Learn Dutch: Ik ben de student.

ben is the form of the verb zijn (to be) that goes with ik (I). Just like in English where we say "I am" instead of "I be", Dutch uses Ik ben.

How do I know whether to use de or het for student?

In Dutch, "the" translates to either de or het depending on the gender of the noun. Nouns for people and professions almost always take de. So, because a student is a person, it is de student.

Can I use this sentence if I am a female student?

Yes! While there is a specific feminine word (de studente), the word de student is often used as a general term for any university-level student, regardless of gender.

Is the word student pronounced exactly like the English word?

Not quite. The Dutch "u" sounds different—it is closer to the "u" in the English word "pure" (with rounded lips), rather than the "oo" sound you hear in the English word.