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So, you’ve decided to learn Dutch. Good for you!
Dutch is one of the most fun languages to learn and it’s relatively easy for English speakers to pick up. It also helps that learning a new language is now easier through our smartphones. There are lots of apps to learn Dutch and this article will help you choose the right fit for you.
Why you should learn Dutch
Even if you don’t have plans yet of visiting the Netherlands, there are still plenty of reasons to learn Dutch:
It is spoken by about 24 million people as a first language
… and about 5 million people as a second language.
Dutch is mainly spoken in the Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname, and some municipalities in the Caribbean. It is also one of the official languages of the European Union. Traveling to any of these places? You’ll have a leg up then.
If you speak English or German (or both), you already have an advantage
Dutch is an Indo-European language, specifically belonging to the West Germanic language family tree. It is one of the most prevalent West Germanic languages, along with German and English. The three share a lot of similarities.
English and Dutch share vocabulary, with some Dutch words being the same in English (e.g., ambulance, lamp, water, yacht, museum) and some sounding similar (e.g, appel for apple, baas for boss, bier for beer, klok for clock).
While Dutch and German share a lot of vocabulary and grammar rules, you’ll be relieved to know that Dutch, like English, has no case system. No need to remember der, des, den die, das, and so on!
It will help you learn Afrikaans
Dutch, Flemish, and northwest European farmers settled in South Africa in the 17th century. The long isolation from Dutch native speakers led to the evolution of what is now known as Afrikaans.
A mutually intelligible daughter language of Dutch, it is spoken by about 17 million people in South Africa, Namibia, and a smaller population in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
You will get access to the rich Dutch and Flemish culture and history
Aside from being the official language of the Netherlands, Dutch is one of the official languages of Belgium. Native Dutch speakers in Belgium are often referred to as Flemish.
Language is an integral part of any culture. Speaking Dutch will help you learn and understand Dutch and Flemish folktales, sayings, idioms, songs, and even humor!
Top picks
Dutch is a fun language to learn and it’s certainly even more enjoyable with the right apps. Here are some of my favorites:
- Pimsleur will get you talking in Dutch from day one.
- Duolingo will get you started for free (with ads).
- Ling help with building vocabulary.
- italki is the #1 platform to find an affordable Dutch tutor.
Ready to start learning Dutch? Laten we beginnen! That’s Dutch for let’s begin!
Best apps to learn Dutch for beginners
1. Babbel
Crafted by language experts, Babbel is one of the best apps for learning Dutch. There are over 40 Dutch courses on the platform, covering 2,000 words and over 200 useful sentences.
The courses are very approachable and designed to help you practice and improve your Dutch listening, speaking, and writing skills. There are also courses focusing on Dutch grammar, pronunciation, traditions, and words that are used for traveling and work.
What’s great about Babbel is that it teaches practical vocabulary and grammar. This means you will learn words that are spoken by locals in their everyday living.
And you can easily recall what you learn through various modes of review: flashcards, listening, speaking, or writing exercises.
Find out more with this Babbel review.
Why you should try Babbel:
- Practical Dutch lessons with cultural context
- Guided learning path based on your skill level or learning goals
- Diverse and interactive way of learning Dutch grammar and vocabulary and developing conversational skills
- Short and sweet lessons, lasting for 10 to 15 minutes
Pricing: Plans cost $12.95/month or $6.95/month for a 12-month subscription. Try it now.
Devices: iOS and Android
2. Mondly
If you want to play your way through Dutch and start speaking right away, Mondly is for you. One of the best apps to learn Dutch, Mondly uses a variety of course materials, including immersive exercises.
The app currently supports 41 languages, including Dutch. You don’t even have to learn Dutch from English – you can start from your native tongue or whatever language you would like to learn from.
Mondly lets you learn Dutch through short daily lessons. It follows a gamified structure and you only get to progress to the next level if you finish the one before it. The app contains vocabulary quizzes and challenges, audio guides, and chatbot conversations. It even uses augmented reality for more immersive lessons.
The chatbot conversations feature is notable as it lets you record your response instead of just typing a reply. The voice recognition is pretty accurate, too.
Why you should try Mondly:
- Plenty of immersive ways to learn Dutch
- Short but engaging Dutch lessons
- Lots of features to keep you engaged and motivated. It’s also a great supplementary tool if you’re already learning Dutch from other sources.
Pricing: Free version has limited features. To unlock all content, you can subscribe for $9.99/month or $47.99 for a year. Find a promo here.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Pimsleur
Get free access to Pimsleur Dutch
Pimsleur is one of the best apps to learn Dutch if your goal is to speak Dutch as early as possible.
