5 comments about Dutch: A Comprehensive Grammar (Routledge Grammars).

1. Bruce Donaldson is the doyen of English Dutch Teachers and his Comprehensive Grammar is far and away the best Dutch Grammer aimed at English speaking students available--far better than Professor Shetter's grammar cum text. It is an excellent reference grammar with clear explanations that do not require an in-depth understanding of generic grammatical terms. It is best used in conjunction with a text as a reference book. If you want to "read through" a brief summary of Dutch grammar, try Stern's Essential Grammar.



2. That's a very good grammar. I'm a Portuguese native speaker and it is very difficult to a Latin language speaker to learn a Germanic language, but this grammar made it easier. It even helped me with the German language. This one is great for beginners, everyone should buy it. With this book I was glad twice: I started to study an interesting language (Dutch) and I began to understand a very difficult language (German). Buy it, you won't be disappointed. It gives you a comprehensive explanation about all points of the Dutch language.



3. 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.



4. 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




5. 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.

5 comments about Colloquial Dutch: A Complete Language Course (Colloquial Series (Book Only)).

1. This was the closest thing I could find to a college textbook for first-year Dutch. Each chapter has about 4 grammar lessons, about 6 blocks of exercises to drill you on the grammar lessons, about 4 dialogues to read and hear on tapes which illustrate the grammar lessons, plus a couple of blocks on Dutch/Flemish culture.

   The whole thing is very well done. If you're willing to devote the kind of effort you would in a one-year college course, you should be quite satisfied. Bruce Donaldson is a good writer/teacher. The back of the book contains answers to all the exercises, very helpful for self-study. In the dialogues you encounter many common family and tourist situations. By the end of the book, you'll have encountered all verb tenses and many common grammatical constructions. In fact, you'll have a working knowledge of basic Dutch.

   There are a couple of things about the book I would like to see changed. At a few places, you're taught the correct way to say something, followed by a statement to the effect that in practice it's often said in some technically incorrect way that you are then taught at length. In effect, you're being taught slang. I personally don't like this in a text for beginners. I suspect that the author was influenced by the "colloquial" in the title.

   Another point is that the book doesn't have many vocabulary lists. You usually first encounter words in the dialogues or exercises. You can usually, but not always, find the word defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Get a Dutch-English dictionary to supplement the book.

   Sometimes grammatical constructions appear in dialogues long before they're formally explained in the text. You end up initially learning these things by rote without understanding them well. I assume this was intentional on the part of the author (we learned our native language this way). You just find yourself thumbing back to past dialogues at times. Since the dialogues are an essential part of the learning experience, I strongly recommend you shell out the extra money for the tapes. Dutch pronunciation is quite challenging, all the more reason to get the tapes.

   The bottom line is that I enjoyed working my way through this book and I'm satisfied with the amount of Dutch I was able to learn. I don't think anything else in print would have served me as well.




2. I emigrated to the Netherlands two years ago from California, an English-monolingual culture. I was familiar with Afrikaans, since I was born in South Africa. This made learning Dutch a lot easier for me, so I very quickly came up to speed. However, it was the book by Donaldson which was the vehicle that brought me up to speed. I know this because after I rapidly moved forward as I used the book, I recommended it to an American who also found the book useful. I had a number of other texts, but I quickly abandoned them and concentrated on Donaldson's book.

   After settling down to life in Amsterdam, the things that REALLY helped were the "colloquialisms" mentioned by Donaldson, and the little "culture points". They were enormously helpful. Dutch has a lot of idiom, and you need to understand what is happening in the syntax and delivery and the culture points also help clarify why things are being said the way they are when they are by whom under what circumstances. But any language is that way, including English !

   Of course you need a dictionary ! You cannot rely on the word list in the book. Of course you need a verb conjugator (like 201 Dutch Verbs). And I would add, that after you get serious, you will also need a specialist idiomatic reference and dictionary.

