I’ve received numerous requests, and I’m excited to finally share a compiled list of over 20 tips to enhance your Dutch language skills outside the classroom. These tips cover various ideas, from websites and apps to other engaging platforms. I personally examined or tested most of them, while I've received positive feedback from various students about the others.
My aim is to get you more active learning Dutch OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. Language acquisition is a process, and the best results come when you expose yourself daily to the language, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Plus, enjoying the learning process tends to lead to even better results, at least in my experience.
I hope you find these ideas both useful and interesting. If you have additional tips not listed here, please share them in the comments! Enjoy!
Let’s Start with the Best Online Dictionary: Context Reverso
My personal favourite for an online dictionary is Context Reverso. It provides various translations along with numerous example sentences. While I occasionally use Google Translate to check my writing, remember that language is nuanced, and words have different meanings in different contexts. Always use your discernment alongside translation tools.
Moving on to three excellent language learning apps you can download on your phone. The first one is Duolingo. I find the range of content and vocabulary sometimes a bit surprising. However, I’ve come across numerous students who use it and express great satisfaction with its effectiveness. Personally, I’m a fan of Memrise; it puts a strong emphasis on speaking and integrating the language into daily use. Memrise features short videos, practice in various scenarios, and interactions with AI. Another app that consistently receives excellent reviews from my students is Babbel. Babbel, too, focuses on conversation and provides diverse lessons covering different topics.
A very trendy way to practice and improve your Dutch skills could be using ChatGPT! For example, you can upload vocabulary lists and have AI create exercises to test your knowledge. Or, ask about anything else you'd like to practice.
All of these apps offer both free and paid content, with prices varying. Keep an eye out for discounts that may be available.
Building Vocabulary: An Essential Aspect in Language Learning
Growing vocabulary can be a hurdle for any language learner, and consistent practice is key. My personal favourite for vocabulary building is Drops. It offers a dynamic and entertaining method for learning words, incorporating various elements to keep you engaged.
Another popular choice is Quizlet, widely used by both teachers and students. You can create your own flashcards or utilise pre-made ones. It includes pronunciation (by Google) and allows you to add pictures. Though creating your own flashcards takes a bit more effort, consider it part of the learning process.
For a cost-free option, check out 50languages, focusing on vocabulary practice. It’s available on their website or through the app. While entirely free, you can opt for an ad-free experience by purchasing a language for 3 euros or all 50 for 11 euros. Each vocabulary topic features word pictures, written and spoken forms, and self-testing capabilities.
If you prefer not to spend on apps or are looking for a more personalised approach, why not start crafting your own vocabulary list? While it demands a tad more discipline, it’s an effective method.
Immerse Yourself in Dutch with Podcasts and Music
Looking to immerse yourself in a foreign language while on the go or during travel? Tune in to podcasts or music! Here are my top picks for podcasts for learning Dutch, typically requiring a B1 level or higher for optimal understanding:
1. Een beetje Nederlands
Enhance your listening skills with these short, 15-minute episodes. Robin, the host, speaks in slow Dutch on various topics related to the Netherlands, history and culture. Transcripts are available on their website and you can expect a new episode every two weeks.
2. 5 minuten Nederlands
In just 5 minutes, Caroline, a Dutch language teacher at the university, shares her experiences or discusses Dutch language and culture. Although she no longer produces new episodes, you have a total of 750 minutes to explore through 150 existing episodes.
3. Nieuws in makkelijk Nederlands
For news enthusiasts, this podcast delivers weekly updates in easy Dutch, summarising the latest happenings with a review of the previous week. Each episode concludes with a brief exercise.
If you’re into music, create a playlist with your favourite Dutch songs. Check out Taalhuis NL, curated by Una Bergin, a music enthusiast, singer and Dutch teacher at Taalhuis Amsterdam. This playlist, featuring various genres, is an excellent starting point for your musical Dutch language journey.
Watch, Read, and Play: Explore Websites and Online Platforms
Net in Nederland offers diverse content about the Netherlands, designed especially for expats. If you enjoy informative videos, explore Het Klokhuis for educational content of your interest, or watch Het Jeugdjournaal for news in simple Dutch.
Turn your social media time into a fun way to practice Dutch! You can check out these profiles of Kim and Bart, and there are tons more out there.
If you’re into reading or want to boost your reading skills, explore Lingua. The platform provides shorts texts for reading and listening, ranging from A1 to B2 level, offering both free and paid options.
For visual learners keen on understanding grammar through drawings in Dutch or English, Zichtbaarnederlands is a great resource. They even have a book. Personally, I adore this platform and use it regularly in class. If you want to look at pronunciation more in depth, these videos can be helpful. A great and simple web application for verb conjugation in Dutch is Slovo.
If you’re eager to enhance your spelling, head to Beterspellen. Sign up with your email to receive four multiple-choice questions daily in your inbox. While it’s not specifically designed for second language learners, don’t let that discourage you. There might be some unfamiliar vocabulary, but it’s worth a shot.
If you enjoy movies or series, look up ‘Dutch Movies’ or ‘Dutch Series’ on Netflix or other platforms. Choose ones that catch your interest. I would recommend watching without English subtitles (if that is even available), to enhance your learning. This might be challenging, especially for beginners, but you can pick up bits along the way!
To wrap up, here are some other fun ideas:
Hang out at a local Taalcafé or join a language exchange, either offline or online. You can just browse for 'language exchange' or 'language café' in your neighbourhood.
Explore Dutch recipes; free folders are available at various supermarkets like Allerhande from Albert Heijn.
Attend Dutch events - exhibitions, lectures, yoga classes, theatre, or sports games. Even if you don’t understand everything, it’s a dive into the Dutch language world.
Play games. Preferably with lots of words and/or texts. For example: Woord en beeld. You could also take a look in a toy store.
Visit the library. Grab a coffee and some Dutch apple pie, and chill out with a fun Dutch children’s book, magazine, or other book designed for second language acquisition. Libraries here in the Netherlands often also have cool language events for newcomers to join in.