Greetings from the Netherlands, a mystical land. Learning Dutch, whether it is for moving there or just to increase your skill set, will open tons of doors for you. Initially, you’d wonder, “How long will it take to learn the Dutch language?”
There might not be any specific duration, but you can certainly increase your learning pace by following a specific structure and being consistent. Don’t just bash your head over the various app traps and over-priced online Dutch language lessons, without proper research and consideration. With proper utilisation of resources, you can expect to reach a conversational level (B1-B2) of learning Dutch language in 6-12 months using a structured course.
A more complex approach towards this will be explained further.
The International Standard- Beyond the Classroom
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is the standard international measure by which language learning is measured. As Dutch is a language classified as easier for native English speakers, the number of hours to reach proficiency is set to:
| LEVEL | DESCRIPTION | APPROXIMATED HOURS | COURSE DURATION |
| A1 | Beginner (Foundation) | 80 – 100 hours | 6 – 8 weeks |
| A2 | Elementary (Conversational) | 180 – 200 hours | 8 – 12 weeks |
| B1 | Intermediate (Workplace Oriented/ Professional) | 350 – 400 hours | 4 – 6 months |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate (Fluent conversational) | 540 – 620 hours | 6 – 12 months |
| C1 | Operational (Advanced) | 700 – 900 hours | More than 12 |
Mostly, learners go for learning up to the B2 (Upper Intermediate) level to clear the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II, or when they plan to go to the Netherlands for further career prospects. With an intensive course of weekly classes and homework, you could get to B2 in 9 to 12 months. However, it would take 1.5 to 2.5 years with a more relaxed, part-time course.
Online Dutch courses are the main driving force in learning Dutch. Try registering for the online Dutch lessons, which offer extra study material and homework assignments to keep you on your toes to learn the language. Moreover, go for the Dutch classes online, which offer a flexible schedule to incorporate with your schedule. Like The Dutch minds, offering flexible and structured classes.
To enroll for B2 Level Courses online, click here.
The 3 Important Accelerators
With choosing the apt Dutch classes online, the learner must also inculcate what they learned outside the classroom. Instead of surfing “how long to learn Dutch with a course”, you should focus on accelerating your growth in learning Dutch language by
- Previous Know-how of the Dutch Language and Culture– If you know English or German, it would improve your efficiency in learning Dutch language. English and Dutch have almost the same word composition (water, hui, broer). Also, the US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has declared Dutch as the easiest language for Dutch speakers. Similarly, the grammar of the German and Dutch languages is similar. If you speak German, Dutch will feel simpler, and you’ll have a strong foundation. Additionally, if you’re familiar with the culture of the Netherlands or the various phrases they use, it would certainly come in handy.
- Constant Practice– Apart from the linguistic similarity, your constant efforts will matter the most. Instead of practising weekly, practise daily with an incorporable schedule. You should change your phone’s language to Dutch and embrace the experience of learning the Dutch Language. Listen to Dutch songs or watch Dutch movies to pace up your learning. Adapting the language in your daily life would be a crucial step towards learning.
- Set Goals and Targets– You should know the reason for learning the Dutch language as it becomes the biggest motivation for your constant efforts. If you need to pass exams like Inburgering (B1/ A2 level) or the NT2 exam (B1 or B2), a course with a structured and strict approach will be suitable. At The Dutch Minds, there is a set deadline and structured goals that help speed up the process. Additionally, having a social group with the same motivation is a big help as it provides an emotional boost, preventing burnout.
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More Than just a paced marathon
A Dutch online course, with an efficient framework and structure, can accelerate the process of learning Dutch language. It is essential to focus on deepening the learning process through daily language practice. Your commitment to the goal of learning Dutch language matters the most.
However, the learning time may vary according to the proficiency and proximity. Still, a learner aiming to learn Dutch online by courses socially or professionally would prefer to go for the B2 Level, which would take 9 to 12 months full-time and 1.5 or 2.5 years part-time. Veel succes! Don’t just set learning Dutch language in a taskbar, but embrace the experience fully with The Dutch Minds.
