essay in dutch language

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Academic writing (in Dutch)

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As a Dutch native speaker, you may not have considered paying extra attention to your writing skills. But once you get to university, your writing will have to meet higher standards and different requirements than you are used to. What exactly are those criteria and how can you meet them? How do you write an essay or research proposal? How do you ensure your text is properly structured and varied, that it draws the reader in and that your point comes across as clearly as possible? That is what the Academic writing in Dutch course is all about

What will you learn?

About the course.

• Which requirements must an academic text meet?
• What is an academic style of writing?
• Adding structure
• How to be concise
• Variety in writing
• Critical reading and giving feedback

The Academic writing in Dutch course consists of six lessons of 1.5 hours each. During the lessons you will learn all about the steps of the writing process, from the preparation phase to dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. Each step involves new exercises. In between lessons, you will complete several writing assignments and receive feedback on these from the teacher. Learning to give each other peer feedback is also a very useful skill that you will benefit from during the rest of your studies. You should allow for about 3-4 hours of independent study per week.

This course is suitable for Bachelor students.

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▾ dictionary (english) under construction, essay noun —, essay ( sth. ) verb —, short essay n —, essay competition n —, essay writing n —, essay collection n —, ▸ dictionary (dutch) under construction, essay noun, neuter —, essay n (almost always used), kort essay nt —, ▸ wikipedia, ▸ external sources (english), ▾ external sources (dutch).

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Translation of essay – English–Dutch dictionary

(Translation of essay from the PASSWORD English–Dutch Dictionary © 2022 K Dictionaries Ltd)

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Translations of essay.

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a name someone uses instead of their real name, especially on a written work

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Dutch writing exercises

Use the resources below to improve your Dutch writing skills. This page contains useful links that help you with topics such as: improving your vocabulary, proverbs and punctuation. The column on the right indicates what level you need to use the website.

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Writer's Manual: Essay

Introduction

• The Writing Process
• Academic Summary
• Research Plan
• Research Paper
• Info elsewhere
• Feedback & contact

An essay is an informed, reasoned, opinion paper, in which a question or thesis is advanced and carefully answered or supported. Compared to a research paper, an essay offers more freedom to develop your own argument regarding a particular issue.

Purpose and content of an Essay

The purpose of an essay is to inform, persuade, inspire or incite into action a certain target audience. It is important to define the topic of your essay clearly and to apply relevant insights from theoretical approaches and research results to support your own thesis effectively. This means you need sufficient knowledge to bring your point across. You should use a clear and interesting formulation (language and structure), and take into account the prior knowledge and interests of your audience.

Structure of an Essay

Compared to other text types, such as a research paper or a scientific article, the structure of an essay is less fixed. Usually, the author advances a question or thesis and guides the reader through several possible answers before arguing which answer is best. To prepare for writing your essay, it is therefore important to list all the facts and form a (general) idea of what others think of the subject. By using different sources, you will learn to approach the topic from multiple perspectives. Based on a selection of supportive and counterarguments, you can narrow your own viewpoint. Important here is the structure of your argument. A frequently used structure is the following:

• The introduction has the important function of capturing the reader’s attention. It should encourage further reading and shape the argument.
• These two qualities of an introduction are enhanced by the title of the essay.
• The introduction of the topic is followed by the question or thesis central to your argument, and a preview of the contents.
• To convince the reader of your thesis or answer to the question you pose, evidence is provided in the form of arguments. These arguments must be plausible. Try to explain, step by step, what is meant, so that the reader gains insight into how you have reached your stand.
• To strengthen your position, it is also important to provide counterarguments and refute them.
• First and foremost, the conclusion contains the part of your text in which the main points are very briefly summarised, rephrased and tied together. The latter is extremely important: the cohesion between the different parts of your argumentation must be clear to the reader.
• Based on this you confirm your thesis statement or answer your question.
• Finally, you try to captivate the reader’s attention until the end with a Parthian dart: the main point of your argument, wrapped in a catchy phrase or fitting quote.

Style of an Essay

When writing an essay, you are less bound to academic style conventions. However, be careful not to use an excessively personal or informal style, or forced humour. Furthermore, it is important to realise that titles and section headings not only fulfil an informative, but also a stimulating function. Study sample texts and/or ask your professor.

Evaluation Criteria Essay (only available in Dutch)

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What is the translation of "essay" in Dutch?

"essay" in dutch, essay {noun}.

• volume_up essay
• dissertatie
• proefschrift

"essay" in English

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• open_in_new Link to source
• warning Request revision

essay {het}

Context sentences, english dutch contextual examples of "essay" in dutch.

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English how to use "essay" in a sentence, synonyms (english) for "essay":, pronunciation.

• essential oil
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• establish links
• establish priorities
• established
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Tips for improving your writing in Dutch for BEGINNERS part II

If you are learning a language, in this case Dutch, there are a lot of elements of the language you have to distinguish.

There is grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

But there are also different ways in which a language is used and so different skills are needed, like: listening, speaking and writing.

In my previous blog I wrote about making it fun. In this blog I want to focus on other tips to improve your writing skills.

Remember: writing is very difficult. So you are bound to make mistakes!

Writing tip: Keep it simple and don’t translate                                                   

It is tempting to translate what you know into Dutch. But don’t do that!

It’s one of the most common mistakes Dutch learners make when they write in Dutch. The best way of writing Dutch is to think in Dutch.

So base your sentences on the grammar and vocabulary you know. And it is really true: if you keep it simple with simple structures, simple grammar, the chances are smaller that you will make mistakes.