That’s because Pimsleur uses a time-tested SRS (spaced repetition system) audio-based method that lets you learn Dutch words and phrases at gradually increasing intervals. At each time, you develop a longer recall of words.
The Pimsleur Dutch course includes 30-minute core audio lessons that can be supplemented with flashcards, quizzes, and bonus learning materials. You will also learn how to read with correct pronunciation and accent. You can learn more about the app with this Pimsleur review.
Here’s an offer for you: Try Pimsleur Dutch absolutely FREE today!
Why you should try Pimsleur:
- A well-established and intuitive way of learning Dutch
- Practical Dutch vocabulary you can use in real-life situations
- Learn to speak Dutch fast and on-the-go
Pricing: Pimsleur subscription is $14.95/month for Audio-Only; $19.95/month for Premium (with Bonus Materials), or $20.95/month for All Access. Try it now for free!
Devices: iOS and Android
4. Ling
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to learn Dutch, Ling is a great option. Its gamified interface makes learning feel less like studying and more like playing. Bite-sized lessons incorporate matching games, puzzles, and interactive quizzes to keep you motivated.
Ling Dutch goes beyond just memorizing vocabulary. The app provides clear and concise grammar notes alongside new words, ensuring you understand how to use them correctly in sentences. You’ll also find holistic exercises that address reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It also does a great job of building comprehension skills.
That’s not all. To take your Dutch to the next level, the app has a built-in chatbot for conversation practice. You can have simulated conversations with the chatbot, allowing you to practice speaking Dutch quickly!
Why you should try Ling:
- Gamified exercises that cover all skills
- Extensive grammar notes
- Native speaker audio and chatbot for improving conversational skills
Pricing: Starts from $14.99/month but discounts are available.
Devices: iOS and Android
5. italki
The best way to learn Dutch, or any language, is through actually speaking the language. With italki, this is exactly what you’ll be doing.
italki is a language learning app that connects learners to professional and community tutors. It’s one of the best apps to learn Dutch as you will be learning from native Dutch speakers who will not just teach you grammar and vocabulary but most importantly, get you speaking.
There are about a hundred Dutch and Flemish teachers in italki. Some tutors specialize in teaching beginners and kids while some cater to adults who wish to learn Dutch for travel or business purposes. Depending on your teacher, you will learn through text documents, presentations, flashcards, video, and audio files.
Most tutors teach via Skype but some also use other tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. You can learn at your preferred schedule and within your budget.
An alternative worth considering is Preply. You’ll find over a hundred Dutch tutors who offer affordable rates too.
Why you should try italki:
- Speaking, listening, and writing coaching and feedback from native Dutch speakers
- Lessons that fit your budget and schedule
- Customized lessons according to your learning goals
Pricing: Varies depending on teachers. Find a Dutch tutor now.
Devices: iOS and Android
Free apps to learn Dutch
6. Duolingo
There are about 1.49 million Dutch learners in Duolingo. Not surprising at all, since Duolingo is one of the most convenient and fun apps to learn Dutch.
Since its inception, Duolingo has always taught language in a simple and fun way. You can start learning from any level (although the exercises best fit beginners), receive instant feedback, and improve quickly because of its gamified layout. The app also keeps you motivated through rewards.
Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons focus on Dutch vocabulary and basic grammar. It’s a great supplementary tool for those who are already learning Dutch from online courses or Dutch textbooks. While not complete by any standards, consistent practice will help you reach the intermediate level.
Why you should try Duolingo:
- The gamified environment motivates you to keep learning
- Learn Dutch for as short as five minutes per day
- Almost full access with the free app
- Helps with brushing up on existing Dutch knowledge
Pricing: Free. However, if you want ad-free and offline access, plus unlimited mistakes, Duolingo Plus is available for $6.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
7. Memrise
Memrise is another great app that offers Dutch lessons.
What’s great about Memrise is that all of the words and phrases that you will learn are chosen by native speakers. This means you will be learning stuff that locals actually use. The app is also brimming with thousands of native-speaker videos that help with pronunciation.
Memrise’s official Dutch 1-7 courses focus on conversational Dutch. You will learn how to introduce yourself, how to shop and navigate a restaurant’s menu, and even make jokes. There are also user-generated courses that will help with more specific subjects like Dutch sayings, cooking, and music.
Why you should try Memrise:
- Lessons that focus on building your confidence to speak
- Learn practical Dutch vocabulary
- Plenty of decks and courses to choose from at any skill level
Pricing: Most features are available for free. Memrise Pro starts at $7.50/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. DutchPod101
DutchPod101 by Innovative Language is another great app for learning Dutch, especially if your goal is to build vocabulary and strengthen your conversational skills.
