Arabic 1 (A0 → A1-)
Locations: Utrecht, Virtual Classroom
Level: Beginner (0/A2)
Do you want to truly connect with your family in their native language? Or confidently prepare for a trip or collaboration with Arabic-speaking people? In this course, you will learn more than just words: you will learn to use everyday phrases, connect, and make yourself understood.
Learning Arabic
Many people want to learn a few words of Arabic, but you want to take it further. In this Arabic 1 for beginners course, you will learn the Arabic alphabet, basic grammar, and simple sentences that you can use right away. You will practice conversations where you can talk about yourself, your family, work, health, and everyday life. Additionally, you will also learn to read and write short texts.
In 9 Arabic lessons, you will learn:
- to read and write the Arabic alphabet
- to greet and thank people
- to have simple conversations about yourself and your family
- to talk about work, health, and daily life
- to read and write simple Arabic texts
- to pronounce the sounds of Arabic correctly
“Good, clear explanations and attention to the broader cultural context.” – participant in Arabic for beginners
You will learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the official language that is widely used. You will also be introduced to dialects such as Levantine, Egyptian, and Moroccan. This will enable you to make yourself understood in everyday conversations.
What will you learn in this course?
After completing the Arabic 1 for beginners course:
- you will know the alphabet and basic grammar
- you will be able to greet people and thank them
- you will be able to hold simple conversations about family, work, and health
- you will be able to read and write short texts in Arabic
- you will be able to pronounce Arabic sounds correctly
You will reach language level A1-. This will give you a solid foundation for follow-up lessons (Arabic 2) and for conversations that matter.
Yalla Yalla
We work with the book Yalla Yalla 1: a contemporary and practical Dutch-language method with dialogues, listening and reading texts, and explanations about Arab culture.
The Arabic lessons are active, personal, practical, and varied. The Arabic 1 course for beginners is taught by a very enthusiastic teacher, born and raised in Syria, who has a great love for the Arabic language and culture. She has been working as a teacher in the Netherlands for many years and loves to share her love for Arabic with her students.
The teacher guides you step-by-step through the material in Yalla Yalla 1 and provides a safe learning environment in which you feel at ease to practice. You work in plenary, in groups and individually. These activities are designed by paying attention to your pace and learning style.
The emphasis is on speaking skills, but you also practice listening, reading, and writing. This way, you not only build up knowledge, but also self-confidence.
Classes and self-study
The course consists of 9 lessons of 1.5 hours each at Babel in Utrecht or in the virtual classroom.
To make real progress, we ask you to invest time learning outside of the classroom as well: approximately two hours per week of self-study. You will receive assignments and teaching materials to help you continue practicing at home and reinforce your own learning process.
Good to know
- Language of instruction: Arabic, with support in Dutch or English during the first lessons
- Group size: maximum of 18 students (Utrecht location) or 14 students (online)
- Teaching method: Yalla Yalla! part 1 (in Dutch, to be purchased separately)
- Certificate: you will receive a certificate of participation if you attend at least 8 of the 9 lessons
- Discount: 15% for employees and students of Utrecht University when using your UU email address
Schedule
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Starting date: 11 November 2025 (Utrecht)
Day Date Start End Tuesday 11 November 2025 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 2 December 2025 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 9 December 2025 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 16 December 2025 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 6 January 2026 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 13 January 2026 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:30 20:00 -
Starting date: 12 November 2025 (Virtual Classroom)
Day Date Start End Wednesday 12 November 2025 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 19 November 2025 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 26 November 2025 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 3 December 2025 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 17 December 2025 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 14 January 2026 20:15 21:45 Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:15 21:45
Take our placement test
If you want to take a course at Babel, it is important to take our free placement test.