And dont forget that Dutch people are direct people, this also goes for their communication. So you are allowed to write in short direct sentences. Dutch people love this!

This is even recommended to Dutch people when they want to improve their writing.

Writing tip: Practise what you have learned                     

Did you do the grammar of the modal verbs. Then try to apply this in your written communication.

Writing is ‘writing again’

When speaking, you can get away with making small mistakes or mispronunciations. Often people won’t even notice it.

With writing it is different. Once it is written and printed, it’s there. So it is worthwhile checking what you wrote.

And how do you do that?

The best way is to check separate elements. What do I mean by that? It means that you take one part of the grammar, for example verbs. And now you check your text only on the conjugation of the verbs.

Done? Then do the same thing with spelling of compound words, or with sentence structures.

This way of checking a text is shown to be way more effective than checking it countless times on all those elements together.

Writing tip: Take breaks if your write longer texts

It is proven that studying or writing demands a lot from your brain. It needs to rest! So take short breaks after 45 minutes.

Writing tip: Make a plan for your text

This is more for longer texts. But try to know before you start what you want to say in your text. If you make a short outline at the beginning of your text, you have some handles to work with.

Writing tip: Everthing is connected (listening, reading, speaking)

All the different elements of a language are connected. And here that also counts, the more the better. If you read more books your spelling will be better. If you listen to music you will know more words.

Writing tip: See if someone can correct your work                         

It’s not always nice if someone corrects you, but it is really helpfull. So if you’re using whatsapp and writing Dutch, ask if your friend wants to correct you.

Writing tip: Use other work

Copy and paste is not always a bad thing!

Bart de Pau online Dutch teacher & founder of the Dutch Summer School & Dutch Winter School

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Dutch Self-Introductions: “My Name is,” in Dutch & More

Would you like to know how to introduce yourself in Dutch? A good introduction is the key to a good first impression. Even if you’re not fluent enough to go through the whole conversation in Dutch, with a fun Dutch introduction you will show people that you are interested in learning the language and discovering the culture.

Does that sound very hard? Don’t be scared! It’s not that bad with the help of key phrases like “I am from …” or “my name is …” in Dutch. You don’t have to be fluent, you can just use a catchy script that you modify (slightly) to the occasion.

In the Netherlands you may be quickly tempted to talk in English (as many Dutch people will understand you), but your intentions to learn Dutch will be appreciated and it will give you some new insights in the culture and the society.

So did you just move to the Netherlands and would you like to get to know some nice Dutchies? Or are you visiting the country and would you like to practice your Dutch? Look no further! This 4-step guide from DutchPod101 will provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks for an appropriate ánd fun introduction in Dutch.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Greeting

Step 2: identifying yourself:, step 3: placing yourself in society:, step 4: sharing personal details:.

• How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn more Dutch

Before starting with your introduction it’s important to start with the right way to greet the other person. Greetings differ from country to country and not knowing how to greet can be uncomfortable. Let’s save you from this awkwardness in the Netherlands.

Handshake, three kisses or a hug?

The handshake, three kisses or the (not so common) hug: these are the three greetings of the Dutch. You probably notice that it is quite an overload of options. But it gets even trickier as the Dutch lack clarity in the big question: what will you use when? It all depends on the setting, the people, the region, the age, etc, etc.

Luckily the greeting options are much slimmer in the case of getting to know someone new. The “normal” way to greet someone new in the Netherlands is by shaking hands. This is the case in formal as well as informal settings. So, the handshake is the way to go when meeting new people in the Netherlands.

Going formal or informal?

To know what to say, it is important to first evaluate whether formal language or informal language is appropriate. Formal greetings are used in more formal settings like workplaces, conferences, meetings or even the more formal family events (mainly in the case with elderly people). Informal greetings are used between friends, (good) acquaintances, the more informal workplaces or the informal family gatherings.

What to say?

The informal greeting words in Dutch are quite simple and look a lot like English: Hoi (“Hi”) or Hallo (“Hello”). The informal greeting words depend on the time of the day: Goedemorgen (“Good morning), Goedemiddag (“Good afternoon”) or Goedenavond (“Good evening”).

Would you like to know some more options or hear the pronunciation? Have a look at our Common Ways to Say Hello in the Netherlands list .

You have greeted each other properly, but how can you introduce yourself in Dutch? Let’s move on to step 2: Identifying yourself. In the Netherlands this usually refers to introducing your name. However, as a foreigner it would be recommendable to tell where you’re from. This way your conversation partner will know that your Dutch is limited. It will also be a great conversation starter.

Let’s have a look at the classic questions and answers that usually come up when you identify yourself.

What is your name?

So how do you say my name is in Dutch? How to say my name is in the Dutch language? These are the key questions.

There are two common ways to tell someone your name in Dutch: Ik heet … (“My name is …”) or Ik ben … (“I am …). The “My name is” option can be used just as well for formal settings as for informal settings. The “I am” option is a more casual way of introducing yourself.

Another point of attention is the use of the full name or only the first name. During a formal self introduction the Dutch say their full name, however quite quickly they start calling each other by the first name . In an informal self introduction the Dutch only say their first name.

Language Tip: After introducing names, the Dutch usually say something that comes down to “Nice to meet you”. This can be said in two forms: the direct translation Leuk je te ontmoeten or Aangenaam . If you’re not sure what to use, just say simply Aangenaam , as this expression can be used in both the formal and informal introduction.

