Choosing an online course by priorities | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Choosing an online course by priorities to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ik vergelijk online cursussen en ze lijken bij verschillende leerstijlen te passen.

ik ver-KHAY-likh on-LINE KUR-suh-sen en zuh LIE-ken bye ver-SKHIL-un-duh LAYR-steye-len tuh PAH-sen I'm comparing online courses, and they seem to fit different learning styles.

Wat is voor jou het belangrijkst: feedback, flexibiliteit of oefenen met spreken?

WUT iss voor yow ut buh-LANG-rikst: FEET-bek, flek-see-bee-lee-TITE, of OO-fuh-nen met SPRAY-ken? What matters most to you: feedback, flexibility, or speaking practice?

Ik heb feedback nodig, maar mijn agenda verandert vaak.

ik heb FEET-bek NOH-dikh, mahr mine uh-ZHEN-dah vuh-RAHN-dert vakh I need feedback, but my schedule changes a lot.

Dan past een flexibele cursus met optionele livesessies misschien het best.

DAHN pahst uhn flek-SEE-buh-luh KUR-sus met op-tsyo-NAY-luh LIEV-seh-sees miss-KHEEN ut best Then a flexible course with optional live sessions may fit best.

Een cursus heeft goede beoordelingen, maar biedt heel weinig gelegenheid om te spreken.

ayn KUR-sus hayft KHOH-duh buh-OHR-day-ling-en, mahr beet hayl VAY-nikh khuh-LAY-khen-hite om tuh SPRAY-ken One course has strong reviews, but it has very little speaking practice.

Als spreken je doel is, is dat gemis belangrijk.

als SPRAY-ken yuh DOOL iss, iss dat khuh-MISS buh-LANG-rik If speaking is your goal, that gap matters.

De andere cursus bevat interactieve lessen en opmerkingen van de docent.

duh AHN-duh-ruh KUR-sus buh-VAT in-ter-ak-TEE-vuh LESS-un en OP-mair-king-un fun duh doh-SENT The other course includes interactive classes and teacher comments.

Kies de cursus die past bij de manier waarop je echt wilt leren.

KEES duh KUR-sus dee pahst bye duh mah-NEER wah-ROHP yuh EKHT vilt LAY-run Choose the one that matches how you actually want to learn.

Word by Word

Ik Here 'Ik' means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person comparing the courses. Use 'Ik' before a verb when stating what you do or think. It is useful when describing your own preferences or actions.

vergelijk Here 'vergelijk' means “compare” in the speaker’s statement about online courses. It is a form of vergelijken, used with 'Ik' in 'Ik vergelijk online cursussen'. A reusable pattern is Ik vergelijk [thing] met [thing] when examining two or more options.

online Here 'online' describes courses provided through the internet. It directly modifies 'cursussen' in 'online cursussen'. Use it when identifying a course, meeting, or service that takes place on the internet.

cursussen Here 'cursussen' means “courses” and refers to the online courses being compared. It is the plural of cursus, and the plural ending is part of this exact form. Use 'online cursussen' when talking about several internet-based courses.

en Here 'en' means “and” and connects related information. In the dialogue it joins 'online cursussen' with the statement that they seem to fit different learning styles, and it also joins 'interactieve lessen' with 'opmerkingen van de docent'. Use it to add another item or clause.

ze Here 'ze' means “they” and refers back to the courses. It is the subject of 'ze lijken bij verschillende leerstijlen te passen'. Use 'ze' to refer again to plural things that have already been mentioned.

lijken Here 'lijken' means “seem” and shows that the speaker is making an impression rather than stating an absolute fact. It is the infinitive form used after 'ze' in 'ze lijken bij verschillende leerstijlen te passen'. A common pattern is lijken te + infinitive when something appears to have a certain quality or result.

bij Here 'bij' connects the courses with the learning styles they suit in 'bij verschillende leerstijlen te passen'. The whole pattern 'bij ... passen' expresses suitability; 'bij' marks what something fits. Use it when saying that one option suits a person, group, or situation.

verschillende Here 'verschillende' means “different” and distinguishes one learning style from another. It modifies 'leerstijlen' in 'verschillende leerstijlen'. Use it before a plural noun when pointing out that the members are not the same.

leerstijlen Here 'leerstijlen' means “learning styles” and refers to different ways people learn. It is the plural form used after 'verschillende'. Use 'verschillende leerstijlen' when comparing how learners prefer to study.

te Here 'te' marks an infinitive in 'te passen' and 'om te spreken'. It links the preceding verb or noun phrase to the following action. Use the pattern 'om te spreken' when describing an opportunity or purpose involving speaking.

passen Here 'passen' means “to fit” or “to suit” in 'bij verschillende leerstijlen te passen'. It is the infinitive related to the form 'past' used later in the dialogue. A reusable pattern is 'bij ... passen' for saying that something suits a person, need, or style.

