Dutch conversation skill · original speaking practice
Express an opinion in Dutch
A complete opinion answer states the position early, supports it with a relevant reason and makes the reason concrete through an example. A conclusion should answer the original question rather than repeat every sentence.
Build the interaction, not a memorized speech
Use ik vind dat or volgens mij to mark your view. Then connect omdat to a cause, bijvoorbeeld to evidence and daarom to the decision or consequence.
At B2 level, acknowledge a competing value before concluding. The second side must be relevant; adding aan de andere kant without a real contrast only lengthens the answer.
Six Dutch phrases with a clear function
Volgens mij is dit de beste keuze.
In my opinion this is the best choice.
Ik vind dat belangrijk, omdat…
I find that important because…
Een duidelijk voorbeeld is…
A clear example is…
Aan de andere kant kost het meer tijd.
On the other hand it takes more time.
Voor mij weegt het voordeel zwaarder.
For me the advantage weighs more heavily.
Daarom zou ik voor deze oplossing kiezen.
Therefore I would choose this solution.
Read each Dutch phrase once, cover the English meaning and adapt one detail. Then combine two phrases inside a complete turn so the listener hears both purpose and relevant information.
Original dialogue model
- Speaker A: Moeten medewerkers vaker thuiswerken?
- Speaker B: Volgens mij moet dat mogelijk zijn, omdat het reistijd bespaart.
- Speaker A: Is er ook een nadeel?
- Speaker B: Ja, overleg kan minder spontaan worden.
- Speaker A: Wat zou jij dan adviseren?
- Speaker B: Twee thuiswerkdagen en vaste kantoordagen voor overleg.
Do not memorize the dialogue. Mark what each turn does—open, clarify, react, propose or confirm—then replace the setting and details while preserving those functions.
Adapt the same skill from A2 to B2
A2
state a preference and one reason.
B1
add a concrete example and a conclusion.
B2
weigh a relevant counterpoint and state the deciding criterion.
Four mistakes that weaken this interaction
- Waiting until the final sentence to reveal the position.
- Using omdat without completing a cause.
- Giving an example unrelated to the stated reason.
- Listing both sides but never making a recommendation.
Four recording drills
- Round 1: Answer four preference questions in position–reason form.
- Round 2: Add one specific example to each reason.
- Round 3: State a real counterpoint and explain why one criterion wins.
- Round 4: Record a ninety-second answer and label its four functions afterward.
Use flexible functions rather than memorized paragraphs. Change the topic, reason and example while preserving position, support, counterpoint and conclusion.
- The listener can identify my purpose within two sentences.
- I include the detail needed for a useful response.
- I react to the previous turn instead of delivering an unrelated script.
- My final turn requests, confirms or closes something clearly.
- I repeat once after naming one specific improvement.
Frequently asked questions
Should I memorize all six phrases?
No. Learn what each phrase does, then change the person, time, place, reason or requested action. Flexible retrieval matters more than reproducing this page.
Can I use this for an exam?
You can use the speaking method as supplementary practice. For current format, timing, scoring and official examples, use the responsible official exam organization.
Does the web page record my voice?
No. The public page displays material only. Use a local recorder, the iPhone app or a teacher workflow if you want to review audio.
Carry the skill into a complete recorded answer
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