Product Description

Intermediate Dutch is designed for learners who have achieved a basic proficiency and wish to refine their knowledge of grammatical structures.

This Workbook, along with its companion volume Basic Dutch, provides clear and concise summaries of the essential points of Dutch grammar as well as opportunities to practice using the structures of the language. Building on the lessons of Basic Dutch, each of the twenty-four units presents a grammatical topic with an introduction and overview, followed by contextualized exercises to reinforce learning.

Features include:

• a clear accessible format
• many useful language examples
• abundant exercises with a full answer key
• frequent references to English grammar
• an appendix on irregular verbs
• an index of grammatical keywords.

Suitable for independent learners and students on taught courses, Intermediate Dutch, together with its sister volume Basic Dutch, forms a structured course in the essentials of Dutch grammar.

Product Description
The most commonly used Dutch verbs are presented, one to a page, completely conjugated, and arranged alphabetically for quick and easy reference. Commonly used Dutch idioms that use a verb are presented at the bottom of the page of the appropriate verb. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Small and possibly outdated...
I realize the title says only 201 Dutch verbs, but this book is tiny and is lacking in other aspects compared to the 501 German Verbs book.The German book has lots of charts and appendices with all sorts of explanations related to verbs.I figured that 201 Dutch Verbs might have similar features, but it does not.I have yet to extensively use the book, so I am wondering if the verbs contained in the book will all be useful.However, on a positive note, it takes up much less space than 501 German Verbs and I find the size of it adorable, which is fitting because I find the Dutch language adorable compared to German in general.I am extremely glad to see that the conjugations include the question form for the second person informal singular (i.e. "kun je").Its not entirely this book's fault that it pales in comparison to 501 German Verbs.Interest in Dutch is not that big.Plus, the German book is on its third edition and this book is sadly still on its first (from 1979).This is a little worrisome considering the spelling changes Dutch has undergone since, but so far I haven't run into any trouble.Cross your fingers that the publisher realizes that a second edition is long overdue.(Or even better that they upgrade it from 201 to 501 Dutch verbs!)

Very small text
A warning. This book does not have the same size font as the "501 Verbs" books that you find in other languages (eg, "501 Spanish Verbs," "501 German Verbs," etc.) The text in "201 Dutch Verbs" is extremely tiny. If you're over the age of 30 or so, you'll need a magnifying glass to make use of this book.

Invaluable reference
Agree with all the other reviewers, this is a vital reference for learning Dutch.Of particular benefit are the complete listing of separable verbs, which is one of the more difficult areas of Dutch grammar for English speakers to learn.

A must for learning Dutch
There are very few resources for learning Dutch and even fewer good resources. However, this book is a must, it has grammar elements in the front, goes through the verbs, and then ends with a list of 1500 verbs. If you are truely serious about learning Dutch this is a book that needs to be included in your studies.

Pefect reference (Een leuk en hulpzaam boek, Henry)
That's really amazing book that will help you to avoid tricky moments in Dutch language (and there is a lot of them).

Together with this book i would also recommend to buy grammar book
"Essential Dutch Grammar ". Also from Henry Stern.

This two books are perfect combination for beginners and intermediate levelusers (can I say it like that?). This books are in my collection and i for sure not gonna sell it in next 10 years. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

A very good phrase book
In short, I use many phrase books for different languages, and this one was very good and worth the price.

A pretty decent phrasebook for those pressed for time
This pithy phrasebook is ideal for someone who just needs to get by in Dutch. Dutch is not a particularly difficult language for English speakers, so that helps. Other than tourist oriented sentences and an index, the only other material is a table that explicates pronounciation. Again, no big deal here. Pretty much anything a tourist might need to say is here.

The only things that might make it better would be a crash course on conjugating verbs, and a glossary at the back for supplementary vocabulary.

A pretty decent phrasebook for those pressed for time
This pithy phrasebook is ideal for someone who just needs to get by in Dutch. Dutch is not a particularly difficult language for English speakers, so that helps. Other than tourist oriented sentences and an index, the only other material is a table that explicates pronounciation. Again, no big deal here. Pretty much anything a tourist might need to say is here.

