Deciding on a school for your children is a huge responsibility — and while the Dutch education system is known for its quality, you may be wondering if it’s the best choice for your child. 

Well, have you considered enrolling them in an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at an international school in the Netherlands? 

There’s a lot to say about the IBDP, and in today’s interconnected world, the value of an international education cannot be overstated.

But what are the benefits of the IBDP, and how can your child benefit from it? 

1. Preparation for a future beyond school 

In our ever-changing world, we don’t know what careers will exist in the future. The goal of any education is to prepare students for their future, wherever it may take them.

That’s why the IBDP focuses not just on academic excellence but also on character development, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the world. 

This prepares students to be creative, agile and resilient, setting them up for success in university and their careers — wherever they may choose to pursue them.

2. Cultural diversity and global awareness

One of the most significant advantages of an international education is the exposure to people from diverse cultures. 

According to Ms. Alison Lipp, director of NAISR: “International schools not only actively teach cultural understanding, but the children live and breathe it through their day-to-day life within the community”.

This cultural diversity fosters global awareness, empathy, and a profound appreciation for different ways of life, preparing students to become true global citizens.

3. Excellent language proficiency

It’s no secret that multilingualism is a highly valued skill in our interconnected world. 

If they aren’t already, international school students become multilingual by following a curriculum taught in a different language than their mother tongue or attending a multilingual programme.

The result? They have all the tools to communicate effectively across borders and cultures — and that’s a valuable asset in all aspects of life. 

4. A rigorous academic curriculum that prepares for university

The IBDP is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum — and is one of the best ways to prepare your children if they want to attend top universities worldwide.

Universities around the world see IBDP graduates as highly qualified for further studies, and students often feel more prepared to take on university-level classes. 

5. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

The international education model strongly emphasises critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Students are continuously encouraged to think independently, analyse complex issues, and develop creative solutions. Students are given real-life problems to tackle, making learning come alive. 

These skills are not only essential for the IBDP, but for life.

6. Global networking opportunities

An international education offers unparalleled opportunities for students to build a global network of peers and mentors. 

How? International schools, like NAISR, often provide their students with unique opportunities thanks to partnerships with international organisations, universities, and schools.

READ MORE | This international school works with MIT and UNICEF: meet Nord Anglia

These connections can be invaluable in students’ future academic and professional ambitions and provide them with a competitive edge in a global job market.

Universities around the world see IBDP graduates as highly qualified for further studies, and students often feel more prepared to take on university-level classes.

7. Educational continuity and adaptability

For nomadic families, having your children in an international school can offer consistency in curriculum despite moving between countries.  

Your children learn to navigate unfamiliar environments, develop resilience, and embrace change — but the curriculum will be familiar, and there should be no learning gaps. 

The highly acclaimed IBDP offers many benefits that can impact your child’s life. 

From cultural diversity and language proficiency to critical thinking skills and global networking opportunities — the international approach to education is designed to prepare students for success.

What is your experience with international schools in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in September 2021, and was fully updated in October 2023 for your reading pleasure.

We admire the Dutch for a lot of things — efficiency, directness, and innovation. Their cuisine, however, isn’t one of them.

While eating lunch in the Netherlands might be a culture shock, there’s nothing quite like sitting down for a nice dinner only to discover that everyone around you is furiously mushing their food with a fork.

As you sit there wondering what’s gotten into them, rest assured that what you’re witnessing is merely a quirk that combines Dutch efficiency and culinary traditions: prakken. 

What is it?

Prakken (also known as stampen) is the action of mushing food (usually the trifecta of potatoes, meat, and cooked veggies) with a fork after it’s been served up on your plate. It’s a common practice around the Dutch dinner table, especially during the winter months.

But while looking at a plate of brownish mush after a long day isn’t exactly what we’d call a cure for seasonal depression, the dishes typically associated with prakken are warm, hearty meals — that may just thaw your prejudices towards all the mushing.

READ MORE | Dinner in the Netherlands: traditions, dishes and restaurants

While prakken is something performed at the dinner table, stampen is done in the kitchen.

Namely by mushing together various combinations of potato, meat, and vegetables into the wintery stables of stamppot, hutspot, erwtensoep, and boerenkool.

Why do they do it?

Is it just a sign of Dutch efficiency taking its seat at the dinner table, or are there deeper reasons behind all the mushing?

It turns out that the first stamppot was described in a cookbook around 1880 (and, incidentally, Van Gogh’s work ‘The Potato Eaters’ was painted just five years later), so there is a long history behind hearty winter meals in the Netherlands.

I see we both ate stamppot today. Very nice and cultured!

— Attetek (@Attetek_) March 13, 2023

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk#4: Eat dinner ridiculously early

Prakken, however, didn’t become a widespread practice until the 1930s when the financial crisis forced hard-pressed Dutchies to eat more potatoes.

Nevertheless, what might’ve started as a way to cut the dinner budget quickly established itself as a tradition.

Now, some experts on Dutch cuisine even say that the food tastes better when you mush it all together.

Why is it quirky? 

Most people tend to eat their food as it’s served using cutlery, so the somewhat forceful show of mushing things with one fork can come as a bit of a shock to internationals.

However efficient, funny, or culinarily enhancing, it stays a quirky practice.

Should you join in? 

All we have to say is don’t kick it till you’ve tried it!

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Making friends in the Netherlands as an expat can be truly difficult. So, first of all, big kudos to you for being here.

But meeting new people can be hard at the best of times, and doing so in a country known for its directness is even harder. 

I’ve spent years living in the Netherlands, both studying and working, and I’ve seen it all: loneliness, making friends, and having a great friend group.

That’s why I’m bringing you the best tried and tested ways to make friends in the Netherlands, including tactics used by us at DutchReview, passed on by previous internationals, and told to us by our readers!

Whether you’re hoping to make friends with Dutchies or other internationals, here are the top tips for finding friends in the Netherlands. 

1. Join a sports club

There’s nothing that gets people together like seeing each other sweat. Seriously!

It might seem weird, but there’s just something about physical exercise that loosens people up and lubricates the conversation. 

