Why Learning Dutch Is Easier Than You Think
If you would like to learn more about taking a small group Dutch course or private Dutch Lessons online or in Amsterdam, get in touch with me to learn how I can help. I wrote this article because people often begin their Dutch lessons with me by saying they have been putting off getting started because, “Dutch is such a difficult language!” However, I completely disagree. Read on to learn why!
When you think of learning a new language quickly, Dutch might not be the first one that comes to mind. Often seen as one of the "harder" languages due to its peculiar sounds and occasional tongue-twisting spellings, Dutch has an undeserved reputation for being intimidating. But here’s the truth: learning Dutch can be much easier than people say it is. With a few fun facts and practical tips, you might just get inspired to make learning Dutch your next exciting adventure!
1. Dutch and English Are Close Cousins
One of the first things to know is that Dutch and English are both Germanic languages, which means they share a lot of similarities. In fact, Dutch is sometimes referred to as the "middle ground" between English and German. This means that if you’re a native English speaker (or fluent), you already have a significant head start.
Many words in Dutch are immediately recognizable to English speakers. For example:
appel (apple)
boter (butter)
school (school)
kat (cat)
And I could list a hundred more! Once you start to notice these word similarities, you will have a significant head start in recognizing and remembering Dutch words. Even grammar structures, like word order in basic sentences, are often similar. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re building on familiar ground.
2. Dutch Has Fewer Words Than English
Did you know that Dutch has significantly fewer words than English? The standard Dutch dictionary, the Van Dale Groot woordenboek van de Nederlandse taal, contains 90,000 entries while the English Webster’s dictionary contains 470,000!
This means less vocabulary to memorize. Plus, Dutch makes extensive use of compound words, combining smaller, familiar words to create new meanings. For instance:
boekenwinkel (bookstore) = boeken (books) + winkel (store)
zonnebril (sunglasses) = zon (sun) + bril (glasses)
So what may seem like a new word at first glance is actually two smaller words combined and once you learn some basic building blocks, you can start to piece together a surprising number of words yourself.
3. Spelling Is Surprisingly Logical
If you’ve ever struggled with English spelling rules (or lack thereof), you’ll find Dutch spelling refreshingly logical. Dutch words are generally spelled how they sound, thanks to consistent phonetic rules. Once you learn the pronunciation of Dutch vowels and consonants, you’ll be able to read most words with ease.
For example, the word water is pronounced almost exactly as it’s written: vah-ter. Compare that to the myriad ways English pronounces "a" or "e" in different contexts, and you’ll appreciate Dutch consistency.
4. Dutch Grammar Isn’t as Scary as It Seems
Many people fret about Dutch grammar, especially with articles like de and het (both meaning "the"). While it’s true that you’ll need to memorize which nouns use which article, the overall grammar system is much less complex than you might think. For example:
Dutch has only two grammatical genders (compared to German’s three), and these don’t heavily impact sentence structure.
Dutch doesn’t use case endings like German, so you don’t need to memorize different forms of nouns or adjectives depending on their grammatical role.
Dutch verb conjugations are straightforward, with fewer irregular verbs compared to English.
In short, while there are rules to learn, Dutch grammar is far from insurmountable.
5. Dutch People Love Helping Learners
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top countries for English proficiency. This means Dutch people will often switch to English when they hear you struggling. While this might seem like a barrier, it’s actually a blessing in disguise. You can ask questions in English, receive clear explanations, and practice Dutch in a supportive environment where mistakes are welcomed.
What’s more, Dutch speakers are generally delighted when someone makes the effort to learn their language. A simple attempt at saying "hallo" or "dank je wel" can open doors to warm conversations and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
Learning Dutch is far more approachable than many people realize. Its shared roots with English, smaller vocabulary, logical spelling, and practical grammar make it a language you can confidently tackle. Plus, the friendly and supportive attitude of Dutch speakers will ensure you’re not going it alone.
So, if you’ve been hesitating to learn Dutch, let go of the myths and give it a try. You might just find yourself saying "Ik kan het!" ("I can do it!") sooner than you think.