Dutch alphabet
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Lesson Outline
HideThe 26 letters of the Dutch alphabet
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z
The table below shows you the letters and their pronunciation.
| Letters (capital) | Letters (small) | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | a | Pronounced as 'aa'. | Appel (apple) |
| B | b | Pronounced as 'bee'. | Beker (mug) |
| C | c | Pronounced as 'cee'. | Cirkel (circle) |
| D | d | Pronounced as 'dee'. | Deur (door) |
| E | e | Pronounced like the English 'a'. | Eten (to eat) |
| F | f | Pronounced as 'ef'. | Fiets (bike) |
| G* | g | Pronounced as 'g'. | Grappen (to joke) |
| H | h | Pronounced as 'haa'. | Helpen (to help) |
| I | i | Pronounced like the English 'e'. | Irritant (annoying) |
| J | j | Pronounced like the English 'y' in 'you'. | Jaren (years) |
| K | k | Pronounced as 'kaa'. | Konijn (rabbit) |
| L | l | Pronounced as 'el'. | Laars (boot) |
| M | m | Pronounced as 'em'. | Moeder (mother) |
| N | n | Pronounced as 'en'. | Noten (nuts) |
| O | o | Pronounced like the English 'o'. | Ogen (eyes) |
| P | p | Pronounced as 'pee'. | Praten (to talk) |
| Q | q | Pronounced as 'kuu'. | Quiz (guiz) |
| R | r | Pronounced as 'er'. | Rennen (to run) |
| S | s | Pronounced as 'es'. | Slang (snake) |
| T | t | Pronounced as 'tee'. | Tafel (table) |
| U | u | Pronounced as 'uu'. | Huur (rent) |
| V | v | Pronounced as 'vee'. | Vriendelijk (friendly) |
| W | w | Pronounced like a combination of the English 'v' and 'w'. | Water (water) |
| X | x | Pronounced as 'iks'. | Xylofoon (xylophone) |
| Y | y | Pronounced as 'ij'. | Yoghurt (yoghurt) |
| Z | z | Pronounced as 'set'. | Zon (sun) |
*The pronunciation of the 'g' is different per region in the Netherlands. The northern parts use a more hard 'g' sound and in the southern parts a more soft 'g' sound is used.
Just like in English, the pronunciation of the letters will change per word.
The 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
- 'De aap' (The monkey) → open syllable
The pronunciation of the cominbation of vowels and of consonants can be found on the Dutch pronunciation page.
Exercises
Exercise Dutch words
Exercise pronunciation Dutch alphabet
What our students say
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I'm a bilingual native speaker of Polish and Czech, with fluent English and German. I've been teaching individual Polish and Czech courses for language schools and have 20 years of experience as a translator. I also gathered experience in many language tandems with Polish and Czech learners.
Feel free to book a trial lesson (30 mins) to see what I can do for you!
Patrick D.
I am very happy to have Katarzyna as a czech teacher. The lessons are well prepared. She suggests conversations and then listens carefully to me. She asks me to repeat what I could not explain clearly with my own words and then corrects me. After each lesson, I take away some useful words or expressions for everyday situations.
Katarzyna S.
Thanks a lot for your review! Patrick is also a very attentive and motivated student. :)
I was born in the Netherlands and was living there for most of my life. I did a bachelor in Economics and Languages. That means I can help anyone with Dutch. From Recreational to Business use of Dutch, I will make sure we get to your goals.
Furthermore I have been using my second language, English, for many years while I was studying in England at NENE university in Northampton. I worked for a US based company for almost 10 years. I was teaching English in India and Nepal. Currently I am residing in Poland.
Asia Trzeciak .
Jeff is a wonderful teacher. He listens well and understood my personal needs if it comes to learning Dutch. Highly recommended!
Jeff N.
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. :-)
Ester C.
Since when I started following lessons with Les, I find my Dutch skills improving much faster than just studying on my books. I really like his teaching method, flexible and spontaneous but indeed useful to improve my speaking and reading skills.
Less J.
As non-native parents it is certainly not easy to teach your children Dutch or to help with the fluency of the new language. Who wants some extra exercise for his children? I can help you with that. As their vocabulary becomes more and more extensive and their sentences become increasingly fluid, your children will get more and more self-confident. To speak well the Dutch language will surely benefit them now and later.
