1) “I am bad with languages”
That’s a myth.
Anyone (without mental disabilities) can learn a language with the right approach. Focus on comprehensible and compelling input – listen to and read things you enjoy and understand.
I do believe however, that there is a small group of people who cannot learn a new language to an intermediate level. Those are people with severe mental disabilities, or very old people with dementia. If you belong to this group, then you give up now!
If not, you can learn Dutch in about 600 hours.
2) “I understand, but I can’t speak”
Input is key.
Immerse yourself in Dutch through interesting and understandable content. The more you listen and read, the more natural speaking will become over time.
If you can’t speak, you do not understand well enough. Or do you understand fast, spoken Dutch already?
3) “Nobody wants to practice with me”
Prioritize input first.
Watch Dutch shows, listen to podcasts, and read books or articles that interest you. This will build your comprehension and make you feel more confident when you do find practice partners.
By the way, when you understand when Dutch people speak, it won’t be so annoying for them to practice with you anymore.
Remember: we are under no obligation to practice with you.
4) “My children keep speaking English”
Children are horrible teachers.
Especially if they should teach their parents. It is also very important for them to speak their own language at home.
Just accept it: your children will speak your native language with you, you’ll need other sparring partners.
5) “I don’t have time to study”
Everybody is busy.
It is hard to find the time, that’s true!
There is unfortunately no way around it. You are going to have to make time. Here are same ways to do it:
Integrate Dutch into your daily activities. Listen to Dutch audio while commuting, read short articles during breaks, and follow Dutch social media. Consistent input is more effective than long study sessions.
6) “I keep forgetting words”
Consistent exposure is vital. Surround yourself with Dutch input – podcasts, shows, and reading materials. The more you encounter words in context, the better you’ll remember them.
7) “Next week I have more time”
Tomorrow never comes! Start with small, manageable input today. Even a few minutes of listening to a Dutch podcast or reading a short article daily makes a difference. Delaying only hinders your progress.
8) “I did two courses, but I still can’t speak”
Oops, one tip too many!
Courses provide a foundation, but real progress comes from continuous input. Immerse yourself in Dutch media that interests you. The more you understand, the more natural speaking will become.
One or two courses or one or two books are good to start out, but native-like Dutch comes from at least twenty of them.
Get my book to get started right away :).
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Max from Neandertaal