First edition This grammar arose from the need for a concise
presentation of the essentials of the Dutch language which could be used
both for independent home study and in groups or classes under formal
instruction. With the former aim in mind, the explanations have been
made as self-explanatory as possible, and a complete key to the
exercises has been provided in an appendix. In the interest of
simplicity and ease of reference and review, each grammatical topic is
discussed as fully as practicable in one place, and an effort has been
made to include only one major grammatical feature in any one chapter.
But since a solid foundation can more effectively be achieved through
study under trained supervision or with a native speaker of the
language, the presentation has also been made adapt- able to this type
of study. The brief fill-in exercises in each lesson provide a model for
any amount of drill, and the dialogues and readings included at
irregular intervals as well as the review selec- tions placed after
every few chapters can provide the necessary added practice in
supervised instruction. Help should in any case be sought with the
pronunciation, the principal stumbling-block in the way of either
independent or supervised study.