Berlitz Dutch Phrase Book (Berlitz Phrase Books)

Rating:
Summary: helpful for traveling abroad
Review: I am a student, who is traveling to belgium and the netherlands this summer, so i thought i would learn some french and dutch basics. the berlitz dutch phrase book is quite helpful for someone who only speaks english fluently and some spanish. it gives pronunciation guides with each word, which is quite helpful considering how difficult each phrase looks upon first glance. Once you learn a bit, you start seeing the similiarities between english and dutch, which help you remember it in the long run. it includes basic expressions/accomodations, eating out, travel, sightseeing, stores & services, health, reference, and dictionary sections. another helpful tool would be to get the accompanying cassette tape, which lets you hear the pronunciations and helps you learn better, although they speak a little fast for the basic beginner.

Rating:
Summary: the worst language study guide I ever bought
Review: I bought this book because it was the cheapest one on the shelf and I regreting now spending those meager 15 bucks. The only good thing about it (hence one star) is it's size. (didn't take much space in the baggage) While in amsterdam I couldn't even translate road signs. Anyway, save your money for pimsleur. Most of the dutch speak excellent english, however, they do speak dutch between themselves, and if you don't want to be left out. You would need a more comprehesive study guide.