The only things that might make it better would be a crash course on conjugating verbs, and a glossary at the back for supplementary vocabulary. ... Read more

Product Description
Dutch is spoken by 23 million people, mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium, and is an official EU language. For English speakers, written Dutch can be fairly straightforward to pick up, although the pronunciation can be more of a challenge. This simple guidebook and audio CD covers Dutch grammar, pronunciation and everyday phrases, making this vibrant language more accessible to English speakers - whether you're just visiting or planning to stay on a long-term basis."Dutch For Dummies" is the essential guide for everyone from students and holidaymakers, to those wanting to speak Dutch for business purposes. From numbers and vocabulary to greetings, popular expressions and proper etiquette, this clear, easy-to-follow guide will have you speaking Dutch like a native in no time. "Dutch For Dummies" includes: audio CD to assist learning; introductory grammar and vocabulary; meeting and getting to know people; dining out, shopping, leisure time and the workplace; dealing with emergencies; and tips on how to pick up Dutch quickly. ... Read more

Product Description
[Dutch Translation]*****Leo Tolstoy, or Count Lyev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (Russian: ?e? ??????????? ????????(help·info), Russian pronunciation: September 9 [O.S. August 28] 1828 - November 20 [O.S. November 7] 1910), was a Russian writer widely regarded as the greatest of novelists. His masterpieces War and Peace and Anna Karenina represent in their scope, breadth and vivid depiction of 19th-century Russian life and attitudes, the peak of realist fiction.Tolstoy's further talents as essayist, dramatist, and educational reformer made him the most influential member of the aristocratic Tolstoy family. His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.*****CD-ROM Edition No illustrations, not an audio CD, not a DVD, produced in a Microsoft Word Compatible format for reading, printing, copying, searching, re-selling or research. ... Read more

Product Description
Dutch is a Germanic language spoken in the Netherlands, the northern part of Belgium (also called Flemish there) and parts of Suriname. It is the ancestor language of the Afrikaans spoken in South Africa, which is still quite similar to Dutch.

Learn quick, concise, Dutch phrases! Whether you're going on a vacation, communicating with friends or co-workers or just living in an area of the country with a high Dutch speaking population, this book can help you to understand. Here's a short and simple list of what you will find inside this little gem: PRONUNCIATION / COMMON EVERYDAY PHRASES / ENCOUNTERING PROBLEMS PHRASES / NUMBERS / TIME / COLORS / TRANSPORTATION / ASKING DIRECTIONS / HAILING A TAXI CAB / LODGING & ACCOMODATION / MONEY / DINING & EATING OUT / VISITING BARS & PUBS / SHOPPING / AUTOMOTIVE & DRIVING / DEALING WITH POLICE & AUTHORITIES / COUNTRY NAMES ... Read more

Product Description
This Conversational program contains 8 hours of interactive audio-only instruction, effective language learning with real-life spoken practice sessions.

The Pimsleur Method provides the most effective language-learning program ever developed. The Pimsleur Method gives you quick command of Dutch structure without tedious drills. Learning to speak Dutch can actually be enjoyable and rewarding.

The key reason most people struggle with new languages is that they aren't given proper instruction, only bits and pieces of a language. Other language programs sell only these pieces -- dictionaries; grammar books and instructions; lists of hundreds or thousands words and definitions; audios containing useless drills. They leave it to you to assemble these pieces as you try to speak. Pimsleur enables you to spend your time learning to speak the language rather than just studying its parts.

When you were learning English, could you speak before you knew how to conjugate verbs? Of course you could. That learning process is what Pimsleur replicates. Pimsleur presents the whole language as one integrated piece so you can succeed.

With Pimsleur you get:

• Grammar and vocabulary taught together in everyday conversation,
• Interactive audio-only instruction that teaches spoken language organically,
• The flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere,
• 30-minute lessons designed to optimize the amount of language you can learn in one sitting.

Millions of people have used Pimsleur to gain real conversational skills in new languages quickly and easily, wherever and whenever -- without textbooks, written exercises, or drills.

Conversational Dutch includes the 10 lessons from Pimsleur's Basic Dutch plus an additional 6 lessons.

