Dutch pronunciation
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Some letters, vowels and combinations of them are pronounced very different in Dutch and hard to compare to other languages. Below you will find an explanation on how to pronounce them and examples.
Lesson outline
HidePronunciation of Dutch vowels
The pronunciation of Dutch vowels depends on if it is an open or closed syllable. It is a closed syllable when it is between two consonants. An open syllable is when it is not.
- 'De rat' (The rat) → closed syllable, short vowel
- 'De aap' (The monkey) → open syllable, long vowel
The Dutch language also contains combinations of vowels, which are pronounced differently than the syllables on their own.
| Combination | Pronunciation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'ee' | Pronounced as 'e', but longer. | Zij eten veel kaas. | They eat a lot of cheese. |
| 'oe' | Pronounced as 'oo' in 'boot'. | Ik heb een leuke groep. | I have a nice group. |
| 'eu' | Pronounced as 'ur' in 'hurt' with rounded lips. | De leuke jeugd. | The nice youth. |
| 'ei/ij' | Pronounced as a combination of 'eh' and 'ee'. | Hij is erg blij. | He is very happy. |
| 'uu' | Pronounced as as the short 'u', but longer. | Zij betalen huur. | They pay rent. |
| 'ui' | Pronounced as a short 'a' followed by a 'u'. | De ui laat mij huilen. | The onion makes me cry. |
| 'uw' | Pronounced as the short 'u', but the tongue and lips have to be moved more to the front. After that a 'w 'has to be added. | Uw dochter gaf mij een duw. | Your (formal) daughter pushed me. |
| 'ou' | Pronounced similar to the 'ou' in pronounced. | Ik zeg dat ik van je hou. | I am telling you that I love you. |
| 'aa' | Pronounced as the short 'a', but longer. | Ze heeft blond haar. | She has blonde hair. |
| 'au' | Pronounced as ow in 'how'. | Het vlees is rauw. | The meat is raw. |
| 'aai' | Pronounced as the English pronoun 'I'. | De haai zwemt in de baai. | The shark swims in bay. |
| 'eeuw' | Pronounced as a long 'e' and followed by 'uw'. | Ik schreeuw de longen uit mijn lijf. | I scream from the top of my longs. |
| 'oo' | Pronounced as the 'o' in hope, but longer. | Hij heeft hoop. | He has hope. |
| 'ooi' | Pronounced as a long 'o' and followed by an 'i'. | De vogel vliegt uit de kooi. | The bird flies out of the cage. |
| 'oei' | Pronounced as a combination of 'oe' and 'ie'. | In de zee drijft een boei. | A buoy is floating in the sea. |
| 'ie' | Pronounced as the 'e' in the English personal pronoun 'we'. | Hij zei dat niet. | He did not say that. |
| 'ieuw' | Pronounced as a combination of 'ie' and 'uw'. | Vissen hebben kieuwen. | Fish have gills. |
Listen to the audio text to hear the correct pronunciation.
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Pronunciation of combined Dutch consonants
The combination of some consonants are pronounced differently than when they are on there own.
| Combination | Pronunciation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'c' |
|
|
|
| 'ch' |
|
|
|
| 'ck' | Pronounced like the 'k'. | Diederick speelt hockey. | Diederick plays hockey. |
| 'ng' | Pronounced like the 'ng' in the word 'long' in English. | De lange kring van slingers werd verbroken. | The long circle of garlands was broken. |
| 'nj' | Pronounced like the 'ni' in the English word 'onion'. | Het oranje team gaat naar Spanje. | The orange team goes to Spain. |
| 'sch' |
|
|
|
| 'sj' | Pronounced as the 'sh' sound in English. | Sjoerd sjoemelde met de winstcijfers. | Sjoerd defrauded the profit figures. |
| 'tj' | Pronounced as the 'ch' sound in English. | Het hutje was natgeregend. | The cabin was wet, because of the rain. |
Listen to the audio text to hear the correct pronunciation.
The consonant 'c' is pronounced as 'k' after the a, o, u, l or r. After e, i or ij the 'c' is pronounced as 's'.
Exercises
Exercise Dutch pronunciation 1
Exercise Dutch pronunciation 2
The pronunciation of Dutch vowels depends on if it is an open or closed syllable. It is a closed syllable when it is between two consonants. An open syllable is when it is not.
- 'De rat' (The rat) → closed syllable, short vowel.
- 'De aap' (The monkey) → open syllable, long vowel.
Mark the words with long vowels:
De huur (the rent)
De jurk (the dress)
Het paard (the horse)
De boor (the drill)
De pen (the pen)
Het park (the park)
Het schaap (the sheep)
De boot (the boat)
De klip (the clip)
Het rood (the red)
Het pad (the path)
De haat (the hate)
De ring (the ring)
De stoom (the steam)
De rook (the smoke)
Correct!
Incorrect!
Missed!
Exercises
Exercise Dutch pronunciation 1
Exercise Dutch pronunciation 2
The pronunciation of Dutch vowels depends on if it is an open or closed syllable. It is a closed syllable when it is between two consonants. An open syllable is when it is not.
- 'De rat' (The rat) → closed syllable, short vowel.
- 'De aap' (The monkey) → open syllable, long vowel.