Wat Here 'Wat' means “what” and begins a question about the learner’s highest priority. It appears in 'Wat is voor jou het belangrijkst'. Use 'Wat is ...?' to ask what something is or which factor matters.

is Here 'is' links a subject with a description in questions and statements such as 'Wat is voor jou het belangrijkst' and 'is dat gemis belangrijk'. It is a form of zijn. Use 'X is belangrijk' when evaluating the importance of something.

voor Here 'voor' means “for” and identifies the person whose priority is being discussed in 'voor jou'. Use 'voor' before a person when saying what matters or applies to that person. It is useful when asking about someone’s preferences.

jou Here 'jou' means “you” and identifies the listener whose priorities are being asked about. It appears after 'voor' in 'voor jou'. Use 'voor jou' when asking what is important or suitable for another person.

het Here 'het' is part of the superlative expressions 'het belangrijkst' and 'het best', which refer to the highest degree of importance or suitability. It helps form these expressions rather than carrying the full meaning alone. Use 'het best' when recommending the most suitable option.

belangrijkst Here 'belangrijkst' means “most important” and identifies the highest priority in the question. It is the superlative form related to belangrijk and appears in 'het belangrijkst'. Use 'Wat is voor jou het belangrijkst' when asking someone to rank priorities.

feedback Here 'feedback' means comments or evaluation that help the learner understand how they are doing. It is the item the speaker says they need in 'Ik heb feedback nodig'. Use 'feedback nodig hebben' when explaining that evaluation is required.

flexibiliteit Here 'flexibiliteit' means “flexibility” and refers to how easily a course can accommodate changing schedules. It is one of the priorities listed alongside feedback and speaking practice. Use it when evaluating whether a schedule or arrangement can adapt to changing circumstances.

of Here 'of' means “or” and separates alternatives in the list of possible priorities. The pattern 'A, B of C' presents a choice among several options. Use it when asking someone to select one possibility from a list.

oefenen Here 'oefenen' means “to practise” in 'oefenen met spreken'. It names the activity of developing a speaking skill. Use the pattern 'oefenen met' followed by an activity or skill when discussing practice.

met Here 'met' means “with” and connects practice to the activity of speaking in 'oefenen met spreken'. The whole expression identifies what is being practised. Use 'oefenen met spreken' when talking about practising spoken language.

spreken Here 'spreken' means “speaking” or “to speak” and refers to the speaking skill in 'oefenen met spreken' and 'Als spreken je doel is'. It also appears after 'te' in 'gelegenheid om te spreken'. Use it when discussing spoken communication or making speaking a learning goal.

heb Here 'heb' contributes the “have” part of 'Ik heb feedback nodig', a construction that expresses needing feedback. It is a form of hebben used with 'Ik'. Use the reusable pattern 'Ik heb [thing] nodig' when stating that you need something.

nodig Here 'nodig' means “needed” within the expression 'Ik heb feedback nodig'. The whole expression, not 'nodig' alone, says that the speaker requires feedback. Use 'iets nodig hebben' to state a need.

maar Here 'maar' means “but” and introduces a contrast between needing feedback and having a changing schedule. It connects two statements where the second limits or qualifies the first. Use the pattern '..., maar ...' when presenting a contrast.

mijn Here 'mijn' means “my” and shows that the agenda belongs to the speaker. It appears before the noun in 'mijn agenda'. Use 'mijn' before a noun when referring to something associated with yourself.

agenda Here 'agenda' means “schedule” and refers to the speaker’s availability. It is the subject of 'mijn agenda verandert vaak'. Use 'mijn agenda' when explaining that your available times change.

verandert Here 'verandert' means “changes” and describes what happens to the speaker’s schedule. It is a form of veranderen used with 'mijn agenda' in 'mijn agenda verandert vaak'. Use it when saying that a schedule, plan, or situation changes.

vaak Here 'vaak' means “often” and says that the agenda changes frequently. It modifies 'verandert' in 'mijn agenda verandert vaak'. Use it with a verb when describing something that happens regularly.

