Learning Dutch opens doors. While the Netherlands is famously English-friendly, speaking even basic Dutch transforms your daily experience, from reading your mail and understanding your doctor to building genuine friendships with Dutch colleagues and neighbors.
The good news is that Dutch is one of the closest languages to English, making it more accessible than you might think. And in 2026, there are more high-quality language learning apps than ever.
We tested and compared the 7 best apps for learning Dutch to help you find the right fit for your learning style, budget, and goals.
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Quick Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Method | Price (Monthly) | Free Option | Dutch Content Depth | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babbel | Structured learners | Lesson-based, grammar + vocab | ~EUR 7-13 | Limited trial | Excellent | 9/10 |
| Duolingo | Casual learners, budget | Gamification, bite-sized | Free (Plus: ~EUR 7) | Yes (full course) | Good | 7.5/10 |
| Pimsleur | Speaking & pronunciation | Audio-based, spaced repetition | ~USD 15-21 | 1 free lesson | Very good | 8.5/10 |
| Mondly | Visual learners | Interactive, AR/VR features | ~EUR 10 | Limited free | Good | 7/10 |
| Rosetta Stone | Immersive learning | No translation, full immersion | ~EUR 12-15 | 3-day trial | Good | 7/10 |
| Busuu | Community learners | Lessons + native speaker feedback | ~EUR 7-10 | Limited free | Good | 7.5/10 |
| italki | Conversation practice | Live tutors, 1-on-1 lessons | Varies per tutor | No | Excellent (human) | 9/10 |
1. Babbel – Best Overall for Learning Dutch
Babbel is our top pick for expats serious about learning Dutch. Unlike one-size-fits-all apps, Babbel builds each language course from the ground up, and its Dutch course is genuinely well-crafted.
What Makes Babbel Stand Out
Babbel’s Dutch course is structured around real-life situations you will actually encounter: ordering coffee, making small talk at a borrel, understanding your lease agreement, and navigating a conversation at the gemeente. Lessons are 10-15 minutes long and follow a logical progression from beginner to upper-intermediate.
The app teaches grammar in context rather than through abstract rules. You learn why Dutch word order changes in subordinate clauses by seeing it in practical sentences, not by memorizing rules from a textbook.
Pricing
- Monthly: approximately EUR 13
- 6 months: approximately EUR 9 per month
- 12 months: approximately EUR 7 per month
- Lifetime access is sometimes available during promotions
Pros
- Specifically designed Dutch course (not a template applied to multiple languages)
- Excellent grammar explanations integrated into lessons
- Speech recognition for pronunciation practice
- Review system that reinforces previously learned material
- Practical, real-world vocabulary
Cons
- Limited free content (trial only)
- Less engaging for users who prefer gamified learning
- Speaking practice is limited to repeating phrases (no conversation)
Verdict
If you are going to invest in one paid app, make it Babbel. The quality of the Dutch-specific content justifies the price. Start your Babbel Dutch course here.
2. Duolingo – Best Free Option
Duolingo remains the most popular language learning app in the world, and its Dutch course is solid, especially for the price of free.
What Makes Duolingo Stand Out
The gamification works. Streaks, XP points, leagues, and achievements create genuine motivation to open the app every day. The Dutch course covers a wide range of vocabulary and grammar through short, interactive exercises that mix translation, listening, and multiple choice.
Pricing
- Free: Full access to all Dutch content (with ads)
- Super Duolingo: approximately EUR 7 per month (no ads, offline access, unlimited hearts)
Pros
- Completely free with full Dutch course
- Highly addictive gamification keeps you consistent
- Short sessions fit into any schedule
- Large community of Dutch learners
- Regular content updates
Cons
- Grammar explanations are minimal (you learn through pattern recognition, which does not work for everyone)
- Sentences can be unnatural or decontextualized
- Limited speaking practice
- Can feel repetitive at intermediate levels
- The free version includes frequent ads
Verdict
Duolingo is an excellent starting point and a great supplement to other learning methods. Use it for daily vocabulary practice, but do not rely on it as your only tool if you want to reach a conversational level.
3. Pimsleur – Best for Speaking and Pronunciation
Pimsleur takes a radically different approach. It is almost entirely audio-based, built on the principle that language is fundamentally a spoken skill.
What Makes Pimsleur Stand Out
Each 30-minute lesson is a carefully structured audio session where you listen, repeat, and respond to prompts in Dutch. The method uses spaced repetition and graduated interval recall, meaning you are prompted to recall words and phrases at scientifically optimized intervals.
The result is that after a few weeks of Pimsleur, you can actually speak Dutch in basic conversations. Your pronunciation will be noticeably better than what most app-only learners achieve.
