Learning the Dutch Language

IF your child's face lights up when they see a brightly colored picture, cuddly toy animal or a game, then this is for them. Vocabulary Builder Dutch is designed for kids who like to be entertained. It has lots of brightly colored pictures and fun games to get your child hooked on learning. Adults love this program too!

Will it work for my child?

Vocabulary Builder Dutch is designed for children aged 4-12. It's a simple piece of educational software that they'll find easy to use. It's fun, engaging and encouraging - even for children who are easily distracted.

No reading required. Vocabulary Builder is all based on spoken language and pictures, so children don't have to be able to read in order to use it.

What will my child learn?

Vocabulary Builder covers some basic words and phrases. These have been chosen to be fun as well as useful. There are around 100 words in the program - just enough to get your child started without overloading them. The topics include colors, numbers, actions, professions and simple sentences with some prepositions.

How does it work?

There are three different sections:

Learn what the words mean with pictures accompanied by the spoken word. Three exciting memory games that get progressively harder. It's this section where they really learn to recognise and remember words.

Record your own story. Browse through the pictures and record the words you want to appear. You can compare your recording with a native speaker if you want.

You can also string your story together with any words you want to put in, then watch your story played back on cinema screen followed by a big round of applause.

This really gets them talking in a foreign language and you'll be amazed how quickly they pick up the accent.
Notes for parents:

Biologically, the earlier a child is exposed to a second language the better - studies have proven that a young mind is more receptive than an older one. Learning Dutch will also improve your child's ability in other languages.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.2 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)

For more information visit Vocabulary Builder Dutch Software.

Talk Now Dutch
IF you're new to Dutch, there are some basics you will have to learn, whether you're eight years old or 80, on business abroad or a tourist on holiday. Talk Now! Dutch offers a simple-to-use method for you to start learning the language, whoever you are.

Will it work for me?

Lots of people have difficulty learning languages. Why? Most have been put off at school, don't have time to learn, or think they are too lazy to do it.

Talk Now! Dutch answers these problems:

It lifts the language off the page. There are no dull exercises; just encouraging games that award you points for progress. It fits easily into short ten-minute sessions. But if you want to push yourself you can learn the basics in a weekend. if you think you're lazy, think again! You'll be amazed how motivated you can be when you enjoy the experience of learning!

What will I learn? To speak and understand enough to "get by".

You're just starting, so we won't drop you in at the deep end. There are some things you'll want to say in any language: you'll want to say 'hello', order a drink, ask for directions and so on.

This beginners program gets straight to the point. It covers food, colors, shopping, parts of the body, numbers, telling the time, countries, greetings and essential phrases.

How does it work?

Talk Now! Dutch gives you easy-to-achieve goals. Learning a new language is far too big a task to tackle all at once, so we have broken it down into a series of rewarding challenges.

Play interactive language games. Talk Now! feeds you new words, along with pictures to reinforce your memory. It then tests your knowledge with fun quizzes. As soon as you start playing you start learning.

Earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You will hear Dutch all of the time and, using the recording games, you can start speaking straight away, then compare your voice to a native speaker.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or the ferry without a computer. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you, or upload the program's sound files onto an iPod.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
You can also upload words onto your iPod

For more information visit Talk Now Beginner Dutch Software.

Talk More Dutch

THIS program teaches basic conversational phrases with structures that can be adapted to fit different situations. It also tackles one of the main challenges in learning a foreign language: building the confidence to speak it. Talk More's recording function allows you to compare your accent with that of a native speaker. Perfect for building a learner's spoken confidence.

Will it work for me?

If you know some basic Dutch, but you don't think you could handle a full conversation, Talk More will get you talking. Because it's aimed at recent beginners, everything you hear will be clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with.

What will I learn?
In this program you'll start putting together complete sentences, as opposed to learning individual bits of vocabulary. We've selected a range of phrases you commonly need abroad, including many that you might find essential: for example, "I'd like to pay by credit card", "My camera has been stolen", and "Where is the pharmacy?"

