The best apps to learn Dutch: what to look for, and what no app does

What to look for in an app to learn Dutch — active recall, spaced review, audio, sentences — the kinds of app on offer, what each is good for, and how to combine an app with the things no app does.

Updated · 3 min read

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The Dom Tower of Utrecht seen from the Oudegracht canal
Photo: Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized.

There are many apps that teach Dutch, and they are good at different things. Rather than rank them, this guide sets out what makes an app actually work — so you can judge any of them in a week — and how to fill the gaps no app fills.

What to look for: you produce the answer (type or say it), not just pick it; spaced review brings back what you are about to forget; audio for every word; sentences, not only words; and a path that follows the CEFR levels (A1 → B1) or your exam.

The kinds of app

KindStrong atWatch out for
Gamified courses (e.g. Duolingo’s Dutch course)a daily habit, beginner sentencesmultiple choice that feels easier than it is
Structured course apps (e.g. Babbel offers Dutch)grammar explained in lessonsless daily recall of vocabulary
Flashcard apps (e.g. Anki, with shared decks)your own words, spaced reviewyou build or choose the cards yourself
Vocabulary trainers (e.g. 16Word)active recall of words and sentences by topic and levelyou still need speaking practice
Podcast and video appslisteningpassive unless you repeat out loud

What 16Word does

  • You type or say the Dutch for a prompt in your own language — 36 languages to learn from.
  • 16 words at a time, with a game of Blocks between answers so they stick, and spaced review of the ones you missed.
  • Tracks beyond words: sentences, dialogues, travel situations, proverbs, A1 to B2 — and an inburgering vocabulary path of 40 sets.
  • Free to start; every track has a free first page.

What it does not do: it cannot hold a conversation with you or correct your free writing — for that you need a person.

What no app does

  • Conversation. Book a weekly lesson — on Edluxio you can find teachers and professionals in many fields, with a trial lesson and full refund — or join a language café.
  • Exam format. Use DUO’s free practice exams and the NT2 practice environment — see free resources.
  • Grammar you understand. Read one guide at a time: word order, de or het, the perfect.

A week to test any app

  1. Use it 10 minutes a day for a week.
  2. On day 7, without the app, write ten words you learned — with de or het.
  3. Say three sentences out loud using them.
  4. If you can’t, the app is entertaining you, not teaching you.

Try active recall

16Word makes you produce every answer — typed or spoken — with audio and a game break between answers. Free to start.

Keep learning

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best app to learn Dutch?

The one you use every day that makes you produce answers — typing or saying them — with spaced review, audio and sentences. Combine it with conversation practice and the official practice exams.

Is Duolingo good for learning Dutch?

Duolingo has a Dutch course that is good for a daily habit and beginner sentences. Add active recall of vocabulary, grammar explanations and speaking practice with a person.

Can an app get me to B1?

An app can carry your vocabulary and sentences a long way; B1 also needs listening, writing practice and real conversation.

Is there an app for the inburgering exam?

16Word has an inburgering vocabulary path of 40 sets; for the exam format itself, use DUO's free A2 practice exams and the Staatsexamen NT2 practice environment.

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