Speak Dutch with Confidence Instead of Memorizing Vocabulary Lists

Learning a new language can often feel like an overwhelming task, especially when faced with endless vocabulary lists and complex grammar rules. However, the most effective way to learn Dutch—or any language—is not by memorizing random words but by focusing on speaking goals and working towards them. Here’s why:

Imagine you have a list of 1000 most common Dutch words and a grammar book with all the grammar rules from 0 to level B1. You start learning the language, full of motivation and confidence that you can tackle this! You memorize words, and you learn the rules, but when you are at the supermarket, restaurant, or any other daily Dutch situation, you don’t know how to use the grammar rules. You don’t know what to say, you forget all the words you memorized, and you stutter and end up speaking English. That’s frustrating.

Instead, use a simple strategy to go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident in daily Dutch situations.

But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Vivian, and I’ve been a certified Dutch teacher since 2015. I’m the owner of Vivo Dutch, and I help around 1,500 to 2,500 expats every year. As a former assessor for the integration exam (inburgeringsexamen), I know exactly what my students need to pass exams. Most importantly, I know what strategy to use to speak Dutch confidently in real life.

Use this Strategy and Speak Dutch in No Time

The ABCD strategy is not just a strategy; it’s the best and simplest way to learn Dutch and start speaking it in public in just a few days. But before diving into this strategy, there are two quick and important steps to take: pick a daily Dutch situation and create a small speaking goal.

This could be, for instance, ordering in Dutch at a restaurant or asking for a bag at the supermarket. You can decide your own goals. After picking your situation and goal, it’s time to go through the four phases: A, B, C, and D.

Phase A: Absorb

Focus on input (listening and reading). Absorb the language, specifically for your speaking goal.

Phase B: Building Blocks

These are all the tools you need to achieve your speaking goals. This can include grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and useful phrases. Look up what you need for your goal. Use your grammar book, look up useful phrases and words, and work on your pronunciation.

Phase C: Consolidation

In this phase, you’re going to use all the building blocks to create a speaking template. You’re going to prepare for your speaking goal.

Phase D: Daily Dutch Situation

Practice with a study buddy or a teacher and then speak in real life! Achieve your goal and feel successful and motivated to continue this language journey.

(Free) Resources to Learn Dutch

The ABCD strategy is also explained in my free how-to guide. In this guide, you’ll find links to (free) resources you can use for all the phases, and you’ll get more examples of how to use the ABCD strategy yourself.

➡️ Get the free how-to guide here