DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Dutch news & articles
If it does not sound Dutch, do not worry!
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Albert Both, of Dutch Language school Talencoach, gives his typically idiosyncratic take on the highs and lows and tips and tricks of learning Dutch.



Related Stories

How learning Dutch can ruin relationshipsHow learning Dutch can ruin relationships
The only thing your Dutch needs is love!The only thing your Dutch needs is love!
Some useful things to say to your mother-in-law, in Dutch!Some useful things to say to your mother-in-law, in Dutch!
A crash course in Dutch cursingA crash course in Dutch cursing
The joy of learning Dutch with a filthy mindThe joy of learning Dutch with a filthy mind
5 fatal assumptions about learning & speaking Dutch5 fatal assumptions about learning & speaking Dutch
Why would you only talk about the weather?Why would you only talk about the weather?
Is too much confidence a problem in learning Dutch?Is too much confidence a problem in learning Dutch?
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Learn with Talencoach
Albert Both
I help with an approach of learning Dutch that is completely different from any other language course. It is called Dutch Brainwashing. The immediate result is that you learn at least 7 times faster and that you can say much more in Dutch than you ever imagined...Many people find it hard to imagine how easy it is to boost your Dutch, but... it is possible and it is far more fun too! All you need to do, is to open up... Be willing to play and start to see things from a broader perspective.... Immediately you'll notice that once you speak Dutch it makes your life a lot richer! If you like this idea then read my FREE eBook Why You Hate Learning Dutch & 7 Secrets To Change It or come to my FREE worksop Finding Dutch Flow, How Top Open The Floodgate To Dutch Fluency Simply go to http://www.talencoach.nl Read more

If it does not sound Dutch, do not worry!

Paid partnership
Feb 10, 2011
Paid partnership

For many people that want to learn Dutch, pronunciation seems to be a real nightmare! How on earth could you pronounce "alien" sounds such as g, ui & eu?

The "g" sound

Dutch people seem to be proud of the "g" sound. Somehow, it gives them a feeling of cultural superiority; they can pronounce the word Scheveningen, while others (for instance the Germans) cannot.

So, what can you do?

You could avoid words that have a "g," but then again, once you realise that many important words start with a "g" such as geld (money), gratis, gezellig and geluk (luck), it might not be such a good idea. So yes... you do need that "g" that can sound so awful that may give you a sour throat!

The "ch" combination

On top of that, there is another combination that sounds like "g," which is "ch." Words like nacht (night), lachen (to laugh) and prachtig (splendid) are also words that you will use on a regular basis.

Moreover, some people feel very sorry for themselves if their own address contains many difficult sounds, such as Reguliersgracht achtentachtig twee hoog (88, second floor). Yes, these sounds may drive you absolutely crazy. And all those Dutch people asking you: wat zeg je? (what do you say?). Then it really feels like a good idea to run away to a safe place.

And sure... if needed, you could move to the southern part of the country or go to Belgium. In these areas the "g" sound is a lot softer!

Just relax

Luckily, there is good news. It is really simple and therefore, it may be difficult to do. The best strategy is that you do not worry about it. Just relax and focus on easier things :) 

For sure, improving your Dutch pronunciation should be one of your objectives. However, even if there are letters or words that you cannot pronounce yet, make sure that you do not get obsessed about it and get stuck. Instead, focus on plenty of other things that you can learn with more ease.

Focussing on things that you find easy to learn, will work like magic. It will instantly give you more confidence and then, after some time, you may notice that all of a sudden your pronunciation got much better. So, once again, do not worry if your "g" does not sound like a Dutch "g" yet! Great Dutch is still available to you!

Is the beach of Scheveningen a place you can never reach because you cannot pronounce it? Should you go to Zandvoort instead?

Albert Both is a specialist on learning Dutch fast while having fun. Download his e-book "3 Steps to Dutch flow" for free!

Also:
› Download his e-book "Why You Hate Learning Dutch and 7 Secrets to Change It"
› Join his workshop "Finding Dutch Flow, How to Open The Flood Gate to Dutch Fluency"
› Visit his website Talencoach.nl or simply comment below for inquiries / remarks.
› Check out his videos on his YouTube channel
All free of charge!

Learn with Talencoach
By Albert Both