Language Tip: Let’s recap step one and two. A full greeting and introduction would be: Handshake. Hallo, ik heet … Aangenaam! (“Hello, my name is … Nice to meet you!”, in Dutch)

Where are you from?

When you meet a new person in the Netherlands, they might ask you Waar komt u vandaan? (formal) or Waar kom je vandaan? (informal). W hich is the equivalent of “Where are you from?”. It literally means “Where do you come from?” in Dutch. To answer, you just say Ik ben , which means “I am,” and then your nationality. For example:

• Ik ben Amerikaans. (“I am American.”)
• Ik ben Duits. (“I am German.”)
• Ik ben Braziliaans. (“I am Brazilian.”)
• Ik ben Italiaans. (“I am Italian.”)

You could also answer with Ik kom uit Duitsland , which means “I come from Germany,” for example. Ik kom means “I come” and uit means “from” In that case, you would also have to change the nationality to the name of the country, like you do in English, so “I come from Netherlands”. For example:

• Ik kom uit Frankrijk. (“I am from France.”)
• Ik kom uit Australië. (“I am from Australia.”)

To return the question you can simply say En jij? which means “And you?”

Language Tip: The nationalities in Dutch are quite similar to their English equivalents. Just like in English, the Dutch write the nationality names and country names with a capital letter.

Don’t you know the Dutch word for your nationality? Find your nationality (and its pronounciation) in the DutchPod101 Vocabulary for Nationalities . Do you want to know the Dutch word for your country? Then have a look at our Essential Dutch Vocabulary About Countries .

You have greeted and introduced yourself to the other person in Dutch. Learn here how to introduce yourself furtherly in Dutch. Let’s start placing yourself in society, by talking about your profession in step 3.

What is your profession?

It’s common in the Netherland to ask about the other person’s job early on in the conversation. It usually comes before what is viewed as more personal details, such as age, marital status, or family.

Let’s start with the question. In English the question is “What is your profession?”, it stays the same in formal and informal settings. In Dutch this is not the case. Here are some examples:

As you can see, in the formal setting the Dutch use U , and in the informal settings they use Je.

Possible answers are:

• Ik studeer. (“I study.”)
• Ik studeer Filosofie. (“I study philosophy.”)
• Ik werk in de IT. (“I work in IT.”)
• Ik ben verkoper. (“I am a salesperson.”)
• Ik ben een loodgieter. (“I am a plummer.”)

Would you like to find the name of your study or job? Find more job names in our list of 20 Common Dutch Words for Occupations with audio recordings. And if you’re a student, you can find useful information in our list on School Subjects in Dutch .

Language Tip: The Dutch are quite curious, so they might ask Wat doe jij in Nederland? (“What are you doing in the Netherlands?”). And even if they don’t dare to ask the question, a lot of Dutch people will find it interesting to know why you are visiting or living in their country. So related to your profession you can say Ik ben in Nederland voor … (“I am in the Netherlands for …”):

• Ik ben in Nederland voor werk. (“I am in the Netherlands for work.”)
• Ik ben in Nederland voor mijn studie. (“I am in the Netherlands for my study.”)

You already know how to introduce yourself in Dutch. But wouldn’t it be nice to get a bit more personal? In step 4 we will show you how to talk about more personal details: from your family, hobbies to age.

Tell something about your family

When meeting new people in the Netherlands, this subject isn’t likely to come up right away. However, this topic is perfectly fine as you get to know more about the other person.

So let’s first start with the questions:

Some possible answers are:

• Ja, ik ben getrouwd. (“Yes, I’m married.”)
• Nee, ik ben niet getrouwd. (“No, I’m not married.”)
• Nee, ik ben gescheiden. (“No, I’m divorced.”)
• Ik heb twee kinderen. (“I have two kids.”)
• Ik heb een broer en een zus. (“I have a brother and a sister.”)

Learn here all about the Must-know Dutch Terms for Family Members and find the words you need to describe your family. Do you want to include some very special family members, your pets, in your introduction? Then look up the Animal Names in Dutch .

What are your hobbies?

Now that we’ve got all of this “basic” stuff out of the way, let’s start talking about your interests, hobbies and passions. That way you can really see if you have some connection with the other person. Let’s see if you have just found your new Dutch best friend. Let’s get personal!

Of course, we will start again with the questions:

You could answer whatever you like, but here are some examples:

• Ik speel voetbal. (“I play soccer.”)
• Ik speel graag gitaar. (“I like to play guitar.”)
• Ik ben een netflix fan. (“I am a Netflix fanatic.”)
• Ik houd van reizen. (“I love travelling.”)

What’s your hobby? Or what do you love to do in your free time? Discover the Dutch word for this in the DutchPod101 Vocabulary for Hobbies .

How old are you?

It’s normal for young people in the Netherlands to ask each other’s ages. But of course, it might be risky to ask people over 25! If someone asks you Hoe oud ben jij? just know that it means “How old are you?” in Dutch. To respond with your age you use the verb Zijn (“To be”). Here are some examples:

• Ik ben achttien. (“I am eighteen.”)
• Ik ben twintig. (“I am twenty.”)
• Ik ben vijfentwintig. (“I am twenty five.”)
• Ik ben veertig. (“I am forty.”)

Sometimes, Dutch people add two more words to this sentence to indicate that they are explicitly talking about age and not something else. You might hear Dutch people adding the words jaar oud after the age. The word jaar means “years,” and oud means “old.” Ik ben twintig jaar oud. “I’m 20 years old.” But please pay attention: in Dutch, we often use the singular form of jaar , so we literally say “year old” instead of “years old.” Ik ben vierendertig jaar oud is “I am 34 years old.”

