5 comments about Colloquial Afrikaans : The Complete Course for Beginners (Colloquial Series).

1. I've studied several languages and I can say that - as a native English speaker - Afrikaans is the EASIEST language to learn. This book is a great introduction to Afrikaans - the easiest language for a native English (and Dutch) speaker and also the easiest and most logical and analytical Germanic language. After mastering a working knowledge of Afrikaans with this book, I was able to converse with South Africans and Dutch speakers. Prior to this, I only learned/studied Latin-based languages (Spanish and Portuguese). Now, I can read/understand Afrikaans and Dutch (and more German than I thought I could). I got this book on a whim (curious about other Germanic languages as a native English speaker focusing on Iberian languages) and have now fallen in love with the other languages in my native West-Germanic language family.



2. i am looking tomove out to South Afica and this book has helped me pick up the basics that i will require to get me started.



3. This is, hands down, THE course to have if you're aiming to learn Afrikaans through self-study. The textbook provides a comprehensive amount of material for beginners in the language, and it also works well as a refresher course if you're looking to brush up on your skills. The dialogues fall more easily into the "everyday life" category than in the "exclusively for tourists" section (one of the major drawbacks of other Afrikaans courses available), and the rate of speech used by the native speakers throughout most of the course is the closest to everyday rhythm that a learner could ask for. The accompanying audio is clear and easy to follow (there are a few points where the speakers switch up a word or two, but it's very easy to identify these points and understand what was said : one example, "ek is bekommerd oor jou" is said as "ek bekommer my oor jou". Easy to notice, and both are grammatically correct -- it won't throw you when it comes).
   
   A huge advantage to the language itself is that it's very similar to English, so many of the words will be easy to recognize. The word order might be a little difficult to pick up, but don't let this put you off -- this course will put a strong foundation under your ability to speak and write the language, and becoming more proficient in Afrikaans can be a breeze once you thoroughly complete this course. Mimicking the native speakers is sound advice; once you can speak confidently and sound authentic, it's so much easier to progress and take on more vocabulary and to get a better feel for the flow of the language.
   
   I can't rave enough about this course. As an experienced self-study learner of several languages, I can say that this is one of the best courses out there for beginners and intermediate learners alike.



4. After all the rave reviews for this course, I hate to rain on the parade. However, I feel that some crucial parts are missing from the other reviews. Yes, it's a good book and for exactly the reasons other reviewers have mentioned. The grammar is very well defined and Afrikaans is a remarkably easy language to learn.
   
   Unfortunately, this books comes with a major problem. No wordlists! In almost any other Colloquial or Teach Yourself course, each dialogue is followed by a word list containing the words used in the dialogue. That's the way you study the words and enlarge your vocabulary. Not so in this course. For the first few lessons, the dialogues are followed by an English translation. This isn't a very good substitute, especially not as word order is very different in Afrikaans. You can't be sure whích English words mean what, so you can only learn phrases like a parrot. After a few lessons, even this English translation is dropped and your left with dialogues in Afrikaans with no wordlist nor translation! How is this different from reading a newspaper in Afrikaans and having a dictionary to check up each word? Not at all, and that's free on-line.
   
   I usually prefer Colloquial courses over Teach Yourself, but in this case I strongly recommend the excellent course Teach Yourself Afrikaans. The author of that course didn't try to get off too easy by ignoring the word lists and the result is that Teach Yourself Afrikaans is an excellent book. The author of this book was lazy, and it is the reader who pays the cost. So Afrikaans is an easy language, but this book makes everything it can to make learning it harder. Teach Yourself Afrikaans makes it easier.



5. I was on a safari for two weeks this past fall and started to learn Afrikaans. Am going back next year and want to be proficient. This book gets you right into the heart of the language and forces you to learn by doing. Just 30 minutes of study a day, and after two weeks you have added a nice bit to your vocabulary and grammar. A highly useful book...and great value.

No comments about Dutch for Dummies.

5 comments about New Routledge Dutch Dictionary (Routledge Bilingual Dictionaries).

1. Excellent product and good value for money. However, a dictionary, given its intended frequent use, should perhaps have a hard cover.



2. Pages 17 through 48 are missing from this dictionary. If you buy it, don't expect to find any Dutch words appearing, alphabetically, between "afhouden" and "betrokkenheid." If you need to know the meanings of words within that range, you had better buy another dictionary.



3. I have been using this dictionary for 3 weeks and i consider myself now a person who knows Dutch very well. I also know German. This dictionary was so helpful to me that i still can not believe how easy it was for me learn the language. The dictionary provides a lot of example sentences. That way you will fully grasp each meaning of a word. Genders and pronunciations of words are also written. It is very easy to learn Dutch with this dictionary.



