Gefeliciteerd, youโre learning Dutch! Thatโs more than many internationals in the Netherlands โ but how can you take it to the next level? Hereโs why Dutch classes are your best option if youโre looking to really get a grip on the language. ๐ช
Maybe youโve been taking the self-study approach up until now, but things are getting tricky and your learning has stalled. Fair enough! Life happens and de versus het can wait.
However, you donโt have to struggle through it alone, Dutch classes are your rainbow after the storm. Language classes will give your motivation and your method the oomph that will improve your Dutch by leaps and bounds. Hereโs how. โจ
1. Youโll have a plan to succeed
Imagine this: Youโre teaching yourself Dutch on a mobile application and youโre met with the phrase โDe appel spreekt een beetje nederlandsโ (The apple speaks a bit of Dutch).
Echt?! When will you ever use that phrase in the real world? Is it really helping you?
More importantly, do you know the reason why the sentence is structured like this? Do you know how to say, โI speak a bit of Dutchโ?
Before you can run, you need to know how to walk. Instead of tumbling through random phrases, going to a Dutch class will give you a structured plan and lay the foundation for you to start your language-learning journey.
READ MORE | How long does it take to learn Dutch?
Your teacher will start with the basics and then build on that knowledge base. Youโll learn what you need to achieve different language levels and have study materials that will focus on getting you there โ step by step.
Wondering what you would learn in your Dutch class? Based on the CEFR levels:
- On your way to becoming a basic user at level A1-A2, you should be learning simple, everyday vocabulary and building conversational skills. You should also be introduced to basic Dutch grammar.
- Becoming an independent user with level B1-B2, you should be mastering complex sentences and grammar, expanding your vocabulary, and improving your conversational skills to a more fluent level.
- To become a proficient user at a level of C1-C2, you should be focusing on expanding vocabulary, improving writing skills, and building conversational skills to a near-native level by working on intonation and accent.
2. Your niggling questions will be answered
โAm I pronouncing this right?โ ๐ค
โWhy does that word go there in the sentence?โ ๐ฅด
โWhat the frick is the difference between je and jij?โ ๐ญ โ these are just some questions that will baffle you while youโre learning Dutch.
Geen probleem! Dutch classes to the rescue. ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ
You know what a class has? A professionally trained teacher! Your teacher will be there to answer questions: big, small, and silly.
Youโll no longer have to rely on your well-intentioned, but very confusing Dutch friend for a breakdown of Dutch grammatical rules โ and thatโs going to immensely help your understanding.
Why? Even questions you think are stupid or silly could derail your progress when you donโt know the answers to them. Thatโs why anything you’re unsure of should be clarified by a professional.
Theyโre not stupid questions, and getting the answers to them will both keep you motivated to learn and help you reach a better understanding of the Dutch language.
3. Youโll have more incentive to learn
Everyone needs a little nudge to get into the learning gear sometimes. When youโre studying at home by yourself, itโs easy to procrastinate and lose interest in studying the difference between want and omdat.
Going to Dutch classes helps put an end to this. You have set class times so you donโt have the choice to leave your studies until โlaterโ.
You also wonโt want to disappoint your docent (teacher) who will be checking up on your homework โ yes, you probably will get homework, and thatโs a good thing! ๐ค
READ MORE | 11 myths about taking Dutch lessons, busted
Spending geld (money) on a Dutch course will also keep you motivated to stay on top of your studies. You wouldnโt want to put that money to waste, right?
4. Youโll meet maatjes to practise Dutch with
Ditch those English-speaking friends! Nee, just joking, but you do need friends who also want to speak Dutch with you. What better place to find some maatjes than a Dutch class.
Youโll be surrounded by other internationals who are going through the same thing as you. Theyโll also need someone to practise Dutch with and there you are โ instant friends!
You and your new friends will be in it together. Youโre all in the same class, learning the same thing at the same time so it will be easy to practice new content and perfect it together.
5. Youโll be prepared for Dutch life in the Netherlands
When you arrive in the Netherlands, it can be overwhelming when everything is in Dutch: road signs, contracts, and menus.
Youโll want to be able to understand Dutch in these circumstances. For example, can you identify your favourite foods on a menu? (Hint: Keep an eye out for kaas ๐ง).
Some Dutch classes cover themes and specific subjects related to life in the Netherlands (for example, Sintercoklaas), which will not only act as a way to learn Dutch but also to familiarise yourself with Dutch culture.
READ MORE | Why you should learn Dutch (and how to get Dutchies to speak it with you!)
Practice makes perfect, and you definitely practise a lot in Dutch classes. The classroom is also the ideal environment to role-play the everyday situations that you may encounter while living in the Netherlands.
Rehearsing ordering from the menu at a restaurant or even a simple conversation with the teller at the supermarket can build your confidence and improve your Dutch for daily errands. We know youโll surely want to be able to say, โNog een biertje alsjeblieft!โ (Another beer, please!). ๐บ
By taking Dutch lessons, youโll have willing participants and a Dutch teacher to correct you on any errors that you can avoid when itโs time to put your skills into practice.
Did taking a language class give your Dutch a boost? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!