More and more people who come to live in the Netherlands to work, study, or build a new life want to learn the Dutch language. But once you decide to start, you quickly realize: the options are overwhelming. In the past, you would simply go to a classroom with a textbook. Now, there’s a wide range of options, from self-study programs and online group lessons to private tutoring and in-person language schools.
So much choice can make it difficult to determine what really works for you. Which method suits your goals, your daily life, and your learning style the best? In this blog, we list different methods with their pros and cons, so you can make a well-informed decision.
Self-study via Books, Apps and Online Resources
If you’re looking for ways to learn Dutch independently, you’ll find plenty of resources that let you study whenever it suits you. A classic but still effective way to learn Dutch is by learning from a book. There are many excellent books that explain grammar clearly, help you expand your vocabulary, and build a strong foundation for learning the language. Besides books, you can also find many Dutch lessons on YouTube. These videos help you practice listening, reading, and vocabulary at your own pace. But also by turning on subtitles while watching Netflix series or by listening to Dutch radio or Dutch-language podcasts, you become more familiar with the sounds of the language faster.
Self-study is accessible, often free, and you can start whenever you want. For many newcomers, this is the first step in the learning process.
However, with self-study it is difficult to stay motivated if you do not receive feedback from a teacher or fellow students. Also, you practice your speaking skills less with these independent learning methods.
The pros and cons of self-study at a glance:
Pros:
• Flexible: you learn whenever it suits you.
• Low cost or even completely free.
• Large range of materials, from apps to videos and podcasts.
Cons:
• Little or no personal feedback.
• Difficult to maintain without structure or external motivation.
• Little practice in speaking and interaction.
For whom?
Self-study is especially suitable for motivated beginners who want to independently build a foundation or for those who want to practice extra alongside group or private lessons. Don’t expect quick results, but with regularity and perseverance you can achieve a lot.
Group Lessons
A fun and educational way to learn Dutch is through (online) group lessons. You learn not only from the teacher but also from your fellow students. During the lessons, you talk a lot with others, ask questions, and practice together, which makes it interactive and educational. It is also a nice way to meet new people. So you not only learn a language but also have the chance to make new friends.
In a group, you can motivate each other. You are all in the same boat and you quickly notice you’re not the only one who finds it challenging sometimes. The fixed lesson times provide rhythm and help you to keep going.
There are also a few things to keep in mind. Group lessons follow a set schedule, which may be less flexible for some learners. The group pace guides the progress, which can occasionally feel a bit fast or slow depending on your personal learning style.
The pros and cons of group lessons at a glance:
Pros:
• You learn from each other.
• You meet new people.
• You have external motivation thanks to fixed scheduling.
• You practice your speaking skills safely.
Cons:
• You are bound to fixed schedule.
• The group’s pace may occasionally feel a bit fast or slow for your needs.
• Less personal attention than in private lessons.
For whom?
Group lessons are ideal if you want to learn together with others and appreciate a fixed rhythm. Especially if you have just arrived in the Netherlands and want to meet people, this is a nice way to start.
Individual Lessons (One-on-One)
If you want to learn Dutch quickly and effectively, then (online) individual lessons may be the best option for you. You work one-on-one with a dedicated teacher who supports you with exactly the areas you find challenging. Whether you struggle with grammar, want extra speaking practice, or need help with work-related language, your lesson is fully customized.
During individual lessons, you learn at your own pace and can often schedule lessons flexibly. You also receive a lot of personal attention: the teacher immediately notices your mistakes, gives direct feedback, and helps you with your pronunciation. This makes your progress faster than in a group or during self-study.
That said, individual lessons are usually more expensive than group classes or self-study options. You may also miss the interaction and group energy that comes from learning with others. And since you’re studying on your own, staying motivated requires more self-discipline.
The pros and cons of individual lessons at a glance:
Pros:
• Personal attention: the teacher focuses entirely on your learning goals.
• Fast progress: you learn what you need without wasting time on things you already know.
• Flexible: you usually determine the lesson times yourself.
• Pronunciation and speaking skills: you practice a lot aloud and get immediate correction.
Cons:
• Higher cost: individual lessons are often the most expensive option.
• No fellow students: you may miss the dynamic of learning with others.
• Motivation: you’ll need to stay self-motivated without the support of a class.
For whom?
Individual lessons are perfect for those who want to make quick progress, have specific learning goals, and need personal guidance and flexibility. Especially suitable if you have little time and want to work focused on your Dutch.
So, what’s the best way to learn Dutch?
The best method to learn Dutch actually depends entirely on your goals, situation, and learning style.
Do you want quick results and personal guidance and need flexibility? Then individual lessons are a good investment.
Do you have a limited budget and lots of self-discipline? Then self-study can get you quite far.
Do you enjoy learning together and gaining motivation from a group? Then group lessons suit you well.
In practice, many people combine different methods. For example: a group course or individual lesson as a base, supplemented with self-study via an app or YouTube. By mixing learning methods, you can keep learning Dutch varied, fun, and effective.
So choose what fits you and your schedule best. The most important step? Just start. Practicing a little every day takes you further than you think!
Ready to learn Dutch?
Whether you prefer learning in a friendly group or working one-on-one with a teacher, at Level Up Academy we are here to help you.
Check out our online group lessons if you want to learn together with others and motivate each other.
Or discover the benefits of individual lessons if you want to make quick progress with personal guidance.
📅 Contact us to discover more about our lessons!
🔗 Looking for more self-study tips? Click here for the blog article about learning Dutch for free.