Word learning: make it part of your daily life, and it comes naturally. 10 tips to get there and keep going, with little effort
Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Margreet Kwakernaak, author of Dutch for Dummies and 7 other Dutch textbooks
Word learning in daily life: use what’s around you
Dutch is everywhere – Tip 1
To start with word learning, read texts on billboards, in shops and stations, and on product packaging – Dutch is everywhere! As a consequence, look up words that you don’t understand or talk them over with friends and colleagues.
Install NOS Notifications – Tip 2
Next, download the free NOS News App and choose which notifications you want to receive on your phone: international news and sports are the easiest to understand- one sentence when you open your phone. When you make it part of your daily life, you’ll understand more and more.
When the news is not entirely new, it’s easier to understand. DutchNews, in English, keeps you well informed.
Watch subtitled movies – Tip 3
Additionally, subtitled programs on TV and Netflix movies with translations to Dutch are great help to learn new words. The three public channels, NPO 1, 2 and 3 undertitle all their (Dutch) programs. Use the Teletext button on your remote control, then click 888. Don’t be discouraged when you understand just a bit- understanding everything can take years. Read the plot of the movie before and reread it after- to be sure that you understood the most important things.
Use Social Media – Tip 4
Besides, social media are great to learn everyday language. Start chatting! Make your sentence first and then use Google Translate to check,
Watch TV with your kid – Tip 5
Also, parents may learn new words by watching Dutch children’s shows together with their kids.
Feed your motivation
Set achievable goals – Tip 6
Set small, concrete, and achievable goals for your word learning in daily life. Be proud of your first sentence in the shop, the first spelling of your name and address, and even more proud when you are understood. You learn the language for communication! Share your successes with relatives and friends.
Ask for help – Tip 7
Tell people around you that you are learning Dutch, and ask them to explain the words you meet in your daily life, sentences, and incidents related to Dutch culture. Don’t discuss what is explained, but thank the person for the help.
Ask for small corrections – Tip 8
Asking to be corrected may be tricky- some people are too demanding. Also, asking your (Dutch) partner to correct your Dutch may endanger the relationship. Do not expect your Dutch partner to be able to explain grammar to you, but talk (some) Dutch with him/her every day, it’s a golden opportunity!
Finally: keep moving to learn more words
Type complete sentences in Google Translate – Tip 9
When you use Google Translate for your daily word learning, always type in the complete sentence or at least a group of words. Just like people, translation machines need context to be able to give you the right translation.
Reread your stored words – Tip 10
Store newly learned words in your phone, and reread them with intervals of one day, then of several days, and after that several weeks- up to three months. Research has proved that you need to hear/read/write/say a word seven times before it is stored in your memory.
Conclusion
- You learn words by hearing, reading, and watching Dutch every day
- You stay motivated if you ask your environment to help you
- Be happy with every progress and every compliment
- Keep learning and repeating words.
These tips teach you how to find and learn new words, but how to remember them? Learn more in How to remember words – the seven steps
Learning Dutch with the Delft method with Suitcase talen
Do you want to learn Dutch (NT2 ) in the evening, comfortably online, with conversation classes in a small group? If you are highly educated and willing to make an effort, The Delft method is the fastest way to reach your goals. Read Courses first, after that use the contact form for a free intake by phone
