How to speak Dutch

The Dutch language is in the West Germanic family of languages, and its use can be traced back to the fifth century. Modern Dutch is spoken by some 23 million people worldwide. It is the national language of the Netherlands and is also widely spoken in the Flemish areas of Belgium as well as former Dutch colonies, such as Suriname.

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The Dutch language

Immerse yourself in Dutch culture by mastering the language! While the Netherlands is famous for Amsterdam's tulips and canals, the true cultural gems include local delights like Vla, stroopwafels, and gezellig Dutch pubs. To delve deeper into this historically rich and friendly country, learn Dutch – unlocking employment, leisure, and travel advantages. For native English speakers, Dutch is remarkably accessible, offering a gateway to other Germanic languages. Its unique vocabulary, delightful pronunciation, and melodic flow make learning enjoyable. Discover the joy of describing everything as lekker and adding the diminutive '-tje' to words, enhancing your linguistic adventure in the Netherlands!

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Tips on how to speak Dutch quickly

  • Consistently practice with online learning resources.

  • Explore Dutch content on YouTube.

  • Engage with Dutch children's and young adult literature.

  • Incorporate Dutch into daily conversations.

  • Stay updated with Dutch news articles.

Learn to speak Dutch

The Netherlands is a major trading partner of the United Kingdom and, in terms of tourism, nearly one million Britons visit our Dutch neighbors every year. There are, therefore, clear practical incentives for people from the United Kingdom to learn to speak Dutch. Whether your visit to the Netherlands is for business or pleasure, your Dutch hosts will warmly appreciate any effort you make to speak Dutch.

A number of options exist for those who wish to learn how to speak Dutch. There are still traditional methods involving evening classes and textbooks. These can often be an effective way to learn Dutch, but many people find that attending a class at a fixed time every week is too restrictive for the busy lives many of us lead now.

The best thing to do is explore several methods to figure out what suits you best. Babbel, a leading choice for millions of users globally, integrates various themes and methods into one platform. With its unique scientific approach, the Babbel Method ensures quick and immersive learning. Backed by rigorous academic research, our didactic method delivers a language curriculum accessible 24/7. Renowned for its effectiveness, Babbel is designed to take you from language novice to proficient speaker in no time.

Learn how to speak Dutch with Babbel

  • Access content designed by 150+ expert language teachers.

  • Engage in flexible lessons crafted around real-world situations.

  • Achieve the equivalent of a full university semester with just 15 hours of Babbel.

  • Hone your accent and pronunciation with voice recognition technology.

  • Test first lesson of every course for free.

Interested? Start on your language-learning adventure today and unlock a world of exciting opportunities. Whether you're seeking new career prospects, the thrill of travel, or a richer social life, learning Dutch is your gateway to new horizons!

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