Looking for the best Dutch textbooks?
See, some people like learning with courses.
Others want language apps. And some people like learning with textbooks.
And Dutch textbooks are a simple way to learn Dutch. Why?
Books guide you from page 0, to page 1, to page 3… to page 100. From your first words to your first conversation. You learn tons of words and grammar rules along the way.
So, in this guide, you get… the 9+ best Dutch Textbooks and phrasebooks.
Note: Be careful about getting books on Kindle. The formatting may differ from the print version.
1. Routledge Intensive Dutch Course
Intensive indeed. This book promises to take you from beginner (0 knowledge) to intermediate level in 1 year.
- Pages: 440
- By Routledge Intensive Language Courses
There are 11 chapters and it tries to cover it all – reading, writing, speaking, and listening (with audio). So, if you’re looking for something comprehensive, check it out.
Any downsides? Well, according to some reviews, it’s a bit too much for someone to tackle on their own. But you can preview this book on Amazon first and decide for yourself.
2. Dutch Made Nice & Easy (Language Learning)
At 96 pages long, this is a much lighter and beginner-friendly “textbook.”
- 96 pages
- by Research & Education Association
So, this can be good for beginners that want something light and want to learn words, phrases, and basic grammar. And according to the Amazon description…
“Much of the material in this book was developed for government personnel who are often assigned to a foreign country on a moment’s notice and need a quick introduction to the language.”
So, this may be the most beginner-friendly on this list of best Dutch textbooks.
3. Dutch for self-study: Nederlands voor zelfstudie
This Dutch textbook promises to teach you everyday Dutch conversations. It comes with grammar lessons, practice exercises, and listening exercises.
- Pages: 330
- By UNIEBOEK
4. Colloquial Dutch
This is another solid Dutch textbook book.
- By Colloquial
- Pages: 370
If you want a comprehensive approach to Dutch — speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, exercises, and more — Colloquial promises to do just that.
You also get complimentary audio that you can download for free on their site.
- Conclusion: Good overall textbook.
The only downside? Like the first one, it’s also a bit “intensive.” You’re hit with grammar rules right away. So those of you that want a gentler introduction, perhaps you could go with another book.
5. Essential Dutch Grammar
The goal of this Dutch grammar book is to point out the similarities between English and Dutch… so you can learn that way.
- Pages: 128
- By Dover
Overall, you learn Dutch grammar rules along with plenty of examples. So, it’s a good reference or a companion book. But, it does lack exercises.
6. Dutch Grammar You Really Need to Know
Want to speak natural Dutch?
You’ll need to know all the grammar rules so you can know all the ways to express yourself.
- By Teach Yourself
- Pages: 352
So, if you’re looking to 1) learn the rules, and 2) apply them with exercises inside — check it out.
7. Dutch Short Stories for Beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Dutch & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way!
You know what’s a good way to learn Dutch… or anything?
Through stories!
- Pages: 212
- By Lingo Mastery
So, how does this learn Dutch book work? You get 20 simple stories along with translations. Then, there’s a summary to help you grasp everything. Then, a vocabulary review list. And finally, exercises and questions to help you review what you’ve read.
While it’s not a Dutch “textbook,” it can definitely be a useful supplement to whatever other textbooks you’re using. You learn stories, dialogues, words, boost your range of expression, and understanding… and get it all reinforced simply by reading and rereading.
8. 2000 Most Common Dutch Words in Context: Get Fluent & Increase Your Dutch Vocabulary with 2000 Dutch Phrases
While I’m more of a fan of learning phrases over words, there’s no argument that the more words you know, the more you can speak. So, that’s where this Dutch learning book comes in.
- Pages: 289
- By Lingo Mastery
It promises to each you 2000 words through example sentences (which is good, so you’re not learning words alone) and it organizes them by frequency of use.
9. Lonely Planet Dutch Phrasebook & Dictionary
If you’re learning Dutch, then you’ll want a Dutch dictionary…. just to load yourself up on more words.
- Pages: 256
- By Lonely Planet
That’s where this phrasebook/dictionary comes in, with over 3500 words inside. Plus, plenty of phrases for real-life situations. The phrasebook-dictionary hybrid is geared towards travelers but beginners can also make good use of it. Just make sure you understand the tones before you use this book.
These are some of the best Dutch textbooks and books I’ve found so far.
But, if you want something a little more than a “book,” then I recommend DutchPod101.
DutchPod101 is a Dutch learning program. You get audio/video lessons made by real teachers. The lessons get you speaking in minutes and are just 3-15 minutes in length. Just press the play button below to check out a lesson.
So, if you want to HEAR real Dutch and learn faster with a program, I recommend them.
Click here to get a Free Lifetime Account at DutchPod101.com.
– The Main Junkie