- 1). Buy a Dutch textbook. Even if you're just hoping to learn enough phrases to get by for a brief visit to a Dutch-speaking country, you should have at least a basic understanding of grammar and vocabulary. The stronger your foundation in the language, the easier it will be to remember phrases without having to flip through a book in the middle of a conversation.
- 2). Buy a Dutch phrasebook. Look up the phrases you think will be most useful and write them down on flash cards. Quiz yourself often to help with memorization. If you have the time, try to memorize the majority of the phrases in your book. Use your textbook and Dutch-to-English dictionary to learn some potential responses to your phrases and questions. For example, if you're asking someone for directions, check out the possible words such a response might contain.
- 3). Buy Dutch-language learning software like Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur (see Resources). The latter option offers the faster, more intensive program of study but both come highly recommended. Whichever you decide to buy, follow the lesson plan as closely as you can for best results.
- 4). Use online sources for Dutch phrases. There are a wide variety of online resources for learning foreign language phrases and most of them are free to use. Use these to supplement your phrase book; write down the phrases you find online on flashcards so you can memorize them. Check the phrases against your textbook for proper grammar and syntax.
- 5). Use a text-based chat program, online chat room or Skype to make Dutch-speaking friends. Try out your new phrases and ask them to correct your grammar. You can also ask them about current slang to help you sound more natural when speaking to natives. Ask them if there are better ways to say the phrases you plan on using. Take notes as you speak with them and make flashcards of any new information they give you so you can memorize the new phrases.
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