1. INTRODUCTION
The ability to communicate in the spoken language where one is living, whether
temporarily or in a long term, makes life much easier, opens the door to the
local labor market and, undoubtedly, helps to integrate the new comer into the
taken society. On the other hand, a basic knowledge of the Dutch language has
recently become, for some non EU citizens, a prerequisite for obtaining visa and
authorization to stay in the Netherlands.
If you are living in the Netherlands, learning Dutch is important, not only when
looking for a job, but also for integrating rapidly into the society. There are
endless advantages to learn, at least, the basis of Dutch, e.g. to shop easily,
meet new friends, to read ads and actually understand them, to ask directions in
the street, and even provide help when needed.
There are numerable language schools in the Netherlands offering Dutch lessons
and preparation for the exams. We have gathered the most valuable
information for you to get an overall insight of the options you have to learn
Dutch in the Netherlands. We hope that these brief entries, arranged
alphabetically by location, will save you time and help you to evaluate wisely
your options.
The first part of the booklet deals with the Dutch language as a requirement,
either for obtaining permission to enter or stay in the Netherlands (Machtiging
tot Voorlopig Verblijf) or for purposes of work or study. It also explains what the
NT2 examination is and how you can go about obtaining this qualification.
The second and main part of the booklet consists of a list of language schools/
institutes. The list is by no means comprehensive, and the amount of
information given varies, but we have tried to check that all of the contact
details in the booklet are accurate.
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The Civic Integration Act came into force in the Netherlands on 1 January
2007. The Act stipulates that everyone who immigrates to the Netherlands and
lives in the Netherlands must learn the Dutch language and have an
understanding of the workings of Dutch society. This is referred to as civic
integration. Immigrants who are required to follow this process are considered
to be subject to civic integration. They must pass the Civic Integration
Examination. In some cases the immigrant can be exempt from civic
integration requirement under the Civic Integration Act, but must still have
passed the civic integration examination as a requirement to obtain a certain
type of permanent residence permit or to qualify for continued residence. The
local authorities can inform you whether you must undergo civic integration
and what you must do to obtain the civic integration certificate.
Nationals from the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand,
Switzerland and United States, and temporary knowledge migrants do not have
to fulfil this requirement. Family members of EU citizens may also be excluded
of this examination.
This examination tests a person’s basic knowledge of the Dutch language and
Dutch society. The examination is taken orally in Dutch at the Dutch Embassy
or Dutch Consulate General abroad. The cost for taking the examination is
currently EUR 350. The examination consists of two parts. Part 1 tests the
person’s knowledge of Dutch society. While looking at an illustrated booklet,
the person being tested is asked a number of questions by telephone. The
questions are about such topics as the history of the Netherlands and its form
of government. Part 2 tests the person’s knowledge of the Dutch language.
This part includes the repetition of sentences and the answering of brief
questions.
You can find detailed information about the civic integration examination and
the conditions for exemption on the website of the Immigration and
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A brochure explaining all the steps to take this exam, can be found at:
www.ind.nl/en/Images/bro_inburgering_tcm6-105967.pdf
A registration form for the civic integration examination abroad can be found
at: http://inburgeringsformulier.minbuzamail.nl/civic/en/
If you are planning to stay long in the Netherlands, it is very important to take
part in Dutch society. For this reason, the Dutch Government has laid down the
necessary agreements in an Act, the ‘Integration Act’. This Act determines that
integration is compulsory for most people who come to live in the Netherlands.
In addition, integration can be compulsory for people who have lived in the
Netherlands for some time. The Government provide the courses for all the
persons in the need to do the inburgering.
There are several ways to do the inburgering: Integration exam
(Inburgeringsexamen), State exam (staatsexamens NT2), Vocational diploma
(beroepsonderwijs), and the short exemption test (De korte vrijstellingstoets)
If you want to become a Dutch National, you will have to take this exam. In the
course preparation for it you will learn more than the Dutch language, but also
about the life in the Netherlands. The cost of this exam is currently 230 euros
approx. For more information, go to:
www.ind.nl/en/Images/bro_inburg_buitenland_tcm6-150503.pdf
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The NT2 State Examination is taken under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of
Education, Culture and Sciences. The examination is intended for adults and
young adults from foreign countries, who would like to work or study in The
Netherlands. The examination will result in a diploma, which shows the owner
has sufficient grasp of the Dutch language to either start a Dutch study course
or a job.
