From Koentact to TikTok: Life hacks to get to B1 in Dutch
Koentact believes that learning Dutch must be fun. Small, playful steps in everyday life are the fastest way to level up from A2 to B1, or to make sure you actually practise for your Inburgeringexamen.
Start speaking to find your voice
Speaking Dutch is the key to living your best life in the Netherlands. Everyone knows English, but Dutch conversations boost your confidence and open doors to jobs and friendships. True integration begins at the B1 level on the Common European Reference Framework, when you can express yourself and connect more deeply.
It may seem a daunting target, especially if you’re still in the A-stage of your learning journey. But jumping to B1 doesn’t have to be hard. The Koentact community believes learning Dutch is fun, especially on a field trip or down the pub.
Pay attention to all things Dutch
Learning Dutch in Amsterdam (or elsewhere) isn’t confined to the classroom. It continues all around you. As Koentact teacher Max Koedood writes in Nieuw in Rotterdam, his Dutch novel for beginners, “The secret lies in the natural method: immersion in engaging input.”
He learnt other languages through songs, films and children’s books, without thinking about vocabulary or grammar. “After about six months, I suddenly started speaking, and quite well too,” he writes.
Research bears this out: an OECD study of 22 countries found that a great deal of valuable learning also occurs in everyday life. Here’s how your environment can support your language lessons:
Speak Dutch in everyday life
Koentact student Gali, who went from A0 to B1 within a year, shares a top tip in Koentact’s free e-book, Feel at home in the Netherlands: Order in Dutch, greet your neighbours, or shrug your shoulders and go for it in social situations.
Don’t worry about perfection, just plough on. Small interactions add up quickly, and you may be pleasantly surprised. “People often appreciate the effort, and sometimes your Dutch is better than you think!” Gali says.
Get your news through simplified broadcasts
You’ll want to keep abreast of sea lions, footballers in their underpants and other important current affairs to improve your Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij. Why not do so in Dutch with short shows made for new learners?
Programmes like the NOS Jeugdjournaal (children's news) offer accessible listening input you can handle from levels A2 and up, and build comprehension toward B1, says Koentact founder Koen Gijzel, who’s been teaching Dutch courses for nearly 20 years.
Place sticky notes around your home (or office)
Calling out everyday objects in Dutch can improve your vocabulary. There are three simple ways to make this part of your routine:
- Label household items (don't forget to stick the word stoel onto a chair; it’s one of those niggly false friends)
- Narrate errands out loud
- Pay attention to street signs and posters
Research shows contextual diversity facilitates learning, regardless of comprehension skills.
Join a local club or class
One of the easiest ways to settle in, which is, after all, the aim of the Inburgering process, is to embrace Dutch society. Jump in at the deep end with a Dutch-language group instead of an international one, whether it’s a sports club or local orchestra.
Claudia, a Koentact student, volunteers with Buurtbuik to help slash food waste. “It’s a great way to meet new people, speak a little Dutch and contribute to the neighbourhood,” Claudia says.
Try DutchTok to talk Dutch
Social media can be a powerful language hack, since it exposes you to everyday speech. Make TikTok work for you, says Gary, who’s learning Dutch in Amsterdam. He follows local creators, comedians and micro-influencers, then cross-checks new phrases on Google Translate or Linguee.
“I pick up stuff all the time from TikTok.” he says. “Think of it like a snack.” Start for example with Kiki Bosman (@kieklola) who Toks from the Jordaan, the true heart of Amsterdam and home to Koentact. Why not come and meet the Koentact team after you check out her recommendations in the area?
Break away from the books
If you want to have fun while getting to grips with Dutch, Koentact have the classes for you. They make sure you don’t just learn Dutch; you live it. Sign up for a Koentact Dutch class in Amsterdam today.