Van Dale Online

What Van Dale Online is

Van Dale Online provides online dictionaries for professionals, secondary and higher education, and NT2 learners. Its search checks available sources together, then lets users refine a search within the results. The professional workspace brings dictionaries in major European languages and professional reference material onto one screen. The school edition covers Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish; entries include spelling, meanings, translations, example sentences, idioms, and grammar explanations. Van Dale describes the school environment as safe and free of distracting advertisements, and says it continuously adds words and improves dictionary content. The service is available on web, iOS, and Android, with audio pronunciation, usage examples, and translation lookup. The mobile app requires a Van Dale Online account and an internet connection; dictionaries cannot be downloaded, and an account can be used on only one mobile device at a time. Eligible students and staff at participating Dutch higher education institutions can sign in through SURFconext without registering. A free trial is available. Paid options include a school licence at €3.00 per year per pupil, excluding VAT, and professional subscriptions.

Who it suits

It suits professionals who want dictionaries and reference sources in one workspace, as well as students and NT2 learners using the school dictionaries. Eligible students and staff at participating Dutch higher education institutions can access it through SURFconext.

Limits

The school licence costs €3.00 per pupil per year excluding VAT. The mobile app needs internet access, does not permit dictionary downloads, and limits an account to one mobile device at a time.

Getting started

1. Open the Van Dale Online website
2. Choose a school, professional, or Dikke Van Dale plan
3. Start the available free trial or subscribe
4. Install the app from the App Store or Google Play
5. Sign in with a Van Dale Online account

Verdict

Van Dale Online combines professional reference material with school dictionaries and learning details such as examples and grammar explanations. Check which subscription fits your needs, and note the app's connection and single-device limits.