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Writer's pictureLingua Dutch

10 stages of learning Dutch, which one do you identify with?

Updated: Oct 30

Which stages are there in learning Dutch? What can you do to up yourself to the next stage?


In this blog we discuss several stages of Dutch learning that may present themselves challenging at first. Do take note that not all stages are following a strict hierarchy. For example, it’s perfectly possible you catch yourself dreaming in Dutch, while being in stage 2 or 3! If that’s the case, you definitely are advancing rapidly. We process quite some of what we’ve learned throughout our sleep.


Stage 1: familiarity

In stage one you’ll make first contact with the language. It means you haven’t heard much Dutch before and it basically sounds like gibberish. As if we swallowed a hot potato and can’t get the words out properly. But no need to worry, this soon will come to pass!


Points of action

  • Familiarise yourself with the sounds and pronunciation by listening to content that

  • aligns with your level.

  • Structure the sounds and vowel combinations in a schematic overview.

  • Make us of the schematic by slowly rehearsing and repeating basic words or phrases.


Stage 2: Curiosity

In stage two, the initial intimidation wears off, and curiosity about the language kicks in. You might now be more motivated to understand the Dutch pronunciations, like how the “sch” and “G” sound different from each other and how Dutch has some very unique sounds different from your own language. You might also find similarities with your native language

and Dutch. They might haven’t been clear at first, but after some time, I’m sure you’ll find some. Languages always do influence each other!


In this stage you start recognizing familiar words in conversations or written Dutch, even if the meaning is still foggy.


Points of action:

  • Create a list of basic phrases and expressions you might need in everyday situations.

  • It’s proven that reading and writing are essential in the process of internalisation.

  • Repetition is key!

  • Try to notice common words or sentence structures that reoccur across different contexts.

  • Experiment with pronouncing basic phrases on your own, like “Hoe gaat het?” (How are you?) and “Bedankt!” (Thank you!).


Stage 3: Basic comprehension

In stage three, you can pick up on keywords and sometimes even understand simple sentences in familiar contexts. You might be able to follow a slow, casual conversation or understand basic phrases in Dutch television shows or music. You’re starting to feel a little more confident, even if you can’t respond perfectly yet.


Points of action:

  • Expand your vocabulary by focusing on daily essentials, like food, greetings,

    numbers, and directions.

  • Start reading children’s books or simple articles to build your word recognition.

  • Practice with basic exercises, such as filling in gaps in sentences or matching words to images.


Stage 4: Trying out conversation


Stage four is when you get brave enough to try speaking. It’s scary but exciting to use what you’ve learned in real situations, even if you’re saying “Ik ben een beginner” (I’m a beginner) more than anything else. You might still need help from a Dutch-speaking native, but you’re ready to go beyond textbook exercises!


Points of action:

  • Feel free to make mistakes! It’s the best way to learn.

  • Practice speaking in a controlled learning environment where you’re comfortable making mistakes.

  • Focus on forming complete, basic sentences instead of just individual words.

  • Don’t worry about perfection; the goal is to communicate and learn.

  • Vocabulary gain: build on your previous notes, add more frequent words and don’t forget to occasionally rehearse what you’ve learned so far!


Stage 5: Confidence

At this stage, you’re building up your conversational skills. You can talk about familiar topics,

like your hobbies, family, or work, in Dutch. People might even start to compliment your

progress! While you still make mistakes, you’re generally understood and feel proud of how

far you’ve come.


Points of action:


  • Look for your knowledge gaps by writing short paragraphs or diary entries in Dutch.

  • Keep on learning new grammar points and vocabulary to push your skills further.

  • It’s not easy to get beyond a comfortable basis, it’s a matter of keeping your learning

  • process active. This can be achieved by deliberate practice and professional aid.

  • Engage in more conversations, both with natives and fellow learners.

  • Make sure to give fuel to your learning by creating time and space to do so.


Stage 6: Realization of the complexity

Now, you start to understand just how complex Dutch grammar can be. You may encounter

exceptions to the rules or find yourself puzzled over idiomatic expressions. Despite having a

solid foundation, you realize there’s still a long road ahead.


Points of action:

  • Dive deeper into grammar rules and irregular verbs, and practice using them in sentences. Have them corrected and revised by highlighting frequently made mistakes.

  • Challenge yourself with intermediate texts and news articles to expose yourself to more advanced language.

  • Watch Dutch movies or shows with Dutch subtitles to improve listening and

    comprehension.


Stage 7: Fluency plateau

This is where progress feels slower, even though you’ve reached an advanced level. You can

navigate most situations and understand most conversations, but complex topics or cultural

nuances might still trip you up. You might feel “stuck,” but in reality, you’re honing your

fluency.


Points of action:

  • Focus on more nuanced aspects, like humor, idioms, and regional accents.

  • Join a book club or discussion group in Dutch to keep challenging yourself.

  • Use Dutch more consistently in your daily life to maintain and build fluency.


Stage 8: Proficiency


You’ve become comfortable with Dutch in nearly every context. At this stage, Dutch feels like

a part of you, and you can switch between languages with ease. People around you start

treating you as a fluent speaker rather than a learner.


Points of action:


  • Refine your vocabulary by exploring specialized topics or professional language.

  • Practice using Dutch in various writing formats, from emails to creative pieces.

  • Challenge yourself by debating or discussing complex topics with native speakers.


Stage 9: Mastery


You now understand Dutch to a degree that rivals a native speaker’s. Regional slang,

wordplay, and complex grammar are no longer stumbling blocks for you. Conversations flow

easily, and you may even surprise Dutch speakers with your level of expertise.


Points of action:


  • Keep engaging with native materials, like podcasts, news shows, and novels, to maintain mastery.

  • Don’t shy away from exploring cultural nuances and humor, as they’re essential to full comprehension.

  • Share your skills by teaching others or helping beginners navigate their Dutch

    learning journey.


Stage 10: Living the language

At this ultimate stage, Dutch is as natural as your first language. You catch yourself thinking

in Dutch, dream in Dutch, and may even prefer using Dutch in certain situations. The language is no longer a skill; it’s a part of who you are.


Points of action:

  • Continue immersing yourself in Dutch culture, customs, and history.

  • Stay updated with language changes or trends to keep your Dutch current.

  • Embrace your bilingual or multilingual identity—Dutch is now part of you!

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