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Chapter 3 · Introduction

Introduction · Say what you need

Use common verbs, talk about food and drinks and ask simple questions.

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Adults talking in a cafe

What will you learn?

Useful verbs

Practise common verbs and learn how their forms change.

Food and drinks

Name everyday foods and drinks and say what you would like.

Questions and articles

Ask simple questions and learn nouns with de or het.

A first look

Useful sentences to try

Read the meaning, then say the Dutch sentence aloud. The lessons will help you understand the patterns.

Ik ben thuis.

I am at home.

Ik heb een vraag.

I have a question.

Ik wil graag thee.

I would like tea.

Learn one pattern at a time

Learn verbs in short sentences. Start with a few useful examples, notice their patterns and repeat the forms that are different.

  1. 01UnderstandLook at the example and its meaning.
  2. 02ListenUse the lesson audio when a recording is available.
  3. 03RepeatSay the example aloud.
  4. 04TryMake a similar sentence of your own.
  5. 05ReviewCheck your answer and repeat difficult parts.
Make it practical

Use Dutch in an everyday situation

Imagine ordering a drink. Say what you would like, then change the drink and try again.

Keep it manageable

Choose a few examples for each session. You do not need to memorise every rule at once. Ask a teacher or learning partner to help you check your sentences.

Practise and build confidence

Try the exercises as you meet them. Check your answers and revisit examples that were difficult before moving on.

Mistakes help you see what to practise next. Aim to understand and use the examples, rather than only finishing the page.

Ready to begin?

Choose the chapter overview or continue to the first lesson.