Both exams are divided into four main exam sections: reading, listening, oral
and writing. These four exam sections are all independently examined. Each
section will be concluded with a certificate, providing a satisfactory result has
been achieved. Four certificates for one programme will entitle the student to
a NT2 State Examination Diploma (I of II)
For more info about the exam, materials to study, list of institutions offering
training for the NT2 go to:
www.expertisecentrumnt2.nl
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You can take the short exemption test when you already know the language, you
can understand it and make yourself understood without additional lessons. You
should already know much of about the Netherlands.
The examinations are held several times a year at various locations in the
Netherlands. You need to have registered and to have paid the registration fee
before a certain date, to be able to take the examination.
For more information about all this examinations, contact the City Hall at the place
where you live. For a complete list, go to:
http://almanak.overheid.nl/
The Dutch Government aims for all newcomers to learn the language if they plan to
stay here, even if they are not obliged to inburgering. A frequent case it will be a
citizen from any country of the European Union who have decided to come and live
in the Netherlands, even when they are not required by law to learn the language,
it is highly recommended for them to do so, in order they can adapt easily and
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quickly to the society. For these persons, there is also the possibility to obtain
financial help from the social services to do the course. For more info, contact the
social services of the city hall.
For The Hague, call (070) 302 6000 or visit the website:
www.inburgerendenhaag.nl/
There are two types of integration budgets; the first one is general and it includes
the education in some centres attached to the social services of each city council.
Normally, they will include the well known educational centre ROC. There is
another type of budget, called personal inburgering budget, which is assigned to
persons with high levels of education who are able to learn the language at another
pace, generally, they include the language training in Universities.
Each city council has its own rules in this regard, so the best way to learn more
about the possibilities that you have and they can offer, is contact the service
inburgering point of your city. You will get it through the social services of your
municipality.
Informatie Beheer Groep IB-Groep. You will find information about the inburgering
obligation, and a nice video that explains the different possibilities that you have.
You can also ask for a loan to the IB-Groep to pay the fees of your language course.
If your performance in the exam is well enough and within a set timeframe, you
might get some compensation of the lent money. Even when the information is in
Dutch, you can always ask a friend, or use a Google translator to get the main
information from it:
www.inburgeren.nl/inburgeraar/default.asp
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Het begint met taal - This website is an initiative of the Ministry of VROM (Housing,
spatial planning and the Environment). You will find information about the in-
burgering obligation, and also you can find a language school near your home, by
typing your post code.
www.hetbegintmettaal.nl/
Naar Nederland – On this site you will find information about the civic integration
exam that some foreigners should do to get the authorisation for temporary resi-
dence (MVV). This website will provide them with information on the Civic Integra-
tion Examination Abroad. The website content can be found in English:
http://www.naarnederland.nl/documentenservice/pagina.asp?
pagkey=53768
Private institutes, universities and colleges (we provide a list of some of the most
important ones in the following section)
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(completely beginners) to advanced courses, and even specific courses for certain
professions. Schools sometimes hold official accreditations. You can find part-time
and full-time courses, even lessons at the workplace. Most require attendance at a
language laboratory, and as a complement, they offer online tuition. You can
choose between individual or group instruction; private schools can tailor the course
to your needs.
The ROCs (Regionaal Opleidings Centrum) whose courses are subsidized and are
therefore generally heavily subscribed. Attendance at a ROC centre may require
compliance with certain criteria e.g. a valid residence permit, an address in the
locality of the school, unemployed status etc. The offer most of all courses for the
NT2 exam, you can find more info about them in: www.roc.nl/default.php?
fr=opl&type=NT2&language=nl&language=en
The first thing to do is to decide what kind of course you want to follow and where.
Once you have decided the school/institute to approach, you will need to confirm
dates, textbooks and the fees.
If you have a previous knowledge of Dutch, you will be, most likely, required to do a
placement test (fees are possible).
In section four of this booklet you will find a list of various schools.
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“At Home Abroad” is an intensive five week course for people who want to make a
running start with learning Dutch. Per week there are six hours of instruction – on
Monday and Thursday mornings. In addition, you are expected to prepare for each
class on the computer at home, with the help of the CD-Rom that goes with the
course book. On average this will take another eight to ten hours per week. In
short: it’s a course for people who can invest a fair amount of time in a concen-
trated period. At the end of the course you will be able to have short conversations
on everyday subjects like shopping, food, housing, travelling, going out, health,
Relationships and to ask for directions, make appointments, give your opinion, and
make inquiries. Simple writing assignments are also part of the programme.
