Elementary Dutch course (A0 → A1)

Locations: Virtual Classroom, Utrecht

Level: Beginner (0/A2)

Beginner’s Dutch course: learn basic skills to feel at home and to get by in the Netherlands, up to level A1.

525,-

Starting from 24 June 2025

- 24 June 2025

- 1 September 2025

- 3 September 2025

More info

General
Learning goals
Method
Time investment
Practical
Schedule
FAQ

About this course

In the Elementary Dutch course (A1) you learn to understand the Dutch language and culture. We start with the basics, such as greetings and forms of address, and gradually build up to the level at which you can hold a conversation. You will learn the basic rules of Dutch grammar and about 1,000 words.

You will practise the following topics, among others:

getting to know someone.
shopping.
ordering something.
talking about situations in the past.

In this course, you will work towards language level A1. To start with this course you need to have knowledge of English and/or a modern foreign language.

Learning goals

In this course, you will work towards language level A1.

After successfully completing this course you will be able to:

conduct an introductory conversation.
invite someone to an activity.
go shopping in Dutch.
order something in a café and restaurant.
understand simple, short texts about everyday situations.

Method

Different competences will be discussed during the classes. Assignments will be made in class, in groups, pairs or individually. More information about the course programme, homework and suggestions for additional online exercises will be published on the electronic learning environment.
In this course we use the book ‘De opmaat‘. This book is developed by our teachers Maud and Wim for highly educated people who want to learn Dutch as a second language.
You can order all books required for the course on our special book page. Please ensure you bring your books to the first session.

Time investment

This course consists of 17 sessions of 1 hour and 45 minutes at Babel in Utrecht or in the virtual classroom.
To make sure you learn as much as possible from the classes, you should expect to spend approximately 4 hours per week on study and the completion of materials and assignments, which will be discussed during the classes.

Practical information

The teacher will speak Dutch as much as possible. You can ask questions in English or in Dutch.
You can order all books required for the course on our special book page. Please make sure you bring your books to the first session.
You will receive a certificate if you attend at least 80% of the classes.
If you work or study at Utrecht University you will receive a 15% discount. Please register with your UU email address. Your registration will then be processed automatically.

Schedule

Starting date: 24 June 2025 (Virtual Classroom)

Day	Date	Start	End
Tuesday	24 June 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	1 July 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	8 July 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	15 July 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	22 July 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	29 July 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	5 August 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	12 August 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	19 August 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	2 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	9 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	16 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	23 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	30 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	7 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	14 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Tuesday	21 October 2025	20:00	21:45

Starting date: 1 September 2025 (Utrecht)

Day	Date	Start	End
Monday	1 September 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	8 September 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	15 September 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	22 September 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	29 September 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	6 October 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	13 October 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	20 October 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	27 October 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	10 November 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	17 November 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	24 November 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	1 December 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	8 December 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	15 December 2025	15:15	17:00
Monday	5 January 2026	15:15	17:00
Monday	12 January 2026	15:15	17:00

Starting date: 3 September 2025 (Virtual Classroom)

Day	Date	Start	End
Wednesday	3 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	10 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	17 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	24 September 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	1 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	8 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	15 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	22 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	29 October 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	12 November 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	19 November 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	26 November 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	3 December 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	10 December 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	17 December 2025	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	7 January 2026	20:00	21:45
Wednesday	14 January 2026	20:00	21:45

FAQ

How do I know if I am registering for the right level?

To make sure you register for the right level, you can take our free entry test. This test will help you determine your current language level in Dutch. After completing the test, it will be assessed by one of our experienced teachers, who will give you personal feedback. This way, you know exactly which level suits you best, so that you can choose a course that matches your skills.

Want to take the free entry test? Click here to start right away!

How many lessons does the course consist of?

The course consists of 17 sessions of 1 hour and 45 minutes.