Pricing
- Pimsleur subscription: approximately USD 14.95-20.99 per month (access to all languages)
- Individual course purchase: approximately USD 150 for a 30-lesson level
Pros
- Exceptional for developing pronunciation and speaking confidence
- Audio format is perfect for commutes, walks, or gym sessions
- Scientifically grounded spaced repetition method
- Forces active recall (you must produce language, not just recognize it)
- No screen time required
Cons
- Limited reading and writing practice
- No visual or text-based exercises in the core method
- More expensive than most competitors
- Can feel slow-paced for impatient learners
- Dutch course has fewer levels than major languages like Spanish or French
Verdict
Pimsleur is the best choice if you want to speak Dutch with confidence. It is particularly effective when combined with a text-based app like Babbel for reading and writing skills. Try Pimsleur Dutch here.
4. Mondly – Best for Visual and Interactive Learners
Mondly offers a visually polished experience with some innovative features including augmented reality and chatbot conversations.
What Makes Mondly Stand Out
Mondly uses a conversation-first approach. Each lesson begins with a dialogue that you then break down into vocabulary and grammar exercises. The app includes a chatbot feature where you can practice text-based conversations in Dutch, and the AR feature (on supported devices) creates an immersive visual learning experience.
Pricing
- Monthly: approximately EUR 10
- Annual: approximately EUR 4 per month
- Lifetime access: sometimes available for a one-time fee during promotions
Pros
- Visually appealing and modern interface
- Chatbot feature for conversational practice
- AR and VR features for immersive learning
- Daily lessons keep you on track
- Good speech recognition
Cons
- Dutch course is less comprehensive than Babbel’s
- Grammar explanations are not as thorough
- Some content feels generic (not Dutch-specific)
- The chatbot conversations can be limited
Verdict
Mondly is a good choice if you learn best through visual and interactive content. The chatbot and AR features add engagement that other apps lack. Start learning Dutch with Mondly.
5. Rosetta Stone – Best for Immersive Learning
Rosetta Stone pioneered the immersive approach to language learning, and its Dutch course continues this philosophy: no English translations, no grammar textbooks. You learn Dutch in Dutch.
What Makes Rosetta Stone Stand Out
Every lesson uses images, audio, and context to teach you Dutch without translating back to English. The idea is to build direct associations between Dutch words and their meanings, mimicking how children learn their first language.
Pricing
- 3 months: approximately EUR 12-15 per month
- 12 months: approximately EUR 8-10 per month
- Lifetime access: approximately EUR 200 (often discounted)
Pros
- Forces you to think in Dutch from the start
- Excellent pronunciation feedback with TruAccent technology
- No reliance on English translations
- Comprehensive structured curriculum
- Live tutoring sessions available with premium plans
Cons
- The immersive method can be frustrating for beginners who want explanations
- Lessons can feel slow-paced
- Vocabulary choices are sometimes impractical
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Less effective for learners who benefit from explicit grammar instruction
Verdict
Rosetta Stone works well for learners who prefer an intuitive, immersive approach. However, most expats learning Dutch benefit from some grammar explanation, which makes Babbel a more practical choice for the majority.
6. Busuu – Best for Community-Based Learning
Busuu combines structured lessons with a unique community feature: native Dutch speakers review and correct your written and spoken exercises.
What Makes Busuu Stand Out
The standout feature is the community correction system. When you complete a writing or speaking exercise, real Dutch speakers can provide feedback on your work. This human element adds a dimension that purely algorithmic apps cannot match.
Pricing
- Free: Limited access to Dutch lessons
- Premium: approximately EUR 7-10 per month (full access + grammar, offline mode)
- Premium Plus: approximately EUR 10-13 per month (includes AI tutor and certificates)
Pros
- Native speaker corrections on your exercises
- Well-structured lesson plans aligned with CEFR levels
- AI-powered study plans
- Offline mode available
- Official certificates for completed levels
Cons
- Free version is quite limited for Dutch
- Community feedback quality varies
- Smaller Dutch-learning community compared to larger languages
- Interface is less polished than Babbel or Duolingo
Verdict
Busuu is a strong option if you value human feedback on your learning. The community corrections feature provides a level of personalization that automated apps cannot replicate.
7. italki – Best for Conversation Practice
italki is not a traditional language app. It is a platform that connects you with Dutch tutors and conversation partners for live, one-on-one video lessons.
What Makes italki Stand Out
Nothing beats talking to a real person. italki offers access to professional Dutch teachers and community tutors at a range of price points. You can book structured lessons or informal conversation practice sessions.
Pricing
- Professional teachers: approximately EUR 20-50 per hour
- Community tutors: approximately EUR 10-25 per hour
- No subscription required; pay per lesson
Pros
- Real human conversation practice (the single most effective way to improve)
- Flexible scheduling
- Wide range of tutors with different teaching styles and price points
- Personalized feedback and lesson plans
- Can focus on exactly what you need (business Dutch, exam prep, casual conversation)
Cons
- Not an app-based learning system (no gamification or structured curriculum)
- Requires scheduling and commitment
- Quality varies between tutors (read reviews carefully)
- More expensive than self-study apps if used frequently
Verdict
italki is the essential complement to any app-based learning. Use an app for daily practice and structure, and book italki sessions weekly for the conversation practice that apps simply cannot provide.
