In this guide
If you also want to explore paid options, we have a full comparison in our best Dutch language courses 2026 guide, and for apps specifically, check our best apps to learn Dutch review.
💡 Looking for a complete banking comparison? Read Best banking for expats in the Netherlands 2026, which covers ABN, ING, Bunq, Wise, Revolut and 5 others by expat use case.
This overview lists free resources by type. We have not tested them for this article and give no ratings. Check each provider’s own site for what is currently free; free tiers change.
Overview: Free Dutch Learning Resources
| Resource | Type | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | App | A Dutch course for English speakers |
| DutchPod101 | Audio and video lessons | Some free lessons; paid subscription for the full content |
| 50Languages | App and web | Phrase-based lessons with audio |
| Clozemaster | App and web | Vocabulary in sentences; some features free |
| Language Transfer | Audio course | Free, funded by donations |
| NOS Makkelijke Taal | News in simple language | Reading and viewing practice |
| NPO Start | Streaming | Dutch public broadcasting programmes |
| r/learndutch | Community | Questions and discussion |
| YouTube channels | Video lessons | For example Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau and Dutch with Kim |
1. Duolingo
Duolingo offers a Dutch course for English speakers and describes it as free. The free version has limits that Duolingo can change, so check the app. It is a convenient way to build a daily habit and a first vocabulary. It does not replace speaking with people.
We compare Duolingo with a paid alternative in our Babbel vs Duolingo for Dutch comparison.
2. DutchPod101
DutchPod101 offers audio and video lessons. A free account gives access to part of the content; the full library needs a paid subscription. Check its site for current prices and what is free.
3. 50Languages (Goethe Verlag)
50Languages offers phrase-based lessons with audio, on the web and as an app, from many source languages. Check the site for the current content and any terms. A phrase-based approach does not teach grammar systematically, so combine it with a resource that does.
4. Clozemaster
Clozemaster presents sentences with a missing word, so you learn vocabulary in context. Some features are free and others are paid; check its site. It suits learners who already have a basic foundation.
5. Language Transfer
Language Transfer is a free audio course funded by donations, built around understanding how a language works rather than memorising phrases. Check its site and app for the Dutch course content.
6. NOS Journaal in Makkelijke Taal
NOS publishes news in simplified Dutch for people who find regular news hard to follow, including language learners. Reading about current events can help with vocabulary and with the Dutch society knowledge (KNM) part of the inburgeringsexamen.
7. NPO Start
NPO Start is the streaming platform of the Dutch public broadcasters. Programmes differ in language difficulty, and many have Dutch subtitles. Check NPO for what you can watch from outside the Netherlands. Watching TV is also a way to learn about Dutch culture and to prepare for conversations when you make friends with Dutch people.
8. Free Dutch classes locally
Public libraries (bibliotheken) and municipalities may offer language support for newcomers. The offer differs per place, so ask your library or municipality. Learners who have to integrate should check DUO and inburgeren.nl for their route.
9. r/learndutch
The r/learndutch subreddit is a community of learners and Dutch speakers where you can ask questions. Answers come from users and vary in quality, so check advice against a reliable source.
10. YouTube channels
YouTube has video lessons from channels such as Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau and Dutch with Kim. Videos are free to watch; some channels also sell courses or memberships. Because YouTube has no built-in structure, pick a channel and follow its lessons in order.
Free vs. Paid: When Should You Invest?
Free resources can give you a foundation. Many learners add a tutor when they want feedback on pronunciation and grammar and regular speaking practice.
Where free resources fall short
- Apps cannot correct your pronunciation or word order the way a person can.
- Talking to an app is not the same as talking to a person.
- A scheduled lesson helps with accountability.
When to consider paid resources
- Your progress slows down.
- You can read basic Dutch but cannot hold a conversation.
- You need structured preparation for the inburgeringsexamen.
- You want to speak Dutch at work.
Combine free resources with a tutor
A platform like Preply lets you compare Dutch tutors and prices on its own site. You can combine one lesson a week with the free resources above. Our comparison of tutoring platforms is in the Preply vs italki guide.
Find a Dutch tutor on Preply →
CEFR Language Levels Explained
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) describes language ability in six levels:
- A1: beginner. You can introduce yourself and handle very simple exchanges.