Learning Dutch with “At Home Abroad” means:
• Serious learning in a relaxed and sociable environment
• Groups of four to six people
• Main focus on conversation
• 90% of the lessons in Dutch only
• English translation of wordlists, standard phrases and points of grammar are
provided
• Some four to five hours preparation on the computer at home per class
• Time for personal questions and socialising half an hour before and after the
lesson
• A free refresher class a few weeks after the course
The courses are held near Valkenbosplein in The Hague - within a few minutes
walking distance from public transport: Randstad Rail 3, buses 20&21, trams 11&12.
For more information:
Tel: (070) 360 3624
E-mail: hennyvans@casema.nl
Website: www.access-nl.org/our_services/workshop.htm
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Dutch is not as difficult as we might all think at first glance. Learning it can even be
fun, if you take the time enough to understand the dynamics of the language and
strive to speak it whenever possible. Dutch language is full of
expressions that are the best sample of the Dutch society.
If you don’t feel like following a Dutch course for any reason, you can always learn
it at your own pace from home. The internet has, nowadays, endless tools to learn
languages, many of them free of charge.
Following, we list some of our favourite websites where you can learn Dutch by
yourself:
www.talencoach.nl/item/235 - Here you can order the e-book called “Why you
hate learning Dutch and seven reasons to change it”, you can also find some Dutch
e-lessons. They offer language courses in their location in Amsterdam.
www.leesenschrijf.nl/ - Here you can ask for two working books, for free, they will
send it to your place and you can follow the course on line.
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You can also find paid online courses, with benefits such as a permanent tutor who
will help you with your progress; we list a few of these e-courses for you:
www.leernederlands.nl/
www.lerenonline.nl
www.nti.nl
Watching TV is also a good manner to grasp some words and common phrases. Most
teachers recommend watching children programs, because they use easy vocabu-
lary. One such program to watch is: www.etv.nl
The guild volunteers advise on all areas, giving lectures, organizing tours or convers-
ing with native speakers of Dutch. There are approximately 6000
elderly people active in the guilds.
www.gilde-nederland.nl/
Since we are unable to list all the schools that are in The Netherlands, we give you
some advice of where to find them:
LANGUAGE COURSE FINDER also helps you to find a language school for you.
www.language-learning.net/
HAAGS TAALKOMPAS is a initiative of the city of The Hague, to gather the informa-
tion on learning Dutch in The Hague. The website centres on the survey of institu-
tions which offer Dutch language courses, but you will also find convenient sugges-
tions and addresses. Furthermore there is information about compulsory language
courses. The possibilities for self-study are also on the website. The information on
this site can also be found in the booklet “Haags Taalkompas”( The Hague Language
Compass). Both the website and the booklet are in Dutch. The booklet is available
at various
organisations in town, such as: The Hague libraries, the municipal contact centre,
city district offices, welfare centres, embassies, among others.
www.haagstaalkompas.nl/
Following, we list some schools, by location, with comments that may be useful for
you when choosing the appropriate course:
AMSTERDAM
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Email: bltc@blte.nl
Website: www.bltc.nl
Instituut voor de Tropen (KIT Royal KIT offer special training for busi-
Tropical Institute) ness and government bodies in all
aspects of communication and en-
Mauritskade 63 culturation.
1092 AD Amsterdam
Tel: (020) 568 87 12
Fax: (020) 668 45 79
Website: www.kit.nl
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Kickstart School They offer au-pair courses, courses
for expats , NT2 exam and writing
Koninginnegracht 72 courses.
2514 AG Den Haag Courses can be given in classes,
Tel. (070) 324 4530 small groups or individual and are
available for all levels: beginner,
Email: info@kickstartschool.nl intermediate and advanced.
Website: www.kickstartschool.nl
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EINDHOVEN
ROC Eindhoven
Sterrenlaan 10
5631 KA Eindhoven They have a course “Dutch for non-
native speakers”. To register con-
Tel. (040) 3269 4000 tact Infocentre, School for Adult
Email: info@roceindhoven.nl Education, tel. (040) 269 4444..
Website: www.roceindhoven.nl There are also locations in Best,
Cranendonck, Eersel, Neunen and
Valkenswaard.
GRONINGEN
The Universiteit offers intensive,
Universiteit Groningen semi-intensive and extensive Dutch
Language Centre, Harmoniegebouw language courses including NT2
exam training. Certificates are
1st floor
awarded after successful completion
Oude Boteringenstraat 44 of the course. Also available is a
Dutch Studies programme which
9712 GL Groningen introduces students to the Dutch
Tel. (050) 363 9111 language, culture, history and art.
