Why should you learn Dutch for free?
- Dutch skills can boost job prospects with major Dutch companies such as ABN Amro or Philips.
- With a strong Dutch vocabulary, learners will gain insights into the Netherlands' sporting culture, and every aspect of Dutch life.
- Learning Dutch carries social advantages, helping tourists to make the most of their holidays and to form lasting friendships across borders.
- Begin studying Dutch with Babbel
Learn to speak Dutch with confidence
Sometimes overlooked by English language learners, speaking Dutch is a really useful skill, and one that can open up all sorts of social and professional opportunities. Quirky, and full of humor, the Dutch language isn't hard to learn, and there are plenty of great reasons to do so. Every year, around 2 million British travelers visit the Netherlands, and it's easy to see why. Amsterdam is one of Europe's cultural capitals, with the riches of the Rijksmuseum, masterpieces by Van Gogh, the Ann Frank house, and - of course - 60 miles of canals which give it a unique feel. Medieval cities like Delft have a fairytale atmosphere, while the beaches of Friesland are always popular with lovers of fresh air and stunning scenery.
However, very few people who visit the country actually learn more than a few words of Dutch, which is pretty surprising. Don't be like them. If you learn Dutch, you can start to interact with local people in a relaxed way, and impress them with your knowledge (and respect for their culture). It's a great way to kick off conversations in Amsterdam cafes or train carriages - and could be the start of lifelong friendships.
Introduction to Dutch economy and culture
Home to major corporations The Netherlands is also one of the richest, most technologically advanced nations in the world. Home to major globe-spanning corporations like Philips, ABN-Amro, Shell, and Unilever, the country attracts a lot of job applications from English speakers. This means that many workers spend some time in the Netherlands as part of their careers. When they aren't working, the Dutch are huge sports fans, and one sport dwarfs everything else in terms of popularity: voetbal.
National sport As you probably know, the Dutch have a glorious footballing history, with Ajax creating a revolutionary "Total Football" system in the 1970s, and talents like Johan Cruyff or Marco Van Basten becoming global legends. Today, Dutch football continues to set the agenda, with new tactics and exciting players. But here's the thing: understanding the action and keeping up with sporting developments is much easier if you have plenty of key words in your vocabulary.
Acquire real-life conversation skills, one word at a time
Learning Dutch could be a great idea on a professional, social, and even a sporting level, but it's not always easy to find accessible courses. Well, it used to be difficult to find tuition in the UK. However, online app-based teaching is changing all that.
Babbel offers a proven way to learn Dutch, whether you are a complete beginner or an intermediate speaker. Don't worry, this isn't a conventional course where you learn masses of vocabulary without proper assistance. That kind of course can easily alienate learners, making it pretty much useless.
Instead, Babbel's courses use conversational techniques based around real-world situations. Each course covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and state of the art voice recognition tools allow you to learn exactly the right pronunciation.
Learn on the go with free Dutch classes
So, what are you waiting for? If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, are attending football match in Rotterdam, or have a university semester planned in Utrecht, learning Dutch is a no-brainer. Babbel is the ideal partner to help you start your Dutch adventure, so sign up, pick a course, and start learning today.