From your job prospects to making friends and being able to communicate with others in your day-to-day life, learning Dutch is a huge asset when you’re living in the Netherlands. 

However, I understand how important it is to pick the right Dutch language school for you — does a language school teach a course that suits your language level? Do they offer lessons that fit into your schedule?

Dutch Courses Amsterdam knows that many of its students face these struggles, which is why they offer a large variety of schedules and intensities to fit your personal learning style, language level, and availability. 

Let’s get into exactly what Dutch Courses Amsterdam has to offer for an eager international like yourself. 

Choose from an array of course types

While every Dutch language school has its way of structuring courses, Dutch Courses Amsterdam has a wide selection of course types to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for intensive or bi-weekly courses, online or in-person classes, one-on-one lessons or group courses, Dutch Courses Amsterdam has a space for you.

Chosen a course type? Fabulous. Once you know what type of course you want, it’s important to choose the right language level for you. 

Dutch Courses Amsterdam is equally flexible when it comes to the level of Dutch you want to learn, offering courses from levels A0 to C1.

Nothing on during the day? Free your evenings with an afternoon course

If you have a flexible schedule in the afternoons or prefer to keep your nights free, you can take an afternoon Dutch course with Dutch Courses Amsterdam. 

Dutch Courses Amsterdam teaches these classes at their central location from 4:30 PM to 6:45 PM three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

These semi-intensive courses run for a total of four and a half weeks. 

This course is perfect if you’ve got a little time in the afternoon to spare or want to learn Dutch without having to dedicate your evenings to a class. 

Night owl? Join an evening course! 

Perhaps you’re a hustling professional and want to squeeze in some time for a language lesson. Dutch Courses Amsterdam also offers the option for extensive Dutch courses later in the evening. 

These classes take place from 7 PM to 9:15 PM on both Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays and run for seven weeks. 

Evening courses are available both online and offline for a gezellige group of seven students, where you’ll be learning Dutch at a less intense speed. 

Part of a group? Take a tailored course to suit your needs

If you like the idea of doing classes with your colleagues at work, your group of international friends or any other large group of people, Dutch Courses Amsterdam offers group courses that are easily adapted to fit your needs. 

With these personalised courses, you can adjust the structure, format, and frequency of the course and pick the level of Dutch you want to learn. 

Prefer studying remotely? Enrol in an online course

On the other hand, if you’ve gotten comfortable with online Zoom lessons or prefer learning from the comfort of your own house, an online course could be suitable for you.

Online courses can be taken in the evening in more extensive classes twice a week. 

This option is definitely handy if you are working from home or can’t travel to and from their Amsterdam location easily. 

Want to have solo time with your teacher? Go for private or duo lessons

If you’re not a fan of big classes or prefer to have all of your teacher’s focus and attention, you can opt for a one-on-one Dutch course, or take classes with one other person. 

You can get in touch with Dutch Courses Amsterdam for a tailor-made programme at your own level, schedule, and frequency. 

Prefer learning in short, intense bursts? Take an intensive course

Whether you’re short on time, want to learn Dutch extra snel (fast), or just like working at a faster pace, an intensive course might be the one for you. 

Dutch Courses Amsterdam offers an intensive course occurring every weekday from 10:15 AM to 2:15 PM for two weeks. 

You can choose to do the course from A0 to B2 and in-person or online in small groups with a maximum of seven students. 

I know what I want, how can I sign up?

Easy, just get in touch! You can drop an email or call Dutch Courses Amsterdam to request information on a course of your choice through their contact page. 

Check out Dutch Courses Amsterdam’s host of courses and find the one that suits you best. 

Have you taken a Dutch course before? Tell us about it in a comment below!

Maybe it’s on your to-do list, or you’ve been putting it off, but you might be asking yourself whether it’s actually worth your time and money to learn Dutch. 

We all know at least one person who didn’t intend to stay in the Netherlands for long but still find themselves not speaking a word of Dutch even after 10 years. 

Here are a few things to ask yourself if you’re considering taking a Dutch language course.

If your answer to any of the below questions is yes, then perhaps it’s time for you to learn some Nederlands.

1. How long do you plan on staying in the Netherlands?

First and foremost, it’s important to consider if you want to stay in the Netherlands and how long you intend to live here.  

If the plan was to get your university degree in the Netherlands and head back to your home country, it’s completely fair if you don’t want to spend too much time or money on learning Dutch. 

However, if you envision yourself staying here long-term, then that’s all the more reason to take Dutch courses and learn the language. 

Take it from a seasoned expat, if you plan on building a life in the Netherlands, then you need to be able to have full access to all that life here has to offer — and you can’t do that if you’re restricted by a language barrier.

2. Do you want to build a career in the Netherlands?

While it’s really handy that the Netherlands already offers a lot of jobs entirely in English, some careers have better prospects if you speak Dutch, and this is something you need to consider if you want to build a career in the Netherlands. 

For example, if you work in communications, administration, human resources, politics, or law, to name a few, proficiency in Dutch will definitely give you an edge in the job market. 

Even if your role doesn’t technically require you to speak Dutch, by speaking the same language as many of your colleagues, you open yourself up to friendships, networking, and, perhaps, an even better job in the future! 

Learning Dutch will open many more doors for you while living in the Netherlands — plus, having an extra language under your belt could never hurt while you’re looking for work in Europe. 

3. Do you want to have more Dutch people in your life? 

It’s easy to stay in an international bubble when you live in the Netherlands, especially if you’re surrounded by only international students from your university or your entire work friend group are expats. 

If you want to make friends with more locals or already have Dutch friends you want to connect with better, learning Dutch is a great way to expand your social circle and skills. 

There are plenty of sports clubs, music clubs, and more where you can meet more Dutchies and learn to socialise in Dutch. 

4. Is your partner Dutch?

This is an important one: if your partner is Dutch, learning the language can be especially helpful in building a stronger long-term relationship with them. 

READ MORE | 6 things to know about dating Dutch people

And it definitely doesn’t hurt your chances of impressing your partner’s Dutch parents and extended family! 

After all, who doesn’t want to show off their skills at perfectly ordering food or have a friendly discussion about the proper way to eat tompouce? 

On the other hand, if you’re single or don’t have a Dutch partner, we can see why learning Dutch might not be a top priority for you.