Do your children need some help with their homework, especially with their Dutch, then I can help with that.
Even as non-native-speaking adults, it is sometimes difficult to have enough exercise. That is why also adults who want to make progress in speaking the Dutch language are welcome here! We can practice the everyday language together.
Pierre S.
I'm a Liesbet's student for almost a year now and I must say that I've been making progress each week since the first lesson. The teaching methodology and materiels are diversified enough to cover every aspects of learning a second language. I really appreciate to work with an organized teacher who gives well-prepared lessons. Thank you Liesbet.
Liesbet L.
Hi!
I would like to help you with Cambridge Examination preparation (KET, PET, FCE and CAE), as well as conversational English!
Please contact me for one-on-one lessons.
Denise
Ines G.
She is very easy to understand because she speaks very clear and she explains very well. The working material that she makes available to me is very professional. She is a very friendly and competent teacher. I really enjoy the lessons.
Denise C.
My name is Brenda and I am born in the Netherlands. At the moment I live in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands. A lot of foreign students live here because it is a university city.
I have been interested in languages from an early age. That is why I have learned English, German, French and Spanish. But in my area I am mainly known for my excellent Dutch language skills and my eye for spelling and grammar.
Other things that interest me are cooking and baking and being creative. As a volunteer I have given guided tours and I have done workshops in both English and Dutch. I also love walking in nature or enjoying the beach and the sea!
I am currently learning Turkish, so I fully understand what you are experiencing as a language student. That’s why I am very patient. We practice as much as what you need. Is there something you don’t understand? Feel free to ask again, then we can approach the material in a different way so that it is clear for you.
I also know from experience how great it feels when you can communicate with someone in the local language! So let's go for this challenge together!
Your needs and progress as a student are central.
Please indicate before the first lesson what you would like to work on so that I can prepare myself for the lesson. A number of options are:
- Preparation for the integration course (inburgeringscursus)
Speaking, listening, reading and writing. Cultural and work-related topics.
- Beginners - Advanced (Personalized Lessons) Dutch
We can focus on every aspect of the language. When you want to learn from a book we can use your material or I will advise you which book you can purchase.
As a beginner you start with the basics, the alphabet and some basic words. We extend this so that you can start simple conversations in situations of everyday life and that you become an advanced!
Iryna .
Brenda is a very friendly and easy-going teacher. She is very well-organised and flexible. During each lesson time just flies cause it's really enjoyable. I am an absolute beginner and I was afraid to start learning a new language from scratch but now I'm confident that I will make it. She can help you learn the language really fast with no stress or tension. Looking forward to my next lesson!
Brenda B.
Hi,
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the decision to learn or improve a new language. Whether it is Estonian, English or Russian, beginner, advanced or Business language - you are in the right place.
My name is Martin and I am coming from a tiny country in the Northern Europe called Estonia. One of my biggest hobbies is teaching and educating others, that is why for the past 3 years I have been living and working in Istanbul while teaching English to different age groups: kindergarten, school, university as well as adults. I have had students from Beginners to Advanced as well as several businessmen and CEOs of international companies located in Istanbul. What is more, for the last 2 years I have been teaching Estonian, English and Russian online through Skype that gave me chance to meet people from all over the world and help them on their journey of learning foreign languages in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.
We are going to have a 20-30-minute trial lesson during which we can get to know each other, set expectations towards the lessons and schedule the timetable. The next step is simple - we start learning the language of your choice! As simple as it is :)
During the lessons we will focus on making you speak even with the limited vocabulary because speaking is the key to learning a new language quickly and in a fun way!
Cannot wait to receive your in-mail and help you on your journey to learn and speak a foreign language.
Martin
Paolo V.
Very interesting lesson this time as well! I'm really planning to move to Estonia if we go on like this! :-D
Martin L.
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!
Sara F.
Marlijn is a great teacher: she is very patient and kind so I feel very relaxed during the lesson and not too afraid if I make mistakes. She makes learning Dutch a fun and relaxed experience. She is also available to change the day or time of the lessons if I ask to. I am very happy I found her.
