As winter approaches and we all start spending
a little more time indoors,
it feels like the perfect moment to share what’s been happening
behind the scenes — and what’s coming up next.
There’s a lot to look forward to, from new study tools
to inspiring projects, so let’s dive in:
✨ New Online Practice Program: Word Order (A2 & B2)
For many of you,
Dutch word order is still that one puzzle piece
that stubbornly refuses to click.
That’s exactly why I’ve created a brand-new
online practice program for A2 and B2 word order.
It’s designed to help you build speed and confidence,
with enough repetition to make the structure feel natural
rather than theoretical.
Because it is so new,
please, let me know if something can be improved.
And speaking of “things finally clicking”…
✨ The Magical Word Order Workshop (Live or Online)
If you prefer learning through stories, metaphors,
and those magical “Ohhh, now I see it!” moments,
you might enjoy my upcoming word order workshop.
Live (or online), we’ll walk through the logic of Dutch word order
in a way that many students describe as unexpectedly intuitive.
Hint: "handschoenen" are part of it ;-)
It’s a great companion to the online practice program,
and also a perfect warm-up for something a bit more daring…
✨ B2 Mock Exam (CNaVT) –
December, Laren (Gelderland)
I’ve been invited to help test
the new format of the CNaVT B2 exam
with a small group of students.
So I’m organising a B2 mock exam here in Laren.
A small but important detail:
This session is only for people who are not planning
to take the official CNaVT B2 exam next year.
Your work will be corrected and assessed, just like the real thing — only without the certificate.
It’s a fantastic way to see where you stand,
especially if you’ve been practicing word order
and feel curious about the next step.
However, if you prefer to work on your Dutch in a more relaxed way…
✨ Dutch Netflix Recommendation: Klem
I’ve started watching the Dutch series “Klem” on Netflix —
I'm only at episode 2 so far,
but it already promises to be a gripping story.
If you want to turn your Netflix time into Dutch time,
try watching with Language Reactor,
a Chrome extension that shows dual subtitles
and lets you explore vocabulary with a single click.
It’s an effortless bridge between entertainment and self-study,
and that brings me to a project that many of you
have encouraged me to start for such a looooong time:
✨ Finally: I’m Writing a Self-Study Book!
Yes, it’s happening at last.
After years of selecting ideas, and friendly nudges from students,
I’ve finally started working on my self-study book for Dutch learners.
One of the elements is a series of interviews with expats
of different ages, backgrounds, and nationalities.
If you’d like to contribute your story, I would love that.
You can participate by filling in a questionnaire.
The interviews will be published anonymously,
with only your age and country of origin mentioned.
And who knows — your story might even help future learners
feel less alone when they face challenges like…
yes, Dutch word order ;-)!
If you’d like to join the workshop, try the online program,
participate in the mock exam, or take part in the interview project,
just send me a message.
Wishing you warmth, inspiration, and a beautiful winter season,
Syl
P.S. For those of you who know my dog Mister:
he had surgery two weeks ago to remove a tumour,
but he’s recovering well and getting stronger every day.
And sweet Neo is doing his very best to be a bit gentle around him ;-)