The 16 lessons in Conversational Dutch are the same first 16 lessons in the Pimsleur Comprehensive Dutch Level 1. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

where's the booklet?
I have been enjoying the CD's but when I got to Lesson 11, it referred to a booklet.There was no booklet with the CDs.So, I called the 800 number on the box and requested that they send it to me.I received it about a week later.Unfortunately, the booklet doesn't match the CD.I am not pleased that I had to request the booklet in the first place.I am seriously annoyed that I still don't have the right book! ... Read more

Product Description

Discover the language-learning method millions around the world have come to trust

Unlike most language-learning systems, Michel Thomas Method Dutch Advanced enables you to naturally and intuitively develop the building blocks for language comprehension. With this advanced course, you can strengthen your skillsquickly and easily by listening, speaking, and thinking through Dutch. Guided by a language instructor and native speakers, Michel Thomas Method Dutch Advanced takes you through an interactive lesson with two other students. In less than five hours, you will have the ability to speak and understand advanced Dutch confidently and easily.

Customer Reviews (1)

Useful and Effective
For me, this is easily the most usable and helpful recorded material beyond basic available in the US. The focus of this series on structure is more appropriate to my needs than the stilted conversations on other CDs.As with the more basic set, you will need to augment vocabulary from another source, not to much of an issue.My only real complaint would be that, while there is a great deal of time spent on verb forms and tenses(and quite helpful it is), there isn't any discussion about when it is appropriate to use which tense.Even so I am pleased with this resource. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An okay language learning product
Dutch is an interesting language, and this Language/30 product is not bad.It could be better, though.I have learned from this program, but it is not the only source that I rely on.Two native speakers recite the language--a man and a woman.The man's voice is not well suited to language learning because he has a deep voice and does not speak clearly.The woman's voice is fine, though--it is higher and clear.The sounds are the essential part of the language, and it would have been better had both speakers not spoken so fast.A facet of this program that is helpful is that the target phrases are spoken twice.The book that comes with the two cassettes contains a section that consists of three pages of basic Dutch grammar.This Language/30 product does not provide the basics of the language, but I still use it and consider it to have some merit.It has given me an idea of what the Dutch language is like.Actually, I rate it 2.5 stars.

Excellent start for learning native colloquial dutch
I found the tapes to be very useful, and the pronunciation examples went over extremely well with my Dutch friends I tried them out on.You're not going to learn to speak fluent Dutch from these tapes, but you should be able to say "good morning" and "thank you" and ask for directions to the train station after listening to these tapes.

I AM a linguist, I've studied a lot of germanic languages and historical linguistics and phonology, so your mileage may vary -I didn't use the books much but chose to listen to the tapes since that's how I learn best.

Not a bad value, but a bit tedious
This set is a decent value. For your money, you get a fairly broad range of phrases and vocabulary. However, the organization of information assumes that you can keep interest listening to a bunch of discrete phrases repeated one after the other with no conversations or anything remotelynatural. If you can, in fact, maintain interest while listening to thesetapes repeatedly, then you'll do well with this set. If, on the other hand,you need something more dynamic, you might do well to look elsewhere.

Dutch: Language/30
The book that comes with the cassettes contains many helpful phrases (especially for the traveler), as well as some basic vocabulary.Upon review of the phrase book with my native Dutch friend, however, we foundsome of the phoenetic translations to be inaccurate and confusing.In afew cases, the pronunciation interpretation was exactly the same as theDutch word which I didn't find very helpful.For instance, the word for"rice" is spelled "rijst" in Dutch and thepronunciation was given as "rijst".Hmmm... I need a little moreof a road map.In another instance, "chocolate", spelled as"chocolade" is translated to be pronounced as"shoh-koh-lah", and according to my friend, the end part of theword is missing... it should be:"shoh-koh-lah-de". In allhonesty, I haven't checked out the cassettes, but in my opinion, an easilyunderstandable book is imperative since it is something that one would relyupon while "on the road"!I am in search of a better referencewith more phrases and easily decipherable pronunciations. ... Read more

Product Description

A lively, practical way to develop and improve basic foreign language skills

This audio-based language series from Teach Yourself is an entertaining, non-intimidating way for you to begin building conversational proficiency. Each course covers ten key situations—from greetings and buying food and drink to shopping, asking for directions, and visiting locals—and includes two conversations per topic. The explanations and instructions are simple and bite-size, making this a very accessible program.