5. Will your kids grow up in the Netherlands?

Speaking of family, if you’ve moved to the Netherlands with your children or plan to have and raise children here, there’s a good chance they will learn to speak Dutch as well — and you’ll want to be able to communicate with them!

Being able to speak Dutch will be especially handy if you’re sending your child(ren) to a Dutch school. It’ll be easier for you as a parent to communicate with your kid’s teachers and other parents. 

If you answered “yes” to at least one of the above questions, then I strongly recommend taking a Dutch course.

There are plenty of advantages to learning Dutch, from improving your job prospects to opening up your social life. And if you plan to stay in the Netherlands, knowing the language will help you integrate comfortably. 

So, what were your answers? Is it time to learn Dutch? Geen stress (no stress), you’ve got this.

Have you taken a Dutch course before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

There are many things about life in the Netherlands that you’re going to have to embrace if you truly want to integrate. We’d recommend skipping on the herring, but you should really get into Dutch humour. 

Unlike a slimy fish, the Dutch sense of humour is super dry. This can make it a bit difficult to understand at first — so grab a notebook and a very open understanding of what constitutes as “funny”.  

Let’s walk you through some jokes that will get the Dutchies chortling. 

1. Out for drinks? We’ve got one for you

Let’s set the scene. You’re in a beautiful brown café, the pilsner is flowing, and you’ve gathered the courage to try out your Dutch skills. 

Specifically, you want to see if you can get that handsome Dutchie to laugh (with you, not at you.) Here’s one grapje (joke) for you to try out. 

You may be saying, “huh?” but what makes this joke funny is the double meaning of the Dutch word “kater.” In Dutch, “kater” is the word for both a male cat and a hangover. 

Get it? While this joke will not only prove that you are absolutely hilarious, it will also show your audience that you have a good understanding of Dutch vocabulary — you’re funny and intelligent. What’s sexier than that? 

2. Really want to make the Dutch laugh? Play around with the language!

Another great joke to show off your vast knowledge of Nederlands is this one: 

Before you throw your arms up in the air and declare this joke not funny, let us remind you of the Dutch word for letterbox: brievenbus! 

This translates directly to “letter bus.” Get the joke now? He’s throwing the letter in the bu — ok, forget it.

3. Looking to impress a Dutch dad? Try this out

While you may think the above joke was Dad-level funny, you can actually take it a step further when it comes to Dutch dad humour. Looking to impress your father-in-law? Try this on for size.

Womp, womp, wooooomp. There’s no specific play on words here, just a Dutch twist on the classic dad jokes that you likely grew up with. 

READ MORE | How to order in Dutch: from getting a ‘tafeltje’ to paying the ‘rekening’

While this hilarious retort may have the in-laws chortling, let’s just say a waiter would be less impressed.

4. Impress a date by dropping a hot joke — or not

Let’s say you get that handsome Dutchie to take you out on a date, you want to continue to amaze them with your intelligence, toch? 

Nothing says intelligence like a good ol’ riddle. Try this brainteaser out: 

Is it a riddle? Technically! Is it silly? Very! Is it a good icebreaker? Inderdaad (indeed). 

READ MORE | Dutch courses in the daytime, evening, or weekend? UvA Talen offers them all online AND in-class

This is also a good way to get a feel for your date. If they don’t find you absolutely hilarious, then why are you even sitting with them? Time to take your brains, beauty, and humour elsewhere.  

5. How about a good ol’ Dutch pun? Say no more

Nothing says humour like a classic pun every now and then. Let’s start with a simple yet effective example. 

Now, don’t let the English translation fool you. This actually has the power to induce a snort or two. 

In order to get the pun, you should know that in Dutch, “niks aan” means “nothing to it.” However, it can be more directly translated to “nothing on.”

Yes, you see, it’s funny. Nothing on. At a nudist beach. Hahahahaha. 

6. Another pun? *feigns shock*

Okay, now, refresh yourself and activate that Dutch mindset. Chug some milk, eat a broodje kaas. We’re about to take our Dutch pun game to the next level with this: 

This pun requires some knowledge of Dutch grammar and vocab, which, again, will show off that you have both beauty and brains. 

READ MORE | Dutch at the workplace: your essential phrases for working in the NL

The Dutch word, “las” is the past tense imperfect form of “lezen” (reading) — see the play on words here? Look at you, so smart.

7. How about another classic dad joke?

You know what makes a Dutch riddle even better? When you add a dad-joke vibe to it.

If you happen to find yourself sitting across from a Dutch man in his 50s on the train, try this beauty out on him: 

Oh, the dryness, the sheer dryness. 

8. Need more? Here’s one to tickle your punny bone

Listen, there’s no escaping puns when you’re talking about Dutch humour. 

In order to get this joke, it’s important to know that in Dutch ‘sleutel’ means key. See how it works? Sleutelbeen? To open the door?… 

We find this one particularly “humerus.” (The author chugs some coffee and throws herself off her chair.)

9. Someone, please stop us 

As we progress through this article, we’re really going from ridiculous to downright silly — which is why we need to tell you this joke. 

To understand just how silly-billy this joke is, you need to know that in Dutch, the word “pony” has, you guessed it, two meanings. 

“Pony” can mean both a cute little horse that gallops around. Orrrrr, in the context of the hairdresser’s chair, it can mean “bangs”, y’know, a cute little fringe. 

So when the cowboy comes out of the hairdresser, his “pony” is gone, get it? GET IT? 

10. We can’t leave the windmills out of it 

In need of a Dutch joke that will leave you with a hand-shaped red mark on your forehead? Look no further. 

A breakdown of the mechanisms behind this joke isn’t really needed — it’s silly. Plain and simple. 

11. Finally, a joke about Dutchies

Listen, we can’t talk about Dutch humour without dishing out a joke at the expense of Dutchies. Our go-to dig at the Dutch has to be this one. 

This one hits the Dutch in their stomachs, poking fun at Dutch cuisine and its lack of, shall we say, flavour. 

Make sure to bring this one out under the right circumstances — not at the dinner table, for example. 

Ready to induce some chuckles? Or, at the very least, prove yourself to be quite the wordsmith in Dutch. Go forth and conquer! 

Do you have any jokes that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! 

If you need to take the Dutch inburgering (integration) exams, congrats! You’re about to go on a whirlwind adventure. 

But fear not, young Dutchie-to-be: the inburgering process is challenging but far from impossible. 

