Choosing a review method with a study partner | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: After class, two classmates compare review methods and agree on a simple routine that balances notes, examples, and speaking practice..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Choosing a review method with a study partner to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik wil de les van vandaag herhalen.

ik vil duh less vahn vahn-DAHKH her-HAH-lun I want to review today's lesson.
A

Maar ik weet niet zeker waar ik moet beginnen.

mahr ik vayt neet ZAY-kuhr vahr ik moot buh-KHIN-nun But I am not sure where to start.
B

Begin met de aantekeningen die direct bij echte situaties passen.

buh-KHIN met duh AHN-tuh-KAY-nuh-ngun dee dih-REKT bye EKH-tuh see-tyoo-AHT-sees PAH-sun Start with the notes that connect directly to real situations.
A

Ik lees meestal alles opnieuw, maar dat kost te veel tijd.

ik lays MAY-stul AHL-us ohp-NEE-oo, mahr daht kohst tuh vayl tayt I usually reread everything, but that takes too much time.
B

Kies de delen die je in een kort gesprek kunt gebruiken.

kees duh DAY-lun dee yuh in uhn kort khuh-SPREKH kuhnt ghuh-BROY-kuhn Choose the parts you can use in a short conversation.
A

We zouden voorbeeldzinnen kunnen opschrijven voordat we gaan oefenen met spreken.

wuh ZOW-dun VOHR-baylt-ZIN-nun kuh-nun OP-skhray-vun voohr-daht wuh ghahn OO-fuh-nun met SPRAY-kun We could write example sentences before we practice speaking.
B

Als je de voorbeeldzinnen hardop zegt, kun je zien of je de uitdrukkingen in een gesprek kunt gebruiken.

ahls yuh duh VOHR-baylt-ZIN-nun HART-ohp zaykht, kuhnt yuh zeen uhf yuh duh OWT-druh-kin-ghun in uhn khuh-SPREKH kuhnt ghuh-BROY-kuhn Saying the example sentences aloud will show whether you can use the phrases in conversation.
A

Dat klinkt nuttiger dan de hele pagina weer overschrijven.

daht klinkt NUH-tuh-kher da(n) duh HAY-luh pah-ZHEE-nah vayr OH-vur-SKHRAY-vun That sounds more useful than copying the whole page again.
B

Je ziet dan ook welke punten duidelijk zijn en welke meer oefening nodig hebben.

yuh zeet da(n) ook VEL-kuh POON-tun DOW-duh-lukh zine un VEL-kuh mayr OO-fuh-ning NOH-dikh HEB-bun It also shows which points are clear and which ones need more practice.
A

Laten we allebei een paar nuttige uitdrukkingen kiezen en ze na de les uitproberen.

LAH-tun wuh AHL-luh-BYE uhn pahr NUH-tuh-khuh OWT-druh-kin-ghun KEE-zun un zuh nah duh less OWT-proh-bay-run Let's each choose a few useful phrases and test them after class.
B

Een korte routine kun je makkelijker herhalen dan een lang herhalingsplan.

