There are good free ways to get started with Dutch. Below is an honest, unsponsored comparison — including where each resource stops working, and what you'll still need after that.
As a Dutch-as-a-second-language teacher, I regularly get asked: "can't I just learn Dutch for free?" The honest answer: partly, sure. There are good free resources for building vocabulary, learning grammar rules, and getting used to exam formats. I even use material from some of these sites in my own lessons.
But every resource below also has a ceiling — a point where more practice the same way stops helping. I lay out honestly what each one does and doesn't do well, so you can judge where you stand yourself.
The official e-learning environment from the Dutch government to prepare for the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen). Includes practice exams and sample questions in the exact format of the real exam.
A free online basics course from the EU Academy platform (Online Language Support), focused on the first language fundamentals with structured, self-paced modules. After the language assessment you get a downloadable certificate of your result, available on your dashboard (see here how to download it).
A free online beginner's course in Dutch from the University of Groningen, offered via the FutureLearn course platform. The course runs three weeks (roughly three hours a week) and starts three times a year on fixed dates. You'll learn basic phrases, greetings, vocabulary, numbers, spelling and grammar, plus short videos about living in the Netherlands.
The world's best-known free language app, with a playful, low-barrier Dutch course. Note: since 2025 the free tier has been significantly cut back by a new "energy" system — free users get roughly 15–20 minutes (2–3 lessons) a day, plus ads. Unlimited, ad-free use now costs around $5–7/month; real AI conversation practice sits behind a pricier tier at roughly $14/month.
A Dutch website full of free NT2 (Dutch-as-a-second-language) exercises, organized by level, including a verb conjugation overview — built specifically for people learning Dutch as a second language.
Your local library often offers free language courses, books and practice material — ask when you sign up. For listening practice, you can combine Dutch music with a lyrics tool to follow along: good for spelling, rhythm and word order, though it's no substitute for structured learning.
That's fine — it's simply the point where self-study stops working and targeted guidance takes over. Many of my students combine both: Duolingo or NT2 TaalMenu in between for vocabulary, and lessons for everything that only works with a real person.
Besides this overview, Dutch Together itself also gives you access to free material — no commitment required. See the complete overview of all Dutch Together's free material →
Find out your current CEFR level (A1–C2) in a few minutes.
Take the test →Grammar, vocabulary and listening exercises per level.
Browse exercises →Free practice material specifically for the civic integration exam.
Start practising →Real Dutch conversations with transcripts and exercises.
Watch videos →Book a free trial lesson and find out what focused guidance can do for your Dutch.
A free 20-minute lesson — we discuss your level and your goals, no commitment.
Start free — no commitment →Not sure of your level yet? Take the free level test and get an instant indication.
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