These are the 6 reasons why online Dutch lessons are just as effective (or even better!)
Are you a busy professional, balancing a demanding job, family time and social commitments? And on top of that you’ve decided to learn Dutch? Learning the local language can be a great way to better integrate into your new life in the Netherlands or advance your career.
But finding the time can seem like an impossible task for any expat or NT2 learner. That’s when an online Dutch course can provide the solution.
In this blog, we will explain the numerous benefits of online Dutch lessons. We will also help you determine if this learning method suits your needs.
A solution for beginners and advanced students
Online Dutch lessons are a flexible, cost-effective solution that fits seamlessly into your hectic schedule. Online Dutch courses come in various formats, including one-to-one lessons with a teacher and self-study. Taking Dutch lessons online has proven to be effective for both beginners and advanced learners, whether or not they have previous experience with classroom learning.
Are you new in the country or have you already tried learning Dutch before? Then why not take the leap and start learning the language from the comfort of your own home?
Why invest in learning Dutch
Before moving on to the benefits of online Dutch lessons, let’s consider a question we often hear: ‘Is it worth learning Dutch?’ After all, wasn’t this exactly the country where everyone can also communicate with you effortlessly in English? Although, indeed, for most Dutch people that is not a problem, learning Dutch offers many advantages that extend beyond simple communication.
Here’s a few of them:
- Better understanding of Dutch culture: by learning Dutch, you gain deeper insights into the culture and customs of the Netherlands. This makes everyday interactions more meaningful.
- Structured lessons are the best way to prepare for a Dutch language exam, for example the State Exam Dutch as a second language.
- Easier communication in daily life: going grocery shopping, using public transport and having a conversation with your neighbor, learning the Dutch language eases communication in every situation imaginable.
- Networking opportunities and career advancement: being bilingual can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Contrary to what is often thought, many employers in the Netherlands prefer their employees to speak Dutch.
- Dutch is widely spoken: taking an online Dutch language course is not only useful within the borders of the Netherlands. Dutch is also an official language in Belgium (Flanders), Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Suriname. The same counts for Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius, which belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Besides all of the above, there are two more (more general) reasons to take online Dutch classes:
- Rich phonetic language: Dutch is one of the most phoneme-rich languages in the world. By learning Dutch, you train your ability to pronounce a wide range of sounds, which can be beneficial for learning other languages in the future.
- Cognitive benefits: online Dutch lessons stimulate the brain and enhance creativity, memory and concentration. And these positive effects of language learning always come in handy, right?
Are online Dutch lessons really effective?
Online classes can be as effective or even more effective than face-to-face classes. This is evidenced, for example, by recent research on the effects of online language classes on English language learners, which stated that online learners can actually achieve significantly better learning outcomes. An online Dutch language course also covers all the important grammar and opportunities for practical practice. Moreover, an online platform makes it easier to adapt learning materials to your level and individual needs.
Dutch Ready is among those language schools that give you the opportunity to get to know your Dutch tutor first through a trial lesson. In this trial without obligation, you can ask all the questions you have and see if the lessons are right for you.
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The advantages of online Dutch lessons
But let’s zoom in on what we promised you at the beginning of the blog: the reasons why online Dutch lessons are at least as effective (as well as pleasant) as face-to-face lessons. Below we list each of them for you.
1. Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages of online Dutch lessons is the unparalleled flexibility they offer. Busy professionals, students juggling multiple commitments, or hard workers with an unpredictable schedule, online lessons allow each and every one of you to study at your own pace and on your own time. No more rushing to make it to a physical classroom; with online Dutch classes, you can learn from whenever you want. That makes it a lot easier to fit language learning into your daily routine.
2. An online Dutch course is cost-effective
In addition to being convenient, online Dutch lessons are often more cost-effective than traditional in-person classes. There is no need to commute, so you can save both time and money. Many online platforms also offer competitive pricing and subscription models, making high-quality language education more affordable. Are you about to embark on your learning journey with a Dutch teacher? For an online Dutch A0-A1 or A1-A2 course with Dutch Ready, you don’t need to purchase any physical learning materials. Everything is included in the package price.
