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When learners tell me they want to speak Dutch fluently, they often imagine long, deep conversations about politics, philosophy, or culture. But the truth is: fluency doesn't start there. It starts with the tiny, ordinary interactions that fill your day.
Have you ever had this moment? You're in a shop, the cashier asks you a simple question in Dutch, and your brain freezes. You know the words, but they seem to line up in English first, waiting to be translated. By the time you've found the Dutch version, the moment is gone.
Talking about what you like or dislike is essential in conversation. In Dutch, use houden van to express likes.
Prepositions tell us where things are. In Dutch, common ones are in, op, onder, naast.
Small talk in Dutch doesn't have to be difficult. A few friendly phrases can make your conversations flow naturally.
Talking about existence in Dutch is simple once you know the rule: er is for singular, er zijn for plural.
Be sure to listen to podcasts on topics that interest you and read the transcripts. The transcripts of the podcast episodes of YourDutchCoach can be found on this site.
Read a piece of text and record it. Listen to your recording. Do you sound like a real 'Dutchie'?
Find someone who wants to speak Dutch with you. Agree with each other that you will only speak Dutch for a whole day instead of, for example, English.
Learning a new language should be fun! Listen to Dutch music. Write down what you hear. Compare your text with the original text. Then sing along.
