Learning Dutch
Most international students in the Netherlands would agree that learning Dutch brings a series of benefits both to their professional and to their social life. Moreover it makes life in the Netherlands easier and more pleasant.
Would you like to take advantage of your stay in the Netherlands and learn Dutch? We have gathered a few links to guide you.
Please bear in mind that not all activities are free of charge. Any costs will have to be borne by you personally.
- Getting to know (the) Dutch (UU course)
This course is designed to give you an idea of what it’s like to be an international student in the Netherlands, specifically one studying in Utrecht, and will run you through the basic vocabulary needed to survive during your time here, such as navigating the transport in Utrecht and the rest of the Netherlands, where to buy your groceries and other items, and how to find your way around the city on a bicycle. So not only will you learn enough Dutch needed to impress the locals, but can also gain an idea of what student life in Utrecht is like, and familiarize yourself with the best places to see, eat, and drink before you arrive.
- BuddyGoDutch
BuddyGoDutch is a project that links international students to Dutch students. It is interesting for international students who want to get acquainted with the Dutch language and culture but also for Dutch students who want to get to know another culture, language and its traditions in a personal way.
- Language Cafe Utrecht
The Language Cafe Utrecht is a meeting place for language practice and is being visited every Wednesday by 50-80 people from all over the world.
- Taalhuis
If you want to learn Dutch and you want to make a start yourself, you might use this complete Free Online Dutch Course: it contains all the basic grammar, vocabulary and even pronunciation rules you need and a lot of online exercises and tests. It’s a very good and well structured introduction to learn Dutch.
- ESN Utrecht (small fee)
ESN Utrecht, or Erasmus Student Network Utrecht, is the association for all exchange and international degree-seeking students, who are looking to meet other students, learn about the city and this country and of course, party!
ESN Utrecht and Career Services have set up a Dutch language course. A basic level of Dutch is convenient in your daily life and essential if you are considering a career in the Netherlands. It is also very practical orientated. You will learn some useful words and sentences every week about a different theme.
Next to our Beginner Course, we also offer an Intermediate Dutch Course. Please note that the Beginner Course is designed for students who do not have or have barely any knowledge of the Dutch language. If you already know some Dutch, we recommend you to sign up for the Intermediate Course.
- Utrecht Summer School
Would you like to speak or improve your Dutch? Utrecht Summer School offers you the possibility to follow one or more intensive Dutch or English language courses, for both beginning and advanced students.
- Babel Language Institute
Babel offers Dutch language courses for people with a higher educational background, including summer courses ranging from beginners to advanced levels.
- Volksuniversiteit Utrecht
Dutch for foreigners: 'Dutch for Speakers of Other Languages courses' at Volksuniversiteit Utrecht are especially for highly educated speakers of other languages. The courses are currently completely online, unless stated otherwise.
- Duolingo
Duolingo is a free language education platform that you can also access (via the app) on your smartphone and tablet. This way, you can make your breaks and commutes more productive by learning Dutch.
- Drops
Drops is a good way to learn Dutch on the go. In just five minutes a day, you will learn Dutch through illustrated, immersive and engaging lessons. It’s effective, fun and free.
