Learning Dutch
It’s common for foreign nationals to feel overwhelmed by aspects of life in the Netherlands. It takes energy and tenacity to find your feet in a different country and culture and come to terms with a new workplace, home, school or local neighbourhood. For some, it can be hard to imagine grappling with the language as well. You will, however, be pleasantly surprised to learn that so many Dutch people speak English. In the Netherlands, almost everyone can speak it. The Dutch take pride in this, though they may feign modesty when asked about it.
Nevertheless, the Dutch very much appreciate it when you try to communicate in their language. They can see that you are taking their culture seriously and are making an effort. The ability to speak some Dutch also increases employment and study opportunities and can help you connect with the locals and build a life here.
There are many opportunities in Utrecht Region to learn Dutch. Find an overview of the different opportunities below.
Subsidized courses
The municipality of Utrecht doesn't offer any free Dutch language courses but they subsidized some courses to make them more available. They are:
- The NL Training offers courses to practice your Dutch. It is possible to do an exam and get an official diploma. You need to meet the criteria: older than 18, not having to take the "inburgering/citizen" exam and live in certain areas in Utrecht Region. The course takes 40 to 60 weeks and you will have a class twice a week (in total 6 hours). The fee is 2 x 45 euros. Please note: these courses are very popular.
- Volksuniversiteit Utrecht offers subsidized courses for well-educated citizens, living in either the municipality of Utrecht or the municipality of Stichtse Vecht. They offer a discount to a maximum of 11 studetns. Meaning that they only pay 200 euros for moldue 1 to 4. Find more information on their website.
Language schools
Utrecht Region has many different language schools. Some ask a fee and some of them are run by volunteers. Find some of them listed below. Please note: most websites are in Dutch, use a translation tool to translate the page.
- Radboud in'to Languages offers courses at different levels, from beginner to very advanced.
- Flowently teaches Dutch by exposing you to real life situations out and about in the city. They offer both offline and online courses.
- Linco for a small-scale Dutch language courses
- Taaldoetmeer connects Utrecht residents through language
Self-study
Online opportunities without a fee
There's several options to practice your Dutch grammar, sentence building, vocabulary and more with videos, podcast and excercises. Have a look at Learn Dutch, The Online Dutch Acadamy, and the Introduction to Dutch by the University of Groningen.
Practicing via smartphone apps
You can of course always practice using language learning apps. Check out Duolingo, Babel, and Memrise.
Language cafés
Taalcafés are accessible meetings where newcomers get together to practice speaking dutch. The idea of a language cafe is to practise your language skills by talking to native speakers and other learners, informally, over a coffee or tea. There are no teachers present and you are welcome to participate on a regular basis or drop in when it suits you. Most language cafés are free or charge a small fee. Here are a few of Utrech Region's taalfcafés: the Language Café Utrecht (in collaboration with the library), TaalDoetMeer taalcafé, De Voorkamer Language Café, NL Cares Taalcafé and SPEAK.
Getting your diploma
The Dutch government has developed an examination system known as the NT2, which will give you an officially recognised diploma upon successful completion of the exam course. It serves as proof that you have achieved a solid command of the Dutch language. Depending on your residence status or goals, completion of this course may be required and may even be subsidised in your integration process.
In need of help?
Are you lost in all the options and formalities? Don’t worry!
The volunteers of our Utrecht International Center are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
Other settling-in topics
-
Healthcare
Healthcare
The Dutch healthcare system is different to that of many other countries and understanding how everything works is vital for newcomers. Find useful brochures and information about the healthcare system and health insurance to learn how to navigate Dutch healthcare.
-
Housing
Housing
Whether you are looking for an outdoor lifestyle, a smart place in the heart of a historic city or a family home, you will find it in Utrecht Region. Options include functional flats, spacious townhouses, suburban homes, rural residences and modern apartments.
-
Culture & leisure
Culture & leisure
There is a lot to explore in Utrecht Region: the history, the beautiful countryside and the wide variety of museums, theatres and events. Discover useful suggestions for day trips and gain the latest insights into culture and leisure in Utrecht Region.