Dan Here 'Dan' means “then” and introduces a conclusion or recommendation based on the changing schedule. It begins 'Dan past een flexibele cursus misschien het best'. Use 'Dan' when responding to a fact with a consequence or next suggestion.

past Here 'past' means “fits” or “suits” in 'past een flexibele cursus ... het best' and 'de cursus die past bij de manier waarop je ...'. It is a form of passen used to say that a course matches someone’s needs or preferred way of learning. Use the pattern 'iets past bij iemand of iets' when describing suitability.

een Here 'een' introduces a non-specific course in 'een flexibele cursus', while capitalized 'Een' begins the sentence 'Een cursus heeft goede beoordelingen'. The word can introduce one course without identifying it as a particular known course. Use it before a singular noun when presenting an option or new item.

cursus Here 'cursus' means “course” and refers to one online learning program. It appears in 'een flexibele cursus' and 'De andere cursus'. Use it when comparing or describing a specific learning program.

flexibele Here 'flexibele' means “flexible” and describes a course that can accommodate the learner’s changing schedule. It modifies 'cursus' in 'een flexibele cursus'. Use it before a noun when describing an arrangement that can adapt.

optionele Here 'optionele' means “optional” and describes live sessions that are available but not presented as required. It modifies 'livesessies' in 'optionele livesessies'. Use it before a noun when an activity can be chosen rather than being mandatory.

livesessies Here 'livesessies' means “live sessions” and refers to real-time course meetings. It appears in 'met optionele livesessies'. Use it when describing scheduled activities where learners participate live.

misschien Here 'misschien' means “perhaps” or “maybe” and softens the recommendation about which course suits the learner. It appears in 'misschien het best'. Use it when giving a possible suggestion without presenting it as completely certain.

best Here 'best' contributes the meaning “best” or “most suitable” in 'het best'. The whole expression 'past ... het best' says that one course is the most suitable option. Use it when recommending the option that fits most closely.

heeft Here 'heeft' means “has” and presents the course as possessing or receiving good reviews in 'Een cursus heeft goede beoordelingen'. It is a form of hebben used with 'Een cursus'. Use 'een cursus heeft ...' when describing a course’s features or evaluations.

goede Here 'goede' means “good” and evaluates the course’s reviews positively. It modifies 'beoordelingen' in 'goede beoordelingen'. Use it before a noun when giving a positive evaluation.

beoordelingen Here 'beoordelingen' means “reviews” or “evaluations” of the course. It appears in 'goede beoordelingen', describing how the course has been judged. Use it when discussing reviews or ratings that help someone choose a course.

biedt Here 'biedt' means “offers” or “provides” and describes what the course makes available. It is a form of bieden used in 'biedt heel weinig gelegenheid om te spreken'. A reusable pattern is biedt [thing] when listing what a course or service provides.

heel Here 'heel' means “very” and intensifies the small amount expressed by 'weinig'. It appears in the exact phrase 'heel weinig gelegenheid'. Use 'heel' before a word when strongly increasing its degree.

weinig Here 'weinig' means “little” and describes the small amount of speaking opportunity the course provides. It modifies 'gelegenheid' in 'heel weinig gelegenheid om te spreken'. Use it when saying that there is a small amount of something.

gelegenheid Here 'gelegenheid' means “opportunity” or “chance” to do something. In 'gelegenheid om te spreken', it introduces the activity for which the opportunity exists. Use the pattern 'gelegenheid om te + infinitive' when discussing a chance to perform an activity.

om Here 'om' introduces the infinitive phrase 'om te spreken', explaining what the opportunity is for. The whole phrase 'gelegenheid om te spreken' means an opportunity to speak. Use 'om te' before an action when expressing its purpose or intended activity.

Als Here 'Als' means “if” and introduces a condition about speaking being the learner’s goal. It begins 'Als spreken je doel is'. Use the pattern 'Als ..., ...' when explaining what follows under a particular condition.

je Here 'je' means “your” in 'je doel' and “you” as the subject in 'je echt wilt leren'. It identifies the listener both as the owner of the goal and the person who wants to learn. Use 'je' before a noun for “your” and before a verb for “you” in direct conversation.

doel Here 'doel' means “goal” and refers to the learner’s intended outcome, specifically speaking. It appears in 'je doel'. Use 'je doel is ...' when identifying what you want to achieve.

dat Here 'dat' means “that” and points back to the previously mentioned lack of speaking practice in 'dat gemis'. It identifies the specific gap being evaluated. Use 'dat' before a noun when referring to a particular thing already understood from the context.

gemis Here 'gemis' means “gap” or “lack” and refers to the shortage of speaking practice. It appears in 'dat gemis' as a noun for something missing from the course. Use it when discussing the absence of a feature or opportunity.

belangrijk Here 'belangrijk' means “important” and evaluates the effect of the speaking gap. It appears after 'is' in 'is dat gemis belangrijk'. Use 'is ... belangrijk' when judging whether something matters.

