Learning Dutch is not a straightforward road, it has turns, bumps, and speed bumps. The whole journey feels like a puzzle you’re trying to solve every time. The best part? Most learners make the same mistakes, which means it’s predictable and fixed.
As a Dutch tutor, I have seen students making these common mistakes when they learn Dutch language online, whether on day one or after weeks. The good news is that these mistakes are 100% avoidable to save your time, avoid frustration, and sometimes embarrassment. But how? With the right guidance! Here’s what and how I am making my students avoid in our online Dutch language classes.
1. Translating Directly from English
This I call a Dunglish mistake! Mixing Dutch and English. Technically, both languages have the same roots, but translating an English word-for-word is the biggest mistake students make when they learn Dutch language.
The Dutch order can be tricky. The sentence structure in both languages has different patterns and chunks.
For example:
For “It’s hot” we say “Het is warm”, not “Ik ben warm.”
I advise my students to think in Dutch, not English. And stop mirroring English words.
2. Ignoring Pronunciation
Many learners think pronunciation can wait and focus on vocabulary first. But if you start mispronouncing, it will stick with you as a bad habit. The Dutch sounds are unique and don’t exist in English, like the “ui”, “ij”, and especially the hardest “g” sound. Make sure you focus on pronunciation first, even when you’re learning from an online Dutch course, to avoid any future frustration. Record yourself and review it every time to track the progression.
3. Confusing Articles: De and Het
When students learn Dutch language online, they’re not aware of the infamous Dutch articles “de” and “het”. Though there are no perfect rules, there are many exceptions to some rules.
Many learners use them randomly or skip them if they don’t matter. But in reality, they do. How to fix it? When you learn a new noun, learn its article too. For example, “het boek”. Most importantly, accept that you’ll mess up.
4. Skipping Speaking Practice
When you learn Dutch language, it’s important to use what you’ve learned. Imagine watching videos, reading books, doing grammar exercises, and not speaking it. Then, what’s the use of it? Your learning will fade soon. Try these tips to gain Dutch fluency quickly: Start speaking early. Join a Dutch language course online for live and interactive sessions, talk to yourself, join a language exchange program, and use AI tools for conversation.
Remember, you can’t learn any language without speaking it.
5. Getting Stuck in Grammar
Yes, grammar is an important tool of any language. But diving deep into it before you build confidence in speaking and other basics is ineffective.
Your goal is fluency, so when you learn Dutch language, try to maintain a healthy balance between all. Use grammar to reach your goal, don’t make it your goal. Confused between Dutch online classes and in-person classes? Know the benefits of online Dutch language classes!
6. Not revising Old Concepts and Vocabulary
Have you ever heard of the spiral learning method? Here is what happens with most learners: they study a new word and concept, understand it, use it once or twice, and then forget it. The cycle goes on.
Dutch has long, tricky words and phrases that are easy to lose track of. Revision is a must for them. Spare some time for revision in your learning routine to never lose it.
7. Using Only One Learning Resource
Never! I say never rely on a single resource, even when you are joining an online Dutch course. Learning a language requires variety.
Mix your course with other resources like books, movies, podcasts, free online content, social media, and more. It helps you to build an all-round skill set. Here’s the best way to learn Dutch online on your own.
8. Neglecting Listening Practice
When students learn Dutch language online, they focus only on reading and writing. What’s the use of learning Dutch when you can’t understand the spoken Dutch?
To understand the accent, watch the Dutch shows and listen to the radio, music, and news with subtitles. It helps to train your mind in Dutch.
9. Not Staying Consistent
Studying 5 hours one day? That’s great! But then do nothing for a week? That’s called inconsistency. When you learn Dutch language, it demands consistency and hard work.
How to maintain that? Fix your routine and daily goals like reading 5 pages of a book, watching 10 minutes of a Dutch show, etc.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
I bet this is the most common mistake of all. Dutch is a challenge, and it’s worth achieving. There might be days you won’t feel like learning or practicing. That’s the real challenge for you.
Once you can easily deal with the hard concepts, dealing with a lack of motivation requires more energy.
How Can You Avoid These Mistakes with The Dutch Minds?
The Dutch Minds believes that mistakes aren’t just a part of the process, they are the process. Every confusing structure, mispronounced word, and awkward conversation leads you to fluency.
Our Dutch language course online is designed to help you slay with these mistakes. With personalized feedback and learning, real-life conversation skills, and interactive sessions, our goal is to make you learn Dutch quickly and effectively.
So, be consistent and enjoy the whole journey. If you don’t want to get stuck in these common traps, join our learn Dutch online course or contact us for free guidance!
Learn, practice, and speak Dutch!