Mark the words with long vowels:
De huur (the rent)
De jurk (the dress)
Het paard (the horse)
De boor (the drill)
De pen (the pen)
Het park (the park)
Het schaap (the sheep)
De boot (the boat)
De klip (the clip)
Het rood (the red)
Het pad (the path)
De haat (the hate)
De ring (the ring)
De stoom (the steam)
De rook (the smoke)
Correct!
Incorrect!
Missed!
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It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
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I am a TEFL certified English language coach with experience in teaching both children and adults.
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I have over 30 years of working experience in several international companies on a high professional work and think level.
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Dutch can be used in more countries than you think! It is an official language in Aruba, Brussels, Curaçao, Flanders, Sint Maarten and Suriname. The Dutch culture is very diverse and full of foreign influences. I can help you learn all you want about our country and culture, and have fun doing so! Of course, if you just want to practice your Dutch by having conversations I can help you as well.
We can start off with a free trial class in which we will get to know each other and make a planning for the topics that you want to learn. After our trial class we could start right away with your first class!
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There's a lot of information on that method online. Basically it's getting to know the structure Dutch and English through simple conversation. (questions about 1 or several sentences on any topic)
I have some useful weblinks to tv shows in Dutch (with subtitles in Dutch) adjusted to your level and the shows are entertaining too. :-)
We can discuss the shows preferably in the target language of course.
I can explain some grammar too if needed and have articles and books ready to read from. This again will be adjusted to your proficiency. But of course if you'd like to focus on a topic which has your interest that is possible as well. This makes it more personal and more fun.
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Monique M.
Hello,
I'm offering informal Dutch and English lessons based on conversation and will conduct my lessons for as much as possible in the target language.
I use text, weblinks to tv shows to get us talking and am a fan of the TPRS method.
There's a lot of information on that method online. Basically it's getting to know the structure Dutch and English through simple conversation. (questions about 1 or several sentences on any topic)
I have some useful weblinks to tv shows in Dutch (with subtitles in Dutch) adjusted to your level and the shows are entertaining too. :-)
We can discuss the shows preferably in the target language of course.
I can explain some grammar too if needed and have articles and books ready to read from. This again will be adjusted to your proficiency. But of course if you'd like to focus on a topic which has your interest that is possible as well. This makes it more personal and more fun.
I've been teaching for about a year now on another platform to students from all over the world and really enjoy having the experience again as I used to be a vocal coach back in the days when I attended conservatory in the Netherlands.
I hope to see you here on Co language. :-)
E. C.
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Hi there
My name is Lieneke Jansen and I am 56 years old.
I am from a small country in Europe called the Netherlands
I am a TEFL certified English language coach with experience in teaching both children and adults.
Although I am a non-native speaker, I have learned English since high school, and practicing it on a daily basis from then on.
I have over 30 years of working experience in several international companies on a high professional work and think level.
I am specialised in business conversation and practicing speaking skills on every possible level
Looking forward to meet you as my student.
N. E.
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Hi! I live in Germany since 2014, I live in the Frankfurt am Main area. I teach German to refugees since the beginning of 2017 and I have been teaching Dutch at several language schools, at peoples homes and in-house at several companies. I passed the C1-level Test for German at the Goethe Institut.
It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
I look forward to meeting you online!
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Marlijn was perfectly on time however we could not agree on a set time which I thought we had. she processed refund instantly, but suggest to agree on a time first before paying.
Marlijn S.
Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
S. W.
I am really enjoying my lessons with Monique, she listened to my thoughts around my learning style and has made me feel really comfortable during our sessions. I would highly recommend!
Monique M.
Hi! I live in Germany since 2014, I live in the Frankfurt am Main area. I teach German to refugees since the beginning of 2017 and I have been teaching Dutch at several language schools, at peoples homes and in-house at several companies. I passed the C1-level Test for German at the Goethe Institut.
It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
I look forward to meeting you online!
R. G.
Marlijn is a great teacher. I feel much more confident to talk in Dutch. She is very helpful and patient.
Marlijn S.
Hi there
My name is Lieneke Jansen and I am 56 years old.
I am from a small country in Europe called the Netherlands
I am a TEFL certified English language coach with experience in teaching both children and adults.
Although I am a non-native speaker, I have learned English since high school, and practicing it on a daily basis from then on.
I have over 30 years of working experience in several international companies on a high professional work and think level.
I am specialised in business conversation and practicing speaking skills on every possible level
Looking forward to meet you as my student.
K. N.
Lieneke is a great teacher :-) Since we have been working together my Dutch language skills has improved. I sincerely recommend lessons with Lieneke.
Lieneke J.
Hello!
My name is Guus Weltings. I am 22 years old and I am currently living on Aruba. Currently I'm speaking two languages (Dutch and English), and learning two others (Spanish and German), so I am very familiar with the process!
Dutch can be used in more countries than you think! It is an official language in Aruba, Brussels, Curaçao, Flanders, Sint Maarten and Suriname. The Dutch culture is very diverse and full of foreign influences. I can help you learn all you want about our country and culture, and have fun doing so! Of course, if you just want to practice your Dutch by having conversations I can help you as well.
We can start off with a free trial class in which we will get to know each other and make a planning for the topics that you want to learn. After our trial class we could start right away with your first class!
I hope to see you soon! Tot snel!
Guus
M. T.
Guus is a very comprehensive and polite teacher who helps me to improve my difficulties to learn dutch. He gives me good orientations about how to get rid of my barriers.
Guus W.