Learn Dutch Faster With These Websites

News anchors from the popular Dutch news journal, NOS, Photo credit: ANP JEROEN JUMELET

So you’ve committed to learning Dutch? Signing up for Dutch classes, an online course or private Dutch lessons is of course an important first step. Whichever method you choose, you will likely receive a book, homework assignments or study materials to work on between your lessons. Your teacher will use these materials to structure the class to help you reach your goals. However, for those who are interested, there is a lot more you can do to enhance your studies and get ahead on the learning curve.

In this article I discuss 3 of my favorite websites Dutch students can use to boost their learning. Since most of these websites are designed for native speakers, they will help you move past textbook language and explore content that is rich in cultural insight and informal language while informing you about Dutch life and current events.

Jeugdjournaal

The first resource I recommend to anyone who is taking Dutch lessons is the Jeugdjournaal or “youth journal”. It’s a video news website directed towards Dutch youth. The site is updated daily and features timely videos that cover local as well as international topics and events. The site is perfect for people who are trying to learn Dutch because, while created for native speakers, the videos are concise and tend to use easier to understand Dutch than typical news journals.

Kidsweek

While Jeugdjournaal can help you with your Dutch listening skills, I recommend Kidsweek for beginner readers who would like more practice reading Dutch. It features a variety of content written for school children. Open up your Dutch dictionary and improve your skills while reading Kidsweek’s short articles, interviews, reviews and simple tutorials.

NOS and NOS “Nieuws van de Week”

NOS is one of the most popular Dutch news sites. The main NOS website is a great resource for intermediate Dutch students to practice their listening and reading skills. I use this site during my lessons, but also recommend it as a practice tool for students to use between lessons. For beginners, I recommend the NOS Nieuws van de Week video series. In these videos, journalists speak slowly and explain topics carefully, which gives Dutch learners a chance to follow along.