   The book was not all I needed to learn Dutch. I had to go to courses to get better, and you must also force yourself to use the language and to hurl yourself deep into a Dutch-only environment. English is pervasive and you can end up in an English universe in the Netherlands. A Dutch live-in partner would also help. Watching TV (cartoons are a great help), subtitling, listening to the radio (online too), reading the newspaper and magazines and web pages all add as an addendum to the book and daily usage.

   This is a very good, serious first-level starer, folks ! The tapes too !




3. I've tried many other language/phrase book, and I think the Colloquial Series are the best for beginners who plan to learn and pursue to a higher level.
   This book explains every details on grammars and usage...and the cultural points are interesting as well.
   The explanations are very clear and you'll find the learning process with colloquial series is very smooth, you'll hardly feel lost...
   
   The audio CD mainly focus on conversations in every chapters, I like it because the native speakers talk as they are in everyday life (kind of fast for beginners), which is good cuz it's realistic...Just listen to it over and over until you're able to understand everything.
   The only thing I don't like about the audio CD is that I wish it can provide more recordings on how to pronounce some important phrases rather than just numbers.
   
   Hope you'll enjoy learning w/ this book



4. Once again a course from Routledge that is all but destroyed by a very common error. No wordlists.
   
   For some reason, quite a few of the authors in the Colloquial series seem to be under the false impression that providing English translations of the dialogues is a satisfactory substitute for listing the new words. I disagree 100%. There are no languages that can be translated word by word into English and the result of this is that you end up not knowing which words in Dutch that corresponds to a given English word.
   
   The result of this is that you can memorize the phrases in this book like a parrot, but that won't get you any far and is no better than a much cheaper and more extensive phrasebook. As you're not given the chance to learn and repeat new words, you simply won't be able to construct sentences on your own. It's very disappointing that such a great expert on Dutch as Bruce Donaldson has made such an enormous error and it makes this book very unsuitable for learners. Look for Teach Yourself Dutch instead.



5. Buying this little book is a great way to start learning Dutch. As for the reviewer who said this book is for parrots; it's called "Colloquial Dutch" for a reason! While it's true that this book doesn't offer an in depth study of dutch grammar or linguistics, that doesn't stop it from being a great little primer course to help you learn Dutch the way the Dutch actually speak it.
   
   I went to Holland in 2005 to study history in Utrecht. I took a Dutch class while I was there and they gave us "Taal Vital" books. I found myself continually referring back to Donaldson's book throughout the course. I simply found it more useful than the books they gave us in class.
   
   Dutch people are usually surprised and very appreciative when they see non-native speakers making an earnest effort to learn their language. One of the most difficult things about learning Dutch in Holland, is that the Dutch tend to start speaking English with you as soon as they find out that you're an English speaker. It's hard, but you have to kind of insist on fumbling around in Dutch. (If you're incredibly inhibited about doing this than try having a few "biertjes" at a pub with some locals.) In the end, whether you like the linguist's approach or the "colloquial" approach; speaking with native speakers and listening to them speak is the single best way to learn a language.
   
   If you're really "serieus" about learning "het nederlands" I would highly recommend that you pick up "201 Dutch Verbs" and "The new Routledge Dutch Dictionary" to augment this book. With these books in hand you're ready to go to Holland!

1 comments about Teach Yourself Dutch Dictionary.

1. This dictionary provides concise definitions from English to Dutch as well From Dutch to English. The most frequently used modern Dutch words can be found in this work. There are also a lot of Dutch idioms. The print is good to read and easy to the eye, which makes it a very good study companion for learners of Dutch.

5 comments about 201 Dutch Verbs: Fully Conjugated in All the Tenses (201 Verbs Series).