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the integration exams — from me, Sam, a real person who passed!

What is the Dutch inburgering exam? 

The Dutch inburgeringsexamen (integration exams) are a series of tests and tasks required to receive an inburgeringsdiploma (integration certificate). 

An integration certificate is often required for people applying for Dutch citizenship or permanent residency. 

The entire process is called inburgering (integrating), and at the end, you’ll officially be able to say you are geïntegreerd (integrated) — congratulations!

The exams, while sometimes frustrating, make a lot of sense. They mean that new permanent residents or citizens in the Netherlands will always have a basic level of Dutch and a good understanding of Dutch society. 

You’ll also receive a fancy inburgeringsdiploma to hang on your wall or show random people in the street. Super!

Who has to take the Dutch inburgering exams?

Some people must take the Dutch inburgering exams. Other people choose to do the exams voluntarily. 

You will likely have to take the inburgering exams if you: 

• Are in the Netherlands on a relationship visa (compulsory)
• Are in the Netherlands on a refugee visa (compulsory)
• Are in the Netherlands on another visa type but want to become a Permanent Resident (voluntary)

If it is compulsory for you to integrate (for example, because you are on a relationship or refugee visa), you will receive a formal letter advising you so with a deadline. The deadline to have your inburgering certificate is typically three years from the letter. This gives you time to take lessons and prepare. 

Who is making me take the exams? 

 The obligation to integrate in the Netherlands is part of Dutch law — specifically the Wet Inburgering (Integration Law). 

The integration process is covered by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) or the Dutch Ministry of Education. Through DUO, you can book exams, take practice tests, and (if eligible) take out study loans. 

Finally, your local municipality also plays a role. They help create a personal plan for your integration process and are often the first step in your journey towards integrating.

Benefits of taking the Dutch integration exams

Alright, it all sounds like a lot of boring information and exams. But, believe it or not, there are big benefits to the inburgering process, including: 

Speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Dutch
Being able to apply for a Dutch passport or permanent residency
Understanding Dutch culture and processes
The self-satisfaction of knowing you have integrated into a foreign country

How much do the Dutch inburgering exams cost?

Unfortunately, the Dutch integration process is not free. In 2023, you’ll have to cough up the following costs: 

You may also need to pay for study materials, lessons, or to retake the exams if you don’t pass. 

*The participation statement is free for people who fall under the 2021 inburgering law. If you were obliged to integrate before January 2021, you might need to pay €150 for the workshop. Some municipalities choose to cover this fee. 

Financial assistance for integration in the Netherlands

A bit stunned by the costs (or looking at the price of Dutch lessons?). No problem. It is possible to take a Dutch student loan for the inburgering process.

Most people are eligible for a loan, but you can use loan money only to: 

• Pay for the exams, or 
• Take a Dutch course at an approved school.

If you borrow money, you have a six-month grace period after integrating before you need to start making repayments. You then have 10 years to pay back the loan. 

What language level is the Dutch integration exam?

Your inburgering exams can be one of two possible language levels: A2 or B1. This is because the integration law changed in 2021. 

Pay careful attention here because your personal circumstances impact to what level you must speak Dutch to integrate. 

First, which group do you belong to? 

1. I am in the Netherlands on an asylum or family reunification (relationship) visa and am required to integrate.
2. I am in the Netherlands on a work or other visa and am choosing to integrate to obtain permanent residency.

If you’re in Group 1, read on below. 

If you’re in Group 2, congrats! Your language level for the Dutch integration exams is A2 — for now. This could change in the near future, so our advice? Complete your integration process as soon as possible. 

Now, for those in Group 1, the biggest question is: When did you receive your letter advising that you must integrate? 

If the letter you received advising you to integrate is: 

• dated before January 1, 2022, you fall under the old law: your language level will likely be A2. You can book your exams on the inburgeren website.  
• dated after January 1, 2022, you fall under the new law: your language level will likely be B1. You’ll need to create an integration plan with your municipality before you can book exams. More on this below. 

Of course, this is a complex topic — you can read more about it in our guide to the Dutch integration exam levels.

Creating an integration plan

Under the new integration law, those who become required to integrate after January 1, 2022, must create an integration plan with their municipality. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

1. You’ll receive a letter from DUO stating that you must integrate
2. You’ll receive an invitation from your municipality for an intake interview and a short assessment (that you don’t need to study for). 
3. The municipality will prepare your Personal Integration and Participation plan (PIP), including what language level you need
4. You’ll receive another letter from DUO advising you have officially started your integration process. 

Requirements to get the Dutch inburgeringdiploma (integration certificate)

To receive an inburgeringdiploma, most people must pass a collection of: 

• Dutch language tasks (reading, writing, listening, speaking) 
• Culture tasks (a Dutch society exam, a participation workshop, and proof of understanding working in the Netherlands).

What do they involve? Let’s take a look!

Language exams

The Dutch language exams test whether you have achieved a basic level of Dutch. You will have to pass the exam on either an A2 or a B1 level, depending on your personal circumstances (see above if you’re confused about this). 

Other exams and requirements

How to prepare for the Dutch inburgering exams

Preparing for the inburgering exams is no easy feat. For the language exams, an A2 level means knowing approximately 2000 Dutch words, while for B1, you need to know over 4000. 

Add to that grammar and knowledge of the Dutch society, and you can easily spend anywhere from one to 12 months studying to integrate. 

Most people choose to prepare for the integration exams by using a variety of resources: a Dutch school, online preparation programs, textbooks, YouTube, and more. 

We recommend starting by building up the fundamentals of the Dutch language. Work towards A1 and A2 Dutch by working through in-person or online courses. 

When you’re ready, begin to take the practice exams available on the Inburgering website. These will give you a good indication of what areas you need to work on!

Resources to prepare for the Dutch inburgering exams

Ready to get studying? Here are some of the best places to get started:

Websites

• InburgeringOnline: online Dutch courses on your own schedule from beginner level (A0) to B1. 
• Inburgeren.nl: the official Dutch government website offers useful official practice exams, but doesn’t offer preparation for the exams. 

Textbooks

There are a variety of textbooks available to learn Dutch. You can find some at your local Dutch library (bibliotheek) or in Dutch bookstores. However, most of them are less focused on self-study, and are more designed to be used in Dutch schools with a teacher’s guidance. 

