, just try to use Dutch words. At the market, the supermarket, with your neighbours, etc. Practice makes perfect.