Why would you want to learn the Dutch language?

Well, for a start if you husband or wife is from Holland then you would consider learning the Dutch language. And then again your children might want to learn their parent’s mother tongue. Also if you are thinking of

With some countries where they learn more than one language at school, you will find that most young people speak English. 

So you could actually have a few problems trying to find someone to speak Dutch too, as nearly everybody speaks English. This is a problem you will find in most of Europe as they learn many languages at school. On the other hand, people like me in the English speaking world don’t need to learn many languages, as most countries try to teach their children English. 

A rather limiting situation in the west really, but as there is no serious need to learn another language we don’t. 

So to learn some languages like Dutch you will need to get a grasp of the language before going there. This way you should be able to pick up more of the language when you are there. Even though Dutch is not one of the major spoken languages in the world there are still Dutch courses available that will teach you the language. 

When you are learning any language you must realize it takes time and effort, so the more time you put in the more you will learn. Even if it is just listening to a tape or mp3 and reading aloud in Dutch to try and get your mind and your mouth working together in the new language. Any adult who has learnt a second language will tell you it takes time so you will have to put in the time also.

For a collection of language learning programs see our Learn Another Language Page.