1. My textbooks for the other languages I have studied always included a conjugation guide to most common irregular verbs at the back. When I discovered that my Dutch textbook lacked this feature, I invested in this book. Although my Dutch-English dictionary includes a brief listing of irregular verb formations in the beginning, the format of this book is significantly easier to understand. I particularly use it when I need to double-check my spelling (a feature for which my dictionary is nearly useless). I'm afraid that I'll have to disagree with the previous reviewer's assertion that public humiliation is the only way to learn (Dutch) spelling. I am a native English speaker and I still use my Webster's Unabridged nearly every day; there's no reason I shouldn't be able to do the same in Dutch.



2. This book should really be 1500 Dutch verbs, since the most useful part of the book is the section with 1500 verbs giving the reader the infinitive, simple past, and past participle, and indicating if there is separable prefix, along with translation. This is particularly useful in Dutch. There are also 201 verbs fully conjugated, but this is not so important as in some languages since most Dutch verbs conjugate quite regularly once you know the past and the participles. Its still good to have as a beginner of course. I would say this book is much better than some of the other 201 verbs books. I have 201 Italian, Spanish and Russian Verbs too, and they don't have any of the extras that this book has, such as the grammar summary and other bonus sections. This book is so good, in fact, I recommend it for those who don't even have an interest in the Dutch language. You just might after you browse through this great book!



3. One of the many books I have purchased while learning Dutch and by far the most useful. Having many commonly used verbs fully conjugated in all the tenses at your fingertips, takes out a lot of stress! I feel as though it's my secret weapon and an absolute Godsend! Great reference at the start of the book too!! Best buy!!



4. 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 level users (can I say it like that?). This books are in my collection and i for sure not gonna sell it in next 10 years.



5. 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.

5 comments about New Routledge Dutch Dictionary: Dutch-English/English-Dutch.

1. Could not have been more comprehensive for a fast look-up or understanding.
   
   Yes, Van Dale can be (some of its versions are smaller than this) more comprehensive and is the be-all-end-all for the Dutch language but their pricing is also a serious show stopper.



2. Unfortunately, I never received the book... I ordered it, it was sent twice and never got it. Thus, I have no opinion about it except for I would have liked to finally get it.



3. Best dictionary that can be carried. Gives "de/het" and plurals. Can supplement this at home with Van Dale Groot Woordenboek.



4. Anne Cavendish, in her review of this dictionary, mentions the superiority of the Van Dale dictionaries. I have the 2006 pocketwoordenboek version of these dictionaries, and referred to it in evaluating this Routledge dictionary. I found that in the first few pages of the "A" section, there was exactly one difference in their chosen vocabularies. The Routledge contained the word "A4" (as in the size of paper). Furthermore, in picking several definitions at random, I found them to be identical in the two dictionaries (accounting for some slight formatting differences mentioned in some other reviews). Not only identical in definitions, but even in the illustrative sentences provided. In any other kind of work, that would be clear evidence of plagiarism. I don't know how one judges dictionaries in such matters. In any case, what matters to the prospective buyer is that on a cursory look, these dictionaries appear to be essentially identical. The van Dale is certainly more portable (with two separate volumes, one might even fit one in a coat pocket), and the Routledge is possibly cheaper. Decide for yourself.



5. Haven't come across a word I couldn't find. All the words I have looked up have a short and clear definition. I highly recommend it if you are studying the Dutch and/or English language.

2 comments about Basic Dutch: Learn to Speak and Understand Dutch with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's Pimsleur).

1. I purchased this set of CDs to prepare for a trip to Amsterdam. The instructor spoke slowly and cleary, and repeated words often enough to help them "stick." In one of the first lessons, you learn how to say "Do you speak English?" in Dutch. This is the most useful phrase you can learn as a traveler because in most Dutch-speaking countries, almost everyone speaks English. I barely got to practice my Dutch at all when I got to Amersterdam. Unless you need to master the Dutch language for some particular reason, these CDs are perfect for average traveler's needs.



2. This is a terrific non-written way to learn Dutch. It contains 5 CDs. Each CD has 2 lessons. Each lesson is about 30 minutes. You complete the lesson as many times as you need before you can do it well, and move on. I think you should do each lesson at least twice. By the end you will be able to speak some Dutch rather well. You learn how to pronounce things correctly.
   