However, for the KNM exam, the textbook Welkom in Nederland is considered a great way to study.

YouTube

• Learn Dutch With Kim: a series of grammar and vocabulary videos that explain Dutch in an easy manner. 
• Dutch With Niels: more grammar and vocabulary videos, this time with Dutch teacher Niels. 

You can also find various old integration exam videos on YouTube that can help you prepare further. 

What to expect when attending an exam

All of the language exams and the KNM exam are taken in person at an IND test facility. You’ll make a booking for each exam ahead of time via the Inburgering website. 

When you arrive, you’ll have your ID checked, be given a locker for your belongings, and will be advised which room you need to attend. Other people will be taking the same exam at the same time. You’ll wait outside until you’re permitted to enter. 

For each exam, you’ll walk in, have your ID confirmed again, and then will need to wait until the test begins. You’ll receive a short orientation on the computer, will wear headphones, and will work in complete silence — except for the speaking exam, naturally.

For most exams, you’ll answer questions on the computer. For the writing exam, you’ll answer using pen and paper. 

Importantly, the content of the exams is always randomised (so no two tests are the same) and secret. That means that when you leave the exam room, you can’t talk about any questions you encountered. Kinda like Fight Club — without the fighting, of course.

Tips to pass your inburgering exams

Nervous about passing? These tips and tricks should help. 

• Start preparing early and consistently. Learning a language is tricky, so don’t leave things to the last minute. 
• Keep your sentences short, simple, and accurate. I always wanted to impress my examiners with complex sentences. However, I learned that longer, more complex sentences just give more options to make mistakes. A simple, perfectly accurate sentence like “I like cats” will score you higher than a complicated sentence with mistakes.
• Don’t book too many exams in one day. It might be tempting to try to book all of your exams at once, but give yourself a break. Take them over at least a week, if not longer. They can be exhausting!
• Don’t stress about de and het words. Yes, you do need to learn these. But in your exam, try to use the indefinite articles (een huis vs het huis) or plurals, which always use de (de huizen). 
• Don’t know a word? Don’t panic. In my writing exam, I found I really needed to use a word similar to “sleeve”. One problem: I had no idea what the word was! Instead, I worked around the issue by creating a funny scenario that avoided mentioning sleeves at all. Your Dutch has to be accurate, but the situation doesn’t have to be believable. 

Receiving the results of your inburgering exams 

Alright, you’ve done your best, turned in some stellar Dutch, and left the exams. Now what? 

Fulfill that crushing emptiness by keeping yourself busy for a few weeks. Then: 

• If you took an A2 exam, your results will be posted to you and placed online within eight weeks of the exam date. 
• If you took a B1 exam, your results will be available online exactly five weeks after your exam date after 3 PM. They’ll also be posted to you after six weeks. 

For each exam, you’ll receive a score from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible mark. You require at least a 6 to pass. 

Passed? Gefeliciteerd! Unlucky this time? No problem, it happens — pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again! 

How long do I have to get my integration certificate in the Netherlands?

If you’re required to integrate in the Netherlands, you’ll have three years from receiving your letter to integrate. 

If you’re voluntarily integrating in the Netherlands (for example, to receive permanent residency after living here for five years), you can integrate whenever you like — as long as your visa is valid, of course. 

What to do after receiving your inburgeringdiploma

You did it! You passed each and every exam, received your results, and did a little dance. Well done!

You’ll soon receive a fancy letter in the mail containing a snazzy diploma. You can hang it on your wall and reminisce on those long nights studying. 

However, even better, you can also apply for permanent residency or citizenship if you fulfil the other necessary conditions. 

The inburgering exam is a bizarre rite of passage for many foreigners in the Netherlands, but once you have that shiny inburgeringdiploma it will all be worth it — promise! 

Do you need to take the Dutch integration exams? Tell us in the comments below!

The Dutch inburgering exam: frequently asked questions

Ever done a double-take when someone yells “kijk uit!”? Or do Dutch names still tickle you? Michelle Buteau knows the struggle. 

Dutch is a wonderful and diverse language, but when learning to speak it, it’s hard not to laugh sometimes.

Whether it’s the absurdly long words that you’ll never be able to pronounce no matter how many times you practice in the mirror, or you still stifle a chuckle when someone exclaims “helaas pindakaas”.

Michele Buteau expresses this perfectly in her Netflix special “Welcome to Buteaupia”. As she explains, she married a Dutchman and has found herself on the steep learning curve that we expats know all too well.

READ MORE | Need a laugh? Watch this hilarious clip of John Cleese talking about the Dutch

From Jewish slurs being normal words in Dutch to having verbs to describe damaging your nether regions, in this clip she tells us the struggles of loving a Dutchie and learning their language.

We hope it gives you a giggle, it certainly brought a smile to our faces.

Are there any other Dutch words that you find side-splittingly funny? Let us know in the comments!

Wanna learn Dutch, but you’re not sure where to start? Then you’re in luck! Whether you’re looking to move to the Netherlands or you arrived here recently, it’s never too late to learn Dutch fast and easy.

It’s good that you want to learn Nederlands the fast and easy way, so we’ve put together seven tips to get the ball rolling for you (bonus: most of them are free ways to learn Dutch too).

1. Watch Dutch TV with subtitles

It may drive you absolutely crazy listening to Dutch television (there’s nothing worse than listening to a language on TV at first and not understanding a word), but trust me: it works.

It’s the perfect way to hear a conversation and internalise it as you’re reading the subtitles. In fact, that’s how a lot of children learn other languages (especially English). If they can do it, so can you.

READ MORE | Video streaming services in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Next time you want to Netflix and chill (or Netflix en chillen), leave out the chill and pop on that Dutch film. Your language skills will thank you for it, even if your partner won’t.

2. Read children’s books

When you’re learning Dutch, you’ll be starting from square one — in the exact same way that a child learns how to read and pronounce words properly through a basic children’s book.

We all did that one day with our own native language, so this is one of the best ways to do the same for Dutch.

One of the most popular Dutch children’s books is Jip en Janneke — known for its simplicity but also cleverly written.

Don’t fret; this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practise Dutch. It’s also the perfect way to get a bit of bedtime reading in, though it may be a bit awkward at work when someone asks you what books you’ve been reading lately…

3. Give it your all, but remember: less is more.

Less really is more when it comes to learning a language. “Binge” learning Dutch fast and in a panic is not necessarily the most effective way of doing it.