Customer Reviews (6)

Useful and entertaining
Through short and useful conversations that will be surely necessary for everyone that travels in Netherlands, you can learn dutch using three cds and a 40-page booklet.The only disadvantage is that the numbers are not written as words with letters so it's difficult to learn them.

Save your money, get Pimsleur
I've been studying Italian in the car using the Pimsleur CDs for the past couple of months and have loved that language course.Trying this after the Pimsleur was a huge disappointment. I've just listened to the first of the three CDs and these are my issues with it:

1. You cannot properly study language in the car with this set as it requires a lot of pausing and repeating. The course basically requires you to drive it, and in the car I don't have the luxury of being able to focus on that, and also I do not even have a pause button in the car CD player.

2. By requiring the user to control the amount of repetitions, the course actually puts responsibility on the student, instead of an expert language teacher, to figure out how much repetition is necessary. I found myself simply listening to the whole thing, and rarely repeating any lessons because I felt they were easy enough that repetition was unnecessary. However, true language acquisition happens only through repetition, so much repetition that the phrases become second nature. Additionally, it's not enough for you to repeat the same conversation over and over - there needs to be some variation so that your brain is sufficiently engaged. Unfortunately, this course does not provide repetition with the variation that is necessary.

3. The course tells you in English what you need to say in Dutch, and then it speaks the correct Dutch sentence after you. However, it does not allow you time to repeat the Dutch sentence you heard. Thus, you only get that one first chance to say the sentence the way you think it should be, and never to correct yourself. Maybe the author of the course was hoping people would make use of their pause button here to stop the CD as needed. But I need the teacher to teach me, not rely on me to know when to pause and what to do to learn the language.

4. There is A LOT of talking in English in this course. The CD explains all sorts of linguistic, grammatical, and cultural points, without letting the student simply SPEAK. Isn't the point of the course to learn to SPEAK the language? I found myself listening for long periods, then saying a short sentence here and there, and then listening again for a long time. This is hardly a satisfying way to learn. I was eager to speak, and the CD was not giving me the chance.

5. Before each conversation is played, the course breaks down the sentences into individual words and translates them. This is unnecessary, even silly. Words like articles, prepositions, things that are very much context dependent, are given to you before you actually hear the context.

CONCLUSION: If it's cheap, there's a reason for it. Stay away from cheap language courses. Get the real deal at the library and it won't cost you a penny. Pimsleur is the way to go.

Good
You need a a bit of a vocabulary to use this - but if you do - it mnoves nicely.

Good Source For Studying Dutch in the Car
I enjoyed learning Dutch will driving on the way to work. Sometimes the words are spoken too fast so it is good that you can pause and replay it. This tape is written more toward someone in living in England but is just as applicable for the American.

Save Yourself Some Serious, Hard-Earned Money!
It is totally, absolutely, never-in-a-lifetime possible to learn Dutch from just a book and/or CDs.Period.Full stop. ... Read more

Product Description
This is going to be brief. I don't want to waste any of your valuable time on huge amounts of 'explanation text'. So, if you have been looking for an easy to read and understand guide that will give you some short, but effective Dutch phrases you can use when travelling, this is your solution! But, it's not just for when you're planning a trip to a Dutch speaking region though because..............

EVEN IF YOU JUST WANT TO LEARN SOME CONVERSATIONAL DUTCH TO COMMUNICATE WITH FRIENDS OR CO-WORKERS THIS GUIDE WILL HELP YOU!