Don’t you know how to say your age in Dutch? Look it up in the DutchPod101 Numbers list .

Language Tip: If they ask your age but you don’t want to tell it, you can simply say that “That’s a secret”. In Dutch, that’s: Dat is een geheim.

Would you like to learn how to pronounce these introduction sentences? Check our list of 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself and practice your Dutch pronunciation!

5. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn more Dutch

Now you know how to introduce yourself in Dutch. In this 4-step guide, you’ve learned how to greet, introduce and talk about your job, family, passions and age. And on top of that, you have also learned how to ask or recognize these questions.

Do you feel ready to introduce yourself in Dutch and make a great first impression? Start working on your own presentation. Write down the sentences and fill it up with the vocabulary that applies to you. DutchPod101 offers useful lists of lines, vocabulary, recorded audio and exercises. With these tools you can really create your perfect introduction.

Would you like some help? Take it one step further with MyTeacher to practice your introduction and get personalized feedback!

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British Council

Facts about the dutch language, by anna devi markus, 16 november 2017 - 11:20.

Haley Powers used under license and adapted from the original . 

Dutch recently joined the ranks as one of the top ten languages that the UK needs in 2017. But why is learning Dutch useful? We asked Anna Devi Markus from British Council in Amsterdam.

Where is the Dutch language spoken?

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname, and the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten. It is spoken by nearly 23 million people worldwide, and is one of the official languages of the EU.

What is the difference between Dutch and Flemish?

Flemish is mainly spoken in the northern part of Belgium (Flanders). Dutch is spoken in the Netherlands and former Dutch colonies (Suriname, Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten). Dutch and Flemish use the same spelling, grammar and dictionary.

However, there are noticeable differences between the two languages. These are mainly in accents, pronunciation and word order, and also in words and expressions. Dutch is more influenced by English, whereas Flemish uses more French words. For example, 'I love you' is ik zie je graag in Flemish (which literally translates to 'I like to see you') and ik hou van je in Dutch.

One of the most noticeable differences for English speakers between Dutch and Flemish is the pronunciation of the ‘g’ sound. To a non-Dutch speaker, the Dutch ‘hard g’ may sound like someone clearing their throat. In southern parts of the Netherlands and in Flanders, the 'g' sound is much softer and easier to pronounce for English speakers.

In general, Dutch and Flemish speakers can communicate easily, as their language differences are similar to the differences between American and Australian English.

Is there any overlap between Dutch and English?

English and Dutch are both West Germanic languages and share a large number of words. Some common English words with Dutch origins include 'cookie' ( koekje ) and 'boss' ( baas ). Many English loanwords (such as 'computer,' 'talkshow' and 'website') keep the same spelling and pronunciation when translated to Dutch. In fact, the English word 'awkward' won a competition as the most beautiful English word used in the Dutch language.

How difficult might it be for an English speaker to learn Dutch?

Dutch also uses English verbs, which can look different when conjugated. Some of these words include gedownload (downloaded), gefaxt (faxed) and barbecueën (to barbecue). Since English words are prominently located within the Dutch language, it can be easy for people proficient in English to read Dutch.

However, speaking Dutch can be more difficult due to the different Dutch pronunciations. Some of the most difficult sounds include the ‘r’, the hard ‘g’, the sch and the ij sounds. All of these sounds come together in the word verschrikkelijk , which translates to 'terrible' in English.

Are there any common Dutch phrases that might be important to master?

Gezellig is one of the first words that a language learner might encounter, because it is used often and can be seen as an important word in the Dutch culture. It roughly translates to 'cozy' or 'a good atmosphere', and can be used to describe a room, a person, a party or the feeling of being together.

This word can be challenging to pronounce because it uses the Dutch ‘hard g’ twice.

Lekker is another Dutch word that is used frequently. It can be used to describe tasty food, good weather ( lekker weer ) or to say good night ( slaap lekker ).

A fun expression to use when complimenting a cook for their delicious meal is alsof er een engeltje over je tong piest , which translates to 'it’s like a little angel is peeing on my tongue.' Another fun word is lieveheersbeestje (ladybird/ladybug), which translates to 'dear Lord’s small animal.'

Why might it be helpful for a student in the UK to learn Dutch?

One reason for UK students to learn Dutch is because the Netherlands is one of the UK's closest neighbouring countries. Dutch is consistently ranked as one of the top five languages most frequently requested by UK employers. Most Dutch speakers can also speak English, but if you want to live and work in the Netherlands, it is easier to understand Dutch culture if you learn the local language.

There are fun some Dutch words. Did you know that we call the '@' symbol the ‘little monkey tail’ ( apenstaartje ) and gloves are called handshoes ( handschoenen )? We can also make almost any word sound nice by adding the diminutive tje at the end.

Learn more about Dutch and the other top ten languages that the UK needs in our Languages for the Future report . 

Editor's note: we have changed this article's title based on feedback from our readers. 

You might also be interested in

• Which foreign languages will be most important for the UK post-Brexit?
• Why learning Danish might be easier than you think
• How to understand body language in different cultures

View the discussion thread.

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The Comprehensive Guide to IB Dutch A Language and Literature

Introduction

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to IB Dutch A Language and Literature! The International Baccalaureate (IB) Dutch A Language and Literature course is designed to develop students' language proficiency in Dutch while exploring various forms of written and spoken texts. In this guide, we will provide you with an overview of the course, its components, assessment criteria, and tips to excel in the course and succeed on the IB exam.

