Over 22 million people worldwide speak Dutch, also known as Dutch Nederlands or Netherlandic, the official language of The Netherlands. An additional six million people speak Dutch as a second language. As part of the Indo-European language family, Dutch belongs to the Germanic branch and is closely related to English, German, and the Scandinavian languages.
If you are interested in studying Dutch and are looking for a great language learning program, check out our DutchPod101 review below!
Save big on DutchPod101 with our discount code below:
DutchPod101 Review: Summary
Upon setting up your free lifetime account, you are granted a 7-day Premium trial, which is the second-highest subscription tier offering a variety of learning features. These include an extensive library of videos and podcasts, vocabulary and phrase lists, and flashcards.
Levels include Absolute Beginner, Beginner, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Advanced. If you are unsure which expertise level to begin with, you can take an assessment test, and DutchPod101 will determine the level that suits you best. The following is a quick list of just some of the many features offered with DutchPod101.
- Unlimited access to all audio and video lessons
- Lessons taught by native Dutch speakers
- Access to one-on-one instruction with instructors
- Personal assessments and assignments available
- Self-paced learning
- Accessible on smartphones, tablets, desk- and laptops
Pros of DutchPod101
Pro #1: Most Extensive Lesson Library
DutchPod101 offers one of the most extensive lesson libraries we have seen in a language learning program. You can choose from hundreds of videos or podcasts to begin your lessons. There is also a variety of learning tools like flashcards to make memorizing vocabulary fun and interesting.
Pro #2: Interesting, Modern Content
The lessons are upbeat, interesting, and relevant to modern life, so you won’t encounter outdated or obsolete topics. The instructors keep the lessons fun and engaging, encouraging you to continue learning. Whether you want to discuss where to find a Wi-Fi hotspot or talk about the latest memes on Facebook, this program has you covered.
Pro #3: Native Dutch Speakers
All lessons are taught by native Dutch instructors, which is great because you’ll get proper instruction on pronunciation and even some insight into Dutch culture. This will also give you an idea of what to expect from an authentic conversation in Dutch.
Cons of DutchPod101
Con #1: Lack of Community
There is not a large community of people learning to speak Dutch, so it can be tricky to find conversation practice. You may need to venture to alternate sites to connect with others also trying to learn Dutch.
Con #2: Lack of Feedback
One-on-one instruction is only available with the PremiumPLUS plan, so you won’t receive much personalized feedback, otherwise. The other plans do offer assessments, so you will have a general idea of how well you are progressing, but there is little in the way of what to improve upon.
Features of DutchPod101
Dashboard
Upon logging into your account, you’ll be taken to your dashboard, where you can find the latest news, update your expertise level, and add learning pathways. This is also where you’ll access all your lessons and track your progress.
Learning Pathways
There is a large selection of learning pathways available. If you are a serious student wanting to become fluent in Dutch, try the curated and structured pathway for the fastest route. You could also try out pathways such as ‘All About Dutch Culture and Society’ or ‘Essential Dutch for Emergencies’ to prepare yourself for upcoming trips or other events. You can add as many learning pathways to your dashboard as you see fit and work on them at your own pace.
Audio and Video Library
There are hundreds of video and audio lessons to complete. Each lesson is accompanied by a detailed transcript that fully explains the grammatical or cultural norms associated with it. Videos display words onscreen, allowing you to follow along and see what you are pronouncing.
Flashcards and Other Learning Tools
Spaced repetition flashcards are a fun and interactive way to practice vocabulary, along with long lists of common phrases and words to memorize. Additionally, there is a voice recording option that allows you to compare your pronunciation to the instructor’s to make sure you’re saying things correctly.
Lesson Transcripts
Each lesson comes with printable PDF notes to help you review what you’ve just learned. They explain concepts such as why certain words are used over others and any other grammatical differences you may encounter during your studies. You will also find cultural references sprinkled throughout.
Who Should Buy DutchPod101?
Language learning programs are a great investment for anyone who is serious about learning a second language. Those who will benefit most from DutchPod101 include those who:
- thrive on independent study
- want to speak fluent Dutch for business or personal reasons
- are self-motivated and have time to learn
- want to learn enough Dutch for traveling purposes
Who Should Not Buy DutchPod101?
On the other hand, there are those who will not benefit from DutchPod101 including those who:
- prefer learning in a classroom setting
- require one-on-one instruction
- do not have the motivation or time to study
DutchPod101 vs. Competitors
Admittedly DutchPod101 is not the only language learning program that claims to teach you to speak Dutch. Let’s take a look at some other options.
DutchPod101 vs. LearnDutch.org
LearnDutch.org is packed with video lessons and allows the user to test the waters with learning to speak Dutch. There are few, if any, major assessments and moving on to more advanced levels is all decided by the user. There does not appear to be a guided path to learning, rather a “do all these lessons and you’ve got it” approach.
DutchPod101 vs. Babbel
Babbel puts you through its own testing, of sorts, before allowing you to check out the site. You must answer questions like why you are learning Dutch, how much time you can commit to it and how old you are. Babble uses a lot of spaced repetition in its teachings, but its structure is lacking and the content is not as extensive as DutchPod101.
DutchPod101 Price
Basic Subscription $4/month $2.80/month (using this coupon link)
- Access on iPhone, Android and tablets
- Access to the complete audio library
- PDF lesson transcripts
Premium Subscription $10/month $7/month (using this coupon link)
The Premium Subscription includes all the Basic Subscription features plus:
- Interactive lesson assessments
- Spaced repetition flashcards
- Bonus content
- Extensive word lists and word bank
- Podcast
- Audio and video transcripts
Premium PLUS Subscription $23/month $16/month (using our coupon link)
The Premium PLUS Subscription includes all the Basic and Premium Subscription features plus:
- Personalized learning pathway
- One-on-one instruction with a native speaker
- Professional assessments
DutchPod101 Review Conclusion: Great Program, But Not Without Its Faults
In our opinion, DutchPod101 is one of the most comprehensive Dutch language learning programs available.
It is easy to access, and the structured learning pathway is one of the best guided courses. DutchPod101 is an effective learning tool for anyone interested in becoming fluent in the Dutch language.
You can sign up for your free lifetime account here.
Michael has been an avid language learner and traveler for many years. His goal with LanguageTsar is to discover the most fun and effective ways to learn a language. He is currently learning Japanese, French and Indonesian.