If you want to learn quick, concise, Dutch phrases, then this is the ebook guide for you! Whether you're going on a vacation, or just living in an area of the country with a high Dutch speaking population, this little 'MiniBook' can help you to understand some things you couldn't before and actually have small conversations with other 'Dutch-speakers'. Here's a short and simple list of what you will find inside this little gem:


Learn Basic Coversational Phrases Like: 'How Are You?', 'My Name Is', 'What Is Your Name?', 'Do You Speak English?', 'Hello', 'Goodbye', 'Please', 'Thank You', 'I Don't Understand', and Many Others


Pronunciation Tables For Vowels, Consonants, and Diphthongs In The Italian Language


Learn How To Say Specific Words Such As: Colors, Telling Time, Days of the Week, Months, Plus Numbers and Counting


Learn Helpful Travelling Phrases Like How To Hail A Taxi Cab, How To Ask Questions Regarding Bus and Train Travel, And Great Phrases To Help You Ask For Directions


Learn How To Ask About Hotel Accomodations, How To Order Specific Food And Drink In A Restaraunt, And Even Questions About What Types of Payments Are Accepted! ... Read more

Product Description

Dutch: A Comprehensive Grammar is a complete reference guide to modern Dutch grammar. This completely updated new edition covers the new spelling system introduced in 1997 and the latest reform of 2005. A new section covers modal particles.

Concentrating on the real patterns of use in modern Dutch through lively and accessible descriptions of the language, the Grammar is an essential reference source for the learner of Dutch, irrespective of level. It is ideal for use in schools, colleges, universities and adult classes of all types as well as being indispensable to those teaching themselves.

The volume is organized to promote a thorough understanding of Dutch grammar. It offers a stimulating analysis of the complexities of the language, and provides full and clear explanations. Throughout, the emphasis is on Dutch as used by present-day native-speakers. An extensive index and numbered paragraphs provide readers with easy access to the information they require.

Features include:

• detailed treatment of the common grammatical structures and parts of speech

• extensive exemplification

• particular attention to areas of confusion and difficulty

• Dutch-English parallels highlighted throughout the book

Customer Reviews (7)

For intermediate learners, yes, but still comprehensive
English-speaking learners of Dutch are done a great service by Bruce Donaldson. His comprehensive grammar [which I recommend be used in conjunction with the Routledge Essential Dutch Grammar and Dutch-English Dictionary] lives up to its name with its enormous scope, but unfortunately for the beginner, does away with the absolute basics and assumes that the reader already has these covered. Donaldson covers all manner of idiomatic usage in the book [particularly his extremely useful section on prepositions], though he unfortunately steers clear of modal particles. He explains away some constructions by recommending a parrot-fashion approach, but for the most part is very good at clarifying peculiar usages. For those interested in taking their Dutch explorations a step further, Kevin Cook's Dubbel Dutch serves as an excellent follow up to this volume [if you are: a. able to get your hands on it and b. willing to foot its price tag]

PS: The discrepancy in price between hardcover and paperback editions of this book is absurd. Stick to paperback.

Strictly Pedagogical
The following review refers to the first edition:

This grammar is directed primarily at the intermediate student of the language, and in serving that audience, fails on two counts to earn the descriptor 'comprehensive'. In the first place, it assumes, especially with regard to phonology and graphology, that the reader is already substantially versed in the Dutch standard, and provides description only of points troublesome to a reader with such knowledge. It also fails to provide full treatment of forms deemed unusual or archaic, believing them to fall outside the range of interest of its intended audience, which demands a rough-and-ready practical description of contemporary Dutch usage. It is that which this grammar provides, not comprehensive description of the Dutch language.

Best Dutch Grammer I Could Have Hoped For
Over 30 years ago when I tried to learn the basics of the Dutch language in-country, there was nothing like this available. It was a struggle, particularly so when you're butchering the basics and kindly Dutch folks inevitably say, "Why don't we just speak English?" (which they do ever so well).

Ah, but now I'm older and wise enough to have picked up Donaldson's superb Dutch grammar for another go at the subject, this time in the warmer clime of the Dutch West Indies.

It's still a struggle, but thanks to this great resource, the "Why don't we just ..." questions come far less frequently. Reading Donaldson's "Comprehensive Grammar" is actually (amazingly) pleasureable and a good thing, too, since that's likely to be a daily affair for those who really want to learn this complicated "keel ziekte". A bit pricy, sure, but a great value, indispensible for the likes of me.

