Tips and tools
You learn Dutch without a teacher, so think carefully about how you will learn and practice the language independently. Here are some tips.
- Set your goals. Why do you want to learn Dutch? For example, for your job, for your children who attend a Dutch-speaking school, or because you like learning new languages? Do you want to focus on speaking or writing? And what level do you want or need to reach? It is not necessary for everyone to reach the highest level. Be realistic in your goal setting.
- Make a personal plan that fits your situation, and respect that plan. If that does not work, ask yourself why and adjust your plan if necessary.
- Set achievable goals and reward yourself. Without a course or teacher, it is harder to stay motivated. Therefore, set yourself small intermediate goals: divide your workbook into chapters or try to do a few online exercises per week. Achieved one of your intermediate goals? Then reward yourself with something small or do something that you enjoy.
- Do not be afraid to speak Dutch, do not be afraid to make mistakes. If you don't know a word right away, avoid saying it in another language. Try to explain the word in Dutch, give examples and use hand gestures. Copy sentences and phrases that you hear.
- Make time for Dutch every day. It is better to practice a few minutes every day than a few hours once a week.
Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the better you will get and the more fun it will be. Take every opportunity to use the language. Here are some tools to learn and practice Dutch.
- NedBox. Do you know NedBox? It is a fun website and app to practice Dutch, free and adapted to your level. You will find TV fragments and newspaper articles with accompanying exercises. This way you get authentic input in Dutch.
- Handbook. Are you looking for a handbook to learn Dutch? In the Brussels libraries you will find many useful books, such as Dutch for self-study by Prisma publishers. A handbook gives you structure, which makes learning easier.
- Startbabbels. Do you already want to practice Dutch as a beginning speaker? Good idea! Go to Startbabbels in Muntpunt. You will meet new people in Brussels. A Dutch-speaking moderator will lead the conversation.
- Nederlandsoefeneninbrussel.be. Are you joining a Dutch-speaking organisation or are you meeting Dutch-speaking friends, family or colleagues? Then start in Dutch yourself. Do you know few Dutch-speaking people? Then find an activity to practice Dutch via this website. Here you will find activities at your level and in your neighbourhood.
Artificial intelligence. Do you already use tools like ChatGPT in your daily life that are based on artificial intelligence? You can also use those tools to practice Dutch! Always give clear instructions.
- Write, for example: Hello, I want to practice Dutch. I want to practice informal conversations.
- Or if you know your Dutch language proficiency level: I would like to practice Dutch at an A2 level.
Be careful: do not share too much personal information with AI tools! We do not know enough about how they work.
- Duolingo app. Would you rather practice with an app on your smartphone? You may already know Duolingo. Here you learn words and simple sentences in Dutch. Duolingo encourages you to practice every day.
Good luck!
Would you like more information about how you can learn Dutch independently? Then make an appointment for advice.