Topics cover greetings, shops and restaurants, getting around, hotels, phone calls, emergencies, leisure and the basic vocabulary of business and technology.

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Dutch by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with that of a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually much more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

For more information visit Talk More Dutch Conversational Software.

Talk More DVD Dutch
NO need for a computer - learn from your TV. This DVD teaches basic conversational phrases with structures that can be adapted to fit different situations. Watch it on any DVD player.

Will it work for me?

If you know some basic Dutch, but you don't think you could handle a full conversation, Talk More will get you talking.

Because it's aimed at recent beginners, everything you hear will be clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with.

What will I learn?
On this disc you'll start putting together complete sentences, as opposed to learning individual bits of vocabulary. We've selected a range of phrases you commonly need abroad, including many that you might find essential: for example, "I'd like to pay by credit card", "My camera has been stolen", and "Where is the pharmacy?"

Topics cover greetings, shops and restaurants, getting around, hotels, phone calls, emergencies, leisure and the basic vocabulary of business and technology.

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Dutch by watching video footage of native speakers. You can easily replay phrases or skip to the one you're looking for using your DVD remote.

Play the quiz. Answer multiple choice questions about real life situations using the material you've just learned. See if you can get full marks every time.

System Requirements
Compatible with most home, computer-based and portable DVD players

For more information visit Talk More DVD Dutch.

Talk The Talk Dutch

TALK The Talk is designed with teenagers' social lives in mind. It concentrates on the words and phrases young people need for social conversation, including plenty of useful, up-to-date vocabulary. It then builds their spoken confidence, allowing them to compare their accent to that of a native speaker.

Will it work for me?

This program is best suited for teenagers who are beginning to get to grips with Dutch. It's best if you know some basic vocabulary before you start.

Because it's aimed at recent beginners, everything you hear will be clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with.

What will I learn?
To talk about the things that are relevant to you. We won't bother you with lots of information you won't need or don't find interesting.

Talk The Talk teaches phrases like "I'll send you a text message later" and "we won the game on penalties". Topics include family, school, hobbies, travelling, home, technology, work and sport.

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Dutch by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually much more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

For more information visit Talk The Talk Dutch Beginner Software.

World Talk Dutch

IT'S easy to be fazed when you start a conversation in Dutch and the person you're talking to replies using lots of words that you haven't learned yet. World Talk prepares you for these real-life situations with addictive listening games. It will teach you to recognise key words in everyday situations and broaden your vocabulary.

Will it work for me?

If your Dutch is good enough to follow basic conversations, but you still need to practice, World Talk is for you.

Everything you'll hear in the program is in Dutch, but you don't need to know every word before you start. Listen for key words that you already know, then pick up new words in the same way you would when talking to a native speaker.

What will I learn?
To keep on listening. When a word comes up that we don't recognise, we often stop listening because we're focusing on that one word and nothing else. This program lets you grasp the gist of what someone's saying without getting hung up on the words you don't understand.

You will develop your practical knowledge of Dutch. There are 10 different games covering numbers, conversations, descriptions, sentence building, directions and dictation practice. These activities cover a wide range of subjects and give you important practical skills that you can use immediately.

How does it work?

Play interactive language games and earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

Speak and write in Dutch. Record yourself and compare your pronunciation with a native speaker, then test your written Dutch with four dictation exercises.

You'll start to think in Dutch! World Talk is an 'immersive' experience: in this program you will only hear Dutch. You'll learn to associate the language with memorable images - not just the equivalent words in your own language. This means you'll start thinking in Dutch, which will make you quicker at understanding and recalling words.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)

For more information visit World Talk Intermediate Dutch Software.

Talk Business Dutch
PICTURE yourself doing business with someone who doesn't speak your language. The chances are you'll need more than "holiday level" conversation to get by. That's why Talk Business was developed. It teaches you basic business vocabulary so that you can concentrate on the important stuff and not waste time searching for the right words.

