Looking for a handbook to learn Dutch? Here’s a list of books you would use in a classroom. Of course, you can also take a look at my list of teach yourself books and grammar books. But here, we’ll cover those books you’d use in a classroom. Make sure to find one according to your needs.
Disclaimer: I might get a small commission if you buy the book through the links. Stars (*) are based on my opinion.
1. Contact (4,5*) by Intertaal
+ Presentation, quality content, complete
– Price, no slow introduction
Audio in Dutch from the Netherlands
Level: (absolute) beginners and intermediate
Language: Dutch only
Price: highest
Format: paperback
Buy the textbook via Bol.com for beginners, intermediate and advanced intermediate.
Buy the exercise book for beginners, intermediate and advanced intermediate.
2. Ter Zake (4,5*) by Intertaal
+ Topical: focus on business, nice presentation, quality material
– Price, not much except business, no series
Audio in Dutch from the Netherlands
Level: intermediate
Language: Dutch only
Price: highest
Format: paperback
Buy via Bol.com or Amazon (German version)
3. Nederlands in Gang, Nederlands in Actie, Nederlands op Niveau & Nederlands naar Perfectie (4,5*)
+ Almost only exercises, good content, part of a series
– Not a good mix, few explanations
Level: (absolute) beginners, intermediate, advanced
Language: Dutch only, except a little English in the first book
Price: high
Format: paperback
Buy via Bol.com: in Gang (A1-2), in Actie (B1), op Niveau (B2), naar Perfectie (C1)
Via Amazon: in Gang (A1-2), in Actie (B1), op Niveau (B2), naar Perfectie (C1)
4. De opmaat, Van start, In zicht, De sprong, Vooruit, De finale (4.5*)
+ Exercises & vocabulary, presentation, quality content, focus on preparation for Staatsexamen
– No solutions
Audio and video in Dutch from the Netherlands
Level: (absolute) beginners and intermediate
Language: Dutch only
Price: high
Format: paperback
De opmaat and de sprong are a bit harder than van start and in zicht.
Buy via Bol.com: Van start & De opmaat (beginners), In zicht & De sprong (advanced beginners), Vooruit (intermediate), De finale (advanced intermediate)
Via Amazon: Van start & De opmaat (beginners), In zicht & De sprong (advanced beginners), De finale (advanced intermediate)
5. Totaal (4*) by Anneke van den Broek
+ Nice presentation, good content
– Price
Audio in Dutch from the Netherlands
Level: (absolute) beginners
Language: Dutch only except vocabulary
Price: highest
Format: paperback
Buy via Bol.com, second book for intermediate level is here.
6. Vanzelfsprekend (4*) by Rita Devos and Han Fraeters
+ Good content mix, story-based learning, useful vocabulary
– Old feel & look
Audio & video in Belgian Dutch
Level: (absolute) beginners
Language: mostly Dutch but some explanations in English
Price: middle-high
Format: paperback
Buy via Bol.com the textbook and workbook, or the textbook via Amazon.
7. Taaltrainer voor gevorderde anderstaligen (3,5*) by Emmeke Boot and Sytske Degenhart
+ Useful vocabulary, practical, focus on business
– Layout, price
Audio in Dutch from the Netherlands
Level: intermediate
Language: Dutch only
Paperback price: highest
Format: paperback
Buy via Bol.com.
