Learning Dutch is possible for everyone with this teaching method

Learning a new language can be intimidating for anyone. This process is especially daunting in the Netherlands for people who just can’t seem to wrap their brains around Dutch. Without the confidence to dive into the language, some people might be tempted to get by using English. As days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, one can lose hope of ever learning the language. NedLes will restore confidence, proving that anyone can develop Dutch skills even if they’re learning a new language for the first time in their life.

NedLes offers many courses that utilize the Delft Method. This learning pathway includes either two or four hours of classwork per week where students are invited to speak and discuss the texts together during lessons, and quite a bit of independent study outside the classroom. These classes are available entirely online, making them perfect for anyone with a busy schedule, and those still concerned about social distancing.

Duolingo wasn’t enough for life in a Dutch village

Amy is a 32-year-old from the United Kingdom who studied French throughout her time at university, but she only ever considered herself to be an English speaker. She practiced Dutch on Duolingo but never made real progress. Amy lived in the Netherlands for two and a half years before taking a class. "My reading and listening was always okay, but the thing I really wanted to work on was speaking," she said in an interview. The Delft Method appealed to Amy because, "You only speak Dutch from day one."

Amy lives in a village with her Dutch partner. "I lived in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Moving to a smaller city that really is Dutch made me want to be able to speak the language. A lot of our friends here are Dutch." Amy did not want her friends to continue switching to English just for her. Within only a few NedLes classes, Amy realized she could already create sentences and have small conversations. Today, Amy says she is competent in the language and can understand most things. "I can go into the gemeente and make an appointment in Dutch. I can make myself understood."

Third language attempt, first success

Kieran studied German and French when he was younger but found that he could never speak the languages. The lessons were highly focused on specific practical examples. "We learned situational phrases as opposed to having a fundamental understanding of the language," said Kieran. Before he enrolled at NedLes, he tried to learn Dutch with Babbel but found there to be too much emphasis on grammar.

The Delft Method caught Kieran's eye because of the emphasis on conversation. At NedLes, "They very much forced me to speak, and speak straight away."

He added, "I had never been particularly gifted at learning languages. Spelling does not interest me, and neither does grammar.” Towards the end of his five-week intensive course at the A2 level, Kieran noticed he had comprehension of another language, something he had not achieved when studying languages before.

"I remember I was somewhere, and someone started talking to me in Dutch, and I actually understood what they were saying. I could respond, and I didn't really think about it. That was pretty cool. I never had that feeling before."

New courses with the Delft Method start almost every week, both online and in person. NedLes offers courses at all levels and at different paces. Contact them directly for more information or to schedule a free intake, and visit the website www.nedles.nl.