What if you could learn a language in a way that felt natural, stress-free, and actually enjoyable?

That’s how I learned Spanish — not by memorizing long vocabulary lists or drilling grammar rules, but by understanding simple, clear Spanish through Comprehensible Input.

But here’s the thing: I also believe grammar has a place in language learning — just not the way we were taught in school.

In this blog, I’ll explain:

• What Comprehensible Input is
• Why it works (and the research behind it)
• How grammar can support — not replace — natural language acquisition
• My own experience learning Spanish
• And how I apply this to teaching Dutch

What is Comprehensible Input?

Comprehensible Input (CI) means language you can understand, even if it’s just slightly above your current level. You don’t need to know every word — you just need to follow the meaning.

Think of a teacher using gestures, images, and repetition to help you follow a story in a new language — that’s CI in action.

The concept comes from linguist Stephen Krashen, who argued that we acquire language not by speaking it or studying grammar, but by understanding messages. If the input is understandable and interesting, your brain starts acquiring the language — naturally, and without effort.

My Own Story: Learning Spanish with Comprehensible Input

When I started learning Spanish, I discovered Dreaming Spanish, a platform built entirely around the idea of Comprehensible Input.

I didn’t speak a word of Spanish, but I committed to watching videos made for beginners. The host spoke slowly, used visuals and gestures, and kept everything understandable.

At first, I barely understood anything. But I kept going.

• After a few weeks, I recognized words.
• After a few months, I followed full stories.
• Eventually, I began to speak — and I hadn’t studied any grammar yet.

That experience was transformative. It showed me that you can acquire a language by simply understanding it — the same way children do.

But Wait… What About Grammar?

Now, here’s the honest part: While I didn’t start with grammar, I did start noticing it.

As I watched more Spanish videos, I began to wonder:
“Why is it quiero and not quieres?”
“What’s the difference between fui and iba?”

That’s when I began looking up grammar explanations — not to memorize rules, but to make sense of what I was hearing.

In other words:

• Comprehensible Input gave me the foundation
• Grammar helped me organize and clarify what I was acquiring

And that’s the approach I now use when teaching Dutch.

My Approach to Teaching Dutch

I believe language learning works best when it feels natural, understandable, fun and supported — with grammar.

In my lessons, I focus on providing rich, meaningful input. Dutch that’s just above your level. With stories, visuals, and real-life situations.

But I also offer clear, simple grammar explanations. My goal is to help you:

• Acquire Dutch through input
• Notice patterns as they come up
• Use grammar to clarify and feel more confident

And all of this in a relaxed environment where you feel comfortable to speak and improve - steady but slowly.

Why it works

This combination works because it mirrors how our brains learn best:

• Input builds fluency (you hear or read something many times)
• Grammar supports accuracy (you understand why something is said a certain way)
• Speaking comes naturally

Curious to Try?

Whether you're just starting Dutch or want to improve your confidence, you don’t need to choose between “just input” or “just grammar.” You can have both — in a way that makes sense and feels enjoyable.

🎧 Start with easy Dutch listening
📚 Simple grammar explanations alongside real Dutch
💬 Join my lessons to explore this method step by step – Link to my ROADMAP