Yes, dedicating around 3000 hours to comprehensible input in Dutch, with a silent period before speaking, is a viable method. While research supports input-heavy approaches for acquisition, you can adapt this framework to Dutch and expect strong listening comprehension and a natural accent, but you must also address Dutch-specific challenges like word order and separable verbs.
For Dutch, your first goal is to find abundant comprehensible input at your level. Start with YouTube channels aimed at learners, slow-paced news broadcasts, and graded readers. The key is that you understand 80-95% of what you hear or read. During your silent period (typically the first 500-1000 hours), focus solely on listening and reading. Do not try to speak or write. This builds an intuitive feel for Dutch phonology, rhythm, and sentence structure.
At around 1000 hours, begin to produce spoken Dutch. Use language exchange partners or paid tutors who can give gentle correction. Start with simple phrases you have heard many times. Gradually increase the complexity of your speech while continuing heavy input. Reading aloud and shadowing (repeating audio while matching speed and intonation) can help bridge the gap from input to output.
Tradeoffs: This method is slow in developing active skills initially. You may feel frustrated when you cannot express yourself even after hundreds of hours of input. Dutch has a large amount of learner material, but finding true beginner comprehensible input can be tough because many resources are designed for intermediate or advanced learners. Additionally, Dutch word order (main clauses vs. subordinate clauses) and separable verbs need explicit attention during the output phase; pure input might not make these rules automatic.
Concrete next steps: (1) Choose a specific variety of Dutch (Netherlands vs. Flanders) and stick to it. (2) Commit to at least 2 hours of listening/reading daily. Use podcasts like 'Zeg het in het Nederlands' or news in simple language. (3) Track your hours with a simple timer app. (4) After 500-800 hours, add a tutor once a week to start speaking, focusing on topics you have heard extensively. (5) Be patient: Dutch grammar has quirks, but consistent input will pay off. The approach is solid, but adapt it to your lifestyle and goals.
For achieving genuine ease in Dutch, this method has proven effective for many, but no single approach guarantees fluency. The real secret is consistent, enjoyable engagement with the language over a long period.