uhn KOR-tuh roo-TEE-nuh kuh(n) yuh MAH-kuh-luh-kher her-HAH-lun da(n) uhn lahng her-HAH-lings-plahn A short routine will be easier to repeat than a long review plan.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and is the speaker who wants to review the lesson. It commonly appears before the verb, as in “Ik wil”. Use it when talking about yourself in a study plan or another personal situation.
wil “wil” expresses what the speaker wants in “Ik wil de les van vandaag herhalen.” With “Ik”, it is followed by an infinitive such as “herhalen”. Use “Ik wil” to state a wish or intention.
de “de” means “the” in “de les” and refers to a specific lesson. It is placed directly before the noun. Use “de” before a known or identified noun, such as “de les” in a classroom conversation.
les “les” means “lesson” in “de les van vandaag”. It refers here to the class material being reviewed. Use it for a class or teaching session when discussing study activities.
van “van” links “de les” to “vandaag” in “de les van vandaag”, meaning today’s lesson. It marks the relation between the lesson and the day. Use “van” in a noun phrase when identifying something by its source, owner, or time.
vandaag “vandaag” means “today” and specifies which lesson is being discussed. It can be placed after a noun with “van”, as in “de les van vandaag”. Use it to identify something connected with the current day.
herhalen “herhalen” means to review or repeat, and here it is the action the speaker wants to do with the lesson. It follows “wil” in “Ik wil de les van vandaag herhalen”. Use it with something being reviewed or repeated.
Maar “Maar” means “but” and introduces a contrast with the wish to review the lesson. It begins the sentence “Maar ik weet niet zeker waar ik moet beginnen.” Use it to add a difficulty, limitation, or opposing point.
weet “weet” means “know” in “ik weet niet zeker”. Here it refers to knowing where to begin, and “niet” makes the statement negative. Use “Ik weet” when stating what you know, especially before information introduced by “waar” or “of”.
niet “niet” negates the statement in “ik weet niet zeker”, so the speaker is not certain. It is placed before “zeker” in this expression. Use it to make a verb, adjective, or other part of a sentence negative.
zeker “zeker” means “sure” or “certain” in “ik weet niet zeker”. Together with “niet”, it shows that the speaker lacks certainty about where to begin. Use “niet zeker” when you want to express doubt about information or a decision.
waar “waar” means “where” and introduces the question of the starting point in “waar ik moet beginnen”. It connects the main statement with information about a place or point. Use “waar” before a clause when asking or explaining where something happens or starts.
moet “moet” expresses need or obligation in “ik moet beginnen”. It is followed by the infinitive “beginnen”. Use it when saying that someone needs to do an action, such as deciding where to start studying.
beginnen “beginnen” means “start” or “begin”, and here it is the action that the speaker needs to take. It follows “moet” in “waar ik moet beginnen”. Use it when referring to the first step of an activity.
Begin “Begin” is an instruction to start, as in “Begin met de aantekeningen”. It tells the study partner what first action to take. Use it when giving direct advice about the first step in a task.
met “met” means “with” in “Begin met de aantekeningen” and identifies the material to start with. It follows “Begin” in this instruction. Use “beginnen met” or “Begin met” when naming the first thing in an activity.
aantekeningen “aantekeningen” means “notes” and refers to the written study material in the dialogue. In “de aantekeningen die direct bij echte situaties passen”, it is the material being selected. Use it when discussing notes made during a lesson or while studying.
die “die” means “that” or “which” and introduces information about “de aantekeningen”. It connects the noun to the clause “direct bij echte situaties passen”. Use “die” after a noun when adding a description of that noun.
direct “direct” means “directly” and describes how the notes fit real situations. It modifies “passen” in “direct bij echte situaties passen”. Use it before an action when emphasizing an immediate or direct connection.
bij “bij” means “with” or “in relation to” in “bij echte situaties passen”. It forms the connection between the notes and the situations they fit. Use “passen bij” when saying that something matches or is appropriate for something else.
echte “echte” means “real” and describes “situaties” in “echte situaties”. It distinguishes practical situations from only theoretical examples. Use it before a noun when referring to situations that occur in everyday life.
situaties “situaties” means “situations” and refers here to real-life contexts in which the notes can be used. It appears in “bij echte situaties passen”. Use it when discussing different circumstances or practical contexts.
