365 Days in the Garden
Learning to Speak Dutch
Three milestones I’ve reached along the way
People have told me that learning a new language at my age is difficult. They have also said that Dutch is difficult.
Both are true, but it is also true that learning Dutch is fun.
I can’t claim to speak Dutch yet, but I have hit some milestones that I think are meaningful. They make me feel as though I’m making useful progress.
- I can read a menu in Dutch and, with more than 90% accuracy, know what is available.
- I can ask for what I want in stores and exchange simple pleasantries such as, “Thank you” and “Have a nice weekend.”
- I can understand directions, both when I am taking public transportation and when I am using the Dutch GPS app for biking.
When moving to a new country, it is also important to learn about the culture. I’ve learned enough to give advice when friends come to visit!