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DFL LEESMETHODE

Learn to Read Dutch — from Zero to Fluent

A color-coded, step-by-step reading method. From short vowels to diphthongs in 20 chapters.

4 books • 733 words with audio • 60 stories • Book 1, Chapter 1 is free

Four steps per chapter

Structured and repeatable. Every chapter follows the same rhythm.

Step 1

Woordenlijst

Word List

Clickable word cards with color-coded vowels. Tap any word to hear it spoken aloud.

+10 XP
Step 2

Verhalen

Stories

2-3 short stories per chapter using only the words you've learned. Click any sentence to hear it read.

+15 XP
Step 3

Begrijpend Lezen

Comprehension

3-5 open questions about the stories. Test your understanding of what you just read.

+20 XP
Step 4

Spiek-Vrij Dictee

No-Peek Dictation

Words are read aloud, you type them. Automatic scoring with percentage. The real test.

+25 XP
4 BOOKS • 20 CHAPTERS

From absolute zero to reading Dutch

Each book builds on the last. No skipping, no guessing, no stress.

1
PRE-A1

Korte Klinkers

Short Vowels

Begin with the basics. Five short vowels, simple words, and your first Dutch stories.

aeiou
2
A1

Lange Klinkers

Long Vowels

Discover long vowels and open syllables. Learn the difference between 'man' and 'maan'.

aaeeoouuie
3
A1-A2

Tweeklanken

Diphthongs

Master the uniquely Dutch diphthongs. These are the sounds that make Dutch, Dutch.

oeeuuiei/ijou/au
4
A2

Speciale Klanken

Special Sounds

Advanced sound combinations and special Dutch consonants. The finishing touch.

aai/ooi/oeing/nkch/scheeuw/ieuw/uwv/z/sj
COLOR-CODED READING

See the sounds. Hear the words.

Every word is color-highlighted to show you exactly which sounds to focus on. No guessing. No memorizing rules. Just look, listen, and learn.

This is what makes the DFL Leesmethode unique. You don't just read words — you see the phonetic structure inside every word.

Three types of marking

aa
Target vowel
Red text on yellow background. The sound you're learning in this chapter.
e
Schwa (stomme-e)
Purple dotted underline. The unstressed 'e' in words like "de", "een", and "-en" endings.
n
Silent letter (stille-n)
Gray strikethrough. Letters that are written but not pronounced, like the final 'n' in "gaan".

Example from Book 2, Chapter 1 (aa)

maanden

maanden (months) — 'aa' is the target, final '-en' is reduced

Built for real progress

Every word has audio. Every chapter has stories. Every exercise earns XP.

733
Vocabulary words with audio
60
Short stories
1,420
TTS audio files
20
Chapters across 4 books

Click-to-speak

Every word and story sentence has audio. Tap to hear native Dutch pronunciation.

XP & badges

Earn points for every exercise. Track your progress across all chapters and books.

Leeskaart

Reading screen overlay that isolates text for better focus. Perfect for beginners.

Mobile-friendly

Works on your phone, tablet, and desktop. Practice anywhere.

Free preview

Book 1, Chapter 1 is free. No account needed. Try before you commit.

Dashboard tracking

Your progress syncs to your dashboard. See what you've done and what's next.

Veelgestelde vragen

Frequently asked questions about the Leesmethode.

Is it really free?+
Yes, Book 1 Chapter 1 is completely free. No account needed. For all 20 chapters, you need a DFL Tools Suite subscription.
What level is this for?+
PRE-A1 to A2. Perfect for absolute beginners who have never read Dutch before, all the way to learners working on advanced sound combinations.
How long does each chapter take?+
About 15-30 minutes per chapter. The whole method can be completed in a few weeks, but take your time. Stap voor stap.
Does it work on my phone?+
Yes. The Leesmethode is fully responsive and works on phone, tablet, and desktop.
How is this different from other reading methods?+
Every word has audio. Every vowel is color-coded. You don't guess pronunciation — you hear and see it. Plus the dictation exercises test real retention, not just recognition.
Is this included with my subscription?+
Yes. The Leesmethode is part of the Tools Suite. If you have a Tools Suite subscription, you already have full access.

Start reading Dutch today

Book 1, Chapter 1 is completely free. No account needed.

Full access included with Tools Suite. 7-day free trial.