16 Tips on How to Expand Your Dutch Vocabulary

What is more important when learning Dutch; knowledge of grammar or acquisition of vocabulary? Well, you first need words to form any sentences. Putting them in the right form and order, has to do with grammar. That’s why grammar and vocabulary are close friends. Of course, everyone already knows Duolingo and flashcards, so we’d like to share some other ideas that may help you Expand your Dutch vocabulary.

1. Use Your Mobile Phone for Learning Dutch

Use your mobile phone to take pictures of anything you come across that you do not understand. This can be a headline in a Dutch newspaper, or a word in a text, or a sign in the street, a shop or restaurant. Snap it!

2. Create Your Own ‘Learn Dutch Dictionary’

What to do with all those pictures? Create your own ‘Learn Dutch Dictionary’, in paper form or online. Write down all unfamiliar words in a notebook or a digital document. Look up the meaning and write it down or make small drawings.

3. Getting Familiar with New Dutch Words

Just writing and reading is not enough for learning Dutch. Form simple sentences in which you use your new words, that’s how you will remember them. You can test them in real life by implementing phrases in conversations with your Dutch colleagues and neighbors.

4. Dutch Television & Subtitles

When you watch an English-spoken movie on tv, switch on Dutch subtitles; when it is a Dutch movie, switch on English subtitles. That is how Dutch children learn English without too much effort, and learning Dutch this way might work for you as well.

5. Watch the News in Dutch

Watch the Dutch newscast; for kids ‘Jeugdjournaal’ and for adults ‘Journaal’. Watching the news in Dutch might be a bit challenging, but no worries, on Uitzending Gemist you can watch each item over and over again, until you get the complete picture. You can start learning Dutch with just one news item first.

6. Watch Dutch Videos

Watch videos together with your Flowently tutor, discuss the subject and test your skills by writing a summary of what you have seen. A great way for learning Dutch!

7. Label Objects in Dutch

A traditional way to learning Dutch is to familiarize yourself with the names of daily life items in Dutch. Simply label objects in your kitchen, living room, bathroom , bedroom, wardrobe, drawer, your friend, office etc.

8. Know your False Friends

Especially for those who are afraid to make mistakes, you can create a special ‘Danger Category’ in your personal Dutch vocab list. Check it out on www.nubeterengels.nl

9. Practice Dutch Synonyms

Waiting for the bus or tram? Instead of checking your email, check Synoniemen.net and play around with some Dutch words that are new to you.

10. Dutch Sayings & Expressions

Lost in the jungle of Dutch expressions and sayings? You can check the meaning at Spreekwoord.nl and sometimes find the equivalent in English or French as well. Try to use them in your Dutch conversations and have fun.

11. Dutch Abbreviations

The Dutch love it! Welcome to the world of Dutch abbreviations. Research the abbreviations at Afkorting.nl

12. Sing a Song, Create Your Personal Playlist

While cooking or working out, put on one of your favourite Dutch songs and sing along. Create a personal playlist with your favourites. See this page, flowently.com/free-audios-and-songs-for-learning-dutch for a collection of free audio’s, songs and books.

13. Unconscious Learning

Put on the radio, a podcast, Dutch music or tv show when you’re travelling, waiting, cooking or cleaning. At a certain point you will notice that you understood what was said!  A great way to learning Dutch, geweldig! (Great!)

14. Dutch Theatre

In a number of theaters in the Netherlands, you can watch Dutch performances with English subtitles. Challenge!

15. The Dutch Weather

Watch and study the Dutch weather forecast and practice your weather chit-chat with any Dutch local you meet in the elevator, in the bus, at the coffee machine at work, etc.

 16. Dutch ‘Magic Phrases’ to Keep You in the Flow!

Last but not least: would you like to impress your Dutch friends with funny expressions, words or sayings? Check our homepage for ‘The magic phrase of the day.’

Do you have tips on expanding vocabulary that you would like to share with us? Please send your contribution to info@flowently.com.

Written by Flowently

Published by: Flowently

Improve your Dutch skills in 30-hours steps, a horse & water

Your Daily Dose of Dutch Language Magic

Cozy tips for a Dutch Winter

Learn Dutch Watching Dutch Movies, Playing Games, and Listening to Dutch Songs

Quick Tips for Learning Dutch Phrases

Why it’s a brilliant idea for kids to start with English tutoring at an early age

Tips for a Dutch Summer

Amsterdam Expressions

Amsterdam Slang

Do you speak my language? The effect of addressing someone in their own language