   The lessons are perfectly constructed. You know when you will be free for 30 minutes so you may plan to complete one. The audio features both male and female voices to help you understand better. You listen to conversations, then they explain what is being said, then you try to say certain words, and eventually phrases. The CD gives you time to respond when asked to say something. You are not supposed to pause the CD, just try to say the right thing. I like the way the system works. Since it is all audio and requires no book, you can do it while driving.
   
   Being audio only, you will not learn how to read or write in Dutch, but it is a great introduction and would compliment other learning sources well. This is not the full Pimsleur set (which costs a lot more) but for the price it is effective and better than many other systems.
   
   Conclusion: I recommend this because it is fun, easy, and effective. Many people buy a book and quit early on because it is so boring and you don't appear to be able to speak it well even after a lot of time and effort. After little time you will have fun successfully saying sentences in Dutch.

1 comments about Langenscheidt Universal Dutch Dictionary: Dutch - English / English - Dutch (Langenscheidt Universal Dictionary).

1. This pocket dictionary really will fit in your pocket! It has a flexible plastic cover which should wipe off easily if need be. It also has blue headwords. It appears to be as comprehensive as one would expect for this size. It includes both American and British usage (the American usage is indicated by Am). The introduction and guide to pronunciation are in both languages. There are also 22 pages at the back with information for English travelers: Dutch basic (travel) phrases, abbreviations, a mini-grammar including irregular verbs, numerals, and how to tell time. It also has metric conversions including a thermometer showing both Fahrenheit Centrigrade/Celcius in English and Dutch. (The pocket dictionaries for some other languages have all of this information for both languages; Langenscheidt apparently left the English information out of the Dutch edition so the total page count would be the same as for the other dictionaries (a cost-saving move on their part).)

2 comments about Dutch: Lonely Planet Phrasebook.

1. 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.



2. 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 it is 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.

1 comments about Teach Yourself Dutch Conversation (3CDs + Guide) (Teach Yourself).

1. My best friend's daughter, who was about to go to Amsterdam with her Dutch dad, was trying to learn Dutch and these CD's provided enough motivation that she studied them every morning before the trip! Since she would never study this hard for school, they must be excellent CDs.

5 comments about Essential Dutch Grammar.

1. This book is quite useful if you already have a companion pronunciation book or cd. It explains the Dutch grammar well, but for a beginner, you may wish to start with something else. Not bad as a supplement to another language book.



2. This isn't a very good grammer book. I get slowed down by the complicated and concise language. Probably the best thing to say about this is that it is overly concise.



3. I think that this book is an asset for the elementary level. Grammar is explained very clearly and really sets one up to begin reading and constructing sentances in Dutch. The concise format of the book was also extremely helpful for reviewing rules and constructions before quizzes.



4. This book is a perfect example of a good thing delivering to its promises.
   
   If you want to a understand the most important elements of the Dutch grammar, buy this book. If you want to know Dutch grammar at a level beyond intermediate, then you need extra material.
   
   However, "Essential Dutch Grammar" not only presents the simple things in a simple manner, it summarizes the most frequently used mechanisms of the language.
   
   So, with this book you get the most for the least.



5. Yes, ofcource I can recommend this product to a begginner(should atleast know how to prononce a letter/word) in Dutch language.The speciality of this book is that you can learn Dutch language by practising the sample sentences and phrases given in the book.It also includes the commonly used words in our daily life with the explanation of different rules for framing a sentence in Dutch.
   
   The only problem that I faced was the unavialability of a CD/mp3 to listen to the words and sentences gien in the book. That why I mensioned in the begging that the begginner should atleast know how to pronunce a letter in Dutch.
   
   Overall I evaluate it as a good product and true value for money.
   
   Thanks and regards,
   prasanth