Woman practicing the pronunciation of the Dutch G with mouth movement

The Dutch G: Hard, Soft, and Everything in Between

The Dutch G is notorious among newcomers. It's a sound that doesn't exist in many languages, and the difference between a hard and soft G can be tricky.

In this guide, you'll learn step by step how to pronounce the G, hear the difference between the hard and soft versions, and get example sentences to practice with. Perfect for your civic integration exam or State Exam NT2.

What is the Dutch G?

The Dutch G is a throat sound. You make it by pushing air past your uvula (the dangling piece at the back of your mouth). It sounds a bit like clearing your throat.

There are two variants: the hard G (as in 'goed') and the soft G (as in 'geel'). In the north of the Netherlands (above the rivers), you'll mostly hear the hard G; in the south (below the rivers, like in Brabant and Limburg), the soft G. Both are fine.

Example sentences with the hard and soft G

Hard G: 'I'm going to the garage with my big green car.'
Soft G: 'Yesterday I saw a yellow goose in the canal.'
Hard G: 'The surgeon wears a green coat.'
Soft G: 'May I have a glass of water with ice and a slice of lemon?'

Common mistakes and tips

Mistake: Pronouncing the G like an English 'g' (as in 'go'). Practice with a throat sound: put a hand on your throat and feel the vibration.
Mistake: Confusing the G with the CH. The CH is softer, like in 'lachen'. The G is harder and more in the throat.
Tip: Listen to Dutch people and imitate. For example, watch the Jeugdjournaal or listen to a simple podcast.

When do you use a hard or soft G?

In practice, it doesn't matter which variant you use - Dutch people will always understand you. But it's good to know that the hard G is used in the north and middle, and the soft G in the south.

Note: in some words, the G sounds almost like an H, such as in 'geel' (soft G). Also, the G at the end of a word can sound different, for example in 'dag' - it sounds like a soft ch.

Practice a lot by listening and repeating. In the Dutch Fluency app, you'll find listening exercises specifically for the pronunciation of the G.

Practice the G in the Dutch Fluency app

Want to really master the Dutch G? Practice with the listening and speaking exercises in the Dutch Fluency app. You'll hear the sound in context, repeat it, and get feedback. This way, you'll quickly improve your pronunciation for the civic integration exam.

Practice the pronunciation of the G →

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the hard and soft G?

The hard G (north) sounds like you're clearing your throat; the soft G (south) sounds more like a light throat sound, almost like an H. Both are correct.

How do I know if I'm pronouncing the G correctly?

Put a hand on your throat. Do you feel vibration? Then you're doing it right. Practice with words like 'goed', 'groot', 'geel', and 'graag'.

Is the pronunciation of the G important for the civic integration exam?

Yes, the speaking part focuses on intelligibility. Practice the G well, but don't worry too much: a slight deviation is not a problem.

More guides and exam tips

Also read articles about inburgering, NT2 and Dutch life →