What is stopping you to learn Dutch language?
The one question that definitely hits you is “How difficult is it to learn Dutch?” or “Can I learn Dutch easily?”
Honestly, it is not a piece of cake!
However, if you possess good learning abilities and motivation, you can easily learn Dutch.
Good news? English speakers find Dutch ‘easy’ but not ‘effortless’.
Some parts will make your Dutch journey enjoyable and smooth, while some will make you crazy.
Making you aware of the reality is our duty! So, let’s break this down why:
- Dutch is easy for English speakers
- Vocabulary is the favorite part of learners
- Pronunciation struggle is real for all
- Learners love Dutch grammar rules
- Dutch idioms confuse
WHY ENGLISH SPEAKERS FIND DUTCH EASY?
We bet you can learn Dutch easily!
Since you’re reading this blog, you must know English. Both English and Dutch have German roots. (though Dutch people don’t accept this)
Let’s understand this with an example: The translation of “The cat sleeps” is “De kat slaapt.”
Found it similar?
Unlike other European languages like French or Spanish, the Dutch language gives a smooth road to English speakers.
Reminder: Don’t mistake ‘easily’ and ‘effortlessly’. While the basics come quickly, mastering fluency still requires practice.We advise new learners to go for Dutch language classes if they’re not familiar with the English language.
VOCABULARY DÉJÀ VU
Thanks to the German roots and English command, the Dutch vocabulary is easy to learn. You’ll find thousands of similar English words in Dutch.
Some are identical and similar, while some are adapted directly from English.
For example, the identical terms are:
- “telefoon” = telephone
- “universiteit” = university
The best part of Dutch is the similar tech words like:
- “downloaden” = to download
- “updaten” = to update
These words make learning Dutch easy.
But wait!!!!
Have you heard about FALSE FRIENDS? The words that look English but mean something different:
- “bellen” = to call (not “to bell”)
- “gift” = poison (not “a present”)
- “eventueel” = possibly (not “eventually”)
With a little practice or online Dutch language lessons, you’ll quickly expand your vocabulary.
PROUNUNICATION IS CHALLENGING!
The hardest part to learn Dutch language is here!!!
Vocabulary makes Dutch feel familiar, and pronunciation drives you crazy.
Some sounds are unusual to English speakers and hence confuse Dutch learners.
For example, “ui” sound (which doesn’t exist in English) sounds like
“ow” while pinching your nose. Like, “tuin” (garden).
The most difficult guttural sound “g” in words like “goedemorgen” or “gracht” is a hurdle for beginners.
Both the Netherlands and Belgium have many dialects that confuse learners. Like, the Dutch “g” is harsher in Amsterdam but softer in Belgium.
Meanwhile, the “r” can be rolled, guttural, or even almost silent depending on the region.
Guess what? Many learners in our online Dutch course find that after a few months, those impossible sounds start feeling natural.
If you’re emigrating out to the Netherlands, you have to pass the Integration Exam.
Learn How you can prepare for the Dutch Civic Integration Exam.
NO CONFUSING GRAMMAR HERE (Unlike English and German)
Dutch grammar is comparatively easier than German or French. It is straightforward and logical.
Unlike English, it has only two articles, i.e., ‘de’ for feminine and masculine, and ‘het’ for the neuter word.
What’s the trickiest part of any language? Yes, the TENSES create tense!
But not in Dutch. Let’s understand with a simple past tense example:
Add -de or -te in regular verbs
- “I worked” = “Ik werkt
- “We worked” = “Wij werkten”
The Crazy part to learn Dutch language grammar? VERBS and WORD ORDER. It might create some confusion at the beginning of your Dutch journey.
No language can be entirely grammar-free. Believe us, the Dutch won’t make you pull your hair out of frustration.
NIGHTMARE OF DUTCH IDIOMS
What’s the point in learning Dutch if you can’t understand what locals say?
No doubt, idioms are used in all languages, but Dutch people use more idioms than other Europeans.
When you’re getting Dutch figured out, these idioms will knock on your door to scare you.
These quirky phrases have no proper translations, making conversation a puzzle for new learners. For example:
- “Dat is koffiedik kijken” → “That’s looking at coffee grounds” (means it’s unpredictable)
- “Nu komt de aap uit de mouw” → “Now the monkey comes out of the sleeve” (means the truth is revealed)
While you don’t need to memorize hundreds, learning a few key ones helps you sound more natural.
The best way to pick them up? Watch Dutch TV with subtitles, or ask natives to explain phrases you hear. That’s what we offer in our online Dutch language lessons: real-life experience and personalized attention.
THE BOTTOM LINE?
Dutch is an easy-to-learn language for English speakers, but only with the right approach.
The focus should be on mastering sounds, proper pronunciation, and learning practical phrases to achieve Dutch fluency.
Want to have chit-chat comfortably in Dutch in months only?
The Dutch Minds has built hundreds of learners’ confidence with our Dutch language classes. We focus on real-world conversation practices.
Skip the guesswork and book a free trial or guidance with us.
Shh! Don’t tell this to anyone (it’s a secret): Dutch will become your second nature with The Dutch Minds.