Overview of IB Dutch A Language and Literature

The IB Dutch A Language and Literature course aims to develop students' language proficiency in Dutch and foster an appreciation for various forms of written and spoken texts. Students engage with a wide range of texts, including literary works, non-literary texts, and media sources, to deepen their understanding of Dutch language and culture.

Course Components

The IB Dutch A Language and Literature course consists of three main components:

Language Acquisition : Students develop their language skills through the study of different text types, such as novels, poems, short stories, essays, news articles, and speeches. They engage in activities that focus on vocabulary expansion, grammar acquisition, and oral and written communication.

Literary Analysis : Students analyze a selection of Dutch literary works, exploring themes, narrative techniques, stylistic features, and the cultural and historical contexts of the texts. They develop skills in interpreting and evaluating literary works, considering their form, structure, and literary devices.

Text-World Connections : Students examine the connections between the texts and the world around them, exploring how language and literature reflect and shape cultural perspectives, social issues, and historical events. They develop an understanding of the role of literature in society and its impact on individuals and communities.

Assessment Criteria

The IB Dutch A Language and Literature course is assessed using the following criteria:

Language : Students demonstrate a high level of language proficiency, including accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. They communicate effectively in spoken and written forms, showing an understanding of audience and purpose.

Textual Analysis : Students demonstrate a deep understanding of the texts, analyzing their content, structure, and language features. They interpret and evaluate the texts, considering their form, genre, and literary devices used by the authors.

Organization and Development : Students organize their ideas in a clear and coherent manner, structuring their responses effectively. They develop arguments and support them with evidence from the texts, demonstrating logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Language Acquisition

Language acquisition is a fundamental component of the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course. Here are some strategies to enhance your language skills:

Read Extensively : Read a variety of Dutch texts, including literary works, newspapers, magazines, online articles, and blogs. Pay attention to different writing styles, vocabulary, and sentence structures.

Expand Vocabulary : Regularly learn new words and phrases, and use them actively in your speaking and writing. Practice using synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and figurative language to enrich your language proficiency.

Practice Writing : Engage in regular writing practice, such as journaling, creative writing, and formal essays. Seek feedback from teachers or peers to improve your writing skills and accuracy.

Listen and Speak : Engage in conversations with native Dutch speakers, watch Dutch movies or TV shows, and listen to Dutch podcasts or music. This will improve your listening comprehension and speaking skills.

Literary Analysis

Literary analysis plays a significant role in the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course. Here are some key aspects to consider when analyzing literary texts:

Textual Analysis : Analyze the literary techniques used in the text, such as imagery, symbolism, and narrative techniques. Examine how these techniques contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the work.

Character Analysis : Explore the motivations, relationships, and development of the characters in the text. Consider their roles in the narrative and how they contribute to the themes and messages conveyed by the author.

Theme Exploration : Identify the main themes and underlying messages in the text. Analyze how the author develops and conveys these themes through the use of plot, character, and language.

Preparing for the IB Exam

To prepare for the IB Dutch A Language and Literature exam, consider the following strategies:

Practice Past Papers : Familiarize yourself with the format and style of the IB exam by practicing past papers. Pay attention to the time constraints and practice answering different types of questions.

Analyze Sample Essays : Study sample essays that exemplify strong analysis and organization. Pay attention to the structure, language use, and effective integration of textual evidence.

Engage in Discussions : Participate in class discussions and group activities that require critical thinking and analysis of literary texts. Engaging with different perspectives will broaden your understanding and enhance your analytical skills.

Seek Feedback : Share your written assignments and practice essays with your teacher or peers. Seek constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement and refine your analytical and writing skills.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to excel in the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course:

Read Extensively : Read a wide range of Dutch literary works, including both classical and contemporary texts. Immerse yourself in the richness and diversity of Dutch literature to deepen your understanding and appreciation.

Take Notes and Annotate : Take thorough notes while reading and annotate the texts with your thoughts, observations, and questions. This will help you engage with the texts on a deeper level and prepare for class discussions and assessments.

Practice Time Management : Develop effective time management skills to ensure you allocate sufficient time for reading, studying, and completing assignments. Create a study schedule and stick to it to stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.

Collaborate with Peers : Engage in group study sessions or form study groups with classmates. Collaborative learning can provide different perspectives, insights, and support throughout your IB journey.

Are there any recommended Dutch literary works to read for the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course? There is a wide range of Dutch literary works that can be explored, such as "De Avonden" by Gerard Reve, "Het Achterhuis" by Anne Frank, and "Hersenschimmen" by J. Bernlef. Consult your teacher or refer to IB recommended reading lists for more suggestions.

Is it necessary to be a native Dutch speaker to excel in the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course? No, the course is designed to accommodate both native and non-native Dutch speakers. While a strong foundation in the Dutch language is beneficial, the focus of the course is on developing language proficiency and analytical skills in relation to Dutch texts.

How can I improve my oral presentation skills for the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course? Practice is key to improving your oral presentation skills. Prepare well, rehearse your presentation, and seek feedback from your teacher or peers. Consider using visual aids or multimedia elements to enhance your presentation.

Can I choose my own texts for the individual oral presentation in the IB Dutch A Language and Literature course? The choice of texts for the individual oral presentation may depend on the guidelines provided by your teacher or the IB curriculum. It is essential to consult with your teacher to understand the requirements and expectations for the presentation.

