How to master Dutch pronunciation?

Do you ever struggle to pronounce Scheveningen? How about verschrikkelijk, giechelen, or herinneren? 

Dutch is certainly notorious for its perplexing sounds. Though pronunciation remains a challenging part of language learning, the main goal for most adult learners is actually independence in everyday life. Therefore, you don’t need to strive to sound like a native, but rather to be easily understood by your neighbor, the cashier at the supermarket, or your child’s teachers. 

SOUNDS 

Like all languages, Dutch comprises consonants and (a rich inventory of) vowels. If you ask a Dutch person how many vowels there are exactly, you may be surprised by the diversity of answers. Your native speaker friends might say five or ten; linguists might say sixteen or twenty and dive into further explanations on monophthongs – sounds consisting of one vowel – and diphthongs, sounds that glide from one vowel to another (compare toon with tuin). Dutch consonants seem much more approachable, perhaps with the exception of the (in)famous g and some long consonant clusters, like in herfst or angstigst.  

STRESS 

Every word has a stressed syllable: longer, louder, and higher pitched than other syllables. The most important words in a sentence receive sentence stress as well. Awareness of stress will help you mimic the rhythm of Dutch sentences. This is an often-overlooked component of language learning, but it significantly influences whether someone will be able to easily understand you. 

FLOW 

Although sentences include a number of words, we don’t separate them by silence gaps –  words and sentences flow together. This natural language flow may at first sound almost unintelligible and confuse learners. However, when you’re comfortable with the basics, work on connected speech will bring you to a new level of fluency. 

TIPS FOR INDEPENDENT PRACTICE 

• Minimal pairs: two words that vary only by one sound (man/maan, oud/uit, gaan/haan). Can you hear the difference between these words and imitate each? 
• When learning new words, always check which syllable carries the word stress. 
• Listen to as much Dutch as possible. Repeat sentences you have heard, focusing on the imitation of sounds and rhythm. 

ATTEND A FREE WORKSHOP AT KICKSTART SCHOOL 

The workshop on the basics of Dutch pronunciation at Kickstart School will guide you through the vital aspects of Dutch pronunciation and help you lay the foundations for further practice. All Dutch learners are welcome (basic knowledge of Dutch is advisable).