5 essential phrases you need to know from Kooten & de Bie
On March 27, 2023, Wim de Bie passed away at the age of 83 and Dutch society was in mourning. He was part of … Read more
Articles
The importance of reading when learning Dutch
There is no better way to improve one’s vocabulary than to read books. In his latest book ‘De lezende mens’ (The Reading Human), written together … Read more
7 tenacious myths about the Dutch language
Why do many foreigners living in the Netherlands and Belgium shy away from learning Dutch? Is it because they think it is too difficult? … Read more
Where do I start?
So you want to learn Dutch, but you have no idea where to start? On this page you can find all the information you need!
What have you tried so far to learn Dutch? Here are the stats!
In our Direct Dutch – I am Expat competition of fall 2022, we asked the participants what they tried so far to learn Dutch. … Read more
Welkom op de Direct Dutch camping!
We hopen dat je aan het genieten bent van een heerlijke zomer! We hope you are having a wonderful summer! From wherever you are, … Read more
Six phrases for dealing with Dutch hospitality
Here are six key words and phrases that you should learn if you’re planning on staying at your Dutch friend’s house, or if you’re planning on hosting some guests while in the Netherlands.
The top 3 Dutch holiday destinations (according to ‘expats’)!
Most of us won’t go on a trip to a faraway destination this summer. Instead we are all trying to book a holiday home, … Read more
Celebrate your holiday the Dutch way!
Vakantie vieren (Vacationing) Yes, the Dutch “vieren” their “vakantie”. They celebrate their holidays! While the French “take” (prendre les vacances), the Germans “make” (Urlaub machen) … Read more
Dutch books to keep up your Dutch this summer (beginners)
Summer is here! No matter what your plans are this summer, reading will always take you places. Especially if you are learning a language. … Read more
Direct Dutch summer food corner
Welcome to the Direct Dutch summer food corner. The 6 Dutch dishes below will make your summer holiday taste more Dutch than wooden shoes! … Read more
Here’s how the Dutch keep their heads above water
Water, both zoet (sweet, fresh) and zout (salty), has always been a loyal companion and profoundly distrusted
The origin of Dutch sand (zand)
By Ruud Hisgen For most Dutch people the beach is of vital importance. When ZON, ZEE and ZAND are in harmony, life just seems … Read more
Six reasons to learn Dutch
By Ruud Hisgen (Direct Dutch Institute) Ninety percent of residents in the big Dutch cities speak English fluently, the European Comission’s Eurobarometer 386 … Read more