Customer Reviews

NTC's Compact Dutch and English Dictionary (NTC Language Dictionaries)

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The selection of Dutch-English dictionaries available in the U.S. is fairly limited, so I was particularly disappointed in NTC's 1998 "Compact Dutch and English Dictionary". This dictionary comes in an attractive hardcover format, with large, easy-to-read type, but it is essentially little more than a glossary. The vocabulary it contains is not much more extensive than in a typical, inexpensive pocket travel dictionary, but at several times the price and in a less portable format. The existing definitions are extremely concise, often one or two words, and they contain very few idiomatic expressions or examples of word usage. No pronunciations are indicated in either the Dutch or English sections, and genders are not even supplied for Dutch nouns! Conjugations of important irregular verbs are also lacking. In short, whether you are a casual or a serious student of Dutch, I would recommend another dictionary.

The English word "because" is not in the English/Dutch section of the book. Just one example of common words not included. Other things missing - pronounciation, gender of nouns, nuances of words ex - facetious). It is easy to read, but I would go for a point or two smaller type to get more words, etc. in.

Every time I look up, there are so many words I cannot find in this dictionary. Now I need to look for a more comprehensive dictionary. It was a waste of money.