Dutch Fluency 
Writing a Diary in Dutch
Keeping a diary is a great way to practice your Dutch. You write a few sentences every day about what you did or how you feel. This way, you learn new words and improve your sentence structure.
In this guide, you'll learn how to get started, which sentences you can use, and how to make your diary a fun habit. We also give tips to avoid common mistakes.
Why Keep a Diary in Dutch?
Writing is an important part of the civic integration exam. By writing every day, you automatically practice grammar and vocabulary. You also learn to organize your thoughts in Dutch.
Moreover, a diary is personal. You write about your own life, so it's never boring. You can look back and see how your Dutch improves, which is very motivating.
How to Start: Handy Sentences for Your Diary
- Today was a busy day, but it was fun.
- I went to the market and bought vegetables.
- This afternoon I had coffee with my neighbor.
- Tomorrow I'm going to my language class, so I need to get up early.
Structure for Your Diary: Beginning, Middle, End
A good diary has a clear structure. Start with the date and how your day began. Then write about one or two important moments. End with how you feel or what you'll do tomorrow.
Use words like 'first', 'then', and 'finally' to tell the order of events. This makes your story logical and easy to follow.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Don't forget the 't' in the 'ik' form: ik ben, ik heb, ik ga.
- Watch the word order: in a subordinate clause, the verb goes to the end.
- Don't use too difficult words. Simple is good!
- Write at least five sentences every day, even if you don't feel like it.
How to Practice This in Dutch
Want to practice writing more? In the Dutch Fluency NT2 app, you'll find writing exercises similar to the exam. You'll learn, for example, to fill in a form or write a short message. Practice a little every day, and you'll improve quickly. Also check out our practice exams to see where you stand.
Practice more writing →Practice now
- Writing exercises for the civic integration exam
- Take a practice exam
- More articles about life in the Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
How often should I write in my diary?
Try to write a few sentences every day. Regularity is more important than length.
What should I write in my diary?
Write about your day, your feelings, something new you learned, or a conversation you had. Anything is fine!
Does it matter if I make mistakes?
No, making mistakes is normal. The point is to practice. Later, you can try to correct your mistakes with a teacher or the app.
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