Learn Dutch basics without a grammar book!
In this course you will learn the most useful Dutch words and phrases in a fun and engaging way, so you can get confident with speaking Dutch!
Our method
If you think about Dutch classes, you might think about grammar books, worksheets, lots of homework and a teacher in front of the class giving assignments and explaining things about the language.
Well, this is actually an outdated way of teaching.
Recent research shows that there is actually a much better way of teaching, that achieves better results, in shorter time, and that is more fun and more motivating for students. This method is called ‘teaching with comprehensible input’.
It works like this: during the class, the teacher will mostly be speaking, and you will be listening. The teacher will speak in such a simple and clear way, that you will understand everything that is being said. Slowly, the teacher will introduce new words and different sentence structures.
Over time, your brain will naturally pick up the language, just like how kids learn!
The teacher will always make it interesting and engaging, for example by co-creating funny stories together with the class, incorporating movement or drawings, playing games, and so on. We do encourage you to speak Dutch during the lessons, but only when it comes naturally, and never forced. We always create a safe atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.
This way of teaching has many benefits over traditional teaching: you’ll acquire more language in less time and have more fun at the same time!
Which level?
We offer our Basics course in two levels:
- Basics 1 is best for people who are completely new to the language or want to start from the very basics.
- Basics 2 is best for people who already know a bit of Dutch, but struggle to make more complex sentences.
| Examples of what will you learn in basics 1: Hoe gaat het? Mijn naam is … Ik wil koffie Vandaag is het zondag Waar woon jij? If understanding these Dutch sentences is a challenge, Basics 1 is good for you! | Examples of what you will learn in basics 2: Wij hebben dertien weken vakantie. Ik ga met de trein naar mijn werk, en jij? Zij leest een interessant en makkelijk boek. Vorige maand was het herfst. Ik ben nat, omdat het regent. If the sentences from Basics 1 are too easy, but these sentences are challenging for you, Basics 2 is good for you! |
Does this all sound too easy for you? You might be ready for our Speaking Skills course!
Not sure about your level? Go to level assessment.
Practical details
Location:
The course will take place in our brand new location, Herengracht 13A, 2511EG, The Hague. Super easy to reach by OV (it’s a 4 minute walk from The Hague Central Station) or by bike. Coming by car? There are paid parking options, we recommend to park at Q-Park Malieveld and then walk for 8 minutes to our location.
Dates & Times:
The courses consist of 8 weekly sessions, with one backup week in case of reschedules by the teacher. Currently, the following groups are available:
| Level | Group | Dates | Status |
| Basics 1 | April Tuesday Evening | Tuesdays at 17:45-19:00 on Apr 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17 (June 24 back-up) | Open |
| Basics 1 | May Saturday Morning | Saturdays at 10:30-11:45 on May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12 | Open |
| Basics 2 | April Sunday Morning | Sundays at 10:30-11:45 on Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1 (June 8 back-up) | Open |
| Basics 2 | April Tuesday Evening | Tuesdays at 19:30-20:45 on Apr 22, Apr 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10 (June 17 back-up) | Open |
| Basics 2 | May Thursday Morning | Thursdays at 10:30 – 11:45 on May 1 until June 19 (June 26 back-up) | Open |
| Basics 2 | May Monday Evening | Mondays at 17:45 – 19:00 from May 19 until July 7 (July 14 back-up) | Open |
Don’t see any dates that match your schedule? E-mail us and we will inform you when different dates are available!
Materials:
No worries, we provide all materials needed for the program.
Homework:
You can follow the course without doing homework, however, depending on your level and learning style, you will need about 2 to 4 hours of ‘Dutch input’ per week outside of the course to be ready for ‘speaking skills’ after Basics 1 and Basics 2.
We provide you with a range of recommended self-study options through our self-study guide, such as books, apps, videos, recommended community events and practical tips to learn Dutch in your daily life. It is up to you to choose what suits you best.
For those who really want to know more about grammar, we provide a discount code to Dutchies To Be’s Dutch For Beginners course upon registration for this course.
Community access
The course comes with two months of community membership so you can try our beginner community events to use what you learned and to practice to get confident with speaking. The community events are optional and at different times throughout the week (see the community event calendar). Please look for the blue events, that are suitable for beginners. You teacher can recommend to you which events would be good for you.
The details: Upon registration you will receive a discount code that makes your first two months of membership free, except for €0.50 activation costs. Your membership will then continue automatically, so don’t forget to cancel if you only want to use your two months of free membership. You can of course also try our events without activating a membership by paying the event entry fees.
Group size
The class will be between 5 and 10 students.
English
Some parts of the course will be in English (introductions and more complex explanations), so a basic English level of participants is assumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about grammar? Don’t you need to study grammar to learn a language?
During the course, we focus on acquiring grammar naturally through extensive comprehensible input. Over time, correct grammar will feel instinctive, without knowing the exact rules. This approach is more effective than memorizing complex grammar rules, which can hinder your ability to speak fluently in real conversations, as in real conversations you don’t have time to think about these rules, you just have to speak!
We are not the only ones who believe this is an effective way to learn. Research supports learning through comprehensible input. If you want to read more about it, see for example this page.
We encourage you to experience our method firsthand. If you still feel the need to study grammar, we provide a discount code to the ‘Dutchies to Be Premium Beginners Course’ where basic grammar is explained.
What happens if I miss a session?
We recommend to be available on most sessions for best results, however, it is ok if you miss one or maximum two. If you know beforehand you will not be able to attend some sessions, please contact us for recommendations through e-mail (info@dutchlanguagecafe.com).There is usually a good solution!
I’ve finished the course, now what?
If you are finished with Basics 1, the next step is Basics 2. If you are finished with that, you’ve mastered enough of the basics to start focusing on speaking with confidence! The next step is then the Speaking Skills course.
Costs
Price: 235 euro.
Includes:
✔ Eight in-class sessions of 1 hour and 15 minutes
✔ Self-study guide
✔ Two months of community membership (for €0.50).
Meet your teacher
Daphne
My name is Daphne. I lived in Ecuador for one year and I know the importance of speaking the language. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge of my native language with people who want to learn Dutch. I use a method that helps people acquire the language in a fun and natural way. I am happy to be a teacher at DLC!
Marijn
Hi, my name is Marijn and I am an event hostess and a coach for the beginner course. I also work as a consultant and NT2 teacher at an integration school. I love to bring out the best in people and encourage them in learning a new language. I am learning a second language myself and know how difficult it can be!
Arne
After a long time abroad, I am now back in the Netherlands. So I know what it is like to try to find your place in a foreign country, and I would like to help others with this! Furthermore, I love padel! See you soon!
Sign up here!
Fill in the form below to sign up for the Basics 1 or Basics 2 course!