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LEIDEN
The language consultancy is affili-
Universiteit Leiden ated with the university; however,
Inter Consultancy Bureau, Leiden Dutch language courses are open to
non-students. Daytime and evening
University,
group courses at all levels are avail-
Rapenburg 70 able as well as custom-made
courses. The consultancy also offers
2311 EZ Leiden acculturation and intercultural man-
Tel: (071) 527 2727 agement courses.
Fax: (071) 527 5499
Email: info@icb-leiden.nl
Website: www.icb-leiden.n
6216 EG Maastricht
Tel: (043) 346 7231
Website: www.berlitz.nl/en/
maastricht/default.html
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NIJMEGEN
LTC is a CEDEO approved language
LTC (Language Training Centre) institute with a business focus. Prac-
tical tailor-made language and com-
St. Canisiussingel 27 munication training is offered for
6511 TG Nijmegen individuals or business professionals.
Postbus 373
6500 AJ Nijmegen
Tel: (024) 323 7349
Fax: (024) 360 1660
Email: info@ltc.nl
Website: www.ltc.nl
RIJSWIJK
Elycio Talen is CEDEO approved and
offers business-focused language
Elycio Talen
and communication courses. Levels
Verrijn Stuartlaan 42c range from beginners to intermedi-
2288 EM Rijswijk ate and small groups and individual
classes are offered. In addition, in-
Tel: (070) 399 2471 tensive programmes with certificate
Fax: (070) 399 4499 on completion (50 hours in ten
weeks) can be taken. There is a dis-
Email: form on the website
tance education option via the TMM
Website: www.elyciotalen.nl method.
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ROTTERDAM
LEARNING THE DUTCH LANGUAGE
Email: info@itha.nl
Website: www.itha.nl
ITA Talencentrum
Business language training of Dutch
Scheepmakershaven 29 A at every level.
3011 VA Rotterdam
Tel: (010) 411 88 65
Fax: (010) 411 75 58
Email: info@ita-talencentrum.nl
Website: www.talen-centrum.nl
E-mail: info@languagepartners.nl
www.languagepartners.nl
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Email: soester-
berg@nl.linguarama.com
Website: www.linguarama.nl
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Internet sites:
http://www.access-nl.org/
http://www.access-nl.org/our_services/courses_hague/
dutch_for_starters.htm
http://www.dutchgrammar.com/
http://www.dutchgrammar.org/
http://www.dutchtoday.com/
http://www.eoidiomas.com/idiomas/EjerciciosNeerlandes/index.htm
http://www.etv.nl/
http://www.expatica.com/nl/listings/details/Education,language-
schools.html
http://www.expertisecentrumnt2.nl/
http://www.gilde-nederland.nl/
http://www.haagstaalkompas.nl/
http://www.hetbegintmettaal.nl/
http://www.inburgeren.nl/inburgeraar/default.asp
http://www.inburgerendenhaag.nl/
http://www.inburgering.amsterdam.nl/
http://www.ind.nl/en/Images/bro_inburg_buitenland_tcm6-150503.pdf
http://www.language-learning.net/
http://www.learndutch.nu/
http://www.leernederlands.nl/
http://www.leesenschrijf.nl/
http://www.lerenonline.nl/
http://www.lesexpres.nl/dutch/
http://www.livemocha.com/
http://www.lorrelanguageclubs.nl/
http://www.naarnederland.nl/documentenservice/pagina.asp?
pagkey=53768
http://www.nti.nl/
http://www.quia.com/jfc/144469.html
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LEARNING THE DUTCH LANGUAGE LEARNING THE DUTCH
http://www.roc.nl/default.php?
fr=opl&type=NT2&language=nl&language=en
http://www.taalklas.nl/
http://www.taalthuis.com/
http://www.talencoach.nl/item/235.
http://www.verbix.com/languages/dutch.shtml
http://www.volksuniversiteit.nl/
http://almanak.overheid.nl/
http://inburgeringsformulier.minbuzamail.nl/civic/en/
Books :
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ACCESS
Zeestraat 100
2518 AD, The Hague
The Netherlands
Email: helpdesk-dh@access-nl.org
Help Line : +31(0)70 346 2525
Prinses Irenestraat 59
1077 WV, Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: helpdesk-ams@access-nl.org
Help Line : +31 (0)20 423 32 17
www.access-nl.org
DISCLAIMER
This Information booklet is intended to give comprehensive and general
information. ACCESS did everything possible to ensure that the information is
correct and up to date. We cannot accept any responsibility for the information
that might have changed.
If you need more information about this subject, please contact the organisations
listed in this booklet or look at the websites mentioned.