READ MORE | 6 outdoor sports to try this summer in the Netherlands

Additionally, if you join a club that’s focused on a specific sport, say rowing or salsa, you’re sure to at least have an interest in that sport in common — a.k.a. ready-made conversation topics.

Plus, Dutchies tend to be pretty sporty, so it’s an excellent way to mingle with both internationals and locals.

2. Use Meetup to make new connections

If you have a specific interest that you’d like to continue in the Netherlands (or if you want to discover something new!), you can find a group to do it with on Meetup.

Some Meetup groups are also just for hanging out with new people and making friends — no hobby needed!

There are already hundreds of Meetup groups in the Netherlands, so you’re almost sure to find something in your area. Alternatively, you can create your own group and let other people come to you!

3. Find events near you on Facebook

While many of us may not use Facebook as our main social media or be huge fans of good old Zuck knowing which events we go to, it’s a very handy platform for meeting new people and making friends when arriving in a new city.

READ MORE | These are some of the best Facebook Groups for internationals in major Dutch cities

Many social events, from poetry and spoken word hangouts to openings of trendy new clubs, will be shared on Facebook so you can get an easy glance at what’s happening in your area. 

4. Take the initiative and create your own club!

If you aren’t a fan of big events or just want to get to know a few people with similar interests as you, why not make your own club? Sure, it may sound a little middle-school-project-ish, but people admire it when someone takes the initiative!

Creating your own club is a great way to put yourself out there and show people what you like doing. 

If you’re nervous about potentially spending a whole afternoon or evening with strangers, don’t overthink it!

Having something to do together, whether it’s knitting, hiking, or attempting to make fancy cocktails, makes the conversation flow much easier than if you just invite people over for coffee. (Especially with the latter option ).

5. Take hobby classes

Are you the type of person who would’ve dragged your best friend to a flower-binding workshop or barista course back home?

While we know it’s not the same without having someone to giggle with over your lacking latté art skills, there’s no reason why you can’t go to hobby classes alone!

READ MORE | The best extra-curricular groups for expats in Amsterdam 

In fact, it’s an experience that’ll likely boost your sense of independence and confidence. Plus, it’s a great place to meet new people who may not be in the same social circles as you. 

6. Join a group for internationals in your area

One of the great things about being an international in the Netherlands is that there are plenty of internationals in the same boat as you, especially if you live in the Randstad region!

Every year, people move to the Netherlands for their studies or work and — luckily for you — they all need to make friends. 

With so many people in the same lonely boat, that means there are tons of groups and networks for internationals scattered across the country. Some groups are general and welcome all, and some are for a specific nationality.

7. Take Dutch classes

A great way to kill two birds with one stone is to take Dutch classes. That way, you’ll meet other internationals who are either new to the country or have decided to integrate further, plus, you’ll learn the Dutch language. Leuk!

FIND A | Dutch Language School

Taking Dutch classes is a great way to make friends because you and the other students are all struggling through the five stages of learning Dutch together.

Seriously, nothing can be as bonding as seeing each other try, fail, giggle, grow, and finally master the guttural Dutch ‘g’-sound!

8. Get to know your colleagues

Before venturing out of your immediate social circle, why not draw on the network you already have? We asked DutchReviewers on our Instagram, and many said their first friends in the Netherlands came from work! 

This will be easier if you work in one of the many companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals, but you can also make friends with Dutchies — even if you don’t speak Dutch at work.

To break the ice, you could always try to pull off a few Dutch workplace idioms!

9. Plan ahead (and buy an agenda)

After you’ve made the initial introductions, whether at the office or out and about, you’ll need to find a time to meet and hang out.

That’s where the Dutch agenda comes in. Since Dutchies are notorious for having plans lined up months ahead, you shouldn’t count on arranging a last-minute gathering. 

So, even if it feels unnatural to you, make sure you find a date well in advance (even if it’s just going for a cup of coffee!).

Planning a coffee date or a movie night weeks in advance is very typical in the Netherlands, so you’ll get used to the planning mania that is Dutch life pretty fast. 

10. Be direct 

Hand in hand with the last tip, and especially if you’re trying to get to know some Dutch folks, be direct. Cut the fluff and just tell your potential friend you’d like to know them better — after all, everyone likes compliments. 

And, if you struggle with the Dutch directness, just ask yourself whether you’d rather have friends who are honest and to the point or who sugarcoat. If you’d vote for the former, you’ll love having Dutchies as friends.

11. Ask for an introduction 

Rolling with the Dutch directness, don’t be scared to ask people for introductions!

If you keep hearing about this one person who just sounds like your friend-made-in-heaven, ask people who know them if they can work some magic.

Simply say that you’d love to meet the person they’re talking about and tell them why you think you have something in common.

The mutual connection will likely let you know if they think it’s a terrible idea, and, if not, you might have yourself a new friend!

12. Use Bumble BFF

A tip from our readers is to use Bumble BFF. Perhaps you know Bumble as the dating app that lets women make the first move — but they also have a version for making new friends in your area.

Similar to the dating version of the app, you complete your profile by uploading pictures, interests, and indicating what you’re looking for (e.g. a travel buddy, workout partner, fellow coffee addict, or crazy cat lady — the possibilities are endless!).

Then, it’s ready, set, swipe, and soon you’ll hopefully have met new people with similar interests as you in the Netherlands! 

13. Looking to make friends as a couple? Download Party of 4!

Have you moved to the Netherlands for love and are now looking to meet people outside your partner’s friend circle? Or do you simply want to organise some fantastic double dates? 

Developed by a fellow international, the Party of 4 app is a must-download for any couple in the Netherlands.

It’ll help you find couples in your area in the same phase of life as you and your partner and who enjoy similar activities. Create a bio, set your filters, and start swiping — your new best friends could be just around the corner. 

14. Head along to a borrel

Borrelen is typically described as the Dutch art of going for a drink with co-workers, but you can also borrel with friends or any social gathering.  

It’s the Dutch way of winding down after a long day, eating some deep-fried snacks (which, honestly, are pretty delicious), and bonding over a few beers or glasses of wine. 

