Dutch is so difficult...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 11:42AM 
Or so I keep being told.
My Dutch teacher tells me that the Dutch use about 8,000 words (of the 240,000 contained in the Dikke Van Dale, accepted to be the leading dictionary in the Netherlands. Compared to the 750,000 the Oxford English Dictionary believes the English language to contain). If these 8,000 words, he believes that only 2,000 make up 85% of Dutch day to day conversation.
Great, so I can just memorise Het woordenboek van Vos en Haas, containing 1000 words and I will be half way there. Or will I?
The thing is, Dutch is very difficult, apparently. All the Dutch people keep telling me it is, so it must be true. Having (somewhat swiftly, I feel) deduced from my blank expression that I did not speak enough Dutch to follow what she was saying my new neighbour slipped easily into English with me yesterday. "So," she says "now you are staying here, are you learning Dutch?", "why yes," I say, "I think its really important to speak the language of the country you're living in". "Oh, but its so difficult" says the neighbour with a smile, "Dutch is really, really difficult". "Mm-hmm" I shrug, non-commitally, a tight smile on my lips.
Here's the thing though, and please tell me if you think differently, I'm not actually sure it is that difficult. Not to be blase about it, because learning a language is no small undertaking. However, I already speak two languages with varying degrees of proficiency other than my mother tongue. I managed to learn them, what is it about Dutch that makes it so difficult, so apparently impossible to learn?
Well, first of all, the fact that almost every Dutch person I have spoken to about learning Dutch, tells me its difficult - that's a fairly major obstacle right there. How motivated will you be to start learning when the very people you want to communicate with stop you in your tracks before you have even begun?
Something else I hear quite frequently is "Oh, but you don't need to speak Dutch, everybody speaks English". Well, yes, to a point, but let's look at this more closely. Not everybody speaks English, small children for example, do not speak English. I am absolutely unable to communicate past smiles, tickles and the occasional word with our other neighbour's gorgeous baby daughter. In England I wouldn't hesitate to offer to mind her for a couple of hours if the neighbour needed me to, here I can't, who wants somebody to mind their child who couldn't understand what the child needed? Our ex-neighbour didn't speak English, unusal granted but proof that not everybody speaks English.
My Dutch teacher has an interesting theory about why the Dutch are so hesitant to allow others to speak their language, specifically those from neighbouring countries because, I'm sure you have noticed they are very adamant that other countries speak Dutch if they live here, Turkey and Morrocco would be the immediate examples which spring to mind. In fact, Utrecht is so determined to ensure that people speak Dutch that they are planning to cut the benefits of those who do not speak Dutch to a sufficient level. My Dutch teacher feels that it is all about control. The Dutch are surrounded by countries who have in the past posed a threat, what better way to gain a sense of control than to control language and communication? The Dutch are renowned for their command of languages, English, French and German are all taught a very high level in schools. If they speak all the languages they can understand and control what is going on. It also gives a subtle sense of importance to the recipient "Oh, don't worry about speaking our little language, your language is so important that we've learnt it and we are happy to speak to you in it" That's a fairly substantial message to send someone, albeit subconciously.
Of course, there is an argument that protected by EU law, EU nationals do not need to speak the language of the country they are living in. We have freedom of movement throughout the EU. The reality though is somewhat different. I simply cannot imagine how I would have got by in Paris or Bologna without speaking French and Italian, however appallingly. It wasn't a requirement, but it was a necessity. Nobody ever said to me, "Don't try to speak French in Paris, everyone speaks English". Well, that's true, for the most part they do but if you want to get anything done, you better start speaking French, and speaking it quick. It is expected of you. Not only that, but it is a common courtesy to your host country to make an effort to fit in. It is your choice to live there after all.
So where does this leave me with Dutch, I don't need it, I've proved that in the last couple of years of living here but I do want to speak it, and now its a challenge - I must speak it, because people keep telling me I can't. Perverse, but true, nothing motivates me like being told I can't do something.
As part of my course I am meant to do three things each day to bring me closer to my goal of speaking Dutch. So far I have been reading and absorbing Dutch Word of the Day, completeing my online course work, commiting to try to speak in Dutch before I ask "Sprecht U Engels?". Do you have any other suggestions for me? What else could I add to my list to keep me challenged and motivated?
in the study, language learning 
Reader Comments (22)
I think that Dutch people keep telling you Dutch is so difficult, because that is what we are told by many native English speakers who have never learned another language. (Ie. average American and British person). It has some sounds that are difficult to pronounce - the 'hard' glottal g, and combined vowels like ei, eu, ui. My (British) mother learnt to speak Dutch fluently, but never quite mastered those last three.
