7 Steps to Start Speaking Dutch Online (No Boring Grammar Required)
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Wondering how to learn Dutch without drowning in grammar rules? You’re not alone—many prospective learners type “Is Dutch hard to learn?” or “Why would you learn Dutch?” into Google, only to find tips that bury them in verb conjugations. At Define Dutch, we flip the script: we believe you should speak first, tweak grammar later. Below are seven bite-sized steps to begin speaking Dutch right away, plus some insider tips on weaving Dutch into your everyday life.
(P.S. If you’re curious why “Dutch people say hello” as “Hoi!” or why the language’s similarities to German can be both helpful and confusing, keep reading—we’ll tackle those too!)
1. Set a Real Purpose: “Why Would You Learn Dutch?”
Before hunting for resources, ask yourself: What drives you to learn Dutch? Maybe you’re eyeing a job in Amsterdam, wanting to converse with Dutch friends, or simply fascinated by the culture. That personal purpose keeps you motivated on days you’d rather skip practice. Trust us: the clearer your “why,” the faster you’ll see results.
2. Understand If “Is Dutch Hard to Learn?”
Common question: “Is Dutch or German easier?” or “Is Dutch closer to English or German?” The short answer: Dutch shares plenty of vocabulary with English—so in that sense, it feels more approachable than German. Yes, the guttural “g” might trip you up at first. But here’s the big win: you can start speaking basic Dutch phrases (like “Hallo,” “Hoi,” or “Dank je wel”) within days, and nobody expects perfection.
3. Focus on Speaking—Less Grammar, More Conversation
We live by the motto “Minimal grammar, maximum talk.” At Define Dutch, we blend tutoring and immersive coaching so you’re actively using Dutch every session. Rather than memorizing 20 ways to say “the,” you try short dialogues about everyday scenarios. Yes, Dutch has rules—but speaking frequently helps your brain see patterns naturally, which is far more powerful than silent drills.
Did You Know? A 5-min chat in Dutch helps lock in new phrases faster than a 2-hour grammar cram. That’s because your brain sees an immediate need for those words.
4. Small Daily Habits (Atomic Habits in Action)
One of the most common pitfalls is trying to “cram” Dutch into a single afternoon. Instead, tiny daily habits build lasting fluency. This idea is famously laid out in Atomic Habits by James Clear, which underscores how consistent micro-steps beat sporadic marathons. If you’re keen to apply these principles to language learning, check out the book:
Recommended Read: Atomic Habits by James Clear get it here
It’s not a language manual, but it’ll spark creative ways to slip Dutch into your routine—like listening to a 3-minute Dutch podcast at breakfast or labeling household items in Dutch for daily visual cues.
5. Use Helpful Tools—but Stay Speak-First
Plenty of apps promise to teach you Dutch, but many stall your progress by focusing on quizzes and grammar points. We say: use them for quick vocab checks or refreshers, but keep real-life conversation as your main course.
(Remember: The best way to see if you truly “own” the word is to say it aloud in conversation!)
6. Embrace Dutch Greetings & Politeness
Yes, Dutch people say hello—“Hallo,” “Hoi,” even “Hey!” are all normal. Politeness often comes down to small filler words like “Alsjeblieft” (please/here you go) and “Dank je wel” (thank you). If you’re worried about messing up, dive in anyway. Every time you say “het spijt me” or “sorry,” you reinforce that phrase in a realistic setting.
7. Get Real Feedback (Coach or Tutor)
You can go pretty far alone, but if you’re serious about leaving app-only learning behind, a live tutor or coach can be a game-changer. At Define Dutch, for instance, we combine tutoring + immersive coaching so you have direct accountability, personalized missions, and the freedom to speak at length—from day one. No more silent study or one-size-fits-all grammar. That synergy of input (listening/reading) + output (speaking) is precisely what catapults you from “um, I kinda get it” to “holy moly, I’m speaking Dutch!”
Conclusion: Start Speaking Today
If you’ve been stuck Googling “How to learn Dutch,” it’s time to turn those searches into real conversation. Tiny daily habits, minimal grammar, a bit of help from curated resources, and—most crucially—speaking first. Remember, a simple “Hoi!” to a neighbor or coworker can teach you more about real Dutch than any list of rules ever will.
Ready to take the next step?
- Solo Kit: Perfect if you want to do it yourself, your way. START HERE
- 1:1 Tutoring: For those who crave deeper feedback, personal missions, and weekly accountability. START HERE
Whichever route you choose, Define Dutch is here to prove that learning Dutch isn’t about burying yourself in books—it’s about opening your mouth and letting language come to life.
(P.S. If you pick up Atomic Habits via our links, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting our conversation-first approach—happy speaking!)
