Learn Dutch with Movies & TV Shows
Dutch is one of the closest languages to English, so you already have a head start. Streaming Dutch shows lets you hear how similar words actually sound in conversation. Wordy tracks every new word you pick up, turning binge-watching into real progress.
Why Learn Dutch?
Closest relative to English
Dutch shares more vocabulary and grammar with English than almost any other language. You will recognize words like "water," "appel," and "boek" on day one.
Gateway to living in Netherlands
While most Dutch people speak English, employers and social circles strongly prefer people who speak Dutch. Learning even basic Dutch changes how locals treat you entirely.
Unlock Flemish culture too
Dutch is also the official language of Flanders in Belgium and Suriname. That gives you access to a wider cultural world, from Flemish comedy to Surinamese literature.
How to Learn Dutch with Wordy
Three steps to start picking up Dutch from real movies and shows.
Pick a Movie or Show
Browse Dutch content from our library of 15,000+ clips or connect your streaming service.
Watch and Tap Words
Tap any word in the subtitles for instant translation. Save words you want to remember.
Review with Flashcards
Practice saved vocabulary with spaced repetition flashcards linked to the original scene.
Popular Dutch Content for Learning
Great Dutch movies and shows to get you started.
Undercover
A Belgian-Dutch crime drama with gripping dialogue that mixes standard Dutch with Flemish expressions.
Black Book
Paul Verhoeven's WWII thriller features clear, dramatic Dutch that is easier to follow than casual speech.
Flikken Maastricht
A long-running police procedural with everyday Dutch dialogue, perfect for learning practical vocabulary.
Character
This Oscar-winning film uses formal and informal Dutch registers, great for understanding tone differences.
Ferry
A spinoff from Undercover with street-level Dutch and Belgian slang that teaches you how people really talk.
Tips for Learning Dutch from Movies
Lean on English cognates
Hundreds of Dutch words look and sound like English words. When you encounter a new word in a show, check if it resembles an English word first. Words like "beginnen," "drinken," and "probleem" are exactly what they look like.
Master the "g" and "r" sounds
The guttural Dutch "g" is the biggest pronunciation hurdle for English speakers. Listen carefully to how actors produce it and practice mimicking the throat position. Getting this right early makes everything else easier.
Learn word order rules from dialogue
Dutch has a verb-second rule in main clauses and verb-final order in subclauses. This feels backwards at first. Watching how characters build their sentences in real time helps you internalize the pattern much faster than textbook drills.
Dutch Fun Facts
Dutch has a unique letter combination, "ij," that is sometimes treated as a single letter. When capitalizing a word that starts with "ij," both letters get capitalized, like "IJsselmeer" (Taalunie, Dutch Language Union).
The Dutch word "gezellig" has no direct English translation. It roughly means a warm, cozy, convivial atmosphere, and the Dutch consider it central to their culture (BBC Culture).
Afrikaans, spoken by about 7 million people in South Africa, evolved directly from 17th-century Dutch. Dutch speakers can often understand Afrikaans with minimal effort (Ethnologue).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Dutch?
How long does it take to learn Dutch?
The FSI estimates 575 to 600 class hours for English speakers. That is one of the shortest timelines for any language. Many learners reach conversational ability within 6 to 8 months of regular practice.
Is Dutch easy to learn for English speakers?
Is Dutch easy to learn for English speakers?
Yes, Dutch is considered one of the easiest languages for English speakers. It belongs to the same Germanic language family and shares a huge amount of vocabulary and grammar. The hardest parts are pronunciation, especially the guttural "g" sound.
Can I learn Dutch just by watching TV shows?
Can I learn Dutch just by watching TV shows?
Watching Dutch shows builds strong listening skills and teaches natural phrasing. You will still need to practice speaking and study some grammar separately. Wordy helps bridge the gap by turning passive watching into active vocabulary building.
What is the difference between Dutch and Flemish?
What is the difference between Dutch and Flemish?
Flemish is a variety of Dutch spoken in Belgium. The written standard is nearly identical, but pronunciation and some vocabulary differ. Think of it like British English versus American English. Watching both Dutch and Flemish shows on Wordy helps you get comfortable with both.
Start Learning Dutch Today
Download Wordy and learn Dutch from your favorite movies and TV shows. Free to start.