READ MORE | How long does it take to learn Dutch?

Do you remember staying up late trying to absorb every little thing for an exam the next day in a last-minute cram sesh? Was it stressful? Well, the same goes for learning Dutch fast that way.

If you want to learn it properly, it’s going to take time and patience.

You’ll need to be passionate enough to learn the language because if you’re not going to give it your all and put in 100% effort when practising, then you aren’t going to learn it quickly, and you aren’t going to learn it properly.

4. Talk to people and pretend you don’t speak English (no, seriously)

We’re all guilty of panicking halfway through a poorly strung-together Dutch sentence and finishing it with “Spreekt u Engels?” or “Sorry, ik spreek Engels“.

READ MORE | 5 handy tips to learn Dutch when you’re not in the Netherlands

Even worse is when you’re speaking okay, but the person you’re talking to switches to English anyway. But now — no more! Let’s take a stand.

Forget that you speak English for a second and persevere. Even say (in Dutch) that you don’t speak English when they switch.

Unless you’re having incredible difficulty or the person is starting to look p**sed off, then do not switch back, you’ll find that your confidence will grow, and your language skills will flourish. Go for it — act natural and pretend you’re Dutch!

5. Find a study buddy and exchange your language knowledge

I’ve often seen this on international Facebook groups, where people are looking for someone to buddy up with in order to practise their Dutch.

For example, if you have a friend who wants to practise their English (or another language you can help with) and they can speak fluent Dutch, then you can ‘exchange’ languages.

It’s simple: You practice on them, and they practice on you (think about cursing in Dutch as well). You can even go on study-buddy dates where one of you will speak one language, and then you’d respond in Dutch, and the conversation will flow that way.

READ MORE | Why you should learn Dutch (and how to get Dutchies to speak it with you!)

It’s quite funny to watch those who overhear your conversation. Speaking from personal experience, when I was on the train with my friend who sat next to a guy speaking English to another guy, he would just reply in Dutch over and over.

My friend was very confused. It may sound crazy, but it works.

6. Listen to the Dutch radio

If you have a lot of international friends, it can be hard to practise your Dutch because no one is speaking it around you. Our last tip is that you can listen to some good old Dutch music on the radio or streaming service.

READ MORE | 9 podcasts that’ll have you speaking Dutch in no time

You don’t have to sit there, staring blankly at the walls, trying to listen out for every single word, but it might be a nice way to get used to hearing the different pronunciations.

Ask a Dutch person what you should get jamming to, or try having it in the background whilst you do work.

Remember to have fun with it; it’s great that you are broadening your horizons by learning another language. You’ll find way more opportunities in the Netherlands and make a tonne of friends.

Eventually, you might even start to understand the Dutch humour — but that’s a whole other language entirely.

Good luck! Or, as the Dutch say, succes!

What are your top tips for learning Dutch easily? Drop them in the comments below!

Are you finding yourself at a café, restaurant, or bar in the Netherlands and wondering how to order like a true Dutchie? 

While it’s usually taken for granted that a Dutch server will understand if you speak English, it never hurts to try your luck at a few Dutch phrases — and who better to practice on than someone who you’ll likely never see again? 

Whether you’re a tourist visiting the Netherlands for the first time or an international wanting to flaunt your Dutch outside of the classroom, this article will have you feeling confident by the time you ask for the rekening (bill). 

So, wanna have dinner with us?

In a rush? Jump to the section you need!

• How to get a table at a restaurant in the Netherlands
• How to order drinks in Dutch
• How to order food in Dutch 
• How to order dessert in Dutch 
• How to ask for the bill in Dutch

How to get a table at a restaurant in the Netherlands

Once you’ve found an establishment that tickles your fancy, you have a few options. If you’re in the area, you can drop by and reserve a table for later. Otherwise, you can call them up or reserve online. 

Making a casual request

It’s not always necessary to reserve a table in the Netherlands. Unless it’s a very popular restaurant or you’re dining out on a holiday (read, Valentine’s Day ), showing up should be just fine.

To be on the safe side, you may want to throw in a casual request before claiming a seat:

Likely the server will respond with “Jazeker!” (Sure!) or “Ja, hoor” (Yes, of course). 

Alternatively, you may have to wait to be seated, in which case you can ask: 

Again, the Dutch affirmative will likely be a friendly “Jazeker” or the more inquisitive “Ja hoor! Voor hoeveel personen?” (Yes, of course, for how many people?). That’s when it’s time to flex your Dutch 1-10 skills. 

Reserving in advance

Now, there are cases where we recommend not pushing your luck or rocking up to the restaurant entrance when you start getting hangry. 

READ MORE | Dutch courses in the daytime, evening, or weekend? UvA Talen offers them all online AND in-class

Dutchies are the champions of time management and are rarely found far away from their agenda. If you’ve got a hot date or an important business lunch, then we recommend adopting the Dutch attitude to appointments — punctual and pre-planned!

Just call the restaurant in advance and say:

After the restaurant has taken down your name and confirmed your reservation, all that’s left for you is to get ready.  

How to order drinks in Dutch

Alright, the first round is on us!

Once you’re comfortably seated at your table, the server will come to pick up your drink order.

“Wat willen jullie drinken?” (“What do you all want to drink?”) and “Kan ik iets voor jullie inschenken?” (literally, “Can I pour you something?”) are the two most common ways for the server to ask for your order.

So, here are some different ways to respond depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Ordering beer in Dutch

Proost! (Cheers!). Are you seated in a Dutch bar and wondering how to order a beer? Try this on for size:

Asking for a “wrong” coffee in the Netherlands — what??

The Netherlands may not be known for its coffee, but the Dutch sure love to drink it. True koffieleuters (coffee lovers)! 

Generally, coffees have similar names in various languages — have you ever heard of another name for “cappuccino”? No, right.

Just to keep you on your toes, though, the Dutch have a different word for a latte, which directly translates to a “wrong coffee.” 

READ MORE | Dutch at the workplace: your essential phrases for working in the NL

We’ve been told the name came about because lattes weren’t very popular in the Netherlands, and (especially older) Dutchies didn’t think of them as real coffee due to the amount of foamed milk.  

If you’d like to order one, real coffee or not, ask the following:

If koffie verkeerd doesn’t roll off the tongue, then rest assured that you can also just ask for a latte — your barista won’t bat an eye.

