Learning Dutch in Amsterdam

In the Dutch courses at VU Amsterdam or online, you will learn the language skills you need in order to enjoy living in the Netherlands and to achieve success in your studies or work. Our courses also introduce you to the culture and traditions of Dutch society and give you the opportunity to expand your network by meeting people with different nationalities, backgrounds and from different walks of life.

• The academic standards at VU-NT2 ensure that you will be enrolled in a high-quality course, specifically developed for participants who have completed an appropriate level of secondary education (comparable with Dutch havo or higher).

• During the year there are several opportunities to join one of the group courses, from absolute beginner to advanced levels*. You will be allocated to the best group for you, according to your current level of proficiency.

• Your focus will be on improving your spoken Dutch under the expert guidance of highly skilled and experienced teachers. You will also receive feedback on written or spoken homework assignments to help you improve your spelling, grammar, use of register and sentence structure.

• The pace is reasonably fast. If you want to take full advantage of the course, it is essential that you also study at home.

VU-NT2 also organizes in company and customised Dutch language courses for highly educated international employees and expats. For more information visit our website (check NT2 Academy tailor-made) or send an e-mail to adviser Rachel Zuilhof, r.m.zuilhof@vu.nl.

* CEFR levels: Common European Framework of reference for language levels.

Evening courses for work, study and daily life

Dutch for work and study

Nederlands voor werk en studie week

This evening course will take you to beginner’s level at the very least, but you will also have the option of continuing to a higher level, all the way up to B2. After two course modules, you will have a good command of the basics. On completion of six modules, you will be able to understand difficult texts, speak Dutch fluently and correctly.

Rocket Start course modules September, November, February, May

Dutch for work and study SPRINT

Is your first language German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian or Afrikaans? Then this evening course suits you, because you will be able to learn the basics of Dutch more quickly. This short evening course is a fast track of ‘Dutch for work and study’. The pace is twice as fast: level A1 and A2 in a single module.

chalkboard-teacher Total course 1 module

Calendar-Plus Duration per module

Calendar-Alt Duration per week

2 lessons of 2,5 hours

WATCH Course times 18.00 - 20.30 calendar-check Course days

Monday and Thursday

User-Clock Self-study

6-8 hours per week

Rocket Start course modules

September, November, February, May

Professional Dutch Professioneel Nederlands

If you already have a good command of the Dutch language (B2/B2+), this evening course will help you to improve your language skills on a professional and academic level. You will also enlarge your vocabulary and your presenting skills.

calendar-check Course days Wednesday (module 1 and 2)

User-Clock Self-study 5 hours per week

Daytime courses for civic integration, work, study and daily life

Everyday Dutch for work, study and daily life Alledaags Nederlands

Would you like to learn Dutch to help you with your day-to-day activities? In this daytime course on Saturday you will learn to understand and use the basics of the Dutch language: all the handy words and turns of phrase you need to live your everyday life in the Netherlands.

calendar-check Course days Saturday

Calendar-Plus

WATCH Course times 18.00 - 20.30

Rocket Start course modules September, February

Calendar-Alt

User-Clock Self-study 7-10 hours per week

Rocket Start course modules September, November, February, May

Dutch for NT2 State Exam II, for civic integration and study - Nederlands voor Staatsexamen NT2 programma II

On this intensive daytime course it is feasible to learn Dutch up to B2 level in one calendar year. You will be able to understand difficult texts, write your own texts, speak Dutch fluently and correctly, express your opinion and participate in discussions. After four or five modules you will be ready to take the NT2 State Exam II.

Courses for VU students

Basic Dutch on Campus for students Alledaags Nederlands voor studenten

Are you a VU student? Would you like to learn enough Dutch alongside your studies to help you feel more at home on campus? With this evening course you will learn e.g. to introduce yourself, do some shopping, order a meal and chat with local students and teachers. The VU offers international students this specific course at a greatly reduced rate!

calendar-check Course days Monday and Thursday

User-Clock Self-study 6-8 hours per week

Calendar-Alt

Rocket Start course modules September, November, February, May

Training course NT2 State Exam II

Staatsexamentraining NT2 programma II

This intensive three-day training gives you the opportunity to exercise by taking practice exams for every language skill. It’s the ideal way to get a good idea of what is expected of you in the actual State Exam II.

Academic Dutch Advanced Academisch Nederlands Plus

Have you passed the State Exam NT2 II, but do you encounter some problems writing assignments or papers during your studies? In this customised course you will learn what an academic text in Dutch should look like. The course includes a diagnostic test, meetings, tailormade online modules and personal feedback.

chalkboard-teacher Total course 1 module

Calendar-Plus Duration per module Diagnostic test plus 3 lessons during 3 weeks

Calendar-Alt Duration per week 1 lesson of 2,5 hours

WATCH Course times 18.00 - 20.30 calendar-check Course days Thursdays

Rocket Start course modules October/November, February/March

May, July