Learn Dutch for beginners

Dutch uses the Latin alphabet, so you can read and sound out words from day one.

The Dutch g and the vowel sounds in words like uit and eu are the usual problem spots. Hear them, say them and compare.

• Hallo: hello
• Dank je wel: thank you
• Spreekt u Engels?: do you speak english

1. 1

   Listen first

   Hear the Dutch sentence before you try it so your ear knows the target.

2. 2

   Say it out loud

   Say the sentence three times. Slow first, then natural speed.

3. 3

   Build it

   Rebuild the sentence from its words so the word order sticks.

4. 4

   Repeat tomorrow

   Start the next session with yesterday's sentences.

• Only reading and tapping, and never saying anything aloud.
• Memorising word lists with no sentences around them.
• Waiting until you feel ready to speak. You get ready by speaking.
• Studying for two hours once a week instead of fifteen minutes daily.
• Expecting fast results. Dutch takes about 700 hours to reach working proficiency, but basic spoken Dutch comes much sooner.