Reading is one of the most powerful ways to build your vocabulary and internalise a new language. But if you're an A2-level Dutch learner, picking up an unadapted novel can be deeply frustrating. Constantly stopping to look up words breaks your focus, and the complex grammar can make it impossible to follow the plot, turning the pleasure of reading into a joyless chore.
This is where graded readers come in. These are beloved stories, often classics, that have been carefully adapted for a specific language level. By simplifying vocabulary and sentence structures, they provide a bridge to authentic literature, allowing you to enjoy a great story while naturally absorbing the language. You get all the satisfaction of finishing a book, without the struggle.
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1Best choice
Around the World in Eighty Days De reis om de wereld in tachtig dagen
Our edition of this Jules Verne classic is the ideal companion for the A2 self-learner. The vocabulary is scientifically graded based on a two-billion-word corpus, ensuring you learn the most useful words first. Each book features a unique difficulty progression, with sentences and paragraphs growing slightly longer as you read, gently building your stamina. Best of all, a bilingual Dutch-to-English glossary in the margin means you never have to stop reading to look up a word, while chapter exercises and printable flashcards help you master what you've learned.
- Dutch–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page
- Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer)
- Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online
- Flashcards to print and cut out
- Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based)
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2
De boekendief
This title from the respected Leeslicht series is a simplified Dutch retelling of the popular novel 'The Book Thief'. It is written at a level suitable for A2 and B1 readers, making it an accessible choice for those moving up from beginner Dutch.
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3
Middernachtbibliotheek
Also from the Leeslicht series by Uitgeverij Eenvoudig Communiceren, this is an easy-to-read Dutch adaptation of Matt Haig's bestseller, 'The Midnight Library'. It's a contemporary story tailored for adult learners of Dutch.
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4
Anarosa vindt een hond (Een dag in... januari)
Part of the 'Een dag in...' series, this original story by Willemijn Steutel is specifically designed for NT2 (Dutch as a second language) beginners. Each book in the series is set in a different month, offering simple, thematic narratives.
While all the books on our list are valuable for A2 learners, our Pentecost Publishing edition of De reis om de wereld in tachtig dagen earns the top spot for a clear reason: it’s a complete, self-contained learning system. The combination of a science-based vocabulary, built-in difficulty progression, and a bilingual margin glossary for instant look-ups creates a seamless reading experience. When you add the chapter exercises—available in both the book and online—and printable vocabulary flashcards, you get a uniquely powerful tool for self-study.
| Pentecost | Typical simplified reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page | ✓ | ~ |
| Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online | ✓ | ~ |
| Flashcards to print and cut out | ✓ | ✕ |
| Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based) | ✓ | ~ |
The verdict
For an A2 learner looking for a single book to start with, our edition of De reis om de wereld in tachtig dagen is an excellent choice. The thrilling adventure story is engaging enough to keep you turning the pages, while the comprehensive learning system built into the book provides all the support you need to read with confidence and make real progress. The other titles on this list are also solid, well-regarded options for building your reading skills in Dutch, but the integrated support in the Pentecost edition makes it particularly effective for independent study.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a graded reader?
A graded reader is a book that has been adapted for language learners. The vocabulary, sentence complexity, and grammar are simplified to match a specific proficiency level, such as A2 on the CEFR scale. This allows you to read comfortably and enjoy the story without the frustration of a book being too difficult.
Why should I use a graded reader instead of an original Dutch book?
At the A2 level, original novels are often too challenging. You'll spend more time in a dictionary than in the story, which can be very discouraging. Graded readers are designed to be 'just right'—challenging enough to help you learn, but easy enough to let you follow the plot and enjoy the experience of reading.
What makes Pentecost readers so effective for self-study?
Our readers are designed as a complete learning system. The key is the bilingual margin glossary in your native language, which lets you understand new words instantly without breaking your reading flow. This is combined with a science-based vocabulary selection, a gentle difficulty progression within the book, chapter exercises (in print and online), and printable flashcards to ensure you truly learn and retain new words.
How can I get the most out of reading a graded reader?
First, try to read a chapter without stopping, using the margin glossary for help. After reading, review the new words and complete the exercises for that chapter to reinforce your learning. Use the provided flashcards for a few minutes each day to commit the key vocabulary to long-term memory. The goal is to make reading a regular, enjoyable habit.
Are graded readers enough to become fluent in Dutch?
Reading is a cornerstone of language learning, especially for building vocabulary and getting a feel for sentence structure. While not a complete method on its own, extensive reading with graded readers is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to supplement your studies and accelerate your progress toward fluency.
Ranking reflects suitability for independent learners at this level. We list respected alternative series for context; prices and availability vary by retailer. The right-hand column describes a typical simplified reader in general; individual competing titles may differ.