passen “passen” means “fit” or “match” in “de aantekeningen die direct bij echte situaties passen”. It says that the notes are suitable for real situations. Use “passen bij” to describe a good match between one thing and another.
lees “lees” means “read” in “Ik lees meestal alles opnieuw”. It describes the speaker’s usual way of reviewing the material. Use it after “Ik” when talking about reading something yourself.
meestal “meestal” means “usually” and shows that rereading everything is a common habit, but not necessarily the only one. It appears before “alles opnieuw”. Use it to describe what normally happens.
alles “alles” means “everything” and refers to the complete lesson material in “alles opnieuw”. It is used without naming each individual item. Use it when referring to the whole set of things relevant to an activity.
opnieuw “opnieuw” means “again” or “anew” and shows that the speaker reads the material another time. It modifies “lees” in “lees meestal alles opnieuw”. Use it when an action is repeated from the beginning or carried out anew.
dat “dat” refers back to reading everything again in “dat kost te veel tijd”. It is the thing that takes too much time. Use “dat” to refer to a previously mentioned fact, action, or situation.
kost “kost” means “takes” in “dat kost te veel tijd”, not money in this context. It describes the amount of time required by an activity. Use “iets kost tijd” when saying that an activity requires time.
te “te” marks an excessive amount in “te veel tijd”, meaning more time than is wanted or practical. It works together with “veel” here. Use “te” before an amount or description when something exceeds a suitable limit.
veel “veel” means “much” or “a lot” in “te veel tijd”. It describes the large amount of time required for rereading. Use it before an uncounted amount such as “tijd” when referring to a large quantity.
tijd “tijd” means “time” and is the resource required by the review method. In “kost te veel tijd”, it is what the activity takes. Use it when discussing how long an activity requires or how much time is available.
Kies “Kies” is an instruction meaning “choose” in “Kies de delen”. It asks the learner to select only some material. Use it when giving direct advice about selecting an option, item, or part.
delen “delen” means “parts” and refers to selected portions of the lesson. In “de delen die je in een kort gesprek kunt gebruiken”, these are the parts suitable for conversation. Use it when dividing a text, lesson, or object into sections.
je “je” means “you” and is the person who can use the selected parts in “die je in een kort gesprek kunt gebruiken”. It is the subject of “kunt gebruiken”. Use it when addressing the person doing the activity.
in “in” means “in” and places the use of the phrases within “een kort gesprek”. It marks the context in which something happens. Use “in” before a situation, place, or context where an action takes place.
een “een” means “a” or “an” in “een kort gesprek”. It introduces one non-specific conversation. Use “een” before a singular noun when it has not been identified as a particular one.
kort “kort” means “short” and describes the conversation in “een kort gesprek”. It indicates that the conversation has limited length or duration. Use it before a noun when describing something brief.
gesprek “gesprek” means “conversation” and refers to spoken interaction in which the learner can use the phrases. It appears in “in een kort gesprek”. Use it when discussing an exchange between people.
kunt “kunt” means “can” in “je ... kunt gebruiken”. It expresses ability or possibility and is followed by the infinitive “gebruiken”. Use it when telling someone what they are able to do.
gebruiken “gebruiken” means “use” and describes applying the selected parts in a conversation. It follows “kunt” in “kunt gebruiken”. Use it with an object when saying that someone applies a word, phrase, or tool.
We “We” means “we” and refers to the two classmates acting together. In “We zouden voorbeeldzinnen kunnen opschrijven”, it introduces their joint suggestion. Use it when proposing or describing an action done by yourself and another person.
zouden “zouden” expresses a tentative suggestion or possibility in “We zouden ... kunnen opschrijven”. It makes the proposal less direct than a firm instruction. Use “We zouden” when suggesting a possible plan together.
voorbeeldzinnen “voorbeeldzinnen” means “example sentences” and refers to sentences written to demonstrate useful language. In the dialogue, they are written before speaking practice. Use it when creating sample sentences for study or explanation.
kunnen “kunnen” means “could” or “be able to” in “zouden ... kunnen opschrijven”. It contributes the idea that writing the sentences is a possible option. Use it before an infinitive when describing an ability or possible action.
