Dutch for foreigners

In spite of the fact that the Netherlands is situated on Europe’s edge, in many ways it plays a central part in Europe. The port of Rotterdam is one of the largest in the world and the first stop in Europe for many world travellers is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The Netherlands may not be a big country. but it is highly populated. Therefore, the area where Dutch is spoken is actually larger than it may seem. Moreover, Dutch is also spoken in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. In total about 20 million people speak Dutch as their mother tongue. This is more than all the different Scandinavian languages put together. We do not mean to suggest that this should be your motivating factor for learning the Dutch language, but whatever your motivation, with our Dutch for foreigners course you will soon master the Dutch language.

What will you learn?

You will learn Dutch well enough to be able to use it in everyday situations, both speaking and understanding the language. You will also be able to read and write Dutch at a considerable level.

Course structure

Each lesson is presented in two dialogues. The dialogues cover various everyday situations, for example asking questions and giving answers, making introductions, gathering information, ordering in a restaurant, or making an appointment. Separate exercises are provided as well for the pronunciation of certain sounds which appear in the dialogues. Colloquial expressions used in the dialogues are also explained as are the applicable rules of grammar.

Spelling rules are covered and you will learn to write simple letters. Finally, you will practise reading and listening skills with a reading or listening text about Dutch customs and society.

The course consists of 40 chapters in Dutch. You will also receive 10 separate chapters where the grammar rules and expressions used in the course are translated into your own language. In the beginning, the dialogues and the reading texts are also translated into your own language, so you will learn Dutch with the support of your own language. Four audio cassettes or 4 CDs with the recorded dialogues and pronunciation exercises and a practice and correction cassette into which you can speak are also included in the course.

Educational tools

Everything you need is included in the lessons. You will not need to purchase any extra textbooks. We do assume, however, that you have a dictionary.

Prior education

You need no prior knowledge of Dutch to follow this course. We do expect that you have followed at least 4 years of high school in your own country and that you have had some basic training in the study of a foreign language.

Certificate

You may request a certificate upon completion of this course. The certificate will state that you have completed the course in question and will also state the average grade for your work.

Examination

You can take an examination at several places. Our student information office will be glad to provide you with this information. Telephone number: ++31 (0)71 545 1234.

Course duration and amount per month

Course duration in months: 10
Amount per month: € 50,-