The biggest challenge in language learning is not the language itself — it is maintaining consistent practice (regelmatig oefenen) over months and years. Habit science offers clear solutions. Habit stacking: attach Dutch practice to an existing habit. Example: I will listen to a Dutch podcast every time I make coffee (koffiezetten). This uses the existing coffee-making habit as a reliable trigger for the new behaviour.
Reduce friction: make Dutch practice easier to start than to skip. Keep your Anki deck open on your phone home screen. Set your phone interface to Dutch (in Instellingen — Settings). Have a Dutch book on your bedside table. Follow Dutch Instagram and Twitter accounts so Dutch appears in your normal social media scroll. The goal is for Dutch to appear in your life without requiring a deliberate decision to study.
Track your streak (reeks): most apps show a daily streak counter — do not break it. Or use a paper calendar and mark each day you practise. The visual chain of marks becomes a motivator in itself. Set a minimum viable practice: even on the worst day, do five Anki reviews. Five cards takes 90 seconds. This minimum prevents zero-day breaks that interrupt the habit loop. Language learning is a marathon — consistent slow progress always beats intense bursts followed by weeks of nothing.