And while you can’t always join a random borrel, you should certainly accept when invited by your colleagues or Dutch acquaintances! 

15. Join a study association

Although studying in the Netherlands means that you’ll have a network of peers, you don’t necessarily click with the person sitting next to you in the lecture hall or find someone to talk to during the rush to the coffee machine during the break.

So, if you’re new to the Netherlands as an international student, we’d highly recommend joining a study association.

Study associations in the Netherlands are connected to your degree and organise academic and social events. Essentially they’re a great way to hang out with the people you’ve seen every week but may not have talked to yet. 

16. Become a member of a student association 

Not to be confused with study associations, student associations are a big deal in Dutch culture.

They encompass everything from the big sororities and fraternities you see on American TV (but are waaaaay different) to just very active clubs of all sorts.

They can be a bit of a culture shock but potentially a great way to integrate and get the authentic Dutch student experience. 

READ MORE | Dutch sororities and fraternities: yep, they exist (and are ‘echt’ bizarre)

Though many student associations in the Netherlands only accept Dutch-speaking members, some do welcome internationals. If you join, you’ll get to dress up fancy, drink lots of beer, and join sub-committees that spark your interest. 

Usually, they have open-door parties or events at the start of the academic year, so you can always drop in and see if it’s something for you.  

17. Join Girl Gone International (GGI)

This one is for the ladies out there. Girl Gone International is a global community for women who travel and work abroad.

Along with a solid online presence, GGI has local communities worldwide for you to meet up with like-minded women. Their motto is “Friends make our world go around!” and as corny as that sounds, they are a forward-thinking, inclusive, and passionate community.

There are chapters in every major Dutch city, and if yours isn’t on the list, you can volunteer with GGI to open a new community in your area.

18. Find a volunteer opportunity

Just like you can volunteer with GGI, there are tons of other organisations that’d love for you to help them out. 

Since people aren’t in it for the cash, volunteering in the Netherlands is a reliable way to make friends because you get to work with people who are passionate about the same thing as you. 

Additionally, a volunteer position is usually more chill than a regular job, giving you more time to chat with your colleagues and — since you’re all there for a reason — you won’t have to search long for something to talk about!

In our experience, people who volunteer also tend to be kind-hearted and easy to talk to.

Plus, the Netherlands is home to stacks of international organisations and local initiatives that look for volunteers, so you can take your pick.  

19. Use online communities like Discord or Reddit

Lastly, for the introverts out there, there is quite a strong presence of people living in the Netherlands on platforms such as Discord and Reddit.

Online communities are a perfect way to make new friends on days when you don’t feel like changing out of your PJs or if you want to lay the groundwork for your Dutch life before moving to the Netherlands.

The benefit of online communities is that you aren’t reliant on connecting with someone living in your area. Perhaps you’ll become friends with people in different places and can even organise a physical hangout one day — road trip, whoo!  

The ability to join a subreddit or Discord also means that you can find people who share similar, and perhaps niche, interests.

So, there you have it! 19 ways to actually make friends as an international in the Netherlands that’ll make your stay (whether temporary or indefinite) so much more fun.

What are your best tips for making friends in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2022, and was fully updated in January 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Dutchies are direct people — no need to beat around the bush here — but could it be that their no-bullshit attitude extends to choices about personal appearance too?

Certainly, one thing you’ll notice after spending some time in the Netherlands is that people (well, Dutch women mostly) wear way less makeup than what you’re used to.

That doesn’t mean they don’t take care of themselves — simply that there isn’t the same culture surrounding makeup as in many other countries.

So, getting dolled up for a night out? Or frantically putting on mascara on your way to work? You do you! But don’t feel like you have to wear it — others likely won’t.

What is it?

Well, it’s a choice really.

However, for internationals who might come from cultures where most women wear makeup every day, it can be a bit of a shock to see Dutchies rock up to the club without the faintest glimmer of a highlighter.

In 2022, makeup only made up 13.3% of the market share of cosmetics in the Netherlands, whereas it accounts for 16% globally.

So, instead of spending money on makeup, Dutchies spend it on skincare (which had the largest market share of cosmetic products in the Netherlands in 2022).

Why do they do it?

One answer is directness — after all, what’s more, upfront than a person’s bare skin?

Another hypothesis is the Dutch weather. Imagine putting on a full face of makeup just to venture out on your bike and have it all washed off by the rain — no thanks!

In all honesty, though, no one knows precisely why except for the person who makes the choice about whether to wear it or not.

Why is it quirky? 

Many of us are simply used to at least covering the dark circles from the night before prior to showing up to work.

However, in the Netherlands, you can be staring into your female boss’ makeup-free face during the morning meeting — and no one bats an eyelash.

Should you join in? 

If you want to!

Whether you wear makeup daily, occasionally, or never it’s a personal choice. The great thing about living in the Netherlands is that people likely won’t comment and just respect your decision!

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us 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!

The Dutch may not have a world-renowned cuisine, but they sure have a — should we say unique? — snack assortment. If you’re ever in doubt, just head to your nearest snackbar or peruse the vending shelves of Smuller’s.

The fact that there’s even such a thing as snack food vending machines tells us the Dutch aren’t messing around when it comes to alcohol-fuelled cravings or deep-fried desires.

And deep-fried it is…

What is it?

Don’t get us wrong, we love a mustard-dipped bitterbal as much as the next person, but do we want to know what’s in it? No thanks.

The thing about Dutch snack food is that a lot of it is deceivingly delicious — perhaps because most of it has been deep-fried beyond recognition.

Some of the most popular deep-fried snacks include the infamous bitterballen, kroketten, and kaassoufflés.

READ MORE | These are 7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

Then, there is the mysterious bami — which is essentially a Dutch attack on the Chinese-Indonesian dish bakmi goreng.

In your mixed bowl of borrel hapjes, the bami stands out with its breaded reddish-looking exterior.

However, don’t confuse it for a nugget! The bami is filled with meat, veggies, noodles (yes), and spicy sauces.