Appeltje Eitje! (Easy peasy!) 

Requesting the wine card

Craving something a little stronger than coffee? We feel ya!

Sometimes, the wine card isn’t already on the table, but in that case, you can ask: 

After the server asks if you’re ready to order

So, you’ve sat down, maybe ordered a drink or two, but are still studying the menu when the server approaches your table.

With a smile they ask you:

Or perhaps:

Panic. You’re not at all ready to order, but a simple “nog niet, wij hebben even een momentje nodig” (“not yet, we just need a moment”) should solve the situation. Seems too long? Just a “nog niet” with a smile will also get the message across.

Once you’re ready to order, you can respond with “Ja, hoor” and start listing your choices.

How to order food in Dutch 

Alright, you’ve decided, and now it’s time to get some food on the table! 

When you’re the first to order

If you listen carefully to the tables next to you, you’ll hear different ways to order in Dutch. 

So, if you’re the first to order at your table, try saying this:

When someone else has already placed their order

Okay, next one up! Another way to order is by saying:

If you’re ordering the same things as someone else, you can simply tweak the above sentence:

So far, so good! You’re starting to sound like a true Dutchie!

READ MORE | How to learn Dutch: the ultimate guide (by people who learned!)

How to order dessert in Dutch 

With the main course in your tummy, it’s time to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours! Or do it the Italian way, and order some coffee. 

Asking for the dessert menu

Likely, the server removed your menus after taking your other orders. So when dessert time rolls around, they’ll either ask you if you want to see the dessert menu, or you can just ask for it yourself. 

Satisfying your sweet tooth

Once you’ve found a to-die-for Dutch dessert, here’s how to order it. 

Essentially, you can just couple any of the ways of ordering you’ve learned so far with the dessert that tickles your fancy. So, here are the most common — and more fun — ways of ordering:

• “Ik wil graag de…” (“I would like the…”)
• “Voor mij, de…alstublieft.” (For me, the…please.”)
• “Mag ik de…graag?” (“Can I have the…please?”)
• “De…lijkt me lekker! Ik neem hem.” (The…sounds delicious! I’ll take that.”)

READ MORE | 17 facts about the Dutch language that will make you go ‘echt’?!

How to ask for the bill in Dutch

Once the last plate is polished off and you’ve taken some time to uitbuiken, it’s time to pay. There are a few ways to ask for the bill in Dutch:

Or:

Again, the trusty jazeker is the most common answer for the server to throw your way. This may be followed by “Wilt u pinnen of contant betalen?” (“Do you want to pay with card or cash?”). 

Overall, tipping is not compulsory in the Netherlands, but if you feel like you’ve gotten a particularly good service or would like to get rid of some cash, then it’s always appreciated by your server.

READ MORE | Tipping in Amsterdam: all you need to know 

Once you’ve paid your bill (and maybe left a tip), take a moment to pat yourself on the back because you just ordered your entire meal in Dutch!

If you stumbled on a few words or sentences along the way, don’t worry. Learning a language takes time, and learning how to tackle specific situations, such as ordering, in Dutch is a great first step. 

Go forth and conquer, friends! With these helpful phrases under your belt, you’ve achieved some important first steps to learning Dutch — and we’re proud of you.

What’s your experience of dining out in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Ever wanted to try out a Dutch course without financially committing to weeks of lessons? Koentact gets it, which is why they are offering people the chance to try a free Dutch lesson with them. 

And that’s not even the half of it.

Let’s talk about why you don’t want to miss Koentact’s upcoming open day on February 20.

A fun approach to learning Dutch

Hol’ up — who are Koentact? Before we get into the details of the open day, allow us to introduce the heroes of the hour. 

Koentact is an Amsterdam-based language school that focuses on a practical and fun approach to learning Dutch. 

How do they do this? By getting their participants to go out into the world and speak Dutch — with the Dutch! No more switching to English, alsjeblieft. 

For Koentact, it’s important that you can put your study to good use. That’s why they get you involved in exercises and field trips (such as the one shown below!) to actually get the Dutch speaking Dutch with you! 

Intrigued? Then it’s time to check out their upcoming open day. Let me tell you all about it. 

A free trial lesson for beginners

Firstly, one huge point in favour of this open day is that beginners will be given the unique chance to trial a Dutch lesson — completely for free. 

Let us tell you, that’s a rare find, especially in Amsterdam! 

The trial lesson is perfect for people who are at a beginner level and want to dip their toes into the water before committing to a full course. 

It takes place on February 20, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM at Da Costastraat 36, 1053 ZN, Amsterdam.

That’s not the only thing you can look forward to

While this already sounds great, it’s not the only thing you can look forward to during Koentact’s open day. 

Firstly, there’s the fact that participants will be given the chance to win a helemaal gratis (completely free) Dutch course worth €485. 

If that’s not enough to entice you, you can also undergo a free language assessment. 

This is great for people who have been here a few years, speak een beetje Nederlands (a bit of Dutch) and are unsure of which class level to sign up for. 

I’m in, tell me the deets! 

Ready to dip your toes in the water and have some fun? Here’s what you need to know: 

Are you ready to speak Dutch with the Dutch? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Afrikaans and Dutch — what is the connection? Are these two languages as similar as they’re rumoured to be?

When my cousins were younger, they used to dress identically. It was so cute. They’d show up at our house for a visit with my aunt and uncle, dressed in matching dresses or dungarees.

As you can imagine, outsiders often confused the two. But since my cousins were siblings and not identical twins, it didn’t take long for people to realise they were actually very different.

This is kind of what it’s like with Afrikaans and Dutch. Many people, including the Dutch, seem to have the idea that Afrikaans is practically identical to Dutch.

READ MORE | The Dutch and South Africa: more than just Apartheid and Boers

Although there are, of course, many similarities, they’re officially listed as different languages for a reason.

Afrikaans is basically Dutch, right?

Almost every time I mention that I am South African to a Dutchie, I’m met with a look of surprise mingled with recognition.

They usually exclaim: “Oh, so then you speak Zuid-Afrikaans, right? That’s basically Dutch!” — to which I smile and nod.

My response is, in essence, a lie: “Yes! Sort of.”

But, no more white lies. No more! I’m writing this article to finally expose the truth:

No. It’s not basically Dutch. In fact, much like two siblings dressed identically, Afrikaans and Dutch are from the same family but not twins.