THE book you need
I totally agree with the other reviews about the value of this book. I have (and still use) Henry Stern's Dutch grammar book, but was to the point where I needed more information. Well, I sure got it! I was searching for something good but not quite as expensive as this book, but finally broke down and got it. It's well worth the cost.
I do think this should not be the choice for beginners, but for advanced learners that want the info without having to wade through reading a grammar book in Dutch I give it two thumbs up... heck, I'll borrow my Dutch boyfriend's thumbs and go for four thumbs up.

Bruce Donaldson's other book, Beyond the Dictionary in Dutch, is also awesome and great for someone with a little experience in the language.

Susanne Spangler

The most useful Dutch grammar you will ever need
Somewhere out there there may be a more comprehensive Dutch grammar for English speakers, but you won't need it unless you are a scholar. This book covers pretty much every useful grammatical topic you will need for learning Dutch. Thankfully, Dutch is not a particularly difficult language for English speakers, so that fact helps keep the size of this grammar manageable. Any assiduous student should be able to master it in less that six months. After reading it you should be able to read any newspaper; and although speaking is a totally different animal, there is no reason you should not have a good grounding in speaking proper Dutch. The book, however, does not delve into colloquialisms to a great degree. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed to be a child's very first foreign language dictionary (5-10 years). 500 entries, each accompanied by a large illustration. ... Read more

Product Description
Canals, coffee shops and kunst (art) - let this phrasebook guide you past tulips and clogs to some real conversation. Dutch is not as hard as they say, and this book proves it. Go on, doe maar! (give it a go!). Open this phrasebook and dive into the culture of both the Netherlands and Belgium.

Our phrasebooks give you a comprehensive mix of practical and social words and phrases in more than 120 languages. Chat with the locals and discover their culture - a guaranteed way to enrich your travel experience.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very handy and a good starting point
This is a well organized phrasebook with useful language content and enjoyable cultural asides, for example explaining the origins and celebration of Sinterklaas. I would not hesitate to recommend it to someone interested in learning Dutch or simply visiting the Netherlands for a short time, particularly if they plan on traveling outside of Amsterdam.

Key features:
* Short introduction to Dutch grammar. This should be read to gain an understanding of the basic structure of the Dutch language, but bear in mind this is a very brief grammar introduction included to familiarize readers to the content that follows.
* Both Flemish (Belgian Dutch) and Dutch versions of common words are noted where differences exist.
* A culinary dictionary dedicated solely to food and dining related words.
* Well organized, color coded sections with side labels for quick reference.
* Included English-Dutch and Dutch-English dictionary in the back. The entries do mention whether the Dutch word is a 'de' (gendered) or 'het' (neuter) noun, indicated by a gray 'n' for neuter words.

Overall this phrasebook serves its purpose well. There are a few instances of words that are not commonly used and some phrases in the social section that are rarely used in English, let alone Dutch, particularly on the pick up lines and romance pages. However these are easily spotted and fun to read aloud to a Dutch friend for a laugh.

Some advice on using this or any phrasebook: You're not going to have time once you're in a situation to flip through and find what you need unless it's simply looking up a word, so review the applicable section for an upcoming situation ahead of time.

Finally, bear in mind that almost everyone in the Netherlands understands at least basic English, and the majority both understand and speak English quite well. This is particularly true in Amsterdam, where many people will speak English to you by default. You will also find most menu cards in Amsterdam to be in English. However this is not to say you will not encounter plenty of Dutch on other signage and in other situations, making this book handy to have in any situation.

Well-organized phrasebook - should be a pleasure to use
I bought a lightly used copy of this phrasebook in anticipation of moving overseas next year.The book is well-organized and features lots of background information within each chapter - about the different types of cafes and restaurants you're likely to encounter, for example, or popular holiday traditions.

Pick up a copy and it should serve you well.Happy travels!

Easy to Use Phrase book
I have several Dutch phrasebooks and this is the latest one I bought and the best. I would say if it isn't the best itis one of the best dutch phrasebooks out there. I recomend this book for people moving to the Netherlands or even if they are staying for a short stay. Yes, most all Dutch can speak a good amount of English but you get really far with them if you at least try to speak Dutch. There is a food section that I found helpful several times when the waiter or waitress doesn't know what the item is in English. It also includes and English-Dutch dictionary in the back. It has great phrases from going to the bank to hanving sex with them written out in Dutch and then again in English. Make sure to purchase for you trip to The Netherlands.

