If you’ve moved to the Netherlands, speaking Dutch might feel like a steep mountain you still have to climb. Maybe, despite all the Dutch courses you’ve taken, you feel like you’ll never reach the top because speaking Dutch just seems too difficult.

However, I see a completely different path for you. It’s not about working harder or forcing yourself, but about patience, focus, and the right guidance. By embracing a growth mindset – an attitude focused on learning and development – you can overcome the fear of speaking Dutch and truly start to feel at home in the Netherlands.

Here are five pillars that can help you to speak Dutch with confidence:

1. Allow yourself to dream big

Do you dream of a future where you speak Dutch with ease, engage in conversations fluently, and express your thoughts with confidence? That’s possible! Sometimes we underestimate our own potential because we’re afraid to fail. But if you dare to dream big, you give yourself room to grow.

You don’t have to be perfect from day one, but it starts with a vision. Imagine yourself in a situation where you speak the language with ease and joy – that’s the energy you carry with you throughout your learning process.

2. Try to learn something new every day 

Developing a new skill, like learning a language, doesn’t happen overnight. But what if you could make a little progress every day? Every new Dutch sentence, every new word you pick up, brings you closer to your goal. Keep it light and fun – it doesn’t have to be heavy or stressful. Find those small moments in your day where you can learn something new, whether it’s in a conversation, reading an article, or simply listening to a Dutch podcast.

Give yourself the space to absorb it calmly, without pressure.

3. Focus on growth and earning 

Forget the pressure to speak perfect Dutch right away. It’s all about the process of learning and growing. It can be tempting to focus on what’s not going well yet, but try to shift your attention to what you’ve already achieved. Maybe you can now order a coffee at a café or make small talk with your neighbor – that’s progress!

Allow yourself the time to grow and don’t be afraid to do things at your own pace. The energy of growth is about trusting the process, not about immediate results.

4. Learn from your mistakes

When you try to speak and make a mistake, or can’t find the Dutch words, be kind to yourself. People with a fixed mindset often give up after making a mistake, but a growth mindset sees mistakes as learning opportunities. It’s precisely in those mistakes that the power of learning lies.

Dare to speak, even if it’s not perfect yet. Use your energy to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can do it a little better next time.

Accept that making mistakes is part of the process, and see it as a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.

5. Make your goals clear

Know where you’re heading. By making your goals clear and specific, you give yourself direction. Maybe you want to be able to have a simple conversation in three months, or read a Dutch book in six months. Clarity in your goals helps you stay focused. The possibilities are endless. Focus on what’s truly important to you and take small, consistent steps towards it.

Each time you remember your goal, you can calmly and confidently guide yourself to the next step.

Working towards your goals: With guidance, you achieve more

You don’t have to do it all alone, and you certainly don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. I understand how valuable the right guidance can be.
Sometimes receiving the right invitation – a helping hand to guide you – is exactly what you need to reach your goals.

I am here to support you, and together we walk along your path in the Netherlands. With my guidance, we will discover a way of learning that suits you. This way, you can learn to speak Dutch confidently, at your own pace, in your own way.

Are you hesitant to speak Dutch despite having completed your Dutch courses? Make an appointment today, so I can help you speak the Dutch language with confidence and express yourself with ease.

Together, we will make sure you feel at home in the Netherlands!