opschrijven “opschrijven” means “write down” and describes recording the example sentences. It follows “kunnen” in “kunnen opschrijven”. Use it with something that you want to record so you can remember or review it later.
voordat “voordat” means “before” and introduces the activity that happens later in “voordat we gaan oefenen met spreken”. It links writing the sentences to the later speaking practice. Use “voordat” before a clause to order two activities in time.
gaan “gaan” combines with “oefenen” in “we gaan oefenen met spreken” to express that the speakers are going to practise speaking. It is followed by the activity “oefenen”. Use it when referring to an intended or upcoming activity.
oefenen “oefenen” means “practise” in “oefenen met spreken”. It describes training a skill through repeated activity. Use “oefenen met” when naming the skill or activity being practised.
spreken “spreken” means “speak” and names the activity being practised in “oefenen met spreken”. It is used here as the skill for practice. Use it when talking about developing or performing spoken communication.
Als “Als” means “if” in “Als je de voorbeeldzinnen hardop zegt”. It introduces the condition under which the result can be observed. Use “Als” at the beginning of a conditional statement about a possible action.
hardop “hardop” means “aloud” and describes saying the example sentences so they can be heard. It modifies “zegt” in “hardop zegt”. Use “hardop zeggen” when speaking words audibly rather than silently reading them.
zegt “zegt” means “says” or “speaks” in “je de voorbeeldzinnen hardop zegt”. It describes producing the example sentences aloud. Use it with something being said, such as a sentence or phrase.
Kun “Kun” means “can” in “Kun je zien of ...”. It begins a question about whether the listener is able to check something. Use “Kun je” to ask someone if they can perform an action.
zien “zien” means “see”, and in “kun je zien of ...” it means to determine or check whether something is true. It follows “kun” in the question. Use “zien of” when checking the result or status of something.
of “of” means “whether” in “zien of je de uitdrukkingen ... kunt gebruiken”, not “or”. It introduces the point being checked. Use it after an expression such as “zien” when asking whether a statement applies.
uitdrukkingen “uitdrukkingen” means “phrases” or “expressions” and refers to the language items being tested in conversation. In the dialogue, the learner checks whether they can use these phrases. Use it for fixed or useful groups of words used in communication.
klinkt “klinkt” means “sounds” in “Dat klinkt nuttiger”. It gives an impression or evaluation of the proposed method. Use “Dat klinkt” before a description of how an idea seems.
nuttiger “nuttiger” means “more useful” and compares the suggested method with copying the page again. It appears in “klinkt nuttiger dan”. Use it when saying that one option has greater practical value than another.
dan “dan” means “than” and introduces the second side of the comparison in “nuttiger dan de hele pagina weer overschrijven”. It connects the comparative form “nuttiger” with the alternative. Use it after a comparative when making a comparison.
hele “hele” means “whole” or “entire” in “de hele pagina”. It emphasizes that the complete page would be copied. Use it before a noun when referring to the complete item rather than only one part.
pagina “pagina” means “page” and refers to the complete page of study material. In “de hele pagina weer overschrijven”, it is the material that would be copied. Use it when discussing a page in a book, document, or lesson.
weer “weer” means “again” in “weer overschrijven”. It shows that copying the page would happen another time. Use it before an action when referring to repetition.
overschrijven “overschrijven” means “copy” or “rewrite” and describes reproducing the whole page again. It appears after “weer” in “de hele pagina weer overschrijven”. Use it with text or another written item that is being copied.
ziet “ziet” means “sees” in “Je ziet dan ook welke punten duidelijk zijn”. Here it refers to recognizing the results of the review method. Use it when explaining what becomes apparent to someone after an activity.
ook “ook” means “also” and adds another benefit of the speaking practice after the earlier benefit was mentioned. It appears in “Je ziet dan ook”. Use it to add related information to a statement.
welke “welke” means “which” and identifies the particular points being evaluated in “welke punten duidelijk zijn”. It appears directly before the noun “punten”. Use it before a noun when selecting or identifying one or more items from a group.
punten “punten” means “points” and refers to individual topics or aspects of the lesson. The dialogue distinguishes points that are clear from those needing more practice. Use it when discussing separate items in notes, a lesson, or an explanation.