Afrikaans: A Brief History

I’ve decided to invoke the use of the Google Dictionary to best explain this:

“Afrikaans: a language of southern Africa, derived from the form of Dutch brought to the Cape by Protestant settlers in the 17th century. It is an official language of South Africa, spoken by around 6 million people as their first language.”

So, Afrikaans is a 17th-century import of Dutch colonialism.

It’s important to add that while the root of the language is Dutch, it’s also an amalgamation of German, French, and Indonesian. Interesting, right?

Can South Africans understand Dutch?

As noted by Google, Afrikaans is “derived from Dutch”, so the saving grace is that the language is still very relevant to the Netherlands.

Dutchies haven’t got it entirely wrong this time. If you can speak Afrikaans, you will likely understand some Dutch.

What makes it more nuanced is that not all South Africans speak Afrikaans as their first language with native proficiency.

Many do, but there is a high chance that the sunny South African you do meet has another first language (e.g. English, Xhosa, Zulu are some examples).

Many South Africans only speak Afrikaans at the high-school level (guilty!) – some not at all.

READ MORE | Dutch architecture in South Africa you can still see today

Some parts of Afrikaans and Dutch are incredibly similar. The written Dutch words are often comparable to Afrikaans words, which means that you can easily grasp the gist of a sentence.

Spoken Dutch, however, can be mind-boggling! The majority of spoken Dutch is as difficult for an Afrikaans speaker to learn and understand as it is for a German, for example.

That said though, the basis of Afrikaans does mean South Africans can pick up Dutch relatively easy — so there is that little advantage.

Feel free to ask any South Africans you may know for further insight into the challenges and similarities between the two languages.

READ MORE | 9 podcasts that’ll have you speaking Dutch in no time

Similar words in Afrikaans and Dutch

A favourite pastime of mine is to do the Afrikaans-Dutch conversation table and see similarities and differences between two words. Here’s a little taster:

In general, I think Afrikaans and Dutch are like my cousins, not twins but sisters. The same roots but different branches. The analogies could go on and on!

I hope this musing makes it easier for South Africans to explain and for Dutchies to understand — after all, in a way, we are family.

Did you know about the similarities and differences between the languages? Tell us in the comments!

There are a few things to consider before learning Dutch, one of them being your budget. But if you’ve been spending your money on bitterballen rather than books (if so, we can’t blame you), then this is your sign to start studying!

Whether you’re a Nederlands beginner or looking to fall back in love with the language, here are 16 ways that you can learn Dutch absolutely free!

Want to start learning right away? Jump to a section that tickles your fancy!

• 1. Take a free Dutch language course from your local library or municipality
• 2. Watch Dutch movies and use the Language Learning with Netflix extension
• 3. Follow a free online Dutch course
• 4. Listen to Dutch music and podcasts
• 5. Discover Dutch YouTube channels
• 6. Learn Dutch grammar online — no textbook needed!
• 7. Use Dutch language learning apps
• 8. Read Dutch children’s books
• 9. Self-study with Dutch books from your local library
• 10. Join a Dutch language learning discord
• 11. Play games on Dutch servers
• 12. Switch the operating language on your computer or phone to Dutch
• 13. Pretend you don’t speak English
• 14. Read the news in Dutch
• 15. Surround yourself with Dutchies
• 16. Participate in Dutch language cafés and exchanges

1. Take a free Dutch language course from your local library or municipality

Though renowned for switching to English when a non-native speaker starts practising their Dutch conversation skills, the Dutch really do want you to learn their language!

That’s why many Dutch public libraries and municipalities offer free courses for internationals living in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | How to learn Dutch: the ultimate guide (by people who learned!)

You can learn Dutch for free at almost any library in the Netherlands. You don’t even have to hold a library card!

They offer various courses, language learning activities, advice about study books, and conversation practice (taal in de bibliotheek).

2. Watch Dutch movies and use the Language Learning with Netflix extension

Have you set your subtitle language to Dutch, been fascinated by ‘The Resistance Banker,’ or perhaps laughed at ‘Just Say Yes’? Then you’re well on your way to learning Dutch using Netflix.

READ MORE | The one where the cast of Friends tried to speak Dutch — and failed

But you haven’t mastered the art of Netflix and chill study until you use the Language Learning with Netflix extension!

This extension for Google Chrome will show your subtitles in two languages so you can compare the Dutch audio and text with a translation in your language.

Language Learning with Netflix also lets you watch the subtitles one at a time and change their playback speed.

Finally, it offers a pop-up dictionary — and will even suggest the most important words for you to learn! You can look at the Language Learning with Netflix Catalogue to see which movies have high-quality Dutch subtitles. 

3. Follow a free online Dutch course

Are you at one of those stages of learning Dutch where you need a more structured plan of action? Then consider taking a MOOC (massive open online course).

For learning Dutch, the University of Groningen offers a three-week introductory course where you’ll learn to speak, understand, and write basic Dutch. 

The course is well organised, and accessible, and offers heaps of learning material: videos, quizzes, flashcards, and printable materials. Plus, it only takes three weeks — so it’s an easy, quick, and completely free way to boost your Dutch.

4. Listen to Dutch music and podcasts

Get ready to move your body from links (left) to rechts (right) ‘cause we’re going to listen to some Dutch bangers!

(And please Google the song if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of being trampled by a cheery mob of drunk Dutchies at a street party.)

In all seriousness, Dutch music is a great way to practice your listening skills. For example, you could memorise your favourite lyrics from Dutch rapper and pop artist Snelle (and, as added bonus, watch his documentary on Netflix).

Or, if you’re trying to practice your conversational skills, then spice up your commute or chores with a Dutch podcast.

5. Discover Dutch YouTube channels

Here’s another way to make your procrastination productive — yay! (or not, depending on your mood.) There are many YouTube channels out there for those trying to overcome the struggles of learning Dutch. 

A good place to start if you’re a beginner is YouTube channels designated for Dutch language learners. Some good ones are Easy Dutch, Dutchies to be, and Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau.

READ MORE | 21 YouTubers that’ll help you learn Dutch super fast

But if you want to watch something and feel a little less like you’re studying, then there are also regular YouTube channels run by Dutchies that spreken Nederlands in their videos.

These include Boos, SerpentGameplay, and faenomenal.