Will it work for me?

Talk Business is aimed at people who already have some experience of the language. You must feel confident enough to start up a conversation and keep it going.

The specialist phrases in Talk Business Dutch are clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with and copy.

What will I learn?
Talk Business Dutch gives you essential vocabulary for the workplace. It covers basics such as "what is your website address?" and "my computer crashed and I lost all my files" as well as more advanced discussion of exchange rates, product guarantees and marketing budgets.

Topics covered are: - Trading, buying and selling - Marketing, advertising and PR - IT, Internet, e-commerce and communications - Banking, finance, stock exchange and accounting - Business meetings - Business travel - Careers - Negotiations - On the phone - General business vocabulary

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Dutch by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

For more information visit Talk Business Dutch Intermediate Software.

Learn to speak Dutch at an intermediate level in just thirty easy lessons with this course. Pimsleur audio courses teach you to understand & speak the essential elements of a new language.

Don't worry about memorizing vocabulary lists, grammar rules, or even written homework. In each lesson, you will be hearing two native Spanish speakers--plus have an expert teacher guiding you along in English.

Comprehensive Programs contain the basic core elements of the target language and are designed for those who want to develop language proficiency. Included are the grammatical structures and vocabulary items most-frequently used by native speakers in everyday situations. Provided is the necessary learning & practice for you to achieve an Intermediate-High proficiency level of spoken language communications skills. This course contains 30 lessons / 30 minutes each lesson.

Completion of Comprehensive Pimsleur Courses will provide you with the following language skills:

Ask and answer questions dealing with everyday situations
Give and get information and directions
Participate in casual conversations
Provide basic information about yourself, your family, or associates
Learn the Basic Core of the Language based on word frequency studies
Avoid basic cultural errors
Create with (and begin to think) in the new language
Speak with proper pronunciation so that native-speakers will be able to understand what you say
Express facts
Give instructions
Describe activities
Deal with everyday topics and courtesy requirements
Have the ability to re-combine the words that you learn into new phrases
Be able to REMEMBER the words, phrases, and questions that you learn
Know how to ask the kinds of questions that will further expand your knowledge and ability in the language
Conjugate verbs correctly

Comprehensive Set I
Teaches the following language skills which represent a "Low Intermediate" proficiency on the ACTFL (American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages) spoken language proficiency scale.

Learn how to:

Successfully handle a number of interactive, task-oriented and social situations
Initiate and respond to simple statements
Begin to carry on face-to-face conversation
Ask and answer questions
Introduce yourself
Order a meal
Ask directions
Make purchases
Use new vocabulary to express straightforward needs

For more information visit Pimsleur Dutch Comprehensive I CDs.

You won't find a more comprehensive course anywhere!!

Understanding, speaking, reading, writing...This course has it all. With the Comprehensive Acquisition Bundle, you'll learn all you need to know in order to fully communicate in your new language. This bundle will take you to advanced levels of comprehensive communication and is great for serious learners who really need or want to learn a new language.

Through Linguaphone's proven method of teaching you a new language, you can use the CDs and workbooks together to make your learning experience amazing! You'll learn how to communicate in a variety of circumstances and be able to efficiently and effectively use your new language.

This course focuses on all of the four skills of language acquisition: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing.

This course includes:

-9 Digitally Recorded Compact Discs
-3 Workbooks
-250-page phrasebook/mini-dictionary

You won't find a more comprehensive course anywhere!!

Understanding, speaking, reading, writing...This course has it all. With the Comprehensive Acquisition Bundle, you'll learn all you need to know in order to fully communicate in your new language. This bundle will take you to advanced levels of comprehensive communication and is great for serious learners who really need or want to learn a new language.

Through Linguaphone's proven method of teaching you a new language, you can use the CDs and workbooks together to make your learning experience amazing! You'll learn how to communicate in a variety of circumstances and be able to efficiently and effectively use your new language.

