Learning a language can be a difficult process. This is because it takes a lot of time and dedication to truly become fluent in a language if you are a non-native speaker and a complete beginner.
One of the many reasons why learning a language can be so hard is the fact that there’s just so much to learn, regardless of which foreign language you choose to study. When you consider all the verbs, tenses, nouns, syntax, adjectives, conjugators, as well as expressions and turns of phrase that you would ultimately have to master to become fluent, it seems like learning a new language is an almost impossible task.
Thankfully, it really doesn’t need to be, and almost anyone can improve their understanding and ability in a foreign language if they set themselves manageable learning goals that aren’t overwhelming.
One of the ways millions of people have taken to improve their understanding of a new language is through the use of online apps. There are plenty of reasons why these language learning apps are popular:
- In the digital age, our phones or tablets are almost always near us, meaning that language learning apps are within easy access;
- Many apps don’t require a huge time commitment, which means people can learn at their own pace without pressure; and
- They act almost as a personal language tutor, as they often teach you the fundamentals and more advanced aspects of a new language – whether that’s grammar, verb conjugation, or pronunciation tips.
As a result, it makes sense to consider using an app if you’re thinking about learning Dutch as a language. There are plenty of different reasons why you might want to learn Dutch as a foreign language.
For example, Dutch actually comes from the same language tree as English and German, meaning that native English speakers will have a much easier time learning Dutch compared to other languages, such as romance languages like Spanish or Italian.
Have a look at the best translation apps.
Equally, once you’ve learnt Dutch, you should also find it much easier to learn Afrikaans, so essentially you can easily learn an additional language without a lot of extra effort required, which is always nice to hear!
Below we outline some of the best apps you may want to research if you’re looking to take a Dutch language course by making the most of what technology has to offer.
What Are The Best Apps To Learn Dutch?
So if you’ve decided that you’d like to learn Dutch through an app, and in doing so learn a language that’s spoken by circa 23 million people across the world, then the next port of call is deciding which app is best for you.
Understandably, as language learning apps have become increasingly popular, the number of apps available to download and try has also grown. This means it can feel quite overwhelming at first to know which apps are worth your time, and which don’t quite cut the mustard.
Below are just some of the best apps that people consider when they decide they’d like to take Dutch courses London.
Duolingo
One of the most well-known language learning apps is Duolingo. Duolingo offers language lessons in a huge number of languages, including Dutch, and tries to encourage language learning through its bite-sized lessons.
These lessons often cover a range of topics and are designed to develop both your understanding of Dutch vocabulary and grammar, as well as your listening and comprehension skills in Dutch.
As you progress through the lessons, you should find that the lesson content becomes more difficult, meaning that you should, with enough practice, see your Dutch language skills develop!
Duolingo is a free app to download and use, although there is also a premium subscription on offer that gives you access to ad-free content and access to offline lessons. So the choice is yours really on whether you’d actually like to pay for the service. It’s also compatible with iOS, Windows Phone, and Android, so it’s widely compatible with lots of types of mobile devices.
Babble
Babble is another popular language learning app, and for good reason. It helps you to learn Dutch through developing skills such as your Dutch conversational skills, while also giving you the opportunity to hear how native Dutch speakers would pronounce words and sentences. There’s also the opportunity to develop your Dutch speaking skills through the use of interactive dialogue.
Like many other apps out there, the lessons are generally quite short and sweet, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. This means that there isn’t a huge time commitment when learning Dutch with Babble, and you can work sessions around your own daily routine.
Babble is compatible with iOS and Android, although it does require a paid subscription to access the service.
Memrise
Memrise is another popular app that offers Dutch lessons, alongside a variety of other languages. One of the key standouts for Memrise is that you can either choose to learn a language as a beginner or jump into more advanced lessons, so it’s suitable for use whether you’re a complete novice when it comes to Dutch or an experienced speaker.
Another feature that will appeal to some learners is the fact that the app also offers offline courses, which is great if you aren’t in a location that provides you with constant internet access.
There is a free version of Memrise or a pro version which comes at a cost per month, starting at just under 5 USD. Memrise is compatible with iOS and Android.
Of course, the main thing when using an app to learn a new language is to experiment. Although you may find a lot of people rave about a particular app – such as Duolingo – you might actually find that you don’t really find the app all that user-friendly, or that you haven’t actually learnt much by using it.
If that is the case, then don’t be afraid to download a new app and see how you get on with that. Hopefully, you should be able to find an app that suits your own learning style and helps you improve your proficiency in Dutch, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced-level learner!
The Benefits Of Using Apps To Learn Dutch
There are so many reasons why people choose to learn a new foreign language with the help of a language learning app:
- It’s convenient, as you can do a language or grammar exercise or two while you’re commuting or on the way to school;
- It’s usually a cheaper way of learning a new language compared to hiring a tutor or paying to attend group language classes; and
- It's accessible for both total beginners as well as intermediate or advanced level speakers, as often there are tests and course materials available for more experienced learners that allow the learner to bypass the initial language lessons that cover the basics.
What’s more, the vast majority of language learning apps offer lessons in more than one language. So if you’ve decided that you would like to learn another language besides Dutch, either at the same time or once you’ve reached a certain proficiency level in Dutch, then it’s very easy to learn a new language with the same app.
What If I Don’t Like The Idea Of Using An App?
There are many different ways that you can learn a language, and not everyone will find that learning a language through an app works for them.
For example, if you need to learn Dutch in a very short space of time, it might be easier to get tangible results by signing up for an intensive Dutch language course, rather than progressing quickly through the lessons that are on offer with most apps.
Equally, if you need to learn Dutch for business purposes, then it may also be worthwhile to find a Dutch language course that specifically teaches you this information, rather than learning more conversational Dutch through an app.
Finally, some people just prefer a more personal touch when it comes to learning languages. For instance, some people may feel more comfortable learning Dutch if they are able to see someone regularly and work with them to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, rather than rely on an online-only app.
If you think that you would benefit from learning Dutch with the help of a tutor, then you can always turn to a Superprof tutor for help. Superprof has a large network of tutors across a variety of subjects and languages, including Dutch. This means that you just need to enter your postcode to find Dutch tutors in your local area or tutors that are happy to provide lessons on a remote basis.
The platform that connects tutors and students
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