‘Alsjeblieft, dankjewel!’ Learning Dutch as an international student

Learning Dutch feels like decoding a secret language. In this episode of ‘International in Groningen,’ Spanish student Tabata shares hilarious stories and handy tips for mastering Dutch.

Tabata, originally from Mallorca, Spain, moved to Groningen after spending several years familiarising herself with the Dutch language due to her Dutch boyfriend. She describes her initial encounter with Dutch humorously: ‘At first, my friends and I jokingly called Dutch “satanic” because it felt impossible to figure out what they were saying.’ Despite this, her curiosity and determination pushed her forward.

Her language journey began casually, using popular language apps like Duolingo. Tabata stresses the importance of immersing oneself in everyday Dutch conversations and media: ‘I started following Dutch influencers and watching content on topics I already enjoyed, like beauty and lifestyle. This made the learning process much more engaging and practical.’

Overcoming fear

An important part of learning Dutch, according to Tabata, is overcoming the fear of making mistakes. ‘Even saying a few words in Dutch, like ordering coffee, is appreciated by Dutch people,’ she says. ‘They find it amazing when someone from another country tries to speak their language.’

Tabata also shares relatable stories about feeling overwhelmed when locals reply rapidly in Dutch after she attempts a simple order at a café. ‘At first, I was nervous to order because I thought, “What if they ask me something else and I don’t understand?” But now I just go for it,’ she laughs. This willingness to embrace mistakes has greatly enhanced her Dutch skills.

The conversation also highlights the cultural aspects of language learning. Tabata points out, ‘Learning Dutch isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about understanding cultural interactions, humor, and ways of socialising.’ She believes speaking the local language helps internationals feel more connected and less like outsiders.

Dankjewel!

Tabata strongly encourages fellow students to adopt a proactive learning mindset: ‘Listen to conversations around you, read labels at supermarkets, and practice whenever possible. Even simple interactions like greeting people or saying “Dankjewel” (thank you) build confidence and familiarity with the language.’

Although Tabata has primarily learned informally, she’s planning to take formal Dutch classes to further improve. Her long-term goal? ‘Doing my taxes in Dutch would mean I’ve truly mastered the language,’ she jokes, highlighting her ambition to reach fluency.

Throughout the podcast, Tabata’s enthusiasm makes learning Dutch seem achievable and enjoyable. She ends with an empowering message for fellow internationals: ‘Don’t say it’s too difficult or that you’ll never learn. Just try—it’s fun!’

Episode 5 of ‘International in Groningen’ offers a motivating look at language learning through Tabata’s practical advice and lighthearted experiences, reminding listeners that learning Dutch, though challenging, is rewarding and a powerful way to connect deeply with local culture.