This app teaches Dutch through hundreds of audio and video lessons from real teachers. Lessons cover beginner to advanced levels. And because Innovative Language continues to produce content for all its language courses, you will have a lifetime supply of lessons!
The Dutch audio and video lessons on DutchPod101 range from 3 to 15 minutes and you can learn at your own pace. Even better, you can learn offline by downloading the lessons and conveniently switch between devices.
Why you should try DutchPod101:
- The audio and video lessons help strengthen listening and speaking skills
- Huge library of Dutch lessons for any skill level
- Offline access and hassle-free syncing between devices
Pricing: Some features are free. Paid access starts at $7.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps to learn Dutch vocabulary and grammar
9. Drops
Drops is one of the most beautifully designed apps to learn Dutch. I would go so far as to say that its beautiful design is reason enough to download it.
But aesthetics is not the only thing you get from Drops. It’s also one of the fastest ways to learn Dutch. For just five minutes a day, you can learn to read and speak Dutch through beautifully illustrated, immersive, and fun lessons.
Drops teaches over 2,000 Dutch words that all come with memorable visual associations. No need to type. The game requires dragging the word to its matching illustration and vice versa.
Admittedly, you won’t learn Dutch grammar here but it’s an engaging way to build vocabulary and get listening practice.
Why you should try Drops:
- Learn Dutch in a visually appealing game format
- A quick way to learn new Dutch words and phrases
- Great refresher lessons for intermediate to advanced learners
Pricing: Free version comes with five minutes of gameplay and ads. For ad-free lessons and unlimited learning time, get the premium plan which starts at $2.99/month. Try it here.
Devices: iOS and Android
10. LinGo Play
If flashcards, online tournaments, and hundreds of short lessons are your cup of tea, LinGo Play is the app for you.
LinGo Play is a relatively newer app compared to most apps on this list. But it already has over 30 languages on both its mobile and desktop apps. As its name suggests, the app uses games that suit learners of Dutch from beginner to advanced levels.
Exercises on LinGo Play are segmented based on topics. These lessons teach Dutch grammar and vocabulary.
Beginners can learn new words and basic grammar concepts first before moving on to more complicated sentences and discussions. Intermediate and advanced learners can start directly with online single-player or multi-player games.
Why you should try LinGo Play:
- Option to learn through flashcards or gameplay
- Engaging online games
- Great premium features (i.e. statistics, access to all lessons, certificate)
Pricing: The app gives free introductory lessons. You can unlock all features and get a certificate with the premium version, which starts at €19.99.
Devices: iOS and Android
11. FunEasyLearn – Learn Dutch
FunEasyLearn’s Learn Dutch is one of the most comprehensive Dutch courses online. Here’s what you get: 6,000 Dutch words, 5,000 Dutch phrases, 11,000 memorable illustrations, and 300,000 high-quality audio recordings from native speakers.
FunEasyLearn teaches Dutch through a variety of learning games and exercises that cover different difficulty levels. The premium subscription gives full access to all the lessons, plus the review manager and learning stats. And because the app caters to 61 mother tongues, you don’t have to necessarily learn Dutch from English.
Aside from its library of common Dutch words and phrases, FunEasyLearn also has lessons on Dutch for business, Dutch for traveling, and Dutch for kids.
Why you should try FunEasyLearn – Learn Dutch:
- Well-rounded Dutch course with a variety of course materials
- Great for acquiring practical Dutch vocabulary
- Learn Polish on the go and offline
- Specialized courses for business, travel, and kids
Pricing: Free. Premium subscription starts at $2.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
12. Clozemaster
If you’ve gone past beginner levels and are ready to take on exercises for more advanced levels, Clozemaster is the app for you. There are no single-word flashcards and wild guesses on Clozemaster. It gives you a sentence with a missing word. The challenge is to select or enter the correct Dutch word from context.
If that sounds hard, that’s because the app caters to intermediate and advanced learners who want to get fluent faster. The site even touts itself as a great next step after completing Duolingo Dutch, which fits beginners.
Learners get to study and practice common words in Dutch through Clozemaster. It’s also a great way to find and fix the gaps in your vocabulary. Practice your passive recall through multiple choice quizzes, or practice your active recall by playing text input.
Why you should try Clozemaster:
- It’s a challenging and engaging way to reach Dutch fluency
- Acquire advanced Dutch vocabulary
- Perfect for contextual learning
Pricing: Some features are available for free, but advanced features and stats are available with Clozemaster Pro, which starts at $8/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
13. DuoCards
DuoCards is a flashcard application for learning a wide range of languages, including Dutch. It’s one of the best ways to boost your Dutch vocabulary.
