Dutch Fluency 
Do Dutch roll their rs? All about the Dutch r
Yes, Dutch people roll their r's. But not always. The Dutch language has two types of r's: the rolling r (also called the tongue-tip r) and the uvular r (a throat sound). Which one you use depends on where you live and the position of the r in the word.
For newcomers, it's important to know how to pronounce these sounds. The civic integration exam and the State Exam NT2 test your pronunciation. Practice with the examples in this guide and improve your Dutch.
Why do Dutch people roll their r's?
The rolling r is a typical feature of Dutch. In the south of the Netherlands (like Limburg) and in Flanders, you often hear a strong rolling r. In the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague), people more often use the uvular r, which sounds like the French r. Both are fine, as long as you pronounce the sound clearly.
For the civic integration exam, it doesn't matter whether you use a rolling or uvular r. The most important thing is that you pronounce the r in the right place in the word. Practice with the example sentences below.
Example sentences with the rolling r
- Ik rij op de racefiets door de regen.
- De rode roos ruikt heerlijk.
- Wij reizen naar Rotterdam met de trein.
- Kun je de rekening even rekenen?
When do you use the rolling r?
The rolling r occurs at the beginning of a syllable (for example, 'rood', 'rennen') and between vowels (for example, 'veren', 'bureau'). At the end of a word, the r is often pronounced softer or almost not heard, like in 'ver' or 'deur'. In some regions, you hear a clear rolling r at the end of a word, like in 'meneer'.
Common mistakes and tips
- Mistake: Dropping the r in words like 'werken' (then saying 'weken'). Tip: Practice with the tongue-tip r by saying 'rrrr' like a motor.
- Mistake: Rolling the r too hard, so it sounds like a Spanish r. Tip: Make the rolling r short and soft.
- Mistake: Confusing the r with the l. Tip: Say 'raam' and 'laam' - feel the difference in your mouth.
How to practice the Dutch r in the app
Want to improve your pronunciation? Practice with listening and speaking exercises in the Dutch Fluency NT2 app. You'll hear the rolling r in real sentences and can record your own pronunciation to compare. Start with the Speaking module at A2 level.
Practice the pronunciation of the r in the app →Practice now
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- Listening exercises for the exam
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Frequently asked questions
Is the rolling r required for the civic integration exam?
No, you may also use the uvular r. As long as you pronounce the r clearly.
How do I learn the rolling r if I can't do it?
Practice saying 'r' in front of a mirror. Say 'rrrr' and try to make the tip of your tongue vibrate against your palate.
Why does the Dutch r sound different from the English r?
In English, the r is often a 'retroflex' sound (tongue curled back). In Dutch, the r is more forward in the mouth, with the tongue tip or uvula.
More guides and exam tips
- Inburgeringsexamen spreken oefenen: zo beschrijf je een foto (A2)
- Het inburgeringsexamen: alle onderdelen uitgelegd (A2)
- KNM oefenen: Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (inburgering)
- Gratis oefenen voor het inburgeringsexamen (A2): zo begin je vandaag
- Staatsexamen NT2 of inburgeringsexamen: wat is het verschil?
- Staatsexamen NT2: alle onderdelen uitgelegd (B1 en B2)
- Lekker Meaning in Dutch: What Does 'Lekker' Really Mean?
- Kind Regards in Dutch: How to Sign Off Politely
- Dutch Tiki: what it is and how to use it
- Tikkie Culture: What It Is and How to Use It
- "ik wil graag pinnen" in Dutch: how you actually say it
- What Is a Tikkie in the Netherlands? A Guide for Newcomers