It was only after I moved to the Netherlands that I started learning Dutch. Before that, I knew only a few words and phrases. So as you can imagine, the move was not an easy one. A smarter man would have come more prepared. Then again, where would be the adventure in that?
I found that the development of my Dutch coincided (more or less) with how well I was doing here. Through the learning process, I picked up on the five key stages in speaking Dutch. It can be a steep learning curve, sometimes you may feel out of your depth or have no clue what’s going on.
For instance, due to the requirements of a job interview, I once needed to listen to interview questions in Dutch, but was allowed to respond in English. While it may be difficult, just keep going. You’ll be helped along your way, because people do appreciate when someone speaks decent Dutch … even if not perfect.
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1. “Een Beetje”
This is where it all starts. Anyone moving to the Netherlands has been through this stage. Fresh off the train or plane, you may be able to ask directions or have the grocery exchange. You’ll probably also make use of the expression; “Ik kan een beetje nederlands spreken.” Usually this will be accompanied by the other person repeating “beetje” with a laugh.
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But let’s be honest with ourselves; this isn’t speaking Dutch. At this stage you’ll usually be greeted by the other person speaking Dutch very fast, knowing you can’t understand. It’s a little bit of a troll, but it’s probably justified. To get through this stage; get some more exposure to Dutch language books to understand sentence construction.
2. “Ik probeer”
You’re trying. You’ll speak the sentence but stumble across a word. Alternatively, you could miss one word the Dutch speaker says, and suddenly the whole sentence doesn’t make sense. Typical lost in translation moment. But you are trying. The Dutch speaker will probably look confused for a moment, then switch to English. It can be a disheartening/conceal don’t feel type moment, but you’re getting brownie points for trying.
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To get past this stage, keep practicing the conversations you know to get more comfortable. For example, keeping having the grocery or directions conversations in Dutch. You might learn some new vocabulary. The worst thing to do is get comfortable speaking English, because it may become routine. It’s best to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and just give it a try.
3. “Wel”
“Maar je kan wel nederlands spreken.” This is what you’ll hear when you’re at the third stage. At this level you can have some conversations, and you will probably get complimented on your Dutch. You’ll also notice people no longer respond to you in English, and speak Dutch (except just a little bit slower). Congratulations! You’ve passed the English default barrier (where people default back to English when you try Dutch).
But in the words of my hero; “Great kid, don’t get cocky.” There are still some words you don’t know, and if you miss one thing you might not understand the whole conversation. To get past this stage, get exposure to Dutch TV and try reading newspaper articles. Also, make sure to ask if you don’t know words. However it may be best to only ask one word per day, otherwise you’ll end up coming across like Peter Griffin.
4. “Heel goed”
You can finally be a part of it. Having one on one conversations with people, and joining in on group conversations. You can also get involved in the Dutch favourite pastime; everyone sitting really close to each other around a room, having lightning-round style conversations for a few hours. There’s still some limitations at this level though. There may be words you may be unfamiliar with, especially with subject specific vocabulary.
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As a result, you may be able to have an excellent conversation about careers and travel. However, if the conversation moves to a subject like technology, you’ll have the conversing skills of a gawking fish. In your confusion, you may even look like one too. If conversation goes off the paths familiar to you, you might end up quite lost.
You’ll also probably still mix up “om” and “op“, however you’ll be saved because you know how to use “leuk” and “lekker” appropriately. This is far more important. To help reach the next level, just keep having Dutch conversations daily, and look up any words you don’t know.
5. “Gezellig”
The mythical level. Cozy. Comfortable. Call it what you will, but this is the ultimate stage of belonging. You can comfortably have conversations at a fluent or native level. This level of conversation is key to all things Dutch! By being able to speak Dutch at this level, you’ll open new doors of employment because you can now work in Dutch.
But even more exciting, you’ll now be able to deal with Gemeente in Dutch! That’s right: Bureaucracy in your non-native language. Forms, taxes, contracts and all the other fun things it entails. It could be worse though; foreigners who inherit a Dutch passport are required to deal with this bureaucracy in Dutch from the moment they get here.
Good luck learning Dutch! And remember — Keep at it!
Have you gone through the five phases of learning Dutch? How do you find it? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature Image: Siora Photography/Unsplash
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2018, and was fully updated in April 2021 for your reading pleasure.
Might have been her stages, but not mine. Very difficult language to learn, I was 60 yrs old, and had no young people to help me. I understand Dutch very well but can’t speak it fluently. We need to be honest as to difficult a language it is, and you will use it only in Holland (and their countries such as Aruba). If you plan to live there, learn, learn, learn. DON’T GIVE UP… as you need to speak with those you meet up with everyday. Just know IT IS DIFFICULT.