More info
A phrasebook to a perennial European favourite that's changing rapidly. This simple pronunciation guide offers intuitive navigation for finding the right phrase. It includes a two-way dictionary packed with 3,500 words. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great dictionary at a great price!
This is a really great dictionary at a great price! Not sure why it's so much less expensive than the others, it's quite comprehensive and user-friendly!

Disappointed
When you're selecting a translation dictionary you want one that has a large vocabulary.This one seems to, but disappoints big time since it doesn't have many, many commonly-used verb- and noun-forms.

This dictionary is neither up-to-date nor complete
Rijckaert, Arseen,Hippocrene Standard Dictionary: Dutch: New York, NY, Hippocrene Books, Inc., 1997 (Originally published as Nederlands-Engels/Engels-Nederlands Zakwoordenboek, Antwerpen, StandaardUitgeverij (c) 1979, 1993.)

I give this dictionary a 1 rather than a 2.First, it is not up-to-date. The publication date by Hippocrene books is1997, which would make you think it is reasonably contemporary. It turnsoutthat this is a reprint of a Belgian publication, copyright 1979, 1993,the 1993 being obviously merely a copyright renewal. Effectively, nothingin this dictionary could be after the 1970s. This means that locutions thathave come into use since that time, such as ''diss``, or ''loonytunes``, or''internet``, do not appear in this book. Second, it is incomplete. Evenexpressions that became common in the 1950s, such as ''far out`` , or''disco`` and ''discotheque`` , are not there. There is NOTHING aboutcomputers, not even the word ''computer``. Forget about ''byte`` or''database``. ''Data`` appears in the Dutch-English section, but not in theEnglish-Dutch section. The same is true of Dutch words. There are wordsthat would have been considered vulgar when I was a young man, but that arenow in such common use that they appear without comment in The Netherlands'most prestigious newspaper, NRC Handelsblad. These are words like''oudehoeren`` as in the expression, ''Zij stonden te oudehoeren (They werestanding around shooting the breeze)``, or ''belazerd``, as in ''Ben jebelazerd? (What! Are you crazy?)``.

I quote Dr. Johnson: ''Dictionariesare like watches: the worst is better than none, and the best cannot beexpected to go quite true.`` He was talking about 18th Century watches, ofcourse, not the quartz crystal wonders of today. By that standard, thisdictionary is of the worst-is-better-than-none type, something likeacheap children's watch made by slave labor in China, that stops working aweek after you buy it.

Difficult type to read and no Dutch pronunciation
Very difficult to read the type, especially the Dutch section. Seems to be geared toward Dutch speakers wanting to translate into English. Pronunciation is only given for English words. Comprehensive and reasonably priced, but I'll be looking for a different dictionary. ... Read more

Product Description
book2 - is available in many languages - is ideal for beginners - has 100 short and easy chapters - corresponds to the European levels A1 and A2 - requires no prior knowledge of grammar - covers the basic vocabulary - uses simple structures to help you learn a language - helps you to speak complete sentences immediately - applies the latest memory research All downloads can be accessed at www.book2.de.The audio files are available free of charge at www.book2.de. ... Read more

Product Description
Berlitz redefines the phrase book with these completely revised and redesigned full-color editions of the world's best-selling collection. Features: More than 8,000 words and phrases arranged by topic for fast and easy communication. Up-to-date language and situations.Easy, effective Berlitz pronunciation system.Comprehensive menu reader.Valuable language and culture tips.New color photos throughout.Conveniently sized for pocket or purse. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Dutch phrases really good
The book is aptly titled and has proved quite useful to me in navigating the dutch language.

the worst language study guide I ever bought
I bought this book because it was the cheapest one on the shelf and I regreting now spending those meager 15 bucks. The only good thing about it (hence one star) is it's size. (didn't take much space in the baggage) While in amsterdam I couldn't even translate road signs. Anyway, save your money for pimsleur. Most of the dutch speak excellent english, however, they do speak dutch between themselves, and if you don't want to be left out. You would need a more comprehesive study guide.