If that sounds like a lot, well, it is. However, that’s the wonder of Dutch snack foods.

It’s like there are absolutely no rules: you can simply take two, three, or four foods you like and mix them all together without anyone questioning you.

Bonus points if it’s deep-fried or surrounded by bread.

Why is it quirky? 

For a country that’s known for wholesome and healthy traits (did anyone say cycling?), it can seem almost surreal that their snack foods are so heavy and, well, unhealthy.

Not to mention that Dutch snack foods look so different from what other countries consider snacks — we internationals are sometimes completely at a loss for what it is we’re putting in our mouths.

READ MORE | American kids try Dutch snacks for the first time and it’s hilarious (vid inside)!

Should you join in? 

Absolutely! Borrelcultuur is an important aspect of life in the Netherlands and who doesn’t love some deep-fried finger bite food?

Okay, some Dutch snack foods are a bit questionable (we’re looking at you frikandelspeciaal), but at least they’re eaten in good company — usually over a couple of beers and accompanied by laughter.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Bikes, beers, and canals — am I describing the Netherlands or Denmark? The two countries share many similarities but, to the trained eye, these are full of subtle (and not so subtle) differences!

As a native Dane now living in the Netherlands, I usually say that the Netherlands is different enough from Denmark to be interesting and similar enough to feel comfortable. So, what are those interesting differences?

Red means stop, green means go — Nee hoor 

Both Denmark and the Netherlands are known for their cycling culture and whilst there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands, Denmark is following right behind with Copenhagen being one of the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. 

READ MORE | How the Netherlands became a cycling country

One of the indicators for the Global Bicycle Cities Index is the level of respect cyclists have for the law — and Copenhagen scores higher here than Amsterdam.

After all, where you need to jump back in fear when a Dutch person comes whizzing down the streets of Amsterdam, you’ll often see cyclists in Copenhagen wearing helmets — and actually braking for red lights! 

Meanwhile, if you wear a helmet in the Netherlands you might be asked if you can’t cycle properly, if you recently learned how to cycle, or hear the comment “oh yeah I wore a helmet once as well — when I was a kid!” ).

Degrees of directness

Thanks to a heavy-handed dose of directness, there’s a common stereotype that the Dutch are rude. Though they might be direct — no need to sugarcoat it — but they can also be very welcoming people. 

READ MORE | Dutch directness: 5 questions you’ll get in the Netherlands (and how to answer them)

The Danish, on the other hand, are much colder when you first meet them.

Some put this down to the Danes generally being introverted and the Dutch generally extroverted, but who knows? It could even be the weather.

In our defence, it’s not that Danish people are mean, but it does take us some time to warm up to people.

And if we are walking on the street (no doubt looking unapproachable), well, don’t get in our way. (We’re usually very happy to help if people actually stop us though!).

Overall, opinions on DutchReview’s Instagram seem to be that the Dutch are direct but warm, whilst the Danish are polite but cold-ish.

Let’s get that bread! (but should it be rye — or brown?!)

The Netherlands and Denmark are two countries that both really love their bread. However, they have different staples. 

The Dutch lunch staple is the boterham — a slice of brown bread most likely topped with some butter and cheese. 

READ MORE | What’s on that ‘boterham’? 6 weird Dutch bread toppings 

Denmark has a similar lunch situation: ‘Smørrebrød’ (open-faced sandwiches) can be considered the fancy version of a lunch bag consisting of rye bread with some form of simplistic topping. 

However, in recent years, ‘smørrebrød’ has gained popularity and creating a well-made ‘smørrebrød’ is now often branded as a “craft.”

I’d say that beats a boterham (but I might be biased).

Fun tidbit: As a kid, I once told my parents that my favourite thing about vacationing abroad was that we didn’t have to eat rye bread (since it couldn’t be purchased in most places)! Now, rye bread is the number one food I miss from Denmark.

Geographically similar — buuuuut

As a Dane, I always thought Denmark was a flat, somewhat boring, country geographically. That was until I arrived in the Netherlands. 

It took a road trip from the Netherlands to Denmark to realise how different the geography actually is — or rather, how flat the Netherlands is.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #73: Not have any mountains…or hills…or bumps

The Danish geography features naturally tall beauties such as ‘Himmelbjerget’ (The Sky Mountain or The Mountain of Heaven) which is a whopping 147 meters high! While ‘Himmelbjerget’ isn’t actually the tallest point in Denmark, you got to give us credit for at least trying with the name.

So what can the Dutch boast of? Well, turns out the Netherlands has mountains (kind of)! Vaalserberg is the highest natural point in the Netherlands and is a tripoint that connects the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. With its 322.7 meters it technically only qualifies as a hill but apparently the Dutch, as well as the Danish, like to exaggerate.  

Not that this is a competition but if one Danish “mountain” isn’t impressive enough, what about a series of “alps”? Svanninge bakker is a technically series of hills near the town of Svanninge on Funen, but have ironically been named “the Funen alps.” 

Save for Vaalserberg on the edge of the country, the Netherlands’ flatness has to be seen to be believed: as flat as a pannenkoek!

What other differences have you noticed between Denmark and the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

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!

Is 2024 the year that you will finally learn Dutch? The year that you will finally move from “Ik spreek een beetje Nederlands” to fully fluent? 

Believe me: I know all the challenges of learning Dutch. 

I’ve tried the apps, listened to the podcasts, watched the videos, and attended the schools.

I’ve read books, poured over textbooks, and drilled flashcards until my eyes couldn’t stay open. 

I’ve spoken with Dutchies, made mistakes, and been forced to revert to English even when I didn’t want to.

At the end of all that, I can confidently say: learning Dutch isn’t easy

Regardless, learning Dutch is possible. Thousands of internationals in the Netherlands have successfully mastered the tongue-twisting language — and so can you!

But you don’t even have to master it: Dutchies will appreciate any amount of Dutch you learn because it shows great respect for their country. 

Plus, if you’re choosing to learn Dutch, you’re already doing better than everyone on the couch.