Not many people bother to learn Dutch, and maybe use the argument that 'it is so difficult' to defend themselves?
Though I think your teacher's theory is interesting and could be true, too!
I think the Vos en Haas diticionary looks wonderful, I might just go and get one for my American friend who never got past Jip en Janneke in her Dutch classes...
Anyway - my tip would be to start reading childrens books. Sentences are short and easy to understand (esp. in Nijntje books, but try Jip and Janneke, too!). Then, when you are comfortable reading those aloud, you can offer to mind the neighbours baby for an hour and read her stories! ;-)
PS: I do agree with you that speaking the language will get you much further in any country. If only because it shows interest in the country and that you are making an effort to communicate with the people, moving towards them and their language instead of making them move towards you and speak your language.
I'm still very early with my official language learning so I'm going to wait until my course is over to really talk about it, I think. Don't want to jinx things! I notice that compared to my classmates I'm able to race through the work. Perhaps because I've been here longer than most of them? I have no idea. So far I'm finding it easy because I somehow seem to have a larger vocabulary than I even knew I had. I'm also using grammar rules without realising it. I have always inverted with a question e.g. Ben jij.....? and always dropped the -t from the verb when using the you (singular) form. I never thought about it, I just did it because I had learnt specific sentences from other people. Now I hear the rules and it's like "Oh, really!" I had been using them without realising them....if that makes sense.
I'm certainly learning, that's for sure, but I'm not feeling completely overwhelmed at the things we're doing.
I also think there are a lot of things that have helped me....but I'll not ramble on here ;)
My boyfriend and I teaching ourselves, with the use of a book and CD specifically for expats. He's an EU national (from Bologna!) and I count as one since I'm here with him, so we haven't been required to take any lessons or exams. This new books is definitely helping, and I'm getting through it easily enough, but there are certain elements to the language that do make it more difficult for me, at least compared to when I learned Italian. The word order and some of the small exta words that we just don't say in English are proving to be an obstacle, although I'm sure with practice and more lessons, they'll become more natural.
I'm trying to speak more often, but either the other person responds MUCH too fast, or they'll answer in English and say that they couldn't understand my Dutch. Maybe they're just not used to foreigners speaking Dutch, so they're not used to hearing their language spoken with a different accent. ;)
Unfortunately, you do seem to have to speak Dutch if you need to deal with the tax office, as I need to do tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to this. I think it may involve some very simple Dutch on my part and a lot of pointing to papers and dates and a bit of charades.
Watch more Dutch TV shows and the news in Dutch! Also, maybe keep a journal in Dutch (or hey, go on and BLOG IN DUTCH! gasp!!!!).
Wait...you did say SPEAKING Dutch right? In that case, strike the above and maybe read children's books outloud in Dutch?
A few years ago I watched a little British boy who went to school in Amsterdam and he INSISTED on me reading a Dutch book at bedtime. It's like he was trying to make me squirm.
He ended up finishing the book for me. :P
@ R. - Good tip on the Nintje books, I must look at them. I have a Jip and Janneke but it still feels too much for me, strange because I can get through interior design magazines with very little trouble. I do agree that Dutch has some sounds which are very difficult to achieve, I constantly forget to pronounce the r properly, however I know I am never going to be perfect in Dutch what is more important to me is that I achieve a level where I can speak and understand fluidly. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
@ Lily - Ramble away, I need all the tips I can get! I am determined to crack this language no matter how long it takes. I think I learn most effectively by absorption as you describe rather than from convential lessons. I have always been that way, so I really need to work out how to apply that to my current studies.
@ Angela - I really admire you learning by book and CD. I really don't think I could learn from a book, I just don't have the self discipline it would take. I need to be held accountable to someone or something. Also, I had totally forgotten the anomaly of the tax office only speaking Dutch. If I get desperate for Dutch conversation maybe I should phone the helpline?! Good luck tomorrow. You will be surprised how far you can get with a few words, charades and a lot of determination!
