Archive by Author
Book Review: Summer House with Swimming Pool Posted by Karoly Molina on Jun 21, 2017
The latest Dutch novel I’ve read is Herman Koch’s Zomerhuis met Zwembad or Summer house with Swimming pool. This novel was published in 2011 and wasn’t received as well as Het Diner. Zomerhuis met Zwembad is told from the perspective of Dr. Marc Schlosser. Schlosser is huisarts or general practitioner that not only feels contempt…
Fun ways to learn new vocabulary Posted by Karoly Molina on Jun 16, 2017
Learning vocabulary can be quite a task if you are not constantly using these words. I find particularly hard to learn onregelmatige werkwoorden or irregular verbs because well….they are irregular! However, with a little creativity and some old-fashioned studying, you can tackle the new words you want to learn. Below is a list of 5 useful ways…
5 words and phrases for your everyday Dutch Posted by Karoly Molina on Jun 14, 2017
A few months ago, I read a blog post on the Transparent Language Blog about being complimented when speaking a target language. Like Itchy Feet, I have mixed feelings when it comes to compliments because, while I appreciate the recognition of the effort that it takes to live in a foreign language 24/7, my ultimate…
Dutch Cyclists and Tom Dumoulin Posted by Karoly Molina on May 31, 2017
Anyone who has visited the Netherlands knows that the Dutch are the masters of cycling. Regardless of the weather, the Dutch can cycle, hold their umbrella, drink a smoothie and share this on Snapchat all at the same time. During this year’s Giro d’Italia, Tom Dumoulin proved just how good Dutch cyclists are. Tom Dumoulin…
Music in Dutch: Clouseau Posted by Karoly Molina on May 24, 2017
When you are learning a new language, music is a great way to learn new vocabulary and practice pronunciation. You can practice in the shower, while you are stuck in traffic and while you are working out. So who should you listen to? The first recommendation I would like to make is the 90’s pop…
Book Review: Dear Mr M Posted by Karoly Molina on Apr 28, 2017
I had previously recommended the novel Het Diner by Herman Koch and on this post, I would like to recommend Geachte Heer M by the same author. Geachte Heer M is a combination of stories. First, you are introduced to the story of Mr. M whom the narrator is observing and critically judging. Mr. M is a writer whose moment…
You are cordially invited to celebrate the King’s Birthday Posted by Karoly Molina on Apr 21, 2017
For over 130 years, the Dutch have been happily celebrating Queen’s/King’s Day with big parties, lots of orange and parades. The monarch’s birthday is not only a day to celebrate but also one of the few national holidays the country observes. So what can you do at this year’s Koningsdag? This year, King Willem-Alexander turns 50…