Welcome to the SmartWords blog
We're opening up a space to share how we think about language learning, what we're building, and the research that shapes the SmartWords app.
Dutch articles explained: when to use de vs het
Dutch has two definite articles: de and het. There's no fully reliable rule, but there are enough patterns that you can guess correctly about 80% of the time — here's the practical version.
A practical guide to spaced repetition cadence
Most spaced-repetition advice tells you the theory and stops there. Here's the cadence we actually recommend to learners using SmartWords day to day.
How to prepare for the Inburgering exam (without buying a course)
The Dutch civic integration exam isn't hard, but it punishes unfamiliarity. Here's a free, structured way to prepare for all six parts using public resources and a consistent study routine.
30 Spanish verbs every A1 learner should drill first
The fastest way to feel functional in Spanish is to drill the verbs that do most of the work. These 30 give you roughly half of all conversational verb use.
Why we don't gamify XP
Streaks and XP work — for the first few weeks. Here's why we made a different bet for SmartWords.
German modal verbs in plain English: müssen, können, dürfen, wollen, mögen, sollen
German has six modal verbs and they're more nuanced than their English counterparts. This guide gives you the right English equivalent for each plus the common pitfalls.
What CEFR levels actually mean — A1 to C2, by example
The Common European Framework of Reference splits language ability into six levels. Here's what each one looks like in practice, with concrete examples of what a learner can and can't do.
How long does it really take to learn Dutch?
The honest answer depends on your starting language, your study intensity, and the level you're aiming for. Here are realistic timelines from the data we have and the patterns we've seen.
5 free ways to practice Dutch every day (15 minutes or less)
You don't need a paid course to make consistent progress in Dutch. These five free habits each take 15 minutes or less and stack into a real daily routine.