5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning Dutch

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning Dutch

Keywords: learning Dutch, Dutch language mistakes, Dutch for beginners, how to learn Dutch, Dutch grammar tips

Learning Dutch can be a highly rewarding experience—especially if you’re moving to the Netherlands, working with Dutch clients, or simply fascinated by the language and culture. However, like any new language, Dutch comes with its unique challenges. Many learners tend to fall into similar traps, which can slow down their progress and cause unnecessary frustration.

If you’re just starting out or even if you’ve been studying Dutch for a while, it’s essential to be aware of the most common mistakes learners make. In this blog, we’ll cover 5 of the most frequent mistakes people make when learning Dutch—and how you can avoid them to make faster, more confident progress.

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1. Confusing ‘De’ and ‘Het’

One of the first grammar hurdles Dutch learners face is understanding the difference between the articles ‘de’ and ‘het’, which both mean “the.” Unlike English, where there’s only one definite article, Dutch has two—and unfortunately, there are no solid rules that apply 100% of the time.

• ‘De’ is used with common gender nouns (masculine/feminine).

• ‘Het’ is used with neuter nouns.

While there are some patterns, the best way to master this is through repetition, memorization, and practice in context. Flashcards and apps like Anki can help, but what truly works is encountering the nouns naturally, through conversation and reading. At DutchProf, we help students master this concept using personalized examples and spoken repetition.

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2. Literal Translations from English

Another big trap for learners is translating word-for-word from English (or another native language) into Dutch. While it might seem logical, this often leads to awkward or incorrect sentences. Dutch sentence structure can differ quite a lot from English—especially when it comes to verb placement and word order in subordinate clauses.

For example:

• English: “I think that she is coming.”

• Dutch: “Ik denk dat ze komt.” (Not ze is komt)

To avoid this, it’s important to learn common phrases as complete structures rather than trying to build sentences piece by piece. Our conversational method at DutchProf focuses on this exact strategy—helping you sound more natural from the start.

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3. Incorrect Pronunciation of G, SCH, and UI

Dutch has a few sounds that don’t exist in many other languages. The most infamous is the hard “G”, pronounced from the back of the throat, and the “SCH” combination. These can be difficult for beginners and even cause embarrassment if mispronounced.

Another tricky sound is ‘ui’, which doesn’t really have an English equivalent.

• Tip: Don’t shy away from speaking out loud. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, practicing pronunciation regularly and getting feedback from a native speaker (like at DutchProf) will help immensely.

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4. Neglecting Word Order in Questions and Subordinate Clauses

Dutch sentence structure is more flexible than English, but it follows some strict rules when it comes to verb position. For instance, in yes/no questions, the verb usually comes first:

• Statement: Jij spreekt Nederlands.

• Question: Spreek jij Nederlands?

In subordinate clauses, the verb typically goes to the end:

• Main clause: Ik weet het.

• Subordinate clause: Ik weet dat je het weet.

Getting this wrong can make your sentences confusing or incorrect. That’s why we emphasize structured speaking practice in our lessons, so that you internalize these patterns naturally.

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5. Avoiding Speaking for Too Long

Many learners spend months on apps or grammar books without ever practicing real conversations. The fear of making mistakes holds them back—but the truth is, speaking is where the real learning happens.

At DutchProf, we encourage students to start speaking from day one, even if it’s just a few simple sentences. Mistakes are part of the process. In fact, we see the most progress in students who are willing to speak imperfectly and learn through correction and conversation.

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Final Thoughts

Learning Dutch takes time, consistency, and the right strategy. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can save yourself a lot of confusion and move forward more confidently.

If you’re serious about learning Dutch and want personalized guidance with a native teacher, check out the one-on-one and group sessions at DutchProf. Our method focuses on natural conversation, pronunciation, grammar clarity, and most importantly—real progress you can feel.