- A2: elementary. You can handle routine daily tasks such as shopping.
- B1: intermediate. You can deal with most situations in daily life and express simple opinions.
- B2: upper intermediate. You can interact fluently and understand complex texts.
- C1 and C2: advanced and proficient.
What level do you need?
| Goal | Level |
|---|---|
| Integration exam | Depends on your route; the B1 route has language level B1, which can be lowered to A2 (DUO) |
| Dutch Staatsexamen NT2 | NT2 I is B1 and NT2 II is B2 (DUO) |
| University admission | Set per programme; check the programme |
For more on the inburgeringsexamen, see our full preparation guide.
A Simple Study Routine Using Free Resources
This is a suggestion, not a tested plan.
Daily: a short Duolingo session, one 50Languages lesson, or one NOS Makkelijke Taal article. Write down the new words and review them with a free flashcard app such as Anki.
Weekly: a few Language Transfer lessons, one or two YouTube lessons, and one Dutch programme on NPO Start with Dutch subtitles. Add Clozemaster once you have a basic foundation.
Regularly: speak Dutch with people, for example in a language group or with a tutor. After a few months, check what you can do and decide whether to add a tutor.
Find a Dutch tutor on Preply →
Practical Tips
- Keep speaking Dutch. When people switch to English, you can ask politely to continue in Dutch.
- Change your phone and social media to Dutch. It gives you many small exposures to everyday words.
- Find a tandem partner. A language exchange partner practises your language while you practise theirs.
- Talk to yourself in Dutch. Describing what you are doing is production practice without pressure.
- Accept mistakes. Sounding clumsy at first is normal.
For more on integrating into Dutch life while you learn the language, see our guide to making Dutch friends and the Dutch culture guide for expats.
Conclusion
Pick two or three of the resources above, mix input (reading, listening) with output (speaking), and add a tutor if you want feedback. Start with our guide to the best Dutch language courses and the how to prepare for the inburgeringsexamen if you have to integrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really learn Dutch for free?
You can build a foundation with free resources such as the free Duolingo Dutch course, free audio courses, Dutch news in simple language and free video lessons. Free resources rarely include live conversation practice with a tutor, which many learners add later.
How long does it take to learn Dutch with free resources?
It depends on your first language, the time you spend and how much you speak. We give no standard timeline because we have no reliable source for one.
What is the best free app for learning Dutch?
Duolingo offers a free Dutch course for English speakers (check Duolingo for the current limits of the free version). Clozemaster is another app with free features for vocabulary in context; check its site for what is free.
Is Duolingo enough to learn Dutch?
Duolingo is a good way to build a daily habit and a basic vocabulary, but an app alone does not give you conversation practice. Combine it with listening, reading and speaking with people.
What level of Dutch do I need for the inburgeringsexamen?
It depends on your route. Under the 2021 integration law, the B1 route is aimed at work and the language level is B1, which can be lowered to A2 (DUO). Check DUO or your municipality for the route and level that apply to you.
Are there free Dutch courses for expats in the Netherlands?
Many public libraries (bibliotheken) and municipalities offer language support, but the offer differs per place and per situation. Ask your library or municipality. If you have to integrate, DUO and inburgeren.nl explain your route, and DUO describes the possibilities to borrow money for it.
Can I learn Dutch by watching Dutch TV?
It is a good supplement. NPO Start is the streaming platform of Dutch public broadcasters; check NPO for what is available outside the Netherlands. NOS also publishes news in simple language (Makkelijke Taal).
When should I start paying for Dutch lessons?
When you want feedback on pronunciation, grammar and conversation, a tutor can help. A platform like Preply lets you compare tutors and prices on its own site.
What is the difference between A1, A2, B1, and B2 Dutch?
These are levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). A1 is beginner, A2 elementary, B1 intermediate and B2 upper intermediate. Which level you need depends on your goal: for the integration exam, your route; for university admission, the programme.
What is the difference between NT2-I and NT2-II?
The Staatsexamen NT2 has two programmes: NT2 I is at B1 level and NT2 II at B2 level (DUO). Check duo.nl for the exam content and what each programme is used for.