The IB Dutch A Language and Literature course provides a platform to enhance your Dutch language proficiency and explore the rich world of Dutch literature. By engaging with a variety of texts, analyzing their form and content, and developing your language skills, you can excel in the course and succeed on the IB exam. Embrace the journey, seek support when needed, and enjoy the exploration of Dutch language and literature.

Related posts

The Comprehensive Guide to IB English A Language and Literature

The Comprehensive Guide to IB Chinese A Language and Literature

The Comprehensive Guide to IB Arabic A Language and Literature

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Interviewing in Dutch Posted by Karoly Molina on Feb 8, 2017 in Dutch Vocabulary

My last post was about working on your CV and motivation letter for the job . This post will focus on the types of questions you can expect in a job interview or a  sollicitatiegesprek. 

Vacature in the Netherlands (photograph by Esther Westerveld found in Flickr.com)

We all know that a good first impression goes a long way. Regardless of your personal hardships with the Dutch language and culture, you can prepare yourself for an interview for the language and the overall performance.

It would be impossible to cover all the questions that you could be asked but there are always some general questions that are universal regardless of the profession. Here are a few:

Vertel eens wat over jezelf – Tell us something about yourself.

Wat zijn je sterke punten? – What are your strong points?

Wat zijn je zwakke punten? – What are your weak points?

Waarom wil je deze baan? – Why do you want this job?

Waar zie je jezelf over vijf jaar? – Where do you see yourself in five years?

Wat voor salaris heb je in gedachten? – What (amount) salary have you thought about?

Wat kreeg je bij je vorige werkgevers betaald? – What do you earn in your current job?

Wat wil je bereiken met deze functie? – What do you want to achieve with this job?

Wat weet je over deze organisatie? –  What do you know about this organization?

Wat denk je dat deze functie inhoudt? –  What do you think this position entails?

Wat maakt jou geschikt voor deze functie? –  What makes you suitable for this position?

The following video gives you some tips for a job interview. What useful phrases and vocabulary can you spot in the video?

https://youtu.be/mYk5bMExZtE

What advice would you give someone who is looking for a job in the Netherlands or Belgium?

Useful Vocabulary functie-  position geschikt-  suitable salaris-  salary inhouden-  to entail baan-  job taken-  tasks weten-  to know willen-  to want denken-  to think positief-  positive negatief-  negative arbeidsvoorwaarden-  working conditions (literal translation), employee benefits pensioen-  pension werkrooster-  work schedule

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

About the Author: Karoly Molina

Since I was a little girl, I was fascinated with languages and writing. I speak English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and a little bit of French. I am a writer, reader, language teacher, traveler, and a food lover! I now live in The Netherlands with my husband Riccardo, our cat Mona, and our dog Lisa, and the experience has been phenomenal. The Dutch culture is an exciting sometimes topsy-turvy world that I am happily exploring!

Dutch language levels CEFR (A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2)

The most common way to describe language proficiency is: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) It is a guideline used to describe the language levels across Europe. You can also find a Dutch language proficiency table. We’ll describe both standards. 

The CEFR framework describes 6 language levels. We can distinguish 3 main categories (A, B, C) and 2 sublevels:

• A Basic (A1/A2)
• B Independent (B1/B2)
• C Proficient (C1/C2)

Please use the language proficiency table below to do a self-assessment of your language level. This framework applies to all languages.

Find below a less complex proficiency standard:

Dutch proficiency table

• Level 1F: “basic user”
• Level 2F: “independent user”, VMBO, MBO-1, MBO-2 en MBO-3
• Level 3F: “independent user “, HAVO en MBO-4
• Level 4F: “skilled user”, VWO

DutchNews.nl - DutchNews.nl brings daily news from The Netherlands in English

Partner content, bilingual education is about more than two languages.

For international parents, choosing where to educate their children is one of the most critical decisions they face. Those on short-term stays may want an English-language or international school, while those who are here for the long haul may decide to go native in the Dutch education system.

At Winford Bilingual primary schools —in Amsterdam , Haarlem and The Hague —such choices are academic because they are the only truly dual language primary schools in the country. Winford has developed its own integrated English-Dutch curriculum and students learn everything from critical thinking to decision-making in two languages from day one to graduation.

“All of our classrooms are multi-level and dual language,” says Joy Otto, programme director of Winford Bilingual Amsterdam and coordinator for all Winford Bilingual schools. “What is very unique about us is that we have two classrooms in one. Every classroom has two native speaking teachers, a Dutch teacher and an English teacher.

“We really look more at the whole child here. We don’t group children just by their age,” says Joy. “As a small school, we have the luxury of taking 30 days to get to know each child, and then we place them where we believe they will thrive. Because I really believe that every child has a gift, and it’s our job to figure out what that gift is and to help them level up on their challenges.”

Come this May, Winford Bilingual will open a new school in The Hague with a brand-new programme featuring its celebrated bilingual curriculum but also with an option for students to move to a strictly Dutch curriculum from age nine. The dual pathway empowers students to make informed decisions about their educational journey, preparing them for the next steps—which is what Winford Bilingual is all about.

You can visit Winford Bilingual The Hague on June 1, when the school will hold an open house. Personal tours at all three locations are possible.

Blue and Red

At Winford Bilingual Amsterdam on a quiet, leafy street near the Museumplein, some 70 students fill the sunny and welcoming classrooms in a grand townhouse. At first glance, the classrooms look much like those you’d find in any other private school. But on closer inspection, you can see the Winford difference: each class is divided into a blue and a red section—the blue section for English, the red Dutch-only.