De Here 'De' means “the” and introduces the particular other course being compared with the first one. It appears in 'De andere cursus'. Use 'de' before a noun when referring to a specific item in the discussion.

andere Here 'andere' means “other” and distinguishes this course from the one mentioned earlier. It modifies 'cursus' in 'De andere cursus'. Use it when contrasting one item with another known item.

bevat Here 'bevat' means “contains” or “includes” and lists features included in the course. It is a form of bevatten used in 'bevat interactieve lessen en opmerkingen van de docent'. Use it when describing what a course, package, or document includes.

interactieve Here 'interactieve' means “interactive” and describes lessons involving interaction. It modifies 'lessen' in 'interactieve lessen'. Use it before a noun when emphasizing participation or exchange during an activity.

lessen Here 'lessen' means “lessons” or “classes” and refers to course sessions. It appears in 'interactieve lessen'. Use it when talking about the teaching units or classes included in a course.

opmerkingen Here 'opmerkingen' means “comments” and refers to remarks provided about the learner’s work. It appears in 'opmerkingen van de docent'. Use it when discussing written or spoken comments connected with learning or evaluation.

van Here 'van' means “from” or “by” and identifies the source of the comments in 'opmerkingen van de docent'. It links the comments to the teacher who gives them. Use 'van' to attribute something to a person or source.

docent Here 'docent' means “teacher” or “instructor” and identifies the person giving the comments. It appears in 'opmerkingen van de docent'. Use it in an educational context when referring to the instructor of a course.

Kies Here 'Kies' means “choose” and gives direct advice about selecting a course. It is the imperative form of kiezen in 'Kies de cursus die ...'. Use 'Kies' when telling someone to select an option.

die Here 'die' means “that” or “which” and introduces information identifying the course to choose. It connects 'de cursus' with 'past bij de manier waarop je echt wilt leren'. Use 'de ... die ...' to identify an item by describing what it does or matches.

manier Here 'manier' means “way” or “manner” and refers to how the learner wants to study. It appears in 'de manier waarop je echt wilt leren'. Use it when describing a method or style of doing something.

waarop Here 'waarop' means “in which” or “the way in which” and connects 'de manier' with the following description of learning. It appears in 'de manier waarop je echt wilt leren'. Use 'de manier waarop ...' to explain how an action is carried out.

echt Here 'echt' means “really” or “actually” and emphasizes the learner’s genuine preferred way of learning. It appears in 'echt wilt leren'. Use it to clarify that a preference or intention is sincere or actual.

wilt Here 'wilt' means “want” and expresses the listener’s intention in 'je echt wilt leren'. It is a form of willen used with 'je'. Use the pattern 'je wilt + infinitive' to say what someone wants to do.

leren Here 'leren' means “to learn” and names the activity the learner wants to carry out. It follows 'wilt' in 'je echt wilt leren'. Use 'willen leren' when talking about wanting to learn something or in a particular way.

Grammar Points

Bijvoeglijk naamwoord + zelfstandig naamwoord

verschillende leerstijlen

ver-SKHIL-un-duh LAYR-steye-len

different learning styles

Voor een zelfstandig naamwoord krijgen veel bijvoeglijke naamwoorden een -e: verschillende, flexibele, optionele en interactieve.

Dutch Vocabulary

belangrijkst adj

buh-LANG-rikst most important

Wat is voor jou het belangrijkst?

cursussen noun

KUR-suh-sen courses

online cursussen

feedback noun

FEET-bek feedback

feedback nodig

flexibiliteit noun

flek-see-bee-lee-TITE flexibility

feedback, flexibiliteit of oefenen met spreken

leerstijlen noun

LAYR-steye-len learning styles

verschillende leerstijlen

lijken verb

LIE-ken seem

ze lijken bij verschillende leerstijlen te passen

nodig adj

NOH-dikh needed

Ik heb feedback nodig.

oefenen verb

OO-fuh-nen to practise

oefenen met spreken

online adj

on-LINE online

online cursussen

spreken verb

SPRAY-ken speaking; to speak

oefenen met spreken

vergelijk verb

ver-KHAY-likh compare

Ik vergelijk online cursussen.

verschillende adj

ver-SKHIL-un-duh different

verschillende leerstijlen

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

seem

Show Answer

lijken

most important

Show Answer

belangrijkst

compare

Show Answer

vergelijk

feedback

Show Answer

feedback