READ MORE | How to stay motivated (and stop procrastinating) while learning Dutch 

When we say this is the ultimate Dutch learning guide, we mean it! Jump to a section below

 [hide]

• Why learn Dutch?
• Making sense of the Dutch language 
• How to start learning Dutch
• The best ways to learn Dutch
• Flexing your new language skills: using Dutch in your everyday life
• Top Dutch learning tips
• Frequently asked questions about learning Dutch

Why learn Dutch?

Whether you’re living in the Netherlands, planning an extended stay, or just coming as a tourist, it’s well worth learning Dutch. But the most common question both Dutchies and foreigners ask is: why learn Dutch when everyone in the Netherlands speaks perfect English?

READ MORE | Things people ask when you say you’re learning Dutch

We’ll be frank: it’s true that there is almost no need to learn Dutch. People from the Netherlands are truly excellent at speaking English and are consistently ranked as some of the best non-native English speakers in the world. 

But, understandably, the Dutch still feel a strong attachment to their own language. While a Dutchie will happily switch to English to speak with you, they’re typically more comfortable in their native tongue.

So can you speak English in the Netherlands? Absolutely. But should you rely on it entirely? Definitely not.

Learning some level of Dutch (even if it’s just a few phrases to make someone smile) is a nod of respect that you’re a visitor in the Netherlands or a jump forward to becoming a Dutchie yourself!

Ready to leer Nederlands (learn Dutch)? I’ve chatted with the best non-native Dutch speakers, spoken to the masses, and trawled the internet for the best ways to learn Dutch. Laten we gaan! (Let’s go!)

Making sense of the Dutch language 

Before leaping into the journey of learning Dutch, let’s take a quick look at what you’re getting yourself into.

Differences between Dutch and English

You may know that there are some English words which have their roots in ye olde Dutch. Words like “boss”, “bluff”, “cookie”, “Santa Claus”, and even “Yankee” all trace their origin to Dutch — and that might be the reason why some people say learning Dutch is easy if you already speak English.

READ MORE | Ovens, uncles, and courage: English expressions with the word “Dutch”

Although both Dutch and English belong to the West-Germanic language family, there are a lot of differences between the two. Let’s take a look at a few:

Definite articles

Often, one of the first things people notice when starting to learn is that there are two definite articles in Dutch. Dutchies use either de or het, contrary to English which only has one definite article: “the.”

For learning Dutch, this means you’ll have to memorise not just the nouns but also the articles they pair with — fun!

Pronouns 

Once again, why use one when you can have two? In Dutch, there are two forms of the personal pronoun “you.” For informal use, Dutchies say je, and in a formal situation, they go with u.

See if you can notice the difference between alsjeblieft and alstublieft next time you’re out!  

Word length — and this is no joke

You may have noticed that some Dutch words are super long. In fact, almost any Dutch word can be made as long as you want.

The Dutch language allows for virtually endless compound words, meaning that you can jumble words together in one endless stream.

That’s what happened when the word kindercarnavalsoptochtvoorbereidingswerkzaamhedencomitéleden (children’s carnival parade preparation work committee members) snatched a place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011. Phew!

However, for a word to be recorded in a Dutch dictionary, it must be in common use (thank goodness!). In the Dictionary of the Dutch Language — which is believed to be the longest dictionary in the world (we sense a pattern here) — the longest word is levensverzekeringsaangelegenheden (life insurance matters).

Is it difficult to learn Dutch? 

Searching the depths of the internet while procrastinating studying the actual language (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), you’ll read that Dutch is pretty easy to learn.

Yup, based on linguistic similarities, Dutch is supposedly one of the easiest languages to learn if you have a Germanic language background (like English).

However, DutchReviewers on our Instagram beg to differ. When asked about their adventures with the Dutch language, only 18% said they found it makkelijk (easy). The remaining 82% voted that Dutch was difficult to learn. 

How you’ll fare with the Dutch language is hard to predict, though. So, our advice is to just get cracking and try to have fun! 

Dutch dialects

If you’re one of the many people who find Dutch difficult to learn or worry about your pronunciation, rest assured that you don’t have to sound exactly like your Dutch neighbour: Dutch is a rich language with many dialects — and even some Dutchies’ pronunciation differs from the “standard.”

In the Netherlands, there are three regional languages that are recognised by the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages:

• Frisian (spoken in Friesland),
• Low Saxon (spoken in the east of the country, including the Randstad), and
• Limburgish (spoken in Limburg, Belgium, and some places across the German border).

Within these regions, there are even more dialects — some claim up to 267 — spread across the Netherlands.

And while the four main dialect groups are West Flemish, Hollandic, Brabantian, and Limburgish, you’ll even hear a difference between an Amsterdammer and an Utrechter — even though the cities are only half an hour apart!

Why is Dutch called Dutch?

In Dutch, the language is called Nederlands — so why don’t we call it “Netherlandish” in English?!

Well, in the Middle Ages, Dutch was called Dietsc or Duutsc. Historically, it’s very similar to “Deutsch” (AKA German) and even shares the same etymology — meaning “language of the people.” The language was spoken colloquially, but not officially. Instead, the language of the church, education, and administration was Latin. 

Similarly to why the Dutch people are called Dutch, the language of the Netherlands came to be known as Dutch once it slipped into English use. The English heard “Duutsc” and decided to call it Dutch.

How to start learning Dutch

Now that you have an overview of the Dutch language, let’s begin taking steps towards learning it! These are the tips, tricks, and just general information that I wish I’d known when starting to learn Dutch: 

Understand the Dutch language proficiency levels

When looking into Dutch courses, you’ll usually see them organised in terms of CEFR levels. CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference and divides language proficiency (including Dutch) into six levels, based on spoken interaction, spoken production, listening, writing, and reading:

Generally, it takes between 100-200 hours to advance between the levels, but if you’re unsure about your level, you’ll find a bunch of free Dutch tests online that follow the CEFR framework.

Many Dutch language schools will also offer an intake class to determine your level. 

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

If you’re worried about making it to the advanced levels, know that you don’t have to be at a C level to speak Dutch in your daily life.

