Elementary Dutch course (A0 → A1)
Location: Online, Virtual Classroom
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.
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
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Starting date: 14 April 2026 (Virtual Classroom)
Day Date Start End Tuesday 14 April 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 21 April 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 12 May 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 19 May 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 26 May 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 2 June 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 9 June 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 16 June 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 23 June 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 30 June 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 7 July 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 14 July 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 21 July 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 28 July 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 4 August 2026 20:00 21:45 Tuesday 11 August 2026 20:00 21:45
Take our placement test
If you want to take a course at Babel, it is important to take our free placement test.