This course focuses on all of the four skills of language acquisition: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing.

This course includes:

-9 Digitally Recorded Compact Discs
-3 Workbooks
-250-page phrasebook/mini-dictionary

For more information visit Linguaphone Dutch Comprehensive Acquisition Course.

Some Useful Dutch Phrases

By Waqar Awan

Dutch language belongs to the Germanic sub class of Indo European Languages. It is the same sub class to which English and German also belong. To be precise, Dutch language is a West Germanic, Low German language spoken by around 24 million people, mostly in the Netherlands Belgium and Aruba. Dutch is written in Latin alphabet. It is grammatically similar to German. Dutch language has also borrowed many words from English language and Dutch speak very good English themselves. The English speaker, therefore, should not have any problem in places like Amsterdam for instance but knowledge of a little Dutch is every where appreciated. The following is a brief albeit very useful Dutch phrases which will help any person who is on a visit to Holland or on a vacation to the very beautiful island of Aruba in South America.

English - Dutch - Pronunciation

Hello- Hallo - hullo

Good morning - Goedemorgen - hkoo-der mor-hen

Good afternoon - Goedemiddag - hkoo-der mid-duk

Good day - Goededag - hkoo-der duk

Good evening - Goedeavond - hkoo-der ah-vent

Good night - Goedenacht - hkoo-der nukt

How are you? - Hoe gaat het? - hoo GAHT hut?

Fine, thank you - Goed, dank u - GOOT, dahnk uu

What is your name? - Hoe heet u? - hoo HAYT uu?

My name is... - Mijn naam is... - meyn NAHM is

Do you speak English? - Spreekt u engels? - spaykt oo eng-els

Sorry, I don't speak Dutch - Sorry, ik spreek geen nederlands - sorry, ik sprayk gkane nay-der-lunts

I don't understand - Ik begrijp niet - ik ber-gkreyp neet

Nice to meet you - Aangenam kennis te maken - AHN-guh-NAH-muh KAN-nis-MAHK-ing

Where are you from? - Waar komt u vandaan? - vahr kawmt ew fun-dahn?

Where do you live? - Waar woont u? - vahr vohnt ew?

How old are you? - Hoe oud bent u? - hoo owt bent ew?

I am ____ years old - Ik ben... jaar oud - ik ben... yahr owt

Have fun! - Veel plezier! - fayl pleh-zeer

That is great / terrible! - Dat is geweldig / vreselijk! - dat is khuh-vehl-duhkh / fray-zuh-likh

Goodbye - Tot ziens - tot zeens

Yes - Ja - yah

No - Nee - nay

Please / there you go - Alstublieft - uls-too-bleeft

Thank you - Dank u - dank u

Thank you very much - Dank u wel - dank u val

Excuse me - Pardon - par-don

How much is...? - Wat kost...? - vat kost...?

I can't speak Dutch - Ik spreek geen Nederlands - ick SPRAYK gayn NAY-dur-lawnts

I can't speak Dutch well - Ik spreek niet goed Nederlands - ick SPRAYK neet goot NAY-dur-lawnts

Is there someone here who speaks English? - Spreekt hier iemand Engels - SPRAYKT here EE-mahnt ENG-uls?

Where is the toilet? - Waar is het toilet? - WAHR is hut twah-LET

If you closely observe the phrases given above you will feel a close similarity with German. Infact English, Dutch and German are sister languages. If you know one language you should not have much difficulty learning the other two. It is suggested to a native English speaker to first learn German and then Dutch will be very easy to master.

Waqar Awan is a platinum level writer. His hobbies include reading books and writing articles about Climate and Weather, History, Geography, Religion, Self Help, Self improvement, Vocabulary skills, linguistics and other topics of general interest. Waqar Awan has more than 10 years of experience of writing articles and many of his articles have also been published in various journals internationally. If you have any comments about his articles you can reach him any time at waqar5670@gmail.com

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