Slow Summer, Easy Reading
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, travel a little lighter, and pick up a good book. For expats living in the Netherlands, it’s also a great opportunity to improve your Dutch in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Instead of grammar exercises or textbooks, why not discover Dutch through stories—on the beach, in the park, or while enjoying a quiet evening on the balcony?
Dutch Stories Made Simple
This Expat Summer Reading List brings together a selection of engaging books that are especially suitable for international readers at around A2–B1 level. All titles are available in the Leeslicht series, which means they are written in simplified Dutch: shorter sentences, clear structure, and vocabulary that is easier to understand—without losing the story itself.
Something For Every Reader
The collection includes a mix of modern bestsellers, accessible novels, and compelling true stories. Whether you enjoy thrillers, emotional dramas, or inspiring narratives, there is something in this list for every reader. These books are designed to help you build confidence in reading Dutch while still enjoying a good story.
Learn Dutch Without Pressure
So this summer, instead of switching off completely, try switching into Dutch mode. A few pages a day is all it takes to improve your vocabulary, recognize everyday expressions, and feel more at home in the language. It’s learning without pressure—and reading without limits.
Overview Dutch Summer Reading List
Joe Speedboot
Tommy Wieringa
A humorous and original novel about growing up, dreams, and perseverance.
Het meisje met de parel
Tracy Chevalier
A historical novel set in Delft and inspired by the famous painting Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen
An accessible biography of the Dutch Formula 1 champion, popular among sports enthusiasts.
Een Rus in de Jordaan
Ab Baantjer, S. de Waal
A detective about a murder investigation in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, where detective De Cock uncovers a web of secrets behind a seemingly simple case.
Het diner
Herman Koch
A psychological novel full of dialogue, ideal for practicing everyday Dutch.
Kruistocht in spijkerbroek
Thea Beckman
An adventurous time-travel story that also appeals to many adult readers.
De acht bergen
Paolo Cognetti
An atmospheric novel about friendship, nature, and life in the mountains.
Sonny Boy
Annejet van der Zijl
An impressive true story about love, courage, and the Second World War.
Tegenlicht
Esther Verhoef
A modern, exciting thriller with a clear storyline and plenty of dialogue.
Zomerhuis met zwembad
Herman Koch
An exciting, accessible novel about relationships, secrets, and awkward situations within a family.
Let’s start today with:
Baantjer – A Perfect Introduction to Dutch Crime Fiction
If you want to experience classic Dutch crime fiction, the Baantjer series is a great place to start. Written by former Amsterdam police officer Appie Baantjer, these detective novels follow the well-known inspector Jurriaan de Cock as he solves murders in the heart of Amsterdam.
What makes these books so enjoyable is their strong sense of place. The stories are deeply rooted in everyday Amsterdam life—especially the iconic Jordaan district—with its canals, cafés, narrow streets, and colorful characters. You don’t just follow a mystery; you walk through the city with the detective.
The Baantjer books are also very accessible, making them a great entry point into Dutch reading for expats. The language is straightforward, the plots are clear, and each chapter moves quickly, which makes them ideal for readers at A2–B1 level who want to build confidence.
The series became even more popular thanks to the long-running Dutch TV adaptation Baantjer, which brought the characters and Amsterdam atmosphere to life for millions of viewers.
If you’re looking for an easy, engaging way to start reading Dutch detective fiction, Baantjer is a perfect first step—familiar, atmospheric, and full of classic Amsterdam charm.
