You do not need to pay for a Dutch course. The resources available for free online in 2026 are better than what you would have paid hundreds of euros for ten years ago. Here is an honest guide to what is actually worth your time.
The honest truth about free Dutch learning
Free resources work if — and only if — you are consistent. The biggest risk with free tools is that there is no accountability. You can quit without any consequence. If you know that about yourself, build in your own structure: a fixed study time, a progress tracker, or a study partner.
With that said, here is what works.
The best free tools for each skill
Vocabulary: themed word lists
Randomly memorising vocabulary does not work well. Your brain retains words better when they are grouped by context. Study vocabulary the way you will use it:
- Vocabulary topics for A2 — office, shopping, transport, healthcare, and more
- Anki (free app) — create your own flashcard deck from the words you learn here, then let the spaced repetition algorithm decide when to test you
The key is to learn words with an example sentence, not in isolation.
Grammar: understand the rules, then drill them
Dutch grammar has a few genuinely difficult areas for English speakers:
- De vs. het — Dutch has two grammatical genders and no reliable rule. You must memorise which article each noun takes. Our de/het quiz tests 50+ common nouns.
- Word order — Dutch sentences follow the V2 rule: the verb must be the second element. Subordinate clauses invert the verb to the end. Read the sentence structure guide for a clear explanation.
- Separable verbs — verbs like opbellen (to call) split in main clauses: Ik bel je op. The 160+ key verbs guide marks which verbs are separable. The separable verbs guide covers the rules in depth.
Speaking: use free text-to-speech
You cannot speak Dutch if you have never heard Dutch spoken at normal speed. Every vocabulary page on this site has a text-to-speech button for each word. Use it. Then repeat the word out loud.
Our speaking exam lets you practise speaking Dutch out loud with speech recognition feedback — free, no account needed.
For more structured speaking practice:
- HelloTalk (free tier) — find a Dutch speaker who wants to practise English. Language exchange is one of the fastest ways to improve.
- YouTube — channels like Ad Appel Taaltrainingen, Bart de Pau, juf m NT2 and DutchPod101 have free beginner content
Listening: Dutch media for learners
- NOS Journaal in Makkelijke Taal — short news articles in simple Dutch, read aloud. A2 level.
- Radio NPO — Dutch public radio, available free online. Hard at first, useful once you reach B1.
- Easy Dutch (YouTube) — street interviews with subtitles in both Dutch and English
Reading: practise with real texts early
A common mistake is avoiding real Dutch until you feel “ready”. Start reading simple Dutch texts from week one — even if you understand only 30% of the words, your brain starts recognising patterns.
Use our reading comprehension exam to practise with structured passages and questions. The listening comprehension exam lets you practise luistervaardigheid with spoken Dutch sentences.
A study plan that works for A2
Here is a realistic 12-week plan for a complete beginner:
Weeks 1–3: Foundation
- Learn greetings, numbers, days, basic verbs (zijn, hebben, werken, gaan)
- Study 10–15 vocabulary words per day from one theme
- Read the grammar guide — don’t memorise it, just read it
Weeks 4–6: Build sentences
- Focus on verb conjugation — present tense in all persons
- Practise word order with the sentence building exam
- Add a second vocabulary theme per week
Weeks 7–9: Apply grammar
- Past tense (de perfectum) — when to use hebben vs zijn
- De/het articles — start an Anki deck for nouns as you learn them
- Begin the de/het quiz
Weeks 10–12: Test yourself
- Work through all practice exams
- Identify your weakest areas and spend extra time there
- Aim to read a short Dutch text every day
What not to waste time on
- Duolingo alone — useful for habit-building but too shallow for passing any exam. Use it as a warm-up, not a main resource.
- Translation apps — fine for looking up single words, but relying on them prevents you from thinking in Dutch.
- Waiting until you’re “ready” to speak — speak from week one, even badly.
Start here
→ A2 vocabulary topics — pick a theme → Grammar guide — the essential rules → Practice exams — test what you know
