How to Verify Your Dutch Grammar (When Even Natives Shrug)

So you write a Dutch sentence.

You're proud. It feels right.
Then a native says:

“Hmm… I guess that works. But we’d say it differently.”

Frustrating, right?

You’re not looking for “close enough.” You want to know if your grammar is correct. Especially when:

• You're writing a job application

• Prepping for the NT2 exam

• Trying to level up beyond casual conversation

So let’s get you some answers.

The Problem: “Good Enough” Isn’t Always Enough

Dutch people are nice.
They’ll overlook small grammar slips, and they’ll switch to English to help you out.

But here’s what that means for you:

• You might think you're fluent… until you're in a formal setting.

• You stop noticing small mistakes.

• You don’t get real feedback.

You want to speak and write with confidence. Not just hope it’s right.

Here’s how to verify your Dutch—without needing a grammar police squad.

Step 1: Learn to Catch Yourself

✅ Keep a “Mistake Log”

Every time a native corrects you—or you realize a sentence felt “off”—write it down:

• ❌ Ik heb gewint.

• ✅ Ik heb gewonnen.
  (Add why it was wrong: wrong participle for winnen)

Over time, patterns emerge. That’s where the growth is.

✅ Read Like a Language Detective

Look at how native writers build sentences. Pay attention to:

• Word order in long clauses

• Article use (de vs het)

• Prepositions and fixed phrases

Step 2: Use Tools (But Use Them Right)

⚠️ Google Translate

Decent for single words or double-checking syntax.
❌ Not reliable for full sentences or nuanced grammar.

✅ LanguageTool + DeepL Write

• Better for full sentence grammar checking than Google

• Useful for writing emails or formal text

• Catch many common verb agreement and article mistakes

✅ AI Tools (Like ChatGPT or Langotalk)

• Great for asking “Is this correct? What’s wrong here?”

• Ask for explanations, not just corrections

• Example: “Is ‘Ik ben naar de supermarkt gegaan geweest’ correct?” (Nope.)

⚠️ Just don’t trust the AI blindly. Always cross-check if you're unsure.

Step 3: Get Native Eyes On It

✅ Join Online Communities

Subreddits like r/learndutch or Tandem/HelloTalk are perfect for this.

Post short phrases and ask:

• “Is this grammatically correct?”

• “Would you say it this way in daily conversation?”

• “Is this formal or casual?”

Most people are happy to help.

✅ Use “Slow Dutch” Meetups

In-person taalcafés or language exchanges are ideal for safe practice and gentle correction.

Bring questions. People love helping motivated learners.

Step 4: Learn Grammar the Smart Way (Not the Hard Way)

Reddit learners agree:
Don’t rely on vague exposure or hope “it sounds right.”

Instead, use dedicated grammar resources like:

• DutchGrammar.com – super detailed, free

• NT2 practice books – structured by level

• Dodo app – interactive grammar games + real-time feedback

These give you clear rules, not just instincts.

Real Learner Wisdom (Straight from Reddit)

• “I passed NT2 because I drilled grammar with feedback every single day.”

• “Dutch natives are helpful, but they won’t tell you when you mess up a subtle rule. You need a resource that does.”

• “After switching to Dodo, I started spotting and fixing my own mistakes in real conversations.”

How Dodo Helps You Verify and Improve Grammar

Dodo doesn’t just mark things right or wrong. It helps you understand why.

With Dodo’s grammar system, you’ll get:

✅ Targeted practice by topic (e.g., word order, de/het, verb tenses)
✅ Instant corrections with explanations
✅ Spaced repetition to lock in tricky grammar rules
✅ Smart review based on what you struggle with
✅ Confidence in both formal and casual Dutch

Common Mistakes You Can Learn to Spot

Dodo helps drill and correct these types of mistakes fast.

You’ve Got This

It’s okay to want your Dutch to be flawless. Especially if you’re taking an exam, applying for a job, or just proud of how far you’ve come.

The key is feedback.
Not vague, “Yeah that works.”
But real, rule-backed, confidence-building feedback.

P.S. Want a tool that doesn't just test you—but teaches you?

👉 Download Dodo and start mastering Dutch grammar for real.