Dutch Self-Study Basics
Flashcards are essential if you want to progress quickly. With passive input like reading and listening you can learn the words too but it's a much slower process. As you progress, your focus will shift more towards engaging with the language.
One of the most effective techniques here is shadowing. It helps to build a more accurate accent from the start and creates familiarity with the sounds, words and structure of the language.
Similarly, reading gives you a lot of input. My students who read the most, also make the most grammatically sound sentences. Even though they're often not aware of the rules.
💡 Key Insight
We may conclude from this that input is very important. It's only at later stages you want to start speaking and writing more often. This is to prevent you from fossilising mistakes in your speech. However, mistakes can still be beneficial with a teacher. They can point them out and offer insights. Private lessons will therefore quickly improve your Dutch.
Nonetheless, if you need 750 hours to become B2 (according to the FSI - Foreign Service Institute), a lot of self-study is necessary. For more information and to calculate your personalized study time to become B2, you can use my Study Time Calculator. The following chapters will expand on some of the most effective methods.
Flashcards
Using flashcards effectively is a key strategy in language learning. An ineffective flashcard might only offer a direct translation, which limits learning potential. In contrast, a well-designed flashcard provides examples of how the word is used in sentences, enhancing comprehension. It includes useful notes such as reflexive verb forms (like "zich" in Dutch) and common prepositions (such as "mee", "voor", "naar", etc.).
Flashcard Example
Front
To get involved
I don't get involved in that
Back
Zich bemoeien
Ik bemoei me daar niet mee
Reflexive verb with "zich"
Common preposition: "mee"
💡 Flashcard Tips
- Study the most common words first. Think of pronouns (ik, jij, wij), determiners (mijn, deze, die), common verbs (zijn, hebben, gaan), conjunctions (en, maar, omdat), and prepositions (in, op, met)
- Create flashcards of the lesson's notes and use Context Reverso to find example phrases
- Focus on words that are relevant to you. Do you play guitar? Study words like 'play an instrument', 'strings', 'tuning a guitar', etc.
- Balance studying flashcards with any of the other given methods so that you see how the words are used in a wider context
Shadowing
The "shadowing" technique is an effective method for improving accent and gaining a natural feel for a language, widely used by polyglots. It involves listening to a native speaker in an audio fragment and immediately repeating what they say. This practice aims to closely mimic their pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. It's a valuable tool for distinguishing subtle sounds and acquiring a more authentic accent. For a detailed guide on employing this technique to enhance your language abilities, watch this video.
How Shadowing Works
Listen
Play a short audio clip of native Dutch speech
Repeat
Immediately repeat what you heard, mimicking pronunciation and rhythm
Refine
Focus on matching the accent, intonation, and pace
The Exaggeration Technique
Additionally, the "exaggeration" technique can be beneficial. It entails deliberately over-emphasizing the accent of a native speaker, almost to the point of caricature. Though it might feel odd, this method can significantly refine your accent, making it closer to that of a native speaker over time.
Netflix and YouTube
Netflix
To find Netflix content in your target language, try using the 'Advanced Search' option on Unogs. This will allow you to filter the Netflix content by language, making it easier to find movies and TV shows in the language you are learning.
YouTube
- Go to the search bar and type in keywords for the content you are interested in
- Press enter to initiate the search
- On a computer, click on the 'filters' button in the upper left corner of the browser. On a phone, look for the three vertical dots
- In the filters menu, look for the option 'subtitles (cc)'. Select this option to show only videos with subtitles in the search results
Subtitle Strategy
When watching movies or TV shows, be sure to turn on subtitles in your target language, not your native language. This will help you pay closer attention to what's being said. Try using a Chrome extension to enable double subtitles - one in your target language and one in your native language.
Watching Tips
- Don't try to read both subtitle tracks at the same time. Instead, focus on the target language and take notes on any useful expressions you hear
- Later, turn those notes into flashcards to reinforce your learning
- While watching movies or TV shows with double subtitles, try combining this method with the shadowing technique
- You might not be able to follow the actual content of the video, but that's okay - consider it language practice rather than entertainment
Reading
All you need for this technique is a book or article and a pen. As you read, jot down translations for any words you're still unfamiliar with. Underline the unknown words and write the translation right above them. This method is great for expanding your vocabulary and deepening your understanding of the language.
Reading Technique Example
De kat zit op de tafel en kijkt naar de vogel buiten het raam.
Hover over the underlined words to see translations
Internet Reading
Use the following translation tools to help you read in foreign languages:
Language Exchange
You can find a language partner with apps like HelloTalk or Tandem. These platforms connect you with someone who wants to learn your native language in exchange for teaching you their target language.
Writing
We can get creative with your language learning homework! Here are some fun writing exercises to try:
📝 Poetry & Rhymes
Write Dutch poetry or rhymes using the rijmwoordenboek
🔧 Grammar Practice
Write out many sentences in Dutch with grammar you find difficult
🔍 Word Explorer
For better writing, learn more about words using my Word Explorer tool
Get Expert Feedback
And don't forget, you can always present your writing to me for feedback on grammar and word choice. Contact me for a free trial lesson to get started!
Ready to Start Learning?
These methods work best when combined with structured learning and expert guidance. Ready to accelerate your Dutch learning journey?