Welkom! So you’ve decided to learn Dutch. That’s exciting! But starting from zero can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? How do you get to level A1 in Dutch? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. At Koentact, we help beginners like you to get started with practical, fun, and social ways to learn Dutch.
Here are our top tips for absolute beginners!
1. Listen first, speak later
Before trying to speak, it’s helpful to get your ears used to Dutch sounds. Dutch has some tricky letters and sounds, like g, ui, and different kinds of r’s, so start by listening as much as possible.
Where to start:
Kids shows on NPO Start, like Het Klokhuis or Het Jeugdjournaal. Simple, clear, and fun.
Easy Dutch (YouTube): real people on the street asking simple questions. Subtitles in Dutch help you match sounds to words.
💡Koentact tip: Don’t stress about understanding everything. Just listen, repeat, and get used to the language’s rhythm.
2. Start with the most useful words and phrases
You don’t need to memorise the whole dictionary. Begin with words and phrases you can actually use in daily life:
- Hallo! – Hello!
- Ik ben… – I am…
- Dank je wel – Thank you
- Waar is…? – Where is…?
- Wat + adjective (f.e. leuk, gezellig, lekker, lief)! – How fun, cosy, tasty, cute…!
💡 Koentact tip: Try saying these phrases out loud to a friend, a tutor, or at our Amsterdam Language Café. Using the words socially is the fastest way to remember them.
3. Make learning fun with stories
Even beginners can start reading or listening to short, simple stories. These stories introduce common words and phrases naturally.
Good starting points:
- The book ‘Nieuw in Rotterdam’, a progressive novel (A0-A2)
- Graded readers with pictures or short sentences.
- A magazine about a hobby you have. For example: Autoweek about cars, Happinez about health and food, Knipmode about sewing, Landleven about rural life, or one of the many other magazines.
💡 Koentact tip: Pick stories that interest you. If it’s boring, you won’t stick with it. The key is enjoyment!
4. Practice listening and speaking together
Language is meant to be used. Try to practice speaking early, even if it’s just a few words.
How to practice safely:
- Join our Amsterdam Language Café to meet locals and fellow learners, no pressure.
- Practice with a friend using simple sentences.
- Repeat phrases you hear in shows or podcasts.
💡 Koentact tip: Don’t worry about mistakes. Every attempt helps your brain learn. Speaking is how your Dutch comes alive.
5. Use tools smartly
You don’t need to overload yourself with apps and textbooks. Use just enough tools to help you notice words and practice them:
- Reverso Context – look up a word in example sentences.
- Forvo – hear how words are pronounced by real Dutch speakers.
💡 Koentact tip: Start a small personal list of new words. Use them in conversation, not just in an app. Learning is faster when words have a real purpose.
6. Listen to simple podcasts
Even if you don’t understand everything, hearing Dutch daily helps you internalise vocabulary and sentence patterns.
Beginner-friendly podcasts:
- Kinderpodcasts.nl – stories for kids, perfect for beginners.
- Dutchies to Be / Learn Dutch with Kim – acted-out conversations with subtitles.
💡 Koentact tip: Play these while doing chores or walking around. Language learning works best when it’s part of your daily life.
7. Make a habit, keep it small
The best progress comes from consistency, not intensity.
- Start with 10-15 minutes a day of listening, speaking, or reading.
- Pick one or two phrases to practice each day.
- Repeat them in real-life situations.
💡 Koentact tip: Pair learning with something fun, like a coffee break, a walk, or a chat at our Language Café. Learning feels effortless when it’s part of something you enjoy.
8. Connect with people
Language is more than grammar. It’s about connecting with others. Even beginners can make small connections:
- Greet a neighbour: Hallo! or Hoi!
- Ask for a coffee: Mag ik een koffie, alstublieft?
- Join a Koentact Open Day and meet other learners.
💡 Koentact tip: Real interaction gives context to words and phrases. The more you practice with people, the faster you’ll improve.
Ready to start your Dutch journey?
Starting as a beginner doesn’t have to be scary. With listening, repeating, small steps, and real-life practice, you’ll build confidence quickly.
At Koentact, we make learning social, immersive, and fun:
- 🎉 Join our Open Day and experience Dutch learning live.
- ☕ Visit the Amsterdam Language Café – practice Dutch in a relaxed, friendly setting.
- 📖 Download our e-book: How does it feel to really connect in the Netherlands? And how to get there? – your beginner-friendly guide to Dutch life.
Your Dutch adventure begins with a single word: Hallo!