duidelijk “duidelijk” means “clear” and describes points that the learner already understands. It appears before “zijn” in “punten duidelijk zijn”. Use it to describe information or a point that is easy to understand.
zijn “zijn” means “are” in “welke punten duidelijk zijn”. It links the points with their description, “duidelijk”. Use it to state a condition or description of several points.
en “en” means “and” and connects the clear points with the points needing more practice. It joins two related parts of the sentence. Use it to add another item or idea without creating a contrast.
meer “meer” means “more” in “meer oefening nodig hebben”. It indicates an additional amount of practice. Use it before a noun when saying that a greater quantity is required.
oefening “oefening” means “practice” or “exercise” and refers here to additional training needed for some points. It appears in “meer oefening nodig hebben”. Use it when discussing training that helps develop a skill.
nodig “nodig” means “needed” or “necessary” in “meer oefening nodig hebben”. It identifies practice as something required for improvement. Use it in the pattern “iets nodig hebben” when saying that someone needs something.
hebben “hebben” means “have” in the expression “meer oefening nodig hebben”, which means “need more practice”. It completes the pattern for expressing a need. Use “iets nodig hebben” when identifying something required for an activity.
Laten “Laten” begins the suggestion “Laten we ... kiezen”, meaning “Let’s ... choose”. It invites both speakers to take the action together. Use it to propose a joint activity.
allebei “allebei” means “both” or “each” and shows that the two classmates will each make a choice. It modifies “we” in “Laten we allebei ... kiezen”. Use it when referring to two people who do the same thing.
paar “paar” means “few” or “couple” in “een paar nuttige uitdrukkingen”. It indicates a small number, without specifying the exact number. Use “een paar” before a plural noun when referring to a small selection.
nuttige “nuttige” means “useful” and describes the expressions selected for practice. It appears before the plural noun “uitdrukkingen” in “nuttige uitdrukkingen”. Use it before a noun when emphasizing practical value.
ze “ze” means “them” in “ze na de les uitproberen” and refers back to the useful expressions. It avoids repeating the full noun phrase. Use it as an object pronoun when an earlier-mentioned plural item is being acted on.
na “na” means “after” in “na de les” and places the testing later than the class. It appears before the time expression “de les”. Use “na” to say that an activity happens after an event or period.
uitproberen “uitproberen” means “try out” or “test” and describes using the selected expressions to see how well they work. It appears in “ze na de les uitproberen”. Use it with an idea, method, phrase, or other thing being tested in practice.
routine “routine” means “routine” and refers to the repeated study method the classmates agree to use. In “Een korte routine”, it is a regular sequence of study actions. Use it when describing a practice that can be repeated regularly.
makkelijker “makkelijker” means “easier” and compares the short routine with the long review plan. It appears in “makkelijker herhalen dan”. Use it to say that one activity requires less effort than another.
lang “lang” means “long” and describes the review plan in “een lang herhalingsplan”. It indicates that the plan contains or requires a greater length of time or detail. Use it before a noun when describing something lengthy.
herhalingsplan “herhalingsplan” means “review plan” and refers to a planned method for repeating study material. In the dialogue, it is compared with a shorter routine. Use it when discussing an organized plan for reviewing lessons or language.

Grammar Points

nuttig → nuttiger

nuttiger

NUH-tuh-kher

more useful

For the comparative, many short adjectives take -er: nuttig becomes nuttiger.

makkelijk → makkelijker

makkelijker

MAH-kuh-luh-kher

easier

The adjective makkelijk forms its comparative with -er: makkelijker means “easier”.

Dutch Vocabulary

aantekening noun
AHN-tuh-KAY-ning note aantekeningen
beginnen verb
buh-KHIN-nun to start; to begin
direct adv
dih-REKT directly
echt adj
EKHT real echte
herhalen verb
her-HAH-lun to review; to repeat
kosten verb
KOH-stun to cost kost
les noun
less lesson
meestal adv
MAY-stul usually
opnieuw adv
op-NEE-oo again; anew
situatie noun
see-tyoo-AHT-see situation situaties
vandaag adv
vahn-DAHKH today
zeker adj
ZAY-kuhr sure; certain

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to review; to repeat

Show Answerherhalen

to start; to begin

Show Answerbeginnen

real

Show Answerechte

sure; certain

Show Answerzeker