DutchPod101.com Blog

Have you reached the intermediate level of Dutch and can no longer be called a beginner?  Congratulations! This is an amazing achievement. You’ve found the energy and a successful learning routine to master the beginner level. However, this is also when your Dutch language learning journey gets more difficult. As you begin learning the intermediate Dutch words and phrases, your progress will slow down and become less linear than it was at the beginning. You’ve got a good basic vocabulary and a decent bit of grammar knowledge, but how do you go from basic to advanced? In this article, we'll list the most common intermediate Dutch words you should learn to slowly improve your Dutch and reach the next level. From pronouns and numbers to... Show more

How many Dutch animal names do you know? Although it may not be the first thing you want to study when you start learning Dutch, knowing how to talk about animals is important in any language. After all, our furry friends play a central role in our lives!  There are many Dutch animal words for you to discover, ranging from the names of pets to the most common bugs and reptiles. Some of this new vocabulary may be difficult to memorize, but there are plenty of words that may be easier than you’re expecting. Take, for example: Rat (“Rat”) Kat (“Cat”)Schaap (“Sheep”)Beer (“Bear”)Vis (“Fish”) Are you ready to discover the Dutch animal world with DutchPod101?  In this article, you’ll learn the must-know Dutch animal names, animal... Show more

Does the thought of having a telephone conversation in Dutch make you feel nervous? It's normal to feel this way about making or receiving a phone call in another language. There are even people who suffer from "phone anxiety" or "phone phobia." These people already feel nervous about making a phone call in their own language, let alone in another language. One way you can get rid of those nerves is to pick up some Dutch phone call phrases. At the very least, this will help you feel more in control of the situation and allow you to navigate those inevitable phone calls during your stay in the Netherlands.  In this article, you’ll learn how to answer the phone in Dutch and carry a basic phone conversation. We’ll be covering everything... Show more

As a new Dutch learner, you may be concerned about your lack of vocabulary. But we have good news: Having access to an extensive and complete list of Dutch words for beginners will surely help you master the Dutch language.  It could be frustrating not being able to understand someone or explain yourself because you don’t know certain Dutch words. But the truth is, you don't need an immense vocabulary to begin holding conversations. Once you learn the beginner words, you’ll already be able to manage yourself in everyday situations. Take it step by step, learn one beginner Dutch word each day, and you’ll soon have a solid base on which to build your Dutch skills.  In this article, we'll provide you with a list of over 200 beginner... Show more

Do you have a Dutch girlfriend or boyfriend, or has an attractive Dutchie caught your eye? Then learning how to express your feelings in the Dutch language is the first step you should take toward creating a new relationship or strengthening the bond between you and your lover. Of course, there are the basics. For example... How do you say "I love you," in Dutch? That’s Ik hou van jou. And how about "my love"? That could be mijn lieverd or mijn liefje.  The Dutch may not be the most expressive people when it comes to love, but they do have their own ways of confessing their feelings and revealing their love to someone. With the right words, you’ll come a long way in your relationship—but try not to be too dramatic or clingy. The... Show more

Do you have a Dutch girlfriend or boyfriend, or has an attractive Dutchie caught your eye? Then learning how to express your feelings in the Dutch language is the first step you should take toward creating a new relationship or strengthening the bond between you and your lover. Of course, there are the basics. For example... How do you say "I love you," in Dutch? That’s Ik hou van jou. And how about "my love"? That could be mijn lieverd or mijn liefje.  The Dutch may not be the most expressive people when it comes to love, but they do have their own ways of confessing their feelings and revealing their love to someone. With the right words, you’ll come a long way in your relationship—but try not to be too dramatic or clingy. The... Show more

The word nee ("no") is crucial in any language. It allows you to express your desires, clarify things, and even talk about your experiences. Saying no may sometimes be viewed as rude, insensitive, or socially disruptive, but it’s simply a necessary part of life and of society.  Luckily, the Dutch are quite direct and are not afraid of using some true Dutch negations. While we may sometimes sugarcoat things, honesty and the Dutch directness triumph over being vague or fake. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about negation in the Dutch language:  The basic Dutch negation rulesCommon negative words with lots of examples Negative questions and their matching negative answers Ready? Let’s go! Table of... Show more

Learning a foreign language comes with several added benefits, from new business opportunities to a healthier mind.  But why learn Dutch, specifically? After all, there are plenty of other languages to choose from—some of which are in higher demand and more widely spoken.  There are many reasons why you should learn Dutch, and DutchPod101 is here to break it all down for you and show you that Dutch isn’t such a hard language to learn. With a little help and guidance, you’ll be able to tackle this fun challenge and advance toward your goals!  In this article, we’ll go over the 10 main reasons why you should start learning Dutch. We’ve included reasons related to: leisure (travel, friendship, love, culture); business (quality... Show more

How long does it take to learn Dutch?  This is one of the most frequently asked questions from aspiring Dutch learners, but it has no definite answer. It depends on many things, such as your native language, educational background, experience with languages, exposure, and motivation. It also depends on what "learning Dutch" means to you: Are you hoping to achieve a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level? These are all different goals with different timeframes. But whatever level you wish to achieve, there are some great tools you can use to learn Dutch faster. In this article, you'll learn how to realistically estimate how long it will take to learn Dutch, depending on your background and the proficiency level you have in mind. Then,... Show more

Proverbs are little phrases of wisdom, passed down from one generation to the next. While some proverbs seem to extend across borders, others are unique to a specific culture or way of living.  For this reason, learning Dutch proverbs and sayings is a great way to expand your vocabulary and gain cultural insight. These nuggets of practical advice and observations can really serve as a window into the age-old wisdom and traditions of the Dutch.  They may be old-fashioned, but the Dutch still use these old proverbs on a daily basis. They serve as a reflection of who they are and the values they stand for.  In this article, you’ll learn thirty of the most common Dutch proverbs about love, success, life, personality, weather, and... Show more