Marlijn S.
English teacher with ten years teaching experience in Italy. Speaks English and Italian.
Hi, I'm Jason, I'm English and live in Central Italy where I teach English to students of all levels, all ages and all abilities. English for school, for exams or tests, for work or for business.
My methods are based on building your confidence to speak English, developing your listening skills so you can understand English and helping you understand the grammar rules of the English language.
Why in this way? Because generally my students have the best results when they are able to speak in English as soon as possible. Then, once you can converse in English and understand simple conversation you can develop all your language skills very quickly.
Of course, for some students, grammar and written English is a priority and I can help you develop these skills first if that is what you need.
For others they need to learn specific vocabulary for their work, I have given courses in business, medicine and tourism that can be adapted for all types of work situations.
I am teaching students from 3 to 70 years old and my lessons are adapted for every individual so they have the best opportunity to realize their goals.
If you are interested then please contact me for a chat and a free trial lesson.
Assel V.
I have started with English courses because I needed to improve my English language for work. After two weeks of lessons with Jason, I have noticed that my langauge skills have improved a lot. Jason is always well prepared for each lesson and he has a great, interesting and useful teaching materials. Jason has a good speaking and teaching style which keeps me interested during lessons. Thanks Jason for the great lessons ! I highly recommend Jason as great teacher which gives his best for the students !
Jason H.
I want to help people to improve the level of their chosen language.
Thibaut .
wat een uitstekende leraar! In addition to being competent, Nancy is always on time and does not hesitate to exceed the class hour to complete the lesson.
Nancy C.
Thank you Thibaut for your kind words. It was a pleasure to be able to help you.
Hello!
My name is Laura Borger and I am a qualified language teacher. I have been teaching Dutch and English to young and old for the past five years. At the University of Leiden I completed the Master Linguistics and the Master Education.
I base my lessons on the needs and interests of my students. For example, if you are in need of grammar, I will adjust my material accordingly. Or if you want to focus on speaking skills, I create activities to develop this skill.
My personal goal is to ensure that my classes are dynamic, active and fun! I use games, current topics and digital exercises.
I offer a free trial lesson of 25 minutes!
If this appeals to you, press the button and we will see each other soon!
Ian C.
Laura is an outstanding teacher. She is patient and clear in her explanations, with a natural ability to simplify complex & more technical problems in Dutch grammar and syntax. I appreciate her dynamic teaching style and agile adaptability to my learning progress, which allows me to improve faster and at my own pace. I would highly recommend her to all levels of people keen on learning and advancing in the language.
Laura B.
I’m from France but I’m living in Brazil for 3 years.
I love my job which is to teach french as a professional language for people to use in business, at university or for an immigration project.
I can also prepare you for french certifications ( DELF, DALF, TCF , TEF etc. ).
Please, enter in contact for any questions :)
Mary-jo R.
Marine is an amazing teacher, she is direct and focused at all times. She has a strong teaching background and it shows. I have been taking lessons for half a year with her and can't recommend her highly enough.
Marine P.
Alicja W.
Linda is a nice, flexible and professional teacher. She is always well prepared for the lesson and she can explain Dutch grammar very well. I enjoy learning with Linda because I can also choose the topics that interest me the most.
Linda R.
Hello, my name is Michel and I'm a Dutch primary school teacher. I arrived in France in 2013 and since then I worked for an international school that is well known all over France. Teaching children and adults is my passion.
My courses are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
Hafsa M.
Michel / Johannes is really nice, he adapted to my needs and understood my type of learning. Result: really targeted courses that allow me to make rapid progress.
Michel B.
Brazilian Portuguese teacher with a master's degree in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. Experience more than 10 years ago in teaching Brazilian language and culture. I have many types of materials that adapt to the needs of my students. The student is the protagonist of the classes participating in active learning of the language.
Nadja F.
Aline is a really easy-going Portuguese teacher with experience in teaching for more or less 10 years. She is familiar with teaching different age groups and cultures and really focused on her student's needs. Making mistakes is the grand opportunity in Aline's class to learn from them and keep going. She will always be there and support you. We really can recommend her!
Aline de Carly N.
