Things You Should Know Before Starting to Learn Dutch

Things You Should Know Before Starting to Learn Dutch

Keywords: learning Dutch tips, Dutch for beginners, Dutch language guide, how to learn Dutch, start learning Dutch

Starting to learn a new language can be both exciting and intimidating. If you’ve decided to take on Dutch, you’re in for a rewarding challenge. Whether you’re moving to the Netherlands, working with Dutch clients, or simply fascinated by the language, there are a few things you should know before diving in. In this post, we’ll share 5 key things every beginner should understand before starting to learn Dutch—so you can set yourself up for success from the very beginning.

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1. Dutch Is Closely Related to English (So You Have a Head Start)

One of the most comforting things for English speakers is that Dutch is part of the Germanic language family, just like English. This means that many Dutch words are similar to their English counterparts, especially when it comes to everyday vocabulary. In fact, Dutch might feel more familiar than you think.

For example:

• English: Water → Dutch: Water

• English: Book → Dutch: Boek

• English: House → Dutch: Huis

But, of course, it’s not just about the words. The sentence structure and grammar can also have similarities, which is helpful as you begin to piece together sentences. Understanding that Dutch shares some common ground with English will give you a sense of comfort when starting out. But while this similarity exists, remember that Dutch pronunciation, word order, and certain grammar rules are different from English.

At DutchProf, we use this shared base to your advantage, reinforcing these common patterns in your lessons and accelerating your learning process.

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2. Dutch Has a Unique Pronunciation, but It’s Totally Manageable

One of the most challenging aspects of learning Dutch is pronunciation. While many words look familiar, Dutch has sounds that don’t exist in English, which can make speaking the language feel awkward at first. The most notable examples are the guttural “G” and “CH” sounds. These sounds are produced in the back of the throat, and they can take time to master.

For example:

• G in goed (good)

• CH in licht (light)

Additionally, the “UI” sound in words like huis (house) or buik (belly) is tricky for English speakers because it doesn’t exist in English phonetics.

Tip for success: Practice consistently by listening to native speakers, recording your own voice, and mimicking the sounds. At DutchProf, we focus on helping you with pronunciation drills and provide feedback to make sure you’re getting it right.

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3. Word Order in Dutch Can Be Different (But Not Impossible)

Dutch sentence structure isn’t always the same as English. In particular, the position of verbs in a sentence can differ. For example, Dutch often places the verb at the end of subordinate clauses. This rule is one of the first things Dutch learners need to get used to, but once you do, it becomes second nature.

• English: I know that she is coming.

• Dutch: Ik weet dat zij komt.

This change can make it feel like Dutch is “backwards” at times, but don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it sounds. With regular practice and exposure, you’ll start to internalize these rules naturally.

At DutchProf, we work on sentence structure and practical conversations to help you get comfortable with Dutch word order from day one.

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4. Dutch Is a Phonetic Language (Mostly!)

Another thing that makes Dutch easier to learn is that it’s largely phonetic—meaning, the way it’s written is usually how it’s pronounced. Unlike English, which has numerous irregular spellings and pronunciations, Dutch is relatively straightforward. Once you learn the basic sounds, you’ll find it much easier to read and pronounce words.

For example:

• English: Though → Dutch: Doordat

• English: Through → Dutch: Door

That said, you will still encounter some tricky words and exceptions, particularly with vowel combinations. But, overall, the phonetic nature of Dutch makes it easier to read and pronounce compared to other languages.

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5. Consistency is Key: Regular Practice Makes All the Difference

Like any language, the most important factor in learning Dutch is consistency. It’s easy to get excited at the beginning and study intensively for a few weeks, but language learning requires regular practice to really make progress.

In particular, speaking Dutch every day (even if it’s just a few sentences) is vital for fluency. Reading, listening, writing, and especially speaking are all necessary to reinforce what you learn and build your confidence. Many learners make the mistake of focusing too much on grammar or vocabulary in isolation, without integrating them into real-life conversations.

At DutchProf, we believe in the power of regular speaking practice. Whether it’s through one-on-one sessions, group classes, or tailored lessons, we help you stay motivated and make sure you’re speaking Dutch from day one.

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Final Thoughts

Learning Dutch may seem challenging at first, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, you’ll quickly start to make progress. By understanding the similarities between Dutch and English, getting comfortable with pronunciation, and staying consistent in your practice, you’ll find that Dutch can be a fun and rewarding language to learn.

Ready to start your Dutch learning journey? Book a free consultation with DutchProf today, and let’s get started on your path to fluency!