6 Dutch TV Shows On Netflix To Help You Learn Dutch

Looking for a fun way to boost your Dutch? Netflix is full of Dutch shows that make learning feel easy and natural. Instead of focusing on learning streaks in language apps, Dutch TV shows actually help you hear how the language really sounds, pick up everyday expressions, and see the culture come alive.

To help you watch and learn simultaneously, this list will show 6 best Dutch series perfect for language learners. Whether you like gritty crime dramas, clever comedies, or real-life stories, you’ll find something that keeps you hooked while your listening skills and vocabulary grow with every episode.

Dutch TV Shows On Netflix

Ready to use your TV to learn Dutch? In this section, I'll share with you the titles and what vocabulary themes and cultural insights you may learn from each.

Ares

Rosa's invitation to join Amsterdam's most exclusive student society seems like a dream come true. Elite connections, prestigious networking, a chance to finally belong somewhere that matters. Unfortunately, Ares has been keeping some very dark secrets since the Dutch Golden Age, and Rosa's about to discover what really goes on behind those gilded doors.

The episodes are only 25 to 30 minutes long, making them perfect for beginners who don't want to feel overwhelmed. Despite the horror elements, the dialogue is clear and measured, giving you time to process new vocabulary. You'll learn academic terminology, social hierarchy language, and formal Dutch speech patterns while getting exposed to Amsterdam's student culture.

Ferry: The Series

Ferry: The Series follows up-and-coming drug dealer Ferry Bouman as he desperately needs money and swoops in to fill a vacancy when a big-time drug lord gets arrested. This eight-episode prequel to the hit series Undercover shows Ferry's rise in the Netherlands' criminal underworld while keeping his dealings secret from his girlfriend, Danielle.

The series offers clear dialogue at a moderate pace, making it accessible for intermediate learners who want to tackle more complex storytelling. You'll pick up street-level Dutch vocabulary, criminal slang, and the distinctive Brabant accent that's common in the southern Netherlands.

Toon

What happens when the most socially awkward person you know accidentally becomes internet famous? Toon finds out the hard way when a cringeworthy birthday party performance goes viral, launching his ad jingle career into unexpected stardom. It's painfully relatable and genuinely funny.

The short episodes in this Dutch TV show mean you can squeeze in Dutch practice during lunch breaks, and the comedy format lets you experience Dutch humour firsthand. Some characters speak lightning-fast or mumble (very realistic!), but the plot's easy enough to follow that you won’t get lost even when the dialogue gets tricky.

Misfit: The Series

Young, talented, and dramatic—welcome to the world of aspiring performers trying to make it big. Misfit throws you into music competitions, relationship drama, and all the emotional highs and lows that come with chasing your dreams in the entertainment industry.

This series is particularly valuable for beginners because the musical elements naturally slow down speech patterns and emphasize pronunciation. You'll learn vocabulary related to music, emotions, and teenage relationships while experiencing how Dutch sounds when sung versus spoken.

Women Of The Night

Women of the Night follows Xandra, a woman with a stable, happy life with her husband and daughter, who longs for something more. When she gets an opportunity to organize an event for her friend's escort agency, she's drawn back into the dark underbelly of a world she thought she escaped forever.

This series maintains a medium pace with sentences that aren't too long or complicated, though the storyline can sometimes be difficult to follow. You'll encounter vocabulary related to family dynamics, business dealings, and Amsterdam's urban culture. The show also offers insight into Dutch social issues while providing exposure to both formal and street-level language.

Undercover

Undercover follows secret agents Bob Lemmens (Belgian) and Kim de Rooij (Dutch) who investigate drug kingpin Ferry Bouman by posing as friendly neighbors at a campground where Ferry spends his weekends.

In this show, the actors speak clearly at a moderate pace, but the plot can be complicated, so you'll need to pay attention. This series is perfect for expanding your Dutch accent skills while learning some Flemish variations. You'll pick up vocabulary related to family life, law enforcement, and criminal activities.

Why Watch Dutch TV Shows

These shows also provide cultural context that's impossible to get from textbooks. You'll understand Dutch humor, social dynamics, and regional differences while building your listening comprehension naturally. The default Netflix setting provides Dutch audio with English subtitles, so you can start with training wheels and gradually remove them as your confidence grows.

Plus, with the Lingopie browser extension, you can watch these same Netflix shows with enhanced learning features like click-to-translate subtitles and instant vocabulary building, making your Dutch learning even more effective.

How to Watch Dutch Series for Maximum Learning

Getting the most out of Dutch Netflix shows isn't just about hitting play—it's about setting yourself up for active learning from episode one. The key is finding the sweet spot between understanding enough to follow the plot while still being challenged by new vocabulary and expressions.

Here's your step-by-step approach:

• Start with dual subtitles - Watch with both Dutch and English subtitles enabled to catch nuances you might miss
• Use Lingopie’s Chrome extension - Click on unfamiliar Dutch words for instant translations without pausing the show
• Begin with 20-minute episodes - Shows like "Toon" or "Ares" offer perfect bite-sized learning sessions
• Save vocabulary as you go - Build personalized flashcard decks from words you encounter in context
• Rewatch key scenes - Use Lingopie's slow-motion feature to catch rapid dialogue or strong accents
• Focus on one accent at a time - Stick with Amsterdam Dutch from "Ares" before tackling Brabant dialect from "Ferry"
• Practice with post-episode quizzes - Review the vocabulary you saved through interactive games and exercises

The magic happens when you combine Netflix's compelling storytelling with Lingopie's learning tools. Instead of just passively watching, you're actively building vocabulary from shows you're genuinely excited to finish. This approach works because you're learning Dutch in context—seeing how "gezellig" gets used in actual conversations rather than just memorizing its definition.

Learn Dutch With Lingopie

Serious about learning Dutch? Then you should definitely give Lingopie a try. It takes your Dutch Netflix shows to the next level with interactive subtitles that let you click any word for an instant translation and automatically create personalized flashcards as you watch.

You get to learn straight from the series you enjoy, picking up real phrases and slang. For example, you can learn crime vocabulary from Undercover or business Dutch from Women of the Night while building a word list that matches what you actually want to say.

Combining English and Dutch subtitles is especially powerful because Dutch shares over 60% of its basic vocabulary with English. When you can instantly connect new words to ones you already know, they stick in your memory much more easily.

Ready to try it out? Click below to unlock a free 7-day trial and see how fun learning Dutch can be.