Likely, you’ll already be able to hold a basic conversation at A2 and a more complex conversation around B1. 

Define your Dutch learning goals

Next up, it’s time to kickstart your learning! To know what you’re working towards, I’d advise you to start by defining a goal:

• Do you want to reach a certain CEFR level?
• Perhaps you want to pass the integration exam?
• Or maybe you hope to carry out a conversation in Dutch when you meet your Dutch partner’s parents? 

Whatever ambitions you have, we suggest writing them down to keep yourself accountable and referring back to them to see the progress you’ve made whenever you feel stuck.

We tend to be too hard on ourselves, so remember to give yourself some credit too! 

Choose your Dutch learning strategy

Defining your study strategy is crucial to making real progress. Consider whether you are a visual, aural, verbal, or kinesthetic learner and focus on ways of learning Dutch that complement your learning style.

If you’re unsure about the best ways to learn Dutch, we’ll get to that in a jiffy.  

However, the most important thing when it comes to strategy is to give yourself time. Although we all want to learn Dutch fast and easy, it won’t happen overnight — so be gracious with yourself and remember to have fun.

Common mistakes when learning Dutch 

Learning a new language can be exciting and challenging — but also intimidating. To learn, you have to leave your comfort zone and, yes, make mistakes.

Since we’ve certainly made our fair share of them, these are some common mistakes to look out for when learning Dutch:

False friends in Dutch

As you’ve probably noticed, Dutch borrows words from many different languages (think English, German, and various Scandinavian languages).

This is really awesome when you suddenly recognise a word like water and quite rightly translate it to, well, water. 

However, it’s less fun when you realise that slim doesn’t mean slim but smart. That raar means weird and not rare, and that a wild rooster isn’t a wild rooster at all…but a cattle grid — excuse us?

We could go on, but you get the point — there are a lot of false friends between Dutch and English. 

Even if English isn’t your native tongue, you want to stay alert when it comes to false friends: Imagine the surprise of a Dane (me!) when seeing vrede written on countless Dutch churches — thinking that it means “anger” (vrede in Danish) while in reality, it means peace.

Burning out 

Another, less technical mistake when beginning to learn Dutch, is to try to do everything at once. However excited you are to master the guttural Dutch ‘g’ and flaunt your ability to say “Scheveningen” like a local, you can’t do everything at once.

A lot of people go all in the first few weeks of learning Dutch but then give up because they get overwhelmed. You simply can’t use all the apps, read all the books, speak every day, and also keep up with, you know — life in a whole new country. 

So, look through the ways of learning Dutch below, pick one or two, and start from there. It’s more important to make slow continuous progress over time than to burn yourself out and sacrifice your motivation to learn.

Not using your Dutch

The best thing that could’ve happened to my Dutch skills was when I started a job that involved customers. Although I had previously learned some Dutch grammar and vocab, I always struggled to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Well, from one day to another, thanks to my side hustle at H&M during my studies, I had to talk to Dutch people on a regular basis. And let me tell you: it was terrifying. But it made me progress like I had never before.

The bottom line here is: as soon as you feel confident enough, please use your Dutch. Don’t make the mistake of learning all that grammar without putting it into practice.

The best ways to learn Dutch

Ready, set, go! These are our tried and tested ways of learning Dutch — gathered from my own experience, passed on by teachers and previous learners, and recommended by other DutchReviewers. 

Use an app to learn Dutch

Want to learn Dutch? There’s an app for that! Well, actually, there are quite a few. But, a word of caution first: it’s widely accepted in language-learning communities that using an app is a great way to start learning a language — but not the way to master one.

Therefore, use the apps below as a way to learn some great new vocabulary and inspire a love of learning this beautiful (??) language. You’ll learn some words and basic phrases but won’t delve into grammar too much.

So, what are the best apps to learn Dutch? We’ve collected our top recommendations for you below.

• Duolingo will teach you the most random but still somehow useful words to get you started on your Dutch journey.
• Memrise is similar to Duolingo but often has more relevant content, and their free version is really handy! 
• Babbel has a free trial period that lets you get started with Dutch. 
• Drops is perhaps the most fun and addictive (!) way to memorise Dutch vocabulary through illustrative games and personalised learning.
• Learn Dutch. Speak Dutch by Mondly requires just five minutes of practice a day.
• 6000 Words allows you to learn with fun language games and a visual approach.

Attend Dutch language schools

Get your books out and your glasses on, because we’re going back to school!  

If you’re truly committed to learning Dutch, an app will only get you so far — and attending a school is the next step towards proficiency!

So, how do you decide which course to sign up for? In the Netherlands, you can choose between private language schools, municipality courses, university courses, and public library courses. 

Private language schools

Are you ready to take your Dutch learning to the next level? Private language schools offer small class sizes and will teach you to read, speak, and understand Dutch — the whole shebang. 

With private language schools, you can also choose from different course schedules, such as day, evening, or intense courses.

However, the breadth also comes with a price tag, so make sure you do your research and find the best private Dutch school for your needs!

Municipality and public library courses

At the other end of the scale, municipality and public courses are cheap or even free but can be less well-organised than private schools. 

Many library courses are centred around speaking Dutch (which is perfect if you don’t get to practice much in your everyday life!).

They offer a comfortable group setting, sometimes provide koffie and thee, and they let you speak with other internationals who are learning the language.

University courses

Finally, don’t overlook university courses! They aren’t only for students (though students are given a reduced fee) but are open to anyone who wants to learn Dutch.

As they’re part of the university, these courses follow the academic calendar, or sometimes even the general Dutch holiday calendar (giving you, for example, an autumn break from the course). 

The price level depends on what type of course (for example, an evening, intense, or integration exam preparation) you want to enrol in and whether you are a student or not. 

Sign up for online Dutch courses

On the hunt for a structured approach to language learning but don’t have time to attend a language school? Geen probleem! 

Taking a MOOC can really help kickstart your study and is also one of our top recommendations if you’re on the hunt for free ways to learn Dutch!

