Quick Dutch Lesson 1: Stop Translating – Think in Dutch

Do you ever catch yourself saying in Dutch exactly what you would say in English? For example, "I am 25 years old"? Many learners do, but in Dutch, that sounds unnatural. The good news is: with one small change, your Dutch will sound immediately better.

Tip: In Dutch, age is expressed simply. Just say "Ik ben [age]", no need for "years old."

Examples:
I am 25 → Ik ben 25
I am 30 → Ik ben 30
How old are you? → Hoe oud ben jij?
He is 40 → Hij is 40
She is 18 → Zij is 18
We are 50 → Wij zijn 50

Mini Exercise – Your Turn!
Translate these sentences into Dutch:

1. I am 22

2. How old is he?

3. She is 35

Answers:

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1. Ik ben 22

2. Hoe oud is hij?

3. Zij is 35

See? You got it! Small steps like this build confidence fast. Practice this a few times today, and your Dutch will sound instantly smoother.