Do you have doubts to learn Dutch? Perhaps one of your greatest Do wishes is to master the language? Have you felt uncomfortable when you had to speak Dutch, and are you tired of that feeling? Alternatively, do you foresee taking significant steps in your career where Dutch proficiency would be a valuable asset in the near future? If so, and if you genuinely intend to learn Dutch, then make sure you commit to it. In this article, you will discover 5 crucial steps for learning Dutch. Regardless of whether you’re at the beginning of a new year, a new month, or simply a new day, learning Dutch is always a good idea.
Five Very Important Steps for Learning Dutch
Step 1. Find out What Your Motivation Is
Firstly, why do you want to learn Dutch? That may seem like an easy question, but it often isn’t. For example, suppose you want to improve your Dutch. Imagine this: what could you do better if you spoke Dutch well? Having conversations, writing emails, chatting with Dutch-speaking colleagues – these are just a few possibilities. And then, how would you feel? More professional? More confident? Therefore, try to imagine this as concretely as possible. Your motivation helps you to achieve your goal. Consequently, if you want to learn Dutch, it’s essential to first pinpoint your motivation.
Step 2. Get Rid of Those Saboteurs!
However, motivation alone isn’t enough. You often harbor ideas that can actively block your intention. Some common saboteurs are: “I don’t have language skills” and another common one is ‘perfectionism’. For instance, if you weren’t good at languages at school, you might feel less enthusiastic about the plan to learn Dutch. Nevertheless, the way you learned English, German, or French at school may not have suited you at all. But here’s the good news: there is a way for everyone to easily learn Dutch. On the other hand, if you are too perfectionistic when you want to learn Dutch, this becomes rather complicated. Our motto is: think of a child learning to speak. Make mistakes and laugh about it. Crucially, it is important for you to do this in a safe environment.
Step 3. Tell Others About Your Plan
Furthermore, your plan to learn Dutch is more likely to succeed if you tell others about it. This is because it makes you feel more connected to your plan. In addition, you will undoubtedly do your best because you want to be able to tell the other person that you have succeeded. It’s particularly helpful if you tell:
- First, friends, family members, or colleagues who speak Dutch. They will most likely appreciate your interest in their language and perhaps you can speak a few words together now and then.
- Second, your manager, especially if you want to learn Dutch for your work or for the next step in your career. With a little luck, your manager will find it a very good plan, and your employer might even pay for your Dutch training.
Step 4. Choose the Right Method to Learn Dutch
Moreover, there are several ways to learn Dutch. Therefore, if you choose the method that suits you best, you have the greatest chance of success. Here are some tips we can give you:
- Primarily, you learn a language from people. You learn the correct pronunciation from a native speaker. This is not only by hearing it, but also by observing the movements of the mouth and because he or she can correct you until you achieve the correct pronunciation. Beyond that, you get to know the culture better when interacting with a native speaker. Even if the differences with your own culture are minimal, you will be surprised by the effect on your communication. Consequently, make sure you are taught by several people so that you get to know the pronunciation better.
- Additionally, apps, websites, and books can perfectly support you in learning the language. Due to the large availability of these resources, it is useful to set goals, so that you can practice with more specific grammar or vocabulary.
- Finally, you can choose between group lessons and individual lessons. If you join a group, be aware that the language you learn will be of a more general nature. After all, the lesson should be interesting for everyone. However, if you opt for private lessons and a good language trainer, the lessons will be highly specific to your needs.
Step 5. Make a Plan
Lastly, how much time do you want to reserve for learning the language? Do you want to study a few hours a week for six months, or do you prefer to learn the language in five consecutive days? Consider also: how can your employer help you? Think not only of financial matters such as a training budget, but also the opportunity to gain experience in using Dutch. Another key question is: which language school or language trainer is right for you? It’s important that you feel completely comfortable there. You must be relaxed before learning to communicate in Dutch. And finally: when can you start? Make sure you have mental space and don’t begin learning Dutch at work if you’ve just started some new projects. Consult your calendar or schedule a workout, just as you would plan a vacation. Take that first step, contact us, and get started!