How to learn Dutch by yourself

How to learn Dutch by yourself without going to a class or hiring a tutor? Great news: this guide will show you step by step how to get started on your own. Dutch is a fun and useful language spoken by millions of people across the world. Let’s begin your journey today.

Table of Contents

Where is Dutch Spoken?

Dutch is spoken by around 25 million native speakers and another 8 million people speak it as a second language. It’s the official language of:

The Netherlands
Flanders (northern part of Belgium)
Suriname in South America

Did you know that the Dutch language is placed in the top 15 most written languages on the internet?

Dutch Around the World

Besides those countries, Dutch is also spoken on several Caribbean islands:

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao
Sint Maarten (Dutch side), Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Interestingly, some older generations in Indonesia still speak Dutch, and due to emigration after World War II, you can also find Dutch speakers in the USA, Canada, and Australia. For instance, about 130,000 households in the US, 100,000 people in Canada, and 25,000 people in Australia speak Dutch at home.

Dutch Speakers You Might Know

Famous Dutch Speakers in Music and Sports

You might already know some Dutch speakers without realizing it. World-famous DJs like Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and Hardwell all speak Dutch.

Actors like Carice van Houten and Michiel Huisman appeared in Game of Thrones, and Formula 1 fans will surely know Max Verstappen. In sports, you’ll also find Rico Verhoeven, Germaine de Randamie, and sprinter Dafne Schippers.

Even in American sports, Dutch speakers stand out. Xander Bogaerts (baseball) is from Aruba, Dan Gadzuric played in the NBA, and Geraldo Boldewijn appeared in the NFL.

How to Learn Dutch: Getting Started

Motivation Is Key

First of all, ask yourself why you want to learn Dutch. Is it for fun, work, or maybe love? Your motivation will keep you going when it gets tough. Many people start strong but stop quickly. If you stay focused, you’ll get results.

Set Clear Goals

In The 4-Hour Workweek, Tim Ferriss suggests setting micro-goals. For example, aim to hold a five-minute conversation in Dutch. It sounds small, but breaking your big goal into smaller ones helps you stay motivated and on track.

Step One: Learn the Basics

Here’s how simple Dutch can be:

English
Q: Hello, what is your name?
A: My name is Max

Dutch
Q: Hallo, wat is je naam?
A: Mijn naam is Max

You can already understand the structure. That’s a great start.

Use the Right Tools

DuoLingo: Your Pocket Teacher

The easiest way to begin is with the DuoLingo app. It’s fun, free, and perfect for beginners. DuoLingo makes learning a new language feel like a game. You’ll speak, listen, and write in Dutch every day. According to research, 34 hours on DuoLingo is equal to one university course.

Watch this video about The Netherlands and Dutch

Learn from Real Experts

Follow a YouTube Polyglot

Instead of watching shows with subtitles, follow experts who teach languages online.

Tip: Always take notes while watching. Just like going to the gym without working out doesn’t help, watching without notes won’t make things stick.

Real People Learning Dutch

Expats in The Netherlands

Amsterdam is home to more than 180 nationalities. Many expats learn Dutch every day. That means you’re not alone in this journey. Even football legend Henrik Larsson still speaks Dutch.

Celebrities Speaking Dutch

Comedian Greg Shapiro, who voices Trump in the viral “America First, Netherlands Second” video, speaks fluent Dutch too.