Ask a Pro

Md Adnan replied | 16 hrs ago

Here is the easiest and most effective way to learn Dutch, even if you’re a complete beginner:

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1. Start with Basic Vocabulary (daily-use words)

Learn simple, repeated words first:

• Hallo (Hello)
• Dank je (Thank you)
• Alsjeblieft (Please)
• Hoe gaat het? (How are you?)
• Ik ben… (I am…)

Use flashcards (Quizlet / Duolingo) for 10–15 minutes daily.

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2. Learn Dutch Pronunciation Early

Dutch has sounds that are tricky:

• The “g” and “ch” throat sound
• “ui” sound (like in huis)
  Watch 5–10 minute YouTube videos on Dutch pronunciation—it saves months of confusion.

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3. Focus on Simple Grammar Patterns

Start with:

• Word order: Subject + Verb + Rest
• Present tense verbs:
  
• Ik werk (I work)
• Jij werkt (You work)

Don’t try to memorize all rules—just learn the useful ones.

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4. Practice Speaking from the First Week

Even simple phrases help in confidence:

• Ik begrijp het niet (I don’t understand)
• Kun je dat herhalen? (Can you repeat that?)
• Hoe zeg je dit in het Nederlands? (How do you say this in Dutch?)

Speak to:

• Dutch friends
• Language exchange apps (Tandem / HelloTalk)
• Voice practice on Duolingo

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5. Watch Dutch Kids’ Shows or Simple Videos

Easy shows teach naturally:

• “Nederlands voor Beginners” (YouTube)
• Dutch children’s cartoons
• Short TikTok/Instagram reels in Dutch

They help you learn rhythm + pronunciation.

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6. Surround Yourself With Dutch Daily

Change your phone language or apps (optional).

Follow Dutch pages on Instagram or YouTube.

Even 5 minutes daily is enough.

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7. Use a Simple Study Routine

15 minutes per day is better than 2 hours once a week.

Example routine:

• 5 min vocabulary
• 5 min listening
• 5 min speaking practice

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Bonus Tip: Learn the Most Common 1000 Words

These cover 70% of everyday Dutch conversations.

Md Adnan replied | 16 hrs ago

The Dutch language originated in the region we now call the Netherlands and northern Belgium (Flanders).

Short, clear answer:

Dutch began developing around the 5th–9th centuries from West Germanic dialects spoken in the Low Countries (Netherlands + Flanders). Over time, these dialects evolved into what we now know as Old Dutch, then Middle Dutch, and finally Modern Dutch.

In one line:

Dutch originated in the Low Countries region—mainly the Netherlands and northern Belgium.

Md Adnan replied | 21 hrs ago

Dutch is spoken in several countries across Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, making it more international than many people expect.

Here is the clear list:

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Where Dutch Is Officially Spoken

1. Netherlands (Europe)

• Main country of the Dutch language
• Majority of speakers (17+ million)

2. Belgium – Flanders (Europe)

• Dutch is the official language of Flanders (northern Belgium)
• Spoken by about 6.5 million people
• Also used in Brussels alongside French

3. Suriname (South America)

• Dutch is the official national language
• Used in government, schools, media, courts
• Spoken by most of the population

4. Caribbean Kingdom Islands (Dutch Caribbean)

All part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

• Aruba
• Curaçao
• Sint Maarten

Here Dutch is an official language, but people also speak Papiamento or English.

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Where Dutch is Spoken Informally or by Communities

South Africa & Namibia

• Dutch itself is not official here,
• But Afrikaans is based on Dutch (70–90% similar).
  Afrikaans speakers can understand much Dutch.

Indonesia

• Older generation still understands some Dutch from the colonial period.
• Some legal, medical, and technical terms in Indonesia come from Dutch.

Australia, Canada, USA

• Dutch diaspora communities
• Immigrant families still speak it at home

Md Adnan replied | 21 hrs ago

The Dutch language is moderately international—not as widespread as English, Spanish, or French, but more international than many people think.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. Spoken in multiple countries

Dutch is an official language in four regions:

• Netherlands
• Belgium (Flanders)
• Suriname (widely used in government & media)
• Caribbean islands: Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten

This gives Dutch a presence in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.

2. Large global speaker base

About 25–30 million people speak Dutch worldwide.

That makes it similar in size to languages like Swedish, Czech, and Hungarian — not huge, but not small.

3. Influence beyond its borders

Dutch has influenced or contributed to:

• Afrikaans (South Africa & Namibia) — 70–90% of Afrikaans vocabulary is Dutch-based.
• Many Indonesian words (due to colonial history).
• English and German borrowings (nautical, art, trade terms).

So its linguistic impact is larger than its size.

4. Used in international organizations

Dutch is an official or working language in:

• European Union (EU)
• Benelux Union
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) through Suriname

5. Worldwide Dutch diaspora

You can find Dutch-speaking communities in:

• Australia
• Canada
• USA
• South Africa
• Indonesia (older generation)

Md Adnan replied | 21 hrs ago

Yes, Dutch does have some Spanish words, but not many.

Most of them entered Dutch during the 16th–17th centuries, when Spain ruled parts of the Netherlands (the era of the Spanish Empire).