Dutch is not the easiest language to learn but there are ways to help you improve your Dutch language skills.
Whatever your situation, living in the Netherlands means you need to have some level of Dutch language skills to get around. Even if it is just to be able to read traffic signs and shop notices – you need some Dutch!
Some people who move to the Netherlands must attend a compulsory inburgeringscursus. This automatically comprises Dutch language lessons. But if you are from the EU then these courses are not obligatory. It makes sense then that it might be a little harder to get yourself motivated to attend evening Dutch classes.
Here are 8 alternative ways to improve your skills.
Formal Language Tuition
After a few years here I realised despite understanding a lot of Dutch, my writing and grammar was not up to scratch. So I found a tutor and went for a few lessons.
Sometimes an employer will pay for you to attend language tuition. If you are lucky sometimes even in work hours, so it’s definitely worth asking.
Read Everything You Can Get Your Hands On
Read Dutch newspapers and magazines. Pick brochures and info booklets up and read them. Whilst you are waiting for your huisarts or tandarts appointment read whatever is lying around to pass the time.
The more you read, the more vocabulary you pick up and that makes life easier when you are out and about.
Watch Dutch TV Channels
By this I don’t necessarily mean Dutch spoken TV. To make life easier and watch English spoken programs on Dutch channels. The subtitles will help you pick up new Dutch words. You will learn their meaning and spelling whilst being entertained.
Story Time
Obviously this works best if you actually take a child of the right age with you, otherwise you’ll get strange looks. Story time at the library is a great way not only for your children to pick up Dutch, but you too.
You will learn theme based words and Dutch songs. You will also have the opportunity to take books home with you from the library (certain conditions apply – library membership is recommended as stealing library books is frowned upon).
This leads on to my next tip….
Join Your Local Library
Borrowing books from the library is a fabulous way to expose yourself to the Dutch written word. It’s particularly handy if you borrow the Dutch version of a book you have already read in English. This way you know the story and already have the gist of the book. You can therefore focus on the vocabulary, spelling and grammar.
Be Hard on Yourself
Be strict if you have a Dutch partner and in-laws and ask them to be mean and speak Dutch and only Dutch to you. If you work with Dutch people ask them for help to get you speaking more Dutch in the workplace.
This is how I gained a lot of my Dutch. Not that I asked my in-laws to stop speaking English to me: they just did. However, it works a treat because you are forced to speak Dutch and concentrate on every single word being said to you. This is language immersion at it’s most effective.
Language Course Books or CD’s
Before I moved to the Netherlands I got myself a copy of Hugo’s Dutch in Three Months (no, not THE Hugo of the COVID pandemic fame). It’s a great example of a helpful language book to really move your Dutch along.
Set Up a Group to Improve Dutch Skills
You could set up Dutch conversation sessions with a group of you to motivate you, over lunch at work or in a more social setting. Make it fun!
More Tips
Read: 7 Top Tips from a Language Teacher to Help You Learn Dutch for more great tips to help improve your Dutch.
Over to You
What methods have you used to improve your Dutch?
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