helpful for traveling abroad
I am a student, who is traveling to belgium and the netherlands this summer, so i thought i would learn some french and dutch basics.the berlitz dutch phrase book is quite helpful for someone who only speaks english fluently and some spanish.it gives pronunciation guides with eachword, which is quite helpful considering how difficult each phrase looksupon first glance.Once you learn a bit, you start seeing thesimiliarities between english and dutch, which help you remember it in thelong run.it includes basic expressions/accomodations, eating out, travel,sightseeing, stores & services, health, reference, and dictionarysections.another helpful tool would be to get the accompanying cassettetape, which lets you hear the pronunciations and helps you learn better,although they speak a little fast for the basic beginner. ... Read more

Product Description

Colloquial Dutch 2 is the next step in language learning for those who already have a basic knowledge of Dutch. The authentic dialogues, texts and variety of exercises in this course will help learners to consolidate their language skills and further their language competence.

Key features include:

* a section devoted to idiomatic expressions in each unit
* cultural points and information on various dialects
* vocabulary lists relative to the topics of each unit.

 Accompanying audio material is available to purchase separately on CD/MP3 format, or comes included in the great value Colloquials Pack.

Customer Reviews (2)

Not really all that bad..
Like the name says, this book is for beginning dutch students who want to advance to the next level.I never bought colloquial dutch 1 so I cant really say what its advancing from, but from going from the "Teach Yourself Dutch Series" (which i would not recommend at all) to this series has been a great improvement.This series is of course, for those who want to improve their beginners dutch.Don't expect any frills or fun activities- its purely textbook-like.I have no problem learning the new vocabulary and grammar but thats because im already familiar with most of it.I suggest perhaps going through two different beginners dutch series and then work your way through this book.I reallylike how i can easily navigate where i'm at in the book and what the objectives of the lesson are.I wanted to buy the rossetta stone series but they are outrageously high, so no hope there.For its price, id say its a pretty good bargain.

Poorly planned
This is perhaps the only sequel for the basic self-study Dutch courses available out there. At least I found no other titles when I was looking for something to help me go on with my studies. So, Colloquial Dutch 2 seems to fill a market gap that would otherwise let students down. Unfortunately, the course falls short of what it could have been. I would even say that it fails on all main counts.


1) TEXTS
A good language course should have a progressive content. In other words, what you learn in Chapter 2 should build on what you learnt in Chapter 1 and prepare you to face Chapter 3. Besides, texts should be chosen according to the chapter level and illustrate the grammar points under study.

This course does nothing of that. Most texts are directly taken from newspapers and other sources, without a concern to present language gradually. Texts in the end of the book are not necessarily harder than texts in the beginning. More serious than that, however, is the fact that they are not presented to illustrate any particular language structures. You read them and that is all. There are no exercises to allow the student to practise new constructions or improve on grammar points. Such exercises as follow the texts are focused rather on the content than on the language, so that you will be asked to remember facts and tell whether assertions are true or false. At most such exercises will make you read again a paragraph; they are rather tests of memory than of language acquisition. The only advantage they have over texts that we can read in any Dutch sites is that they come with audio.


2) GRAMMAR SECTIONS
There are sections devoted to grammar, but they are often out of tune with the texts. More than once you will find a text demanding a reasonable command of grammar side by side with a grammar section explaining very basic points. If you needed the explanation, you probably couldn't face the text. And if you could face the text, the explanation is inane. Moreover, grammar sections also provide few or no exercises.


3) THE AUDIO
Besides the reading of texts, you will find audio exercises which don't feature in the book. And they are often at odds with the written material. The very first exercise involves the use of the imperative, which will be explained in the book only two chapters ahead. It also expects the student to hear a sentence, understand it, memorise it and repeat it while changing the verb mood. The book, at that time, is teaching personal pronouns. Here too, if the student is able to do the former, he doesn't need the latter; and if he needs to learn personal pronouns, he will never be able to understand the audio in the first place.


So, if you are really looking for a sequel, I think you will have to make do with this one. But if you find anything else out there, I encourage you to give it a good look. Chances are that it will be better than Colloquial Dutch 2.
... Read more