“We assign language by person, location, and colour,” says Joy. “So, when a child is speaking with an English teacher, they must speak English. When they are sitting in the blue section, they also know they must speak English. And when they go to the other side of the room and it’s red, they know they need to speak Dutch. It’s very clear to them.”

“It’s surprising how easily they pick up any language that that they haven’t mastered yet,” says Willem van Hoof, teacher of the 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds in the school’s Panda group and assistant director of Winford Amsterdam.

Julia Bormann, the English teacher for the Eagle class of older children aged 9 to 12, agrees. “It’s amazing to see how the kids can switch from one language to the other, and they know exactly when it’s transition time and when they have to switch their brains from English to Dutch or the other way around,” she says.

“It’s also really nice to see how the different age levels work together. The older ones help the smaller ones, or the other way around, and everyone’s accepted, everyone’s welcome.”

“For example, now we’re talking about dinosaurs,” says Willem. “And even though we don’t teach the same exact lesson in both Dutch and English, we do touch on the same subjects, such as fossils and the eras when the dinosaurs lived. It may be on different days, but it’s within the same week, and we cover the same vocabulary. The key is communication.”

Smart investment

Another aspect that sets Winford apart from other private schools is its unique curriculum, based on a combination of the Dutch, British and International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Students therefore have a choice of secondary schools. They’re ready to excel in Dutch schools (where they’re automatically enrolled in the lottery system), or they can go to international schools, British or American ones.

“I feel very strongly that parents pay a huge investment when they give us their children, and I want to make sure they get a good return on that investment,” says Joy. “Investing in your children now will get returns, because parents are setting them up for two areas of success from the start. Our promise is that if you come to us (at a young age), when you leave, you’ll be fluent in both languages.”

Joy also emphasises that Winford is not an international school. “We’re a Dutch private school,” she says. “Most families choose us because they want their child to be integrated into the Dutch system. But life happens, so they’re not 100% sure if they’ll stay here all the way through middle or high school. They want to have that choice.”

At Winford Amsterdam, some 40-45% of the families are Dutch, meaning they have one Dutch-speaking parent and speak Dutch at home. Another 40%, who Joy refers to as “transplants,” are from within the EU, while the rest hail from Britain and US.

Jenni Iyoyo is responsible for marketing and admissions at all three of Winford’s bilingual schools. She says the parents reaching out to her are looking for smaller classes that provide more attention to their child.

“They believe their child could do so much more if they just had the right attention,” she says. “They want to give them that chance. They also love that we teach to the child’s ability, because we have mixed abilities in every classroom.”

That’s a huge selling point for many Dutch families, who sometimes feel their kids get left behind in traditional Dutch schools if they’re either too advanced or have learning challenges.

Flexible vacations and hot lunches

Anyone who’s ever had a child enrolled in a Dutch public school knows how strict they are regarding vacations and the fines that can be levied if you’re caught breaking the rules. But at Winford Bilingual, holiday time is flexible, meaning parents can take their kids out of school when it conveniently fits their own family schedule, something that even international schools in the Netherlands can’t offer.

“Because we came in on a pilot programme, we are able to provide flexible holidays,” explains Joy. “Parents really love that, because they can spend extra time with their family and avoid all the expensive Dutch vacations.”

Another unique selling point of these boutique schools is their hot lunches, made and prepared on-site and served in dining-room style.

In Amsterdam, cook Anna serves up such vegetarian favourites as mozzarella and pasta bakes, vegetable biryani and Thai sweet potato and coconut soup. “It smells so good that sometimes we get distracted from working!” says Joy, whose office with Jenni is next to the dining room.

For more information about all Winford Bilingual primary schools, click here .

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The best new science fiction books of May 2024

A new Stephen King short story collection, an Ursula K. Le Guin reissue and a celebration of cyberpunk featuring writing from Philip K. Dick and Cory Doctorow are among the new science fiction titles published this month

By Alison Flood

A new short story collection from Stephen King, You Like It Darker, is out in May

Shane Leonard

Every month, I trawl through publishers’ catalogues so I can tell you about the new science fiction being released. And every month, I’m disappointed to see so much more fantasy on publishers’ lists than sci-fi. I know it’s a response to the huge boom in readers of what’s been dubbed “ romantasy ”, and I’m not knocking it – I love that sort of book too. But it would be great to see more good, hard, mind-expanding sci-fi in the offing as well.

In the meantime, there is definitely enough for us sci-fi fans to sink our teeth into this month, whether it’s a reissue of classic writing from Ursula K. Le Guin, some new speculative short stories from Stephen King or murder in space from Victor Manibo and S. A. Barnes.

Last month, I tipped Douglas Preston’s Extinction and Sofia Samatar’s The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain as books I was looking forward to. I can report that they were both excellent: Extinction was a lot of good, clean, Jurassic Park -tinged fun, while Samatar’s offering was a beautiful and thought-provoking look at life on a generation ship.

The Language of the Night: Essays on writing, science fiction, and fantasy by Ursula K. Le Guin

There are few sci-fi and fantasy writers more brilliant (and revered) than Ursula K. Le Guin. This reissue of her first full-length collection of essays features a new introduction from Hugo and Nebula award-winner Ken Liu and covers the writing of The Left Hand of Darkness and A Wizard of Earthsea , as well as her advocacy for sci-fi and fantasy as legitimate literary mediums. I’ve read some of these essays but not all, and I won’t be missing this collection.

Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

This isn’t science fiction, not quite, but it is one of the best and most important books I have read for some time. It sees Jacobsen lay out, minute by minute, what would happen if an intercontinental ballistic missile hit Washington DC. How would the US react? What, exactly, happens if deterrence fails? Jacobsen has spoken to dozens of military experts to put together what her publisher calls a “non-fiction thriller”, and what I call the scariest book I have possibly ever read (and I’m a Stephen King fan; see below). We’re currently reading it at the New Scientist Book Club, and you can sign up to join us here .

Read an extract from Nuclear War: A scenario by Annie Jacobsen

In this terrifying extract from Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A Scenario, the author lays out what would happen in the first seconds after a nuclear missile hits the Pentagon

The Big Book of Cyberpunk (Vol 1 & 2)

Forty years ago, William Gibson published Neuromancer . Since then, it has entranced millions of readers right from its unforgettable opening line: “The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel…”. Neuromancer gave us the literary genre that is cyberpunk, and we can now welcome a huge, two-volume anthology celebrating cyberpunk’s best stories, by writers from Cory Doctorow to Justina Robson, and from Samuel R. Delaney to Philip K. Dick. I have both glorious-sounding volumes, brought together by anthologist Jared Shurin, on my desk (using up most of the space on it), and I am looking forward to dipping in.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

You could categorise Stephen King as a horror writer. I see him as an expert chronicler of the dark side of small-town America, and from The Tommyknockers and its aliens to Under the Dome with its literally divisive trope, he frequently slides into sci-fi. Even the horror at the heart of It is some sort of cosmic hideousness. He is one of my favourite writers, and You Like It Darker is a new collection of short stories that moves from “the folds in reality where anything can happen” to a “psychic flash” that upends dozens of lives. There’s a sequel to Cujo , and a look at “corners of the universe best left unexplored”. I’ve read the first story so far, and I can confirm there is plenty for us sci-fi fans here.

Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

Not sci-fi, but fiction about science – and from one of the UK’s most exciting writers (if you haven’t read The Essex Serpent yet, you’re in for a treat). This time, Perry tells the story of Thomas Hart, a columnist on the Essex Chronicle who becomes a passionate amateur astronomer as the comet Hale-Bopp approaches in 1997. Our sci-fi columnist Emily Wilson is reviewing it for New Scientist ’s 11 May issue, and she has given it a vigorous thumbs up (“a beautiful, compassionate and memorable book,” she writes in a sneak preview just for you guys).

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes

Dr Ophelia Bray is a psychologist and expert in the study of Eckhart-Reiser syndrome, a fictional condition that affects space travellers in terrible ways. She’s sent to help a small crew whose colleague recently died, but as they begin life on an abandoned planet, she realises that her charges are hiding something. And then the pilot is murdered… Horror in space? Mysterious planets? I’m up for that.

In Hey, Zoey, the protagonist finds an animatronic sex doll hidden in her garage

Shutterstock / FOTOGRIN

Hey, Zoey by Sarah Crossan

Hot on the heels of Sierra Greer’s story about a sex robot wondering what it means to be human in Annie Bot , the acclaimed young adult and children’s author Sarah Crossan has ventured into similar territory. In Hey, Zoey , Dolores finds an animatronic sex doll hidden in her garage and assumes it belongs to her husband David. She takes no action – but then Dolores and Zoey begin to talk, and Dolores’s life changes.

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler

Davi has tried to take down the Dark Lord before, rallying humanity and making the final charge – as you do. But the time loop she is stuck in always defeats her, and she loses the battle in the end. This time around, Davi decides that the best thing to do is to become the Dark Lord herself. You could argue that this is fantasy, but it has a time loop, so I’m going to count it as sci-fi. It sounds fun and lighthearted: quotes from early readers are along the lines of “A darkly comic delight”, and we could all use a bit of that these days.

Escape Velocity by Victor Manibo

It’s 2089, and there’s an old murder hanging over the clientele of Space Habitat Altaire, a luxury space hotel, while an “unforeseen threat” is also brewing in the service corridors. A thriller in space? Sounds excellent – and I’m keen to see if Manibo makes use of the latest research into the angle at which blood might travel following violence in space, as reported on by our New Scientist humour columnist Marc Abrahams recently.

The best new science fiction books of March 2024

With a new Adrian Tchaikovsky, Mars-set romance from Natasha Pulley and a high-concept thriller from Stuart Turton due to hit shelves, there is plenty of great new science fiction to be reading in March

In Our Stars by Jack Campbell

Part of the Doomed Earth series, this follows Lieutenant Selene Genji, who has been genetically engineered with partly alien DNA and has “one last chance to save the Earth from destruction”. Beautifully retro cover for this space adventure – not to judge a book in this way, of course…

The Downloaded by Robert J. Sawyer

Two sets of people have had their minds uploaded into a quantum computer in the Ontario of 2059. Astronauts preparing for the world’s first interstellar voyage form one group; the other contains convicted murderers, sentenced to a virtual-reality prison. Naturally, disaster strikes, and, yup, they must work together to save Earth from destruction. Originally released as an Audible Original with Brendan Fraser as lead narrator, this is the first print edition of the Hugo and Nebula award-winning Sawyer’s 26 th novel.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

Just in case you still haven’t read it, Justin Cronin’s gloriously dreamy novel The Ferryman , set on an apparently utopian island where things aren’t quite as they seem, is out in paperback this month. It was the first pick for the New Scientist Book Club, and it is a mind-bending, dreamy stunner of a read. Go try it – and sign up for the Book Club in the meantime!

• science fiction /

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