It’s very easy and fairly intuitive to learn Dutch from DuoCards. You simply swipe and sort the cards as known or unknown. The app will then use spaced repetition and prompt you to recall the words you’ve learned before.
With DuoCards, you can customize your deck or study from shared decks. You can even watch subtitled YouTube videos and learn from them, or read articles in Dutch. It also helps that DuoCards has a clutter-free, minimal, and appealing layout.
Why you should try Duocards:
- Learn Dutch vocabulary with the time-tested SRS method
- A variety of flashcard decks are available for you, plus the ability to create your own
- Simple, intuitive, fuss-free way of learning Dutch
Pricing: Free but offers in-app purchases.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps to learn to speak Dutch
14. Rosetta Stone
Learn Dutch with Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is one of the most recognized language learning platforms and it’s certainly one of the most notable apps to learn Dutch. This award-winning app lets you learn the foundations of the Dutch language and develop vocabulary in a structured way. It promises that by the end of the course, you will be able to confidently communicate in Dutch.
What’s great about Rosetta Stone’s Dutch course is that you can start with the very basic: the alphabet. Sure, standard Dutch has the same 26 letters as the English alphabet. But there’s the addition of ij and the fact that some letters are not pronounced in the same way as their English pronunciation.
For those who already have Dutch background, you can start with whatever lesson you prefer. Rosetta Stone can create a lesson plan based on your learning goals. Lessons typically take 10 minutes and you can take them offline.
Why you should try Rosetta Stone:
- A well-established and time-tested way to learn Dutch
- Speaking-focused lessons and features
- Well-rounded exercises that let you study Dutch from any skill level
Pricing: Starts at $7.99 per month for one year. Here’s the latest Rosetta Stone promo.
Devices: iOS and Android
15. HelloTalk
Immersion is one of the best ways to master a language. And the best way to immerse yourself in Dutch is by talking to native Dutch speakers. Thankfully, you can do that for free with HelloTalk.
HelloTalk is a language exchange app that combines language learning and social network. You get to learn a language like Dutch by chatting with native speakers, while also teaching the language you speak to your language partner(s).
With over 30 million users, you can easily find someone who can teach you Dutch. You can talk to native speakers via text, voice messages, voice calls, video calls, and even doodles. It also comes with innovative tools like the built-in translation feature, pronunciation, transliteration, and corrections.
Why you should try HelloTalk:
- Collaborative and social learning makes it even more fun to study Dutch
- Communicating with and learning from native Dutch speakers
- Learning about Dutch culture from native speakers
- Moments feature that let you post updates and questions for native Dutch speakers to see
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases to unlock other features like adding more than one language and an ad-free interface.
Devices: iOS and Android
16. LingQ
LingQ teaches Dutch through virtual immersion. Whether you prefer learning Dutch from texts, videos, or audio recordings, you can. With LingQ’s vast library of Dutch content, you will have no shortage of learning materials.
LingQ has thousands of audio lessons with matching transcripts for you to study. You can even import your own content and instantly convert it into interactive Dutch lessons. This way, you can learn Dutch from materials that actually interest you.
Aside from training your ears and helping you speak confidently, LingQ also has lots of grammar guides, dictionaries and translations, and a supportive community. You can sign up for live conversations, have your writing corrected, or just connect with other learners.
Why you should try LingQ:
- Learning Dutch in context
- Strengthening listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Massive audio and video library that you can access anytime, anywhere
Pricing: Limited features are available for free. Premium plans start at $7.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
How to learn Dutch from apps
These apps to learn Dutch are all helpful and even enjoyable to use. But ultimately, it’s your learning habits that will help you improve your Dutch skills. Here’s how you can learn effectively:
Immerse yourself in Dutch content to build listening and speaking skills
Some of the apps listed above include immersive content (i.e., audio recordings spoken by native speakers). But if you choose an app that focuses more on grammar and writing, you can complement it with Dutch shows, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Also, complement your learning with a Dutch learning textbook.
Consistency is key
Whether it’s five minutes a day or an hour daily, practice makes perfect. You remember more and get used to speaking Dutch the more you do it.
Find a study buddy
Learning a language is more fun with a language partner. You can find one on social learning apps like HelloTalk. But if you’re not comfortable with the idea of learning from a complete stranger, why not convince a friend to study with you? Even better if you can download gamified apps and compete with each other.
Less is more
Find an app (or two, at most) that fits your learning goals. It might be tempting to download all the apps that fit your phone’s storage and “binge learn” but don’t. it’s not effective and it’s stressful. Kind of like cramming your way to an exam, which often leads to not remembering anything you learned.
And that’s it! I hope this list helped you find the right app to support your Dutch learning journey!