Dutch Pronunciation Basics (A1)

Dutch pronunciation can be tricky! Here are key points for A1:

• Alphabet: Mostly similar to English, but with different sounds for some letters (e.g., G, J, R, W).
• Vowels: Can be short (like 'a' in 'man') or long (like 'aa' in 'maan'). Pay attention to double vowels (aa, ee, oo, uu) which are long, and single vowels in open syllables (e.g., the 'a' in 'maken') which are also long.
• Diphthongs (combinations of vowels):
• ij / ei: Sound similar, like the 'ay' in English 'say' or 'my'. (e.g., mijn, klein)
• ui: A unique sound, no direct English equivalent. Try starting with 'ow' (like in 'how') and rounding your lips tightly. (e.g., huis, uit)
• ou / au: Sound similar, like 'ow' in English 'now'. (e.g., oud, auto)
• eu: Like the 'u' in English 'burn' or 'fur'. (e.g., deur, kleur)
• ie: Like the 'ee' in English 'see'. (e.g., bier, zie)
• Consonants:
• g / ch: Often a guttural sound, made in the back of the throat. It's 'harder' in the north/west (like clearing your throat) and 'softer' in the south (more like 'h'). ch is generally the same sound. (e.g., goed, acht)
• j: Like the 'y' in English 'yes'. (e.g., ja, jas)
• r: Can be rolled or tapped, varies by region.
• v: Often sounds like English 'f' at the start of words. (e.g., vis)
• w: Often sounds like English 'v'. (e.g., water)
• sch: Sounds like 's' followed by the guttural 'g/ch' sound. (e.g., school, schip)

Tip: Listen to native speakers as much as possible!