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3. The comfort of your own home
Not having the need to commute is a huge plus. But there’s something to be said for the comfort of learning from your own home, too. Online Dutch lessons allow you to study in your comfortable and familiar environment. This can lead to better focus and a more relaxed learning experience, free from the distractions of a traditional classroom.
4. Study from anywhere
Earlier we mentioned that you can study your Dutch online whenever you want. As an addition to that, you can also study anywhere you want, as long as you have an internet connection. Traveling for work? Or can’t resist taking a glimpse at your study material while on holiday? E-learning is possible from across the globe, without the need to lug your books around.
5. Interactive tools
The digital nature of online Dutch lessons opens up a world of engaging and interactive tools that can make learning Dutch even more fun. Elements, such as quizzes and language games, can keep you motivated and reinforce your learning in an enjoyable way. These tools not only make online Dutch courses more enjoyable, but also help with retention and application of new concepts.
6. Continuously updated lesson materials
Does the author of a textbook conclude that revisions or additions are needed? If so, it often takes some time before an improved version is actually released. And of course, you will have to buy that new book again. You won’t have to deal with that with online learning materials. Updates are made immediately in online materials. That means you always have access to the most recent and complete version of the learning material.
How do online Dutch courses work?
The structure of an online Dutch course can vary depending on whether you choose one-on-one lessons, two-on-one lessons or self-study. Let’s take a look at each of them.
One-on-one Dutch classes
One-on-one language lessons take place via a conferencing platform, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom. You have live lessons with a native speaker with extensive teaching experience. That provides you with authentic language practice, clear explanation, and valuable feedback. As well as a safe space to ask all your questions or revisit previous topics. One-on-one Dutch classes are effective for beginners and advanced learners. Personal attention, lots of feedback and personal speaking time help you move smoothly to the next level.
Two-on-one Dutch classes
Two-on-one online Dutch courses work roughly the same as one-on-one classes. Learning in a duo (with your partner or colleague for instance) can be even more motivating than private Dutch lessons. It also allows you to recreate many natural settings for interaction and conversation. After all, language learning is also a social process. Of course, the cost savings are not entirely insignificant either. Lessons in pairs, which Dutch Ready also offersmakes possible, almost always means a lower price per learner. So learning together can also be beneficial in that way.
Self-study Dutch
For self-study, you simply sign up via the website and receive everything you need immediately. This option allows you to work at your own pace and whenever and how long you want. Dutch Ready offers a comprehensive e-learning platform for online Dutch lessons to support your self-study journey. The interactive features make the learning material more engaging and thus take your learning experience to an even higher level. And by teaching yourself useful study techniques such as the Cornell method, you can maximize your efficiency.
For beginner learners of Dutch, Dutch Ready has even developed its own method, based on the latest scientific insights: comparing languages, inductive teaching, and using what you secretly know already. The materials feature detailed grammar lessons and realistic practical scenario lessons in which you practice your new knowledge. You’ll be sure to quickly succeed in applying your new language confidently in everyday life.
FAQs
What is the typical duration of an online Dutch course?
The duration of an online Dutch course can vary based on your learning pace, personal goals and the frequency of your lessons. Typically, courses are designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete them within a few months to a year. We’d be happy to advise you on your personal situation during a free intake.
How do online Dutch lessons handle grammar teaching?
Online Dutch lessons handle grammar teaching through structured information, inductive explanations, interactive exercises, and practical applications. Dutch Ready’s platform offers detailed explanations and versatile quizzes to reinforce grammar concepts.
Are online lessons cheaper than in-person classes?
Generally, online Dutch lessons are more affordable than in-person classes. Many online platforms also offer various pricing models to suit different budgets, something that also applies to Dutch Ready. Click here for more information on the simple steps you go through to begin online Dutch lessons.