Dutch face-to-face and online lessons
Why learn Dutch?
Dutch is a national language in the Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname and the Dutch Antilles. There are over 23 million native speakers of Dutch and it’s a popular second language in Germany, France and increasingly in Eastern Europe.
The Dutch are famed for being excellent linguists. Yet while they may be able to understand your native language, there is no denying that learning to speak Dutch will be highly advantageous to you.
It is a window into Dutch culture
Long known as the centre of liberalism and tolerance, the Netherlands has traded and explored other lands extensively, whilst at the same time warmly welcoming immigrants onto its own shores. The Netherlands’ rich culture (which includes world renowned painting and crafts) has been influenced by its many foreign influences. In the 17th century, the Dutch experienced a Golden Age, in which trade, science, art and the military were among the most acclaimed in the world.
It will help you find a job
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is home to many international businesses. The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is one of Europe’s fastest growing regions and has grown every year since 2013. Being able to speak the language will ensure more opportunities are available to you in the city’s buoyant job market.
You will settle in better
If you are relocating to Amsterdam, speaking Dutch is essential to settling into your new home. Allowing you to more easily make friends with the locals, or navigate administrative processes such as filling out forms, knowing Dutch ensures you have the language skills to approach new experiences with confidence.
Dutch is easy if you already know how to speak English
As one of English’s closest cousins Dutch is considered one of the easiest languages for an English speaker to learn. Both languages are part of the West Germanic linguistic family and as a result, many Dutch words are cognates. Although there are some differences, Dutch grammar is also similar to English grammar and, unlike German, Russian and Finnish, has no case system.
How to learn Dutch
Online Dutch courses and mobile apps
The internet has made Dutch language training convenient and immediate. Using an online classroom, you can begin sessions from the comfort of your home with a native Dutch speaker. Using mobile language apps will allow you to put to practice what you have learnt with your teacher.
Try reading a book
Due to the similarities Dutch and English share, you may find that you are already able to understand some part of a Dutch story book. Eszett lessons also incorporate reading materials, as well as other aspects of language acquisition, such as listening, writing and speaking.
Private Tutor
With a private tutor, lessons are adapted to your pace of language learning and can incorporate your particular interests and requirements. For example, you may be learning Dutch for business, or instead to acquire more Dutch-speaking friends. The vocabulary that is most useful to you will differ in both scenarios.
In the classroom
While virtual learning has increasingly become the norm, traditionally, languages have been taught in a classroom. Eszett’s in-person courses are well-suited for those who prefer this approach.
