Learning Dutch starts with the words you'll use most often. This Dutch A1 vocabulary list contains 100 high-frequency words that form the foundation of everyday Dutch communication. If you're studying Dutch on your own or in class, this list gives you a solid A1 base for learning vocabulary effectively.
Looking for a Dutch A1 word list PDF? This online list includes meaning and example context for every word, making it easier to review and practice than a static document.
What Counts as Dutch A1 Vocabulary?
CEFR A1 is the absolute beginner level. At A1, you're building the core vocabulary needed to understand simple everyday phrases, introduce yourself, ask basic questions, and handle simple transactions. A1 words include:
- Essential grammar words, including articles (de, het), pronouns (ik, jij), basic prepositions (in, op, met)
- Common verbs, including zijn (to be), hebben (to have), gaan (to go), willen (to want)
- Daily life basics, including greetings, numbers, time expressions, and simple descriptive words
- Survival communication, including yes, no, please, thank you, and question words (wat, waar, wie, hoe)
This list focuses on high-frequency words you'll see and hear constantly in Dutch, whether you're reading signs, having basic conversations, or following simple instructions.
Practice This Dutch A1 Vocabulary List Online
Use the interactive word trainer below to practice all 100 words from this Dutch A1 vocabulary list:
- Browse 4 organized decks with themed word categories
- Click any word to see its definition, example sentence, and pronunciation audio
- Tap the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation
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How to Use This Dutch A1 Vocabulary List
This list contains 100 essential words organized into four logical decks. Start with Deck 1 and work through sequentially, or focus on the deck that matches your immediate learning needs. Each word includes an example sentence showing how it's used in context.
Study tip: Don't try to memorize all 100 words at once. Start with 5-10 words per day, use them in sentences, and review them regularly. Spaced repetition can improve long-term retention when you review consistently.
Dutch A1 Word List (100 Words)
Click any word to see its full definition, example sentence, and related vocabulary.
Dutch Language Tips
Recognize cognates through sound shifts
Dutch ij/ei often equals English long i: wijn = wine, tijd = time, schrijven = write, ijzer = iron. When you see ij/ei, think English -ine/-ide/-ight patterns.
Play the de/het numbers game
Most Dutch nouns are de-words. When you're guessing gender, de is the safer bet more often than not. All diminutives (-je) reset to het regardless of base gender.
Diminutives become het-words
De hond → het hondje, de auto → het autootje. All diminutives become het-words regardless of the base noun's gender, so if you hear -je on a noun, you know the article is het. This is useful for comprehension even before you've memorized the base noun's gender.
Open vs closed syllables change vowel length
Dutch vowel spelling follows a pattern: open syllables (ending in vowel) use single vowels (maken = to make, /ma-ken/), closed syllables (ending in consonant) double the vowel to keep it long (maan = moon). This explains spelling like straat (street) vs straten (streets).
Next Steps After Dutch A1
Once these 100 words feel familiar, you're ready to expand:
- Dutch Vocabulary — your hub for all Dutch learning resources
- Dutch travel vocabulary — 80 practical phrases for tourists and travelers
- How to avoid spaced repetition burnout — keep your review habit sustainable
- Learn vocabulary fast — evidence-based strategies for long-term retention
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