4. This is the best Dutch-English / English-Dutch dictionary I've found. It's not the most comprehensive but it's set of words is fairly complete for non-specialized vocabulary. It helpfully gives whether nouns are common or neuter (use "de" or "het"), although if you're looking up a translation from English, you have to then look up the word by Dutch to see this info. The list of contextual examples of word use and phrases is also helpful. If you're trying to learn Dutch, I highly recommend this dictionary.



5. All in all, this dictionary is pretty fantastic. It's not the Van Dale, but it's bidirectional and contains a substantially large list of important vocabulary. In general, Routledge produces a pretty fine selection of Dutch learning materials [which should definitely be used in conjunction with one another and not individually]. That said, the farther along you get along in your study of the language, the less use you will have for it. In fact, it frequently lacks terms that can be required just to read a newspaper. Additionally, and I think this is essential as a learner, it doesn't always list words in both directions which can be problematic if one is trying to deduce nuance.

1 comments about Basic Dutch: A Grammar and Workbook (Grammar Workbooks).

1. This book is very good if you want to learn the basic grammar structures of Dutch. It has lots of examples and exercises, and the explanations are easy to understand. Of course, if you want to acquire fluency, then you would also have to buy an audio course, like Michel Thomas Dutch.

4 comments about Teach Yourself Dutch Conversation (3CDs + Guide) (TY: Conversation).

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.



2. It is totally, absolutely, never-in-a-lifetime possible to learn Dutch from just a book and/or CDs. Period. Full stop.



3. 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.



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

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

1. Outstanding introductory CD course to this language. Pronunciation is made clear as well as slow and repetitious language building. Speed for building pronunciation and vocabulary is quite fast due to the recap beginning at the start of each new successive lesson. A definite recommend.



2. This is a really great product, I had a really big improve after I use it. Besides it explains the context from the phrases, it also explains how the pronunciation should be. Great product! I will buy the now Conversational Dutch!!



3. After failed attempts with other lessons that promised "be where you want to be" yet required a workbook, or launched straight into conversations with your dentist, Pimsleur's Basic Dutch is a true, commuter-friendly beginner's Dutch on CD.
   
   The (well-priced) package contains 5 CDs, with 2 lessons per CD, lasting about 30 minutes each. The lessons build upon one another, increasing vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure, and confidence. The male and female characters converse with each other, and the listener, teaching syntax and cases through phrases you'd actually use during travels. You're also exposed to regional pronunciations, (my Dutch husband says the guy is from the south), so a heads-up on a bit of variance there.
   
   Pimsleur's approach is as fun as the language is challenging, and the lessons really work. You find yourself trying to beat the speaker to the Dutch translation, and laughing at the guy's insistence to have lunch at his house. It's the perfect way to make the most of a daily commute, and my Dutch in-laws are impressed with my rapid progress and accurate pronunciation, so I highly recommend this product.



4. I've used this program in Japanese, Spanish, and now Dutch. For the other two languages, I bought Japanese I - 3rd Ed.: Learn to Speak and Understand Japanese with Pimsleur Language Programs (Comprehensive) and Conversational Spanish: Learn to Speak and Understand Spanish with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's) (Spanish Edition), but i only needed the very basics for Dutch.
   
   With the Pimnsleur method, not only did it provide a good foundation for learning more complex sentences, but I have received compliments from native speakers on my accent, which was important to me.
   
   It may not seem like much, but if you at least make the effort to learn to say, "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Do you speak English?" you get treated much better. I've been traveling overseas my whole life, and an American who makes the effort to learn a few phrases makes a better impression than an American who expects everyone to speak English.
   
   If anything, I recommend the basic programs, in case you find yourself stranded overseas due to an unexpected emergency.



5. These cd's are very basic and don't teach you very much. They go very slow. It's ok if you just want to learn how to say how are you and such.

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

1. 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!!



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

5 comments about Essential Dutch Grammar.

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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



5. This books is an eye-sore, however it is the best you can buy. It is a skeletal introduction yet thorough explanation of grammar.. This book taught me how to speak fluent Dutch.
   
   This book, and all of the books in this series, are best for people who have maybe learned a second language before or have a natural understanding of grammar. For me, I already knew how to learn a language, so all I needed was condensed instructions on how to understand and reproduce the grammar.
   
   If you are like me, and you learn by actually doing the language (watching videos on the net, reading foreign websites, talking to friends), then this book is a MUST. It is really the only thing you will need. If you are someone who must have formal courses or lessons or need to do multiple exercises before things click or have never studied another language before or just someone who does not generally have a "knack" for languages, use this in conjunction with a formal language instruction book. If you need further practice or elaboration on one of the points in the book, just go to googleBooks and steal some exercises from some online Dutch grammar books or go to websites that have exercises.

3 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. This dictionary seems like it would be useful to travelers who need an easy-to-carry, quick reference for common words, but it is of very limited use in translating genealogical records.



3. Very handy. Easily fits in your pocket.
   Also has a useful phrases section at the end.

4 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.



3. 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!



4. 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.