@ Amanada - interestingly, writing is the initial focus of my course. The teacher wants us to write about anything and everything without focus too much on the "perfect" to try and get us writing and thinking fluidly. We haven't started yet but who knows, maybe I will be brave enough to post some of the results up.
It's true that not everyone speaks Dutch. Those of us who live outside Amsterdam know that all too well. :) I have encountered people who don't speak any English at the grocery store, my bank, my doctor's office, and the hospital, to name a few places.
I think it's often easier to advance your career if you speak Dutch. I work in a very international company where, in theory, the daily working language is English; but in reality, all of the middle and upper managers are Dutch, and those of us who don't speak it are often left out of big decision-making conversations.
I've found the Rosetta Stone software to be useful for learning simple vocabulary words (vrouw, paard, hond, etc.). It includes a speaking module that will "grade" your pronunciation if you speak into a mic (I tried that once and failed spectacularly... I haven't been brave enough to try again!).
I am a kinisthetic learner. I guess you're the same? I find it REALLY tough to sit in a lesson and pay attention if there are not a lot of different activities. I've never been able to study from a book for hours on end. I don't have the patience. I have to learn in bits and pieces. I'll read a sentence or a few words. Then I'll walk away from the book and say the word again or make sentences with the word. I always read signs or newspapers, just a sentence of two, or listen to someone say something that I can figure out. I only focus on one word or phrase and then try and figure out how to use the new words I've learnt with the words I already know. Does that make sense? It's hard to exaplain.
One more thing I always do is figure out ways to remember certain words or phrases. I have loads of little tricks to help me remember. E.g. I always got confused between bestellen and betallen. Now I remember them because you pay the bill at the till (well at home we do) and betallen has a t in it. T = till = betallen. I do that with so many words when they are now or tricky to remember. Some people think that sounds a little odd. I thought that it was probably quite common when there is so much to learn?
Your post made me smile, and I have a suggestion that doesn't seem to have been mentioned yet. I am a mix of Dutch and some other stuff and am now living in Germany. Basic getting-around-in-shops-and-bars talk was easy to learn; not everyone is familiar with English so you have to make an effort. What really improved my German though was getting a German friend to speak with me one on one over coffee or beer once a week (you should definitely pick someone you find entertaining). This allowed me to practice more complex conversation without feeling embarrassed or getting left out of rapid group conversations. In any case I agree with you, I don't think Dutch is more difficult to learn than any other language, actually I would expect it to be easier for a native English speaker to pick up than, for instance, Italian. So don't be deterred by those Dutch people and their pesky vowels ;-)
It's funny, now you have said it I wonder if Dutch is as hard as everyone has told me or if is is hard because everyone has told me it is.
My best ad advice is get a Dutch boyfriend... no wait... ok, that won't work in your situation but 8 years of being single and my Dutch got no where but a year and a half of having a Dutch girlfriend and my Dutch has suddenly got a lot better.
Great idea to start learning Dutch! Don't mind those that tell you that Dutch is difficult. There aren't "easy" or "difficult" languages, it all depends on what you are prepared to speak from your birth, what determines if a language is more or less complicated for you to pick up more or less quickly.
You already speak two foreign languages - that is a huuuuuuuuuuge advantage: you have already incorporated strategies to learn that will be useful now to learn Dutch.
What I find remarkable (and I'm envious too hehe) is that in the west, you don't have the awwwwwfully immediate need to learn Dutch to survive. Here in the east (barely 1 hour away from where you are!) it's a whole different story. People speak English, but not all of them do (and I don't mean just children or old people) and those who do speak English, they are not always willing to do it, they want YOU to make the effort in order to communicate. You are the "intruder", so you do all the work (which sounds fair to me).
I'm sure it won't be a problem for you to learn! I did it in 10 months - from 0 level of Dutch, to obtaining the NT2 level II diploma, so it can be done!!!
Cheers!
DWOTD is fabulous, glad you found it! Don't be discouraged, it sounds like your Dutch teacher is pretty right on, and you're motivated, so you're bound to be successful. It will take some perseverance, and will mean that eventually you'll have to keep speaking Dutch even though you're being spoken to in English. You can do it, and I'll be around to support you!
@ Amy - I think I am definitely hampered by the fact that I am rarely in a situation where someone doesn't speak English. I freelance so I don't have Dutch colleagues or any intention of working for/with a Dutch Company due to the work I do. However, I have a friend who experiences exactly what you are talking about, that despite her seniority her lack of Dutch sometimes excludes her from meetings.
