Learning Dutch Without the January Pressure

What is actually the best way to begin a new year, right in the middle of cold and dark January?

In our culture, it’s very common to make New Year’s resolutions and jump straight into action as soon as the new year begins. New plans, new energy, a fresh start.But did you know that January 1st was not originally the beginning of the year at all?

In the oldest Roman calendar, the year began in March (Martius), the month of Mars: spring, action, growth, and new beginnings.You can still see this reflected in the names of our months today: September = seventh month (septem), October = eighth month (octo), November = ninth month (novem)

So January was never really meant to be a time of full-on action. It is a month to slow down, to rest, and to reflect.

Just as the seasons are not linear, learning a language isn’t either.

Winter = absorbing, listening, slowing down Spring = speaking cautiously, taking steps Summer = daring to make mistakes Autumn = consolidating and revising

Of course, lessons and courses continue as usual. But January is also a beautiful moment to pause and reflect on how you want to approach learning this year without hurry.

You could ask yourself questions such as: How important is the Dutch language to me? Which doors could this language open for me? And what level would I like to reach by the end of this year?

If you’d like to work on your Dutch this year with more calm and confidence, you’re very welcome to join my online lessons.