Growing Up Speaking Dutch: How Kids Learn the Language in the Netherlands

The Early Years: Preschool (Peuterspeelzaal)

In the Netherlands, children can start their language journey as early as age two at a peuterspeelzaal (preschool playgroup) or daycare. These preschools are almost exclusively Dutch-speaking environments (Milne, 2022). Toddlers learn through songs, stories, and play. It’s not formal instruction. But it immerses little ones in Dutch from the start.

Many Dutch parents and teachers casually introduce vocabulary by narrating daily routines. For example, they might say, “we’re putting on your jas (coat) now.” Kids pick up words naturally. By socializing with other children and singing along to Dutch nursery rhymes, even tiny tots begin absorbing the language.

For children who need extra help with Dutch at this stage, the government provides VVE (voor- en vroegschoolse educatie) programs. These are special early education initiatives focusing on language development. The Dutch government estimates that over 15% of children are at risk of a language delay. So preschools use these programs to boost kids’ Dutch skills through fun activities (Government of the Netherlands, n.d.).

If a toddler is falling behind in language, for example in an expat family that speaks another language at home, they might qualify for free preschool sessions dedicated to Dutch exposure. But generally, expat kids tend to pick up Dutch quickly once they start mixing with Dutch peers (Milne, 2022).

An English-speaking parent in Amsterdam joked that after a few weeks at preschool, her three-year-old was singing Dutch lullabies to her teddy bears. She had to use Google Translate to understand the lyrics.

Primary School (Basisschool)

Starting at age four, children move on to basisschool (primary school). Most already have a basic Dutch vocabulary from preschool. The playgroup experience helps ease that transition by providing a familiar Dutch-speaking setting (Milne, 2022).

By the first day of primary school, it’s common to see kids confidently shouting “Hoi!” (hi) to their new classmates. They are already comfortable with Dutch as the language of play.

From group 1 to group 8 (ages 4 to 12), students receive structured Dutch lessons focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Reading instruction typically starts around group 3 (age 6). The popular method “Veilig Leren Lezen” (Learning to Read Safely) is widely used. It introduces phonics-based literacy in a systematic way (CITO, 2021).

Dutch schools emphasize vocabulary acquisition early on. Children learn new words through books, classroom discussions, and subject-based learning. By the end of primary school, they are expected to read independently, write short stories or reports, and engage in classroom debates.

For children who are new to the Netherlands and don’t speak Dutch, many schools offer language immersion classes or newcomer programs called schakelklassen. These focus intensively on learning Dutch so children can join regular classes as soon as possible (Dutch Ministry of Education, 2022).

Secondary School and Beyond

After primary school, children move to voortgezet onderwijs (secondary education). Here, Dutch becomes more academic. Students analyze texts, learn grammar rules, and write essays. They are also expected to express themselves clearly in speech and writing.

For teenagers who didn’t grow up speaking Dutch, this level can be tough. But extra support is available, including tutoring and language-focused bridging years.

At all levels, the goal is fluency. The Dutch education system builds Dutch skills progressively. From songs in preschool to essays in high school, kids develop strong, confident Dutch.

Want to Learn Like a Native?

You might be older than a Dutch toddler, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow their lead. Surround yourself with the language. Read children’s books. Sing along to Dutch songs. Practice your vocabulary in real-life settings.

Need help getting started? Try our Dutch Fluency App for engaging, personalized practice. Or join our group lessons to learn Dutch with others in a supportive setting. We even offer trial lessons if you want to dip your toe in first.

By learning how Dutch children pick up the language, you can build your own path to fluency—step by step.

References

CITO. (2021). Veilig Leren Lezen. Retrieved from https://www.cito.nl

Government of the Netherlands. (n.d.). Voor- en vroegschoolse educatie (VVE). Retrieved from https://www.rijksoverheid.nl

Milne, M. (2022). How kids in the Netherlands learn Dutch. Expatica. Retrieved from https://www.expatica.com

Dutch Ministry of Education. (2022). Newcomer Education in the Netherlands.