@ Lily - That is exactly how I learn. Interesting, I must look into this more...
@ Gwen - I think that one of my goals in speaking Dutch is to try and expand my social circle to include Dutch people. As a freelancer I don't get the same opportunities to meet people that I would if I had an office job, for example. So yes, I definitely want to do a conversation exchange but I need to hunt down a willing victim first.
@ Stu - Well, that's how I learnt my Italian, but no, The Lovely Husband has a put a definite veto on me improving my Dutch that way!
@ Aledys - That's really very impressive, and definitely encouraging.
@ Mari - You're fab. Thank you!
Hello :) I am Sandra, a portuguese living in the Netherlands :)
Congratulations for your blog :) Very refreshing!
I am trying to learn Dutch too and have a nice home here :-)
We also decide to build our lives in the Netherlands :-)
Good luck for your dutch learning :-)
You are very welcome to visit me : -)
Cheers :)
240,000 words? I think Geert Mak uses at least 239,000 of them. My choice probably wasn't the most practical, but I like his book, and my goal isn't speaking for now, but passive comprehension.
http://learningdutchwithgeertmak.blogspot.com
I heard what you are talking about for several months now. My bf is Dutch and even he says the same thing. It is so odd that both of us communicate in English (we live in the states) although it is not even our native language. But I say continue on with your desire to learn Dutch. I look at it this way: my parents once went to Russia without knowing a single word, then they ended up finishing their Master's degrees in that country!!!!!! (They were in their 30's btw, when they went) SO I say to you, nothing is more motivating than your mind!!!!! Best of luck with your conquest :)
@ Aledys!!! What you really did it in 10months???? Holly cow,that is putting me to shame. I have to get more comfortable with my Spanish. I studied it at school for several years, but somehow it took one teacher in High school to make me feel as if I didn't know a thing :(
YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME!!!!! :)
Great post! I laughed especially when I read this part about your neighbor. I as well am always astonished when someone who is Dutch tells me how learning their language is "difficult." How do they come to this conclusion? Is it due to word of mouth & they repeat this, knowingly, to us who are learning, or is it due to them having difficulty personally when they were a child? I'm going to ask them for now on why ;-) And your motivation, too, made me laugh! I have this in common. The ways I continue to learn Dutch: Practice daily with a native speaker [or as often as possible], watch a TV program on Dutch TV which is Dutch & try to understand it/read a Dutch newspaper & try to understand it, read Dutch subtitles on a program & try to follow that instead of listening to the spoken English, and I also am taking more classes to advance myself further. Good luck & keep it up! :-)
Hello! glad that i have a chance to stumble on your blog as it certainly makes me feel that i am not alone in learning!
I have been here in Holland since jan 2008, and i totally agree with some of the readers that though many can speak English, its not a language that they will often or naturally use.
I have to admit that as much as i should be watching dutch programs, news or even children cartoons, they can be rather a turn off especially when half the time u dont understand what they are saying. Your mind starts to drift.....and before u know it..it switches off. So usually I watch the english shows though and instead make an effort instead to read the subtitles etc.
I have studied a little dutch and taken some courses, and when i started out i had to translate every single word that i see in my book. However i realised that in the course of things, that will help alot because your vocab increases. Though i must add that it is an extremely tedious job. I repeated wrote sentences and words also so that i could remember the spelling and recognise them in future. ( i m a visual learner )
It is a daunting task and worries me too especially since without grasping the language, my job opportunities are very extremely limited too. Its worse in my opinion because i am not living in the bigger cities like Utrecht, Den Haag etc. ( i am in Roermond)
Despite all of this, i always looked to my in laws and all their chinese friends and encouraged myself that if they can learn the language, without even understanding much English, i will be able to do it too.
I just registered myself as a volunteer for kinderopvang ( childcare) and hopefully, fingers crossed, that after one month my Dutch is acceptable enough to volunteer.
All the best in learning the language....=)
If you just keep on trying you will be able to speak dutch in the end.... Just read a lot of dutch books, watch dutch tv programmes (switch on subtitles...) etc... Dutch is indeed a difficult language to learn, but not impossible... If other people can do it why not you?
good luck......
me after I learned English very easily learned dutch
depends on person to another person