The Insperium blog
How to actually learn a language by reading — graded readers, vocabulary science, and honest exam preparation for Chinese and Dutch.
Learning Chinese
Chinese Graded Readers: The Complete Guide (2026)
What Chinese graded readers are, how levels map to CEFR and HSK, what to look for, and why rereading one classic at six levels beats one-level books.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026
Learn Chinese by Reading: The Method That Works
Why reading beats flashcard-only study, the 98% comprehension rule, how to pick your level honestly, and a realistic weekly routine from A1 to C1.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026
Chinese Stories with Pinyin: Free Samples & Reading Plan
When pinyin helps, when to switch it off, and a one-story-a-day plan using 1,051 graded Chinese stories — free no-account samples included.
6 min read · Jul 21, 2026
Learn Chinese Vocabulary: The 400 Words That Unlock A1
400 words cover 92% of A1 Chinese text. Why frequency order beats textbook chapters, how Leitner drills (6h to 30 days) work, and where to learn them free.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026
The Most Common Chinese Characters (and How to Learn Them)
The 20 most common Chinese characters with pinyin and meanings, why frequency order beats stroke order, and how to beat lookalikes like 未/末 and 己/已.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026
DuChinese Alternative: Graded Books + Word Drills
Looking for a DuChinese alternative? An honest comparison: where DuChinese shines, where it stops, and how Insperium adds graded books and word drills.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026
Learning Dutch
Reading Your Way to the Inburgering Exam: A2 to B1
What the inburgering exam reading test involves, why graded reading is the calmest prep, and a 12-week plan from A1 to A2/B1 with free Dutch stories.
6 min read · Jul 21, 2026
Dutch Reading Practice: Levels, Routine, Free Stories
Build effective Dutch reading practice: 6 levels explained, per-sentence English support, and a 15-minute daily routine. Free story samples, no account.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026
Dutch Books for Beginners: Read Real Classics at A1
Why world classics rewritten at A1 beat children's books for adult Dutch learners — plus the 22-book Insperium library across 6 levels.
7 min read · Jul 21, 2026