MOOC stands for ‘Massive Open Online Course’ and is a great way to take well-organised classes in your own time. All it requires is a stable internet connection and a dose of self-discipline. 

For beginners, we recommend the three-week introductory course offered by the University of Groningen. This course is completely free (unless you want a certificate of completion), teaches you the basics of Dutch and Dutch grammar, and is a great way to kickstart your language learning.

Alternatively, check out Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau or the ‘Dutchies to be’ online course: Learn Dutch with Kim. Both provide well-structured and entertaining online courses, some free and some paid, in addition to free (and super helpful) YouTube videos.

Use textbooks to learn Dutch 

Are you a motivated self-studier who wants to go beyond vocabulary? Then using textbooks to learn Dutch could be the next step towards proficiency! 

So, if you’re ready to dabble in a bit of grammar, get yourself to any major bookstore in the Netherlands and peruse their selection of Dutch textbooks. Some of the most popular ones include ‘Nederlands in gang,’ ‘De opmaat,’ and ‘Contact!’.

Although you’ll miss out on speaking practice, you can readily go through the textbook chapters and exercises in your own time. Most Dutch textbooks also include online exercises that are super helpful.

Reference books to support your Dutch learning

• Essential Dutch Grammar: An oldie but a goldie. Focusing on the grammar needed for everyday Dutch communication, this book is written for the adult language learner with limited time.
• Dutch Verb Conjugator: The most common verbs fully conjugated: The ultimate overview of Dutch verbs. Organised alphabetically, this book will provide you with exactly what it promises: the most common Dutch verbs, fully conjugated.
• The New Routledge & Van Dale Dutch Dictionary: Dutch-English/English-Dutch: This dictionary is a classic in the Netherlands. If you’re not into googling everything, this will be your best friend when looking up words.
• Basic Dutch: A Grammar and Workbook: An easy-to-use guide for learning the essentials.

Join online communities to learn Dutch

Another free and often seriously fun way to learn Dutch is by joining online language learning communities.

In fact, they don’t even have to be focused on language learning! Sometimes, flexing your Nederlands is just easier in the less confronting space of the internet.

So, power up your laptop and join a Discord, Reddit, or Duolingo community because there are plenty of servers and subreddits for you to explore.

Some are created explicitly for internationals to practice their Dutch, some are multilingual communities that are happy to communicate with you in Dutch — and others are just waiting for you to share the best Dutch memes with them. 

Listen to Dutch podcasts and songs

If you follow an English-taught study or work in an international company, you may not get many chances to finetune your ears to the guttural sound of the Dutch language. One way to do this is by listening to Dutch podcasts and songs! 

Listening to podcasts in Dutch is a great way to learn conversational Dutch and, depending on what podcast you select, familiarise yourself with Dutch history and culture at the same time.

To make your search easier, we’ve gathered nine podcasts that’ll have you speaking Dutch in no time.

Now, if you’re trying to find a way to make the (dare we say harsh?) Dutch language a little more melodic, then grab your headphones and get ready to sing along with Dutch songs to learn the language (and culture!). Have fun!

Watching videos to learn Dutch

Watching videos is another awesome way to practice your Dutch listening skills. On YouTube, you’ll find specific Dutch language learning channels, but there are also other Dutch Youtubers that’ll make you learn the language fast.

So, whatever YouTube loop you tend to be sucked into — be it lifestyle and health channels, gaming, comedy and experiments, or news and educational content — you’ll find a Dutch version out there! Might as well turn that procrastination into learning.

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

Talk with Dutchies

You can listen, read, and do grammar exercises all you want, but in the end, if you want to really learn Dutch, you need to practice speaking it. (And get Dutchies to speak Dutch with you). 

Trust us, we know it’s scary. You’re gonna stumble, make mistakes, and sometimes conversations will even break down, and you’ll have to recover in English. 

READ MORE | Like a native: 21 ways to elevate your everyday Dutch phrases

However, if you practice your Dutch regularly, then you’ll see improvements with every conversation — and before you know it, you’ll be flying through the five stages of learning Dutch! 

Watch Dutch TV shows and movies

Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to pour over a book, listen attentively to a podcast, or even socialise — and that’s okay.

But guess what? You don’t need to do any of those things to learn Dutch.

Indeed, you can be better than everyone on the couch while still sitting on yours! All you need to do is turn on the TV (or computer).

READ MORE | 7 series and films on Netflix to help you learn Dutch 

Depending on your mood and level of Dutch, you can either watch a Dutch tv show or movie with subtitles or perform your usual binge with Dutch subtitles! 

Netflix and Dutch language learning 

Okay, so you’ve set your subtitles to Dutch, watched all the Dutch movies on Netflix, and perhaps even discovered the many free shows and movies available on the Dutch broadcasting site NPO Start.

Now, it’s time to add the extension Language Reactor (previously called Language Learning with Netflix) to your Google Chrome browser and level up your couch potato-ing. The extension allows you to watch Netflix with two sets of subtitles running at once.  

Using Language Reactor, you can compare the Dutch audio and text to a translation in your language. The extension also highlights the most important words in the subtitles and offers you a pop-up dictionary — pretty neat if you ask us!

Join a (mostly) Dutch-speaking club or association

Do you already have some of the basics in place and are ready for a deep dive into the Dutch language and culture? Then ask your local football team, yoga studio, rowing club, sewing circle, or student association if they’re happy to have an international join. 

Some will require fluent Dutch, but others are happy to do a little extra explaining if you don’t understand everything they’re talking about. 

It takes courage, but immersing yourself in the Dutch language is a guaranteed way to learn fast while also enjoying a hobby and getting to know some Dutchies.

Flexing your new language skills: using Dutch in your everyday life

Goed gedaan! (well done!). You’ve studied, stumbled, and learned — and are now ready to share your language proficiency with the world.

Alright, perhaps you just start with your Dutch friends, but using your Dutch regularly is the key to maintaining it (and becoming more comfortable speaking it!). 

Sometimes though, that’s easier said than done. 

How to get Dutchies to speak Dutch with you

Getting Dutchies to speak Dutch with you can be more tricky than it sounds (and should be). It’s not that they want to be rude or dismiss your efforts — they just likely won’t think twice about switching to English.