Our Recommended Learning Stack
Based on our testing, here is the combination we recommend for expats learning Dutch in the Netherlands:
For Serious Learners (Best Results)
- Babbel for daily structured lessons (15 minutes per day)
- Pimsleur for pronunciation and speaking practice (30 minutes, 3-4 times per week)
- italki for weekly conversation practice with a tutor (1 hour per week)
- Dutch podcasts and TV for passive immersion (whenever possible)
For Budget Learners (Best Free/Low-Cost Approach)
- Duolingo for daily vocabulary and grammar practice (free)
- YouTube channels (Dutch with Nienke, Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau) for video lessons (free)
- Language exchange meetups in your city (free, check Meetup.com)
- NPO Start for watching Dutch TV with subtitles (free)
For Busy Professionals (Minimum Time Investment)
- Pimsleur during your commute (30 minutes per day, no screen required)
- Duolingo for 5-minute sessions during breaks (free)
- Mondly daily lesson reminders to maintain consistency
Tips for Learning Dutch in the Netherlands
Speak Dutch even when people reply in English: The Dutch are helpful, and when they hear your accent, they often switch to English. Politely persist in Dutch. Say “Ik wil graag Nederlands oefenen” (I would like to practice Dutch).
Watch Dutch TV with subtitles: Start with English subtitles, then switch to Dutch subtitles, then try without. Shows on NPO Start are a great starting point.
Read Dutch news: NOS.nl and NU.nl are written in relatively straightforward Dutch. Use a browser extension to look up words you do not know.
Set your phone to Dutch: Immerse yourself in the language by changing the language settings on your devices.
Join a conversation group: Many libraries (bibliotheken) and community centers offer free Dutch conversation groups for newcomers.
Do not wait until you are “ready”: Start speaking from day one, even if it is just “Hallo” and “Dank je wel” at the supermarket. Every interaction builds confidence.
If you are still in the planning stages of your move, check out our complete guide to moving to the Netherlands in 2026 for everything you need to know about visas, housing, and registration.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” app for everyone. The right choice depends on your learning style, budget, and goals. What matters most is consistency: 15 minutes of daily practice with any of these apps will deliver meaningful results over time.
For most expats in the Netherlands, we recommend starting with Babbel as your primary learning tool. It offers the best balance of structure, practical content, and Dutch-specific material. Supplement it with Pimsleur for speaking practice and Duolingo for quick daily review sessions.
Whatever you choose, start today. Your future Dutch-speaking self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app to learn Dutch for complete beginners?
For complete beginners, Babbel is our top recommendation. Its structured curriculum is specifically designed for each language it teaches, so the Dutch course covers practical vocabulary and grammar from day one. The lessons are bite-sized (10-15 minutes) and build on each other logically. Duolingo is also a good free option for getting started, but Babbel provides more depth and context.
Can you become fluent in Dutch using only an app?
Apps alone will not make you fluent. They are excellent for building vocabulary, understanding grammar, and developing reading and listening skills. However, fluency requires speaking practice with real people, immersion in Dutch-language media, and consistent real-world use. We recommend combining an app with italki conversation lessons and daily exposure to Dutch through podcasts, TV, or conversations with Dutch colleagues.
Is Duolingo good enough to learn Dutch?
Duolingo is a solid free option that works well for building basic vocabulary and getting familiar with Dutch sentence structure. However, it has limitations: explanations of grammar are minimal, the content can feel repetitive, and it does not focus enough on conversational Dutch. For serious learners, we recommend using Duolingo as a supplement alongside a more structured app like Babbel or Pimsleur.
How long does it take to learn Dutch with an app?
With consistent daily practice (20-30 minutes per day), most English speakers can reach a conversational level (A2-B1) in Dutch within 6-12 months. Dutch is classified as a Category I language by the FSA, meaning it is one of the easier languages for English speakers. Using an app combined with real-world practice will accelerate your progress significantly.
Are there any free apps to learn Dutch?
Yes. Duolingo offers a complete Dutch course for free (with ads). The free version is fully functional for learning. Other apps like Mondly and Busuu offer limited free content, but their full Dutch courses require a subscription. For the best free experience, Duolingo is the clear winner.
Is Pimsleur worth the price for learning Dutch?
Pimsleur is worth the investment if your priority is speaking and pronunciation. Its audio-based method is uniquely effective for training your ear and building conversational confidence. At USD 14.95-20.99 per month, it is a premium option, but many learners find the speaking-focused approach delivers faster real-world results than text-based apps. It is particularly useful for commuters who can practice during travel.
Should I learn Dutch or is English enough in the Netherlands?
While you can survive in the Netherlands with English, especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, learning Dutch significantly improves your quality of life. It helps you read official letters and documents, connect more deeply with Dutch colleagues, navigate healthcare and government services more easily, and feel more at home. Most expats who plan to stay long-term find that learning at least basic Dutch is essential.