6. Learn Dutch grammar online — no textbook needed!

While it might be more fun to learn about bizarre Dutch idioms or cool untranslatable Dutch words, grammar is your fundamental building block for learning a language! Often though, grammar books are expensive and don’t exactly make for the most entertaining reads. 

Instead of investing in a brick full of bijzinnen and scheidbare werkwoorden, use the power of the fantastic interweb. We recommend checking out DutchGrammar.com for simple, clear explanations. 

7. Use Dutch language learning apps

Have you ever wondered how to say “yes, the rhinoceros is my pet” in Dutch? — No, really? Well, perhaps then “the girl ate my sandwich” — in the Netherlands, that could actually be useful.

Anyways, Duolingo is going to teach you this and many other seemingly random sentences.

As one of the world’s leading language learning apps, Duolingo is often the first place people turn when trying to learn Dutch fast and easy.  

But Duolingo isn’t the only language app out there! So if you’re not a fan of rhinoceroses (or don’t see the point in knowing how to say it in Dutch), then consider checking out one of these: 

• Memrise is similar to Duolingo but often has more relevant content, and their free version is fantastic! 
• Babbel has a free trial period that lets you get started with Dutch. 
• Learn Dutch. Speak Dutch by Mondly requires just five minutes of practice a day.
• 6000 Words allows you to learn with fun language games.

8. Read Dutch children’s books

When learning a new language, it sometimes feels like you’re a kid all over again. Or at least as if you have the vocabulary of a child, which can be — frustrating.

However, a great way to embrace these first stumbling steps on the journey to learning Dutch is by reading children’s books! Storybooks aimed at kids are written in simple language but often contain practical vocabulary. 

Importantly, then they’re relatively easy to find for free! Check out if there’s a little free library in your neighbourhood or if you’re meeting your Dutch partner’s parents, then chances are your new schoonmoeder will be eager to give you your partner’s old Jip en Janneke books — dankjewel!  

9. Self-study with Dutch books from your local library

Just like they offer free language courses, Dutch libraries will also happily supply you with self-study books for learning Dutch!

The specifics vary slightly per library: some offer you a basically free (but limited) library card as a language learner, and others just let you visit the language learning centre to check out books.

10. Join a Dutch language learning discord

A good way to stay motivated and make learning fun is by joining a Dutch language learning server on Discord.

Discord is an instant messaging system where you can join a particular group (server) that meets your interest and then chat with like-minded people all over the globe.

The Nederlands Leren/Learn Dutch server has over 5000 members, many of whom are native speakers and are happy to talk to people learning their language. You may even find some new friends in real life!

11. Play games on Dutch servers

Language learning really can be all fun and games! Above, we saw that there are a bunch of chat servers you can join to learn Dutch. 

These are great for becoming part of a language-learning community, but you could also join a Dutch gaming server if you’re interested in gaming. That way, when you play your favourite video games, you’ll hear and communicate with real Dutchies!

READ MORE | How to fake your way into speaking Dutch (in 5 steps)

This way, the main focus isn’t on learning Dutch, but if you’re gaming with a group of people who chat and speak Dutch, you’ll likely learn it as a byproduct! 

12. Switch the operating language on your computer or phone to Dutch

It almost seems too simple, but changing your language settings on your computer and phone is a good way to immerse yourself in the Dutch language!

You’ll learn some words that you’re used to seeing every day, and your brain will pick up Dutch easier as it recognises it more. 

Most likely, you’re so used to your laptop or phone interface that you won’t even have to translate Dutch — you’ll know what it means just from its icons and placement.

13. Pretend you don’t speak English

Since almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English, living here can be an international’s dream — except when you’re learning Dutch (ja, echt).

Often, Dutchies will switch when you try to speak Dutch, simply because their English is way better than your Dutch. It’s well-meant but doesn’t really help you in your language-learning journey. 

The best piece of advice that’s worked for me is to either be persistent and gently remind them that you’re trying to learn — or simply pretend you don’t speak English. “O, sorry, ik spreek geen Engels — maar wij kunnen Nederlands praten?”

Pretending you don’t speak English can also be a mind trick for yourself to avoid speaking it at times when you could’ve used your Dutch.

We all know that saying something in English can be easier or faster, but the chances are that you do know how to say it in Dutch — so be patient with yourself and use the everyday Dutch phrases we know that you know!

And if you forget a word, don’t worry! People are much more communicative and willing to understand you than you think.

14. Read the news in Dutch

News pieces communicate information in a clear and organised manner, so once you’ve graduated from children’s books, reading Dutch news could be the next step!

If you don’t feel quite confident enough to read the main news websites, you can start by browsing the NOS Jeugdjournaal, which is the public broadcaster’s online news for kids. It’s free, has interesting articles, and is written in easily understandable Dutch — triple win! 

Other Dutch news sources such as RTL Nieuws, NU.nl, and the regular NOS are also free to read online. You can also pick up a free Metro newspaper the next time you’re at the station and read it while you commute!

15. Surround yourself with Dutchies

Even if you live in the Netherlands, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be immersed in the Dutch language. That’s why you should take an active role in finding Dutchies who’ll practice with you!

In my experience, making Dutch friends or finding a Dutch partner is a good way to practice your conversation skills — and aside from maybe buying a coffee, it’s completely free! 

READ MORE | 19 ways to actually make friends as an expat in the Netherlands

So text your friends in Dutch, chat with them during a borrel, let them have a laugh as you try to pronounce Dutch tongue twisters, and listen as they passionately discuss Dutch memes.

The more you immerse yourself in the Dutch language, the more you’ll learn — and maybe it’s easier to blunder in front of friends than in a class. 

16. Participate in Dutch language cafés and exchanges

If, on the other hand, you got to know your Dutch friends and partner in English, and now it feels weird to speak Dutch together (we know the struggle), then consider finding a language buddy!

In many places in the Netherlands, you can attend a language café or exchange — completely free. 

Volunteer groups often arrange language cafés, universities, or social clubs, so keep an eye out for what’s on offer in your city. You can also look for someone to do a language exchange with.

This way, your language buddy will teach you Dutch, and you can teach them whatever language you speak! 

As you’ve seen, there are many ways to learn Dutch for free — 16 to be exact! (that we could think of). All it requires is commitment, patience, and not being afraid to make mistakes.

Do you know of other ways to learn Dutch for free? Tell us in the comments below!