After all, they’re some of the best non-native speakers in the world. 

So, embrace the Dutch directness and simply insist on Nederlands praten (speaking Dutch). A great way to do this is to say:

“Ik leer Nederlands en ik moet oefenen.”
(I’m learning Dutch and I need to practice).

Top Dutch learning tips

With all of those different ways of learning Dutch in mind, you may need some tips and techniques to stay on top of everything. These are the ones we’ve benefitted from:

• Focus on a few things at a time: While enthusiasm is great, learning Dutch takes time, so pick one way of learning and stick with that for a while rather than trying to do everything at once. It’ll be more enjoyable, and you can more easily see what learning techniques work for you. 
• Go crazy with the sticky notes: Use sticky notes to learn the Dutch names of the objects you see every day. Stick them on your kitchen cupboards, wardrobe, and bookshelf — basically around your entire home — and you’ll be familiar with the translation of household objects in no time!
• Hang a grammar table on the back of your toilet door: Grammar might be one of the most universally dreaded parts of learning a language. So, know thy self and put a table of Dutch conjugations on the back of your toilet door so you practice when you have nothing else to do — and literally can’t run from it.
• Find a friend to message in Dutch: Sometimes, busy schedules get in the way of meeting with friends to practice Dutch. It happens! However, it doesn’t have to come in the way of learning the language. Simply text your Dutchie friends in Dutch! They’ll be happy to help, and you’ll pick up some Dutch slang and abbreviations. 
• Read the newspaper: Pick up the Metro newspaper next time you’re sitting in the tram to practice reading Dutch, or check out the NOS Jeugdjournaal for news written in simple Dutch.
• Talk with non-natives who are also learning Dutch: Speaking to other Dutch learners, they will likely understand your stumbles and grammar better than Dutchies — and they’ll be more forgiving of mistakes.

Frequently asked questions about learning Dutch

How’s your Dutch learning going? Have you used any of these ways to learn Dutch? Tell us in the comments below! 

The cost of living in the Netherlands increases every year because of, well, inflation. The last few years have been like no other, and we see this reflected in our ever-increasing energy bills.

So how can you regain control of that pesky piece of paper?

The good news is that even though managing your Dutch utility bills in recent years has proven to be a different ball game than usual, you can still save on energy costs in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | Gas, electricity, water and more: the ultimate guide to utilities in the Netherlands

But let’s first understand why prices have skyrocketed in the first place before we dig into how to bring them down. 

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Energy prices are skyrocketing: why?

The Netherlands, and the rest of Europe, have been in an ever-worsening energy crisis for the past few years. 

In 2020, the winter turned out to be colder than usual, and with everyone penned up at home, people turned up the dial on their heaters. This resulted in greater energy demand, causing prices to rise.

In 2021, the price hike continued, worsened by fears of diminishing gas stocks. Initially, the increasing costs were mostly felt by companies, but it didn’t take long before the average Dutchie (half a million of them, to be precise) began having trouble paying their energy bills.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, the question of Russian energy became even more relevant. 

The increasing motivation for ending the Netherlands’ dependency on Russian gas, coupled with a huge rise in energy bill costs, has made Dutch policymakers think — fast.  

As the Netherlands increases its focus on renewable energy and begins importing more LNG (liquified natural gas), the government is also introducing measures to cushion the impacts of the rising prices. 

Dutch energy bills: understand your contract

If there’s one thing you understand when you look at your energy bill, it’s that energy prices are rising, and you see it reflected in the sum total of your utility bills.

READ MORE | How to take control of your Dutch utility bills in 5 simple steps

We also know that in order to understand that frustratingly expensive slip of paper, you spend an unreasonable amount of time translating, googling, and maybe practising one or two Dutch swear words. 

Keeping up with energy prices is one thing, but keeping up with Dutch contract language is a whole other ball game. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand how much you’re paying and for what. 

With continuously climbing energy prices, the most important thing to consider is whether you have a fixed or non-fixed contract. 

• With a fixed contract, the price you pay for energy is locked in, meaning you aren’t at the mercy of the market. However, if you want to terminate your contract prematurely, you’ll often have to adhere to a 30-day notice period and might have to pay a fee. 

• However, if you have a non-fixed contract, then the costs billed to you are calculated on the running market price. In this scenario, we’d probably try to run ourselves — either from our responsibilities or to a new provider. (Please only attempt the latter, though).

As an international, changing energy providers and switching contracts is not always an easy feat. Luckily, we know someone who can help you navigate the Dutch energy market.

Meet PartnerPete’s ContractCoach  

PartnerPete has developed a special service for internationals in the Netherlands that takes a three-pronged approach to tackle Dutch energy costs. Say hello to your very own ContractCoach! Now, what exactly can they do for you?

Translations

Firstly, the ContractCoach service offers to translate all the important documents you need to stay on top of your utility bills. Not only does PartnerPete help translate Dutch for non-Dutch-speakers, but they also help to make head and tail of the jargon. 

Contract follow-ups

In the Netherlands, it is often beneficial to switch providers once a contract expires. This tends to happen once a year. But what also tends to happen is that people forget to follow up after the contract expires, leaving them stuck with their current provider.

A Contract Coach contacts you once a year to discuss all your various utility contracts, ensuring that you’re happy to stay with your current one or helping you make the switch to another.

Contract cancellations

If you do decide to switch to a new supplier, PartnerPete’s ContractCoach will ensure that your old one is terminated correctly. The same goes if you’re moving to a new house in the Netherlands. 

Bonus feature: Energy Price Alert

As a new and improved feature, PartnerPete’s ContractCoach service now also includes energy price alerts.

This is perhaps the easiest way to reduce your energy bill in 2022. Anytime the energy rates drop below the one you have in your current contract, PartnerPete will notify you. 

What’s more, your ContractCoach will inform you proactively with a better offer than what you’re currently paying.

You can then decide whether to make the switch or not — a thing you, of course, won’t have to do on your own.

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to energy bills in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments.