How to Build a Dutch Speaking Habit When You’re Busy (and Unmotivated)

If you live in the Netherlands, you might recognize this: you can follow Dutch conversations, but when it’s your turn to speak, you hesitate, translate in your head, and the moment is gone.

Habits need low friction. Make Dutch speaking the default after an existing daily cue.

The 10-minute speaking loop

Use this daily. Keep it small enough that you actually do it.

1. Warm-up (1 min) — say 5 filler phrases out loud (no thinking).
2. Scenario (6 min) — roleplay one real situation. Don’t stop; paraphrase if you get stuck.
3. One correction target (2 min) — fix one thing (word order, de/het, pronunciation, pacing).
4. Retell (1 min) — summarize the scenario in new words.

Example lines to practice

• na koffie
• tijdens wandelen

A simple prompt you can use today

Pretend you’re speaking to a colleague/shop employee. Say:

• what you want
• why you want it
• what you already tried
• what you’re asking them to do next

Where ChickyTutor fits

ChickyTutor is a speaking-first AI voice tutor: pick Dutch, press the mic, and speak. It responds instantly and corrects pronunciation/word choice/grammar while keeping you talking.

Try it for free and aim for 10 minutes a day. The goal isn’t perfect Dutch — it’s reliable Dutch under pressure.