Hi There :D

[Knuff]

Heya! So erm, let's see... I got into learning Dutch a few years ago because my fiance is from the Netherlands. Before even seeing him (we met online) I sort of had this dream to be able to talk to him and his family in his own language so he didn't have to talk in English all the time. For a long time now, I've been building up my knowledge of words, but I have a couple problems, my biggest being creating my own sentences because I've not focused on learning grammar that much. I visited the Netherlands in March/April this year, but I was too embarrassed to try and speak Dutch because I was scared to say something wrong and look like an idiot, so I had to opt for English which made me feel even worse.

I receive daily email on Dutch sentences and words, and by watching TV West online I found a neat online flashcard/quiz thing which I use that's helping me a little more with grammar. I like Dutch, it's a cute language and the Netherlands although very different from my small town in the US was very nice and charming. Hoping to learn more!

[Bert]

Hello Knuff!

Welcome on board.

... so I had to opt for English which made me feel even worse.

Why? They enjoy every moment when they've got the opportunity to speak in English. They usually speak a kind of American English so you must be very popular among them.

[Knuff]

Holy crud, I thought I posted back! LOL! Thank you for the welcome

Oh, I just felt like I came all that way to see their country that the least I could do was not be such a usual American tourist and actually speak the language. But when I couldn't I sort of felt like maybe I failed or came across rude, I dunno. I worry about those things xD

[Niki]

I've been to the Netherlands three times for two weeks each and I still feel too uncomfortable to say much. It's very normal! I have the same feelings as you - I don't want to be rude and not learn the language. But er, I'm moving there in 4 months to live with my fiance so I best get a move on.