Hello, my name is Maartje van der Zeijden and I'm an experienced native Dutch tutor currently living in South Africa. I have been giving Dutch lessons online with Verbalplanet since 2025. I am currently offering a free initial trial lesson for new students.
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About me - English
Hi! My name is Maartje, and I’m a passionate Dutch language tutor. I’m originally from the Netherlands, but after traveling the world for 10 years, I now call South Africa my home.
Languages have always been at the heart of my journey. For nearly a decade, I have worked as a professional English-to-Dutch translator, specialized in subtitles. To me, languages are more than just words—they are the key to understanding the world and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Whether you're looking to improve your Dutch for work, travel, or personal growth, I would love to guide you on this journey. My lessons are tailored to your needs, making learning both fun and effective. Let’s explore the beauty of Dutch together!
Qualifications & Experience
With nearly 10 years of experience as an English-to-Dutch translator, I have developed a deep understanding of language, culture, and communication. My work involves translating subtitles for major streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, ensuring that content is both accurate and engaging for Dutch-speaking audiences.
Before settling in South Africa, I spent a decade traveling the world, immersing myself in different cultures and languages. This experience has given me a unique perspective on language learning, which I now bring to my lessons. I understand the challenges of mastering a new language, and I strive to make learning Dutch an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Teaching Approach
I believe that language learning should be an enjoyable and personalized experience. That’s why I tailor my lessons to each student’s needs, goals, and learning style. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your Dutch skills, I adapt my approach to ensure that you learn in a way that works best for you.
My lessons focus on practical, real-life Dutch, so you can confidently use the language in everyday situations. We’ll work on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a way that feels natural and engaging. I incorporate a mix of conversation practice, grammar explanations, cultural insights, and interactive exercises to keep lessons dynamic and effective.
Most importantly, I create a supportive and encouraging environment where you can learn at your own pace and gain confidence in your Dutch skills.
