If you get a Frenchman drunk and have him write a text in German and then read it in a British accent while gargling in the middle of a thunderstorm, the result might resemble the language that about 23 million people speak every day: Dutch.
Learning a foreign language is always quite a difficult process, especially for beginners who do not have the time or means to attend traditional language classes in a classroom. Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources for those who want to integrate into the Netherlands by learning this difficult but beautiful language.
Below I will list the advice I have received from native speakers, the methods I have tried, and some personal observations from my - admittedly limited - experience as a beginner speaker:
- Duolingo – https://www.duolingo.com/ (or other similar apps): Probably the most popular option, this app structures the learning process into short, simple daily lessons. For those who have the discipline to log in regularly Duolingo can be a quick and easy solution that requires no more than 10 minutes each day, regardless of time or location. However, unfortunately this style is not suitable for everyone, and often the app goes unused and notifications with the green owl logo are increasingly ignored.
- Online courses on Youtube: For those who prefer traditional language learning methods, there are several YouTube channels that post courses of varying lengths and difficulty levels where they cover vocabulary, grammar or conversational elements. Although these courses are often both comprehensive and easy to follow, their main drawback is the lack of an interactive element. Also, most of these courses are based on a fairly advanced knowledge of English. If you choose this option, I recommend that you always have a notepad handy, and possibly try to reproduce the pronunciation. (Be sure to warn those around you of what you are about to do, or you may find yourself with a Heimlich as you struggle to pronounce correctly. "You can find them here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE-lwiHkiEs&list=PLvO1maS0pjrQ0n_3MPqevX8i4yVph4HN4 .
- Online - Oefenen.nl - https://oefenen.nl/ – is a site where you can find exercises and lessons for all levels of knowledge. From vocabulary useful in everyday life - a dialogue at the bank or the doctor - to interactive games and exercises.
- Free courses: For those with more time on their hands, most large cities offer free Dutch language courses organised by the city council or local libraries. This differs from town to town, however, and it is often easier to call the library or municipality and ask directly. Furthermore, although these courses are free they generally require active participation on the part of those who sign up, and a minimum attendance to apply for free. For Dutch international students, faculties often organise optional Dutch courses during the semester breaks or during the summer.
- Dutch friends: Often the best way to practice your language skills is in conversation with a native speaker. You don't have to suddenly start having fluent conversations with your fellow Henk, but generally Dutch people are enthusiastic when a foreigner makes an effort to learn the language. Start with simple questions, learn how to order your favourite food or complain about the weather in Dutch. If you already have a café or shop you frequent try starting with the simplest Dutch formulas - no one will mind if you revert to English in the middle of a sentence.
- Non-Dutch friends: The opposite of the above advice. Maybe you feel too embarrassed to stammer in front of a Dutch person, maybe the Dutch people around you don't have any teaching skills, or maybe you simply haven't found a native speaker who doesn't immediately switch to English when they hear you. However, if you're an expat in the Netherlands there's a good chance you'll have other people around you who are making an effort to learn the language. Once you have agreed to help each other you can start simple conversations, exchange experiences and have fun together over the inevitable pronunciation mistakes.
- Films and series – https://learndutchonline.nl/best-dutch-netflix-series/. Obviously enough, you've probably had this idea, but it's difficult to decide what to start with - especially when there are so many options in more accessible languages. However, if subtitles aren't enough you can raise the bar with the Language Reactor extension for google chrome, which adds bilingual subtitles to videos, quick access to the dictionary, notes and explanations. Music! Many of us probably parroted the lyrics of our favourite songs in English before we understood the language - I recommend trying the same in Dutch.
- Dutch music – https://dutchreview.com/culture/dutch-songs/ includes almost any still, so there's sure to be something to suit everyone. With the lyrics in front of you - and possibly a translation found on the internet or made by a more patient Dutch friend - it's much easier to pick up phrases and pronunciations to the beat of the piano, drums or bass. What's more, you'll blow away any group of Dutch people you go out with as soon as you recognise the 5-6 songs that an entire bar sings in chorus. Learning a foreign language is quite a difficult, often frustrating process, especially in a country where everyone would rather speak English to you. However, once you get over the threshold of embarrassment and hesitation you'll be pleasantly surprised by the reactions of the Dutch and the privilege of distinguishing yourself from the groups of uncivilised tourists so disliked in the Netherlands.
Perhaps the most important resources not listed above are patience and humour - both on your part and on the part of those around you. Always be ready to feel a little ridiculous trying to imitate correct pronunciation, but also willing to have fun and try again. And if you feel that something is missing from the above resources and you'd like to catch a few Dutch swear words I recommend taking a walk on a busy bike path. Veel geluk!
One last piece of advice: when you feel discouraged about your linguistic progress ask a non-Romanian speaking friend to try reading a paragraph in Romanian, or some lyrics - Eminescu or Smiley, it doesn't matter.
Author: Mara Georgescu
