Podcasts are a great way to learn a new language or improve your existing skills. They allow you to listen to authentic and natural speech, learn new vocabulary and expressions, and immerse yourself in the culture and topics of your target language.
But how do you choose the right podcasts for your level and interests? And what are some of the best podcasts for learning Dutch?
In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some recommendations for Dutch podcasts that you can listen to on your phone, computer, or any other device.
How to choose podcasts for learning Dutch
There are many factors to consider when selecting podcasts for learning Dutch, but here are some general criteria that can help you narrow down your options:
- Level: Choose podcasts that match your current level of Dutch, or slightly above it. If the podcast is too easy, you won’t learn much. If it’s too hard, you’ll get frustrated and lose motivation. You can use the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to assess your level and look for podcasts that indicate their level of difficulty.
- Topic: Choose podcasts that cover topics that interest you or relate to your goals. For example, if you want to learn Dutch for travel, you might look for podcasts about Dutch culture, history, or tourism. If you want to learn Dutch for work, you might look for podcasts about business, economics, or current affairs. This way, you’ll enjoy listening to the podcast and learn relevant vocabulary and expressions.
- Format: Choose podcasts that suit your preferred style of learning and listening. For example, some podcasts are more conversational and informal, while others are more structured and educational. Some podcasts are solo shows, while others feature interviews or discussions with guests. Some podcasts are short and concise, while others are long and detailed. You can experiment with different formats and see what works best for you.
- Frequency: Choose podcasts that are updated regularly and have enough episodes for you to listen to. Ideally, you should listen to podcasts at least once a week, or more if possible, to maintain and improve your Dutch skills. You can also subscribe to podcasts that you like and get notified when new episodes are released.
The best Dutch podcasts for learning Dutch
Based on these criteria, we have selected some of the best Dutch podcasts for learning Dutch at different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Of course, these are not the only podcasts available, and you can always search for more online or ask for recommendations from other learners or native speakers.
Beginner
If you are a beginner in Dutch, you might want to start with podcasts that are specifically designed for language learners. These podcasts usually have clear and slow speech, simple vocabulary and grammar, and explanations in English or another language. Here are some examples:
- DutchPod101: This podcast provides beginners with the fundamentals they need to start learning Dutch. A mix of grammar, vocabulary, and conversation, DutchPod101 takes listeners through the basics of the Dutch language in short (10 minutes or so) episodes. The hosts speak both English and Dutch during the episodes, so you’ll surely understand everything! You can find most of their episodes for free online, but if you want to access additional resources via their website, you’ll have to subscribe.
- Een Beetje Nederlands: This podcast is great for beginners who want to learn Dutch while also learning about Dutch history and culture. There are episodes on everything from popular sporting events to famous Dutchies to World War II! The episodes are 12-30 minutes long, fully in Dutch, and the host speaks slowly. PDF transcriptions of each episode are available on the podcast’s website — super handy for checking your understanding and practising pronunciation!
Intermediate
If you have reached an intermediate level of Dutch, you might want to challenge yourself with podcasts that are aimed at native speakers or more advanced learners. These podcasts usually have faster and more natural speech, more complex vocabulary and grammar, and no explanations in other languages. However, they also offer more variety and depth in terms of topics and formats. Here are some examples:
- Zeg het in het Nederlands: This podcast is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve their listening comprehension and learn more about everyday life in the Netherlands. The host speaks slowly and clearly about various topics such as news, culture, society, health, education, etc. The episodes are 15-20 minutes long and come with transcripts and vocabulary lists on the podcast’s website.
- Echt Gebeurd: This podcast features stories of regular people who have experienced weird or extraordinary things. The stories are told in front of a live audience and are often funny, surprising, or touching. The episodes are 10-15 minutes long and are a great way to practise your listening skills and learn some colloquial expressions.
Advanced
If you have reached an advanced level of Dutch, you might want to explore podcasts that cover more specialized or niche topics that interest you. These podcasts usually have the most authentic and natural speech, the most sophisticated vocabulary and grammar, and no subtitles or transcripts. However, they also offer the most rewarding and enjoyable listening experience. Here are some examples:
- Onbehaarde Apen: This podcast is for science lovers who want to learn about the latest discoveries and developments in various fields such as biology, physics, astronomy, psychology, etc. The hosts are journalists from a Dutch newspaper who explain complex scientific concepts and phenomena in an accessible and engaging way. The episodes are 30-40 minutes long and are full of fascinating facts and insights.
- Man Man Man, de Podcast: This podcast is for anyone who wants to have a laugh and listen to some candid conversations between three Dutch friends. The hosts talk about various aspects of their lives, such as relationships, hobbies, work, fears, dreams, etc., and share their opinions, experiences, and anecdotes. The episodes are 45-60 minutes long and are full of humor and honesty.
Conclusion
Podcasts are an excellent resource for learning Dutch or improving your existing skills. They can help you improve your listening comprehension, expand your vocabulary, learn new expressions, and immerse yourself in the culture and topics of your target language.
However, not all podcasts are suitable for all learners. You need to choose podcasts that match your level, interests, goals, and preferences. You also need to listen to podcasts regularly and actively, paying attention to the content and the language.
In this blog post, we have given you some criteria on how to choose podcasts for learning Dutch and some recommendations for Dutch podcasts at different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. We hope you find them useful and enjoyable!
Want to boost your Dutch besides listening to Dutch podcasts, enjoy private lessons at Next Dutch!
