Learning Dutch in Amsterdam

Start learning Dutch

Learning Dutch is a great way to feel more at home, integrate into a Dutch workplace or widen your social circle. In the Amsterdam Area, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting Dutch language courses. Aside from that, the City of Amsterdam offers a variety of courses to improve your Dutch and to help you get acquainted with living in Amsterdam. These courses are primarily free of charge, but not everyone is eligible. Find out more about free Dutch classes provided by the City of Amsterdam. In this roundup you will find a variety of resources, from free websites to language cafes, that are accessible to all.

Official Dutch examinations

The Dutch government developed an examination system known as Het Staatsexamen NT2 (the State Exam Dutch as a Second Language) consists of two levels: Program I (B1) and Program II (B2), assessing proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Upon passing all four skills, you attain the Diploma Staatsexamen Nt2, which is recognized in the Netherlands and demonstrates your level of Dutch language proficiency. The certificate does not expire. Individuals pursue these exams for diverse reasons, such as university admission, job opportunities, or as part of the Civic Integration process for immigrants.

If you are following a Civic Integration (inburgeren) programme as part of your immigration criteria, you can use the Nt2 diploma to fulfil the language requirements of the Civic Integration Exam. Depending on your situation, there are different learning tracks with different language proficiency level requirements. It should be noted that Civil Integration tracks have lower language level requirements (A2 or B1) and include knowledge exams such as Knowledge of Dutch Society.

Dutch language schools that are partners of IN Amsterdam

• Alliance Française Amsterdam – A cultural centre that specialises in teaching French (and Dutch) as a foreign language to an international audience for all levels and ages.
• Dutch Courses Amsterdam –  expect small groups of maximum 6 students and a variety of courses from intensive to private, including online options.
• INTT (Institute for Dutch Language Education at the University of Amsterdam) – choose from a wide range of courses, including preparation courses for the NT2 exam.
• Flowently – develop practical and social conversation skills with a private tutor online or meet up in town for 'snap the city' and 'learn Dutch live' sessions.
• Katakura – a great choice for busy Amsterdammers, Katakura offers several different combinations of times, dates and intensity levels and holds courses at two locations.
• Regina Coeli – located approximately an hour outside of Amsterdam, Regina Coeli has a proud history of intensive week-long Dutch courses designed by ‘the nuns of Vught’.
• Taalhuis Amsterdam - located in the heart of the Dutch capital, Taalhuis Amsterdam offers group courses, private training and tailored in-company workshops.
• Taalthuis – Learning Dutch is fun at Taalthuis. You can follow courses at different levels, online or face-to-face in small groups. 
• Talencoach – a seven-day immersion course known as the ‘Dutch brainwash’ uses humour to make learning the language enjoyable.
• UvA Talen – the University of Amsterdam’s language centre offers courses to students, staff and graduates, as well as internationals that are not connected to the university.
• Volksuniversiteit – an adult education centre in Amsterdam’s city centre that has more than 100 years of experience in teaching Dutch to speakers of other languages.
• VU-NT2 – designed to prepare students for the NT2 exam, this course at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is aimed at anyone with secondary education.

Find a private tutor

If you prefer a one-on-one approach to learning Dutch or want to speed the process along, a private tutor might be the solution for you.

Many of the organisations listed above, such as Flowently, offer private lessons in addition to group classes. Alternatively, agencies such as Dutch Ready have been established to match students with tutors for lessons in person or online. The extremely high level of English proficiency in The Netherlands means that everyone is a potential tutor - even sites like Marktplaats are worth exploring if you prefer less structure than a typical course. 

Free resources for learning Dutch

• The City of Amsterdam offers support to all who seek to learn Dutch. Support is available through the Taalwijzer (language guide system). Check out this list of available information points across different neighbourhoods (in Dutch). You can walk in at the specified opening hours for a free consultation on available opportunities to learn Dutch.
• Leef en Leer! is a project by the OBA public library and the municipality of Amsterdam intended to combat low literacy and introduce new skills. While the website is in Dutch, if you browse the 'Ik will leren' panel in the menu and filter on 'Taal' on the left, you will see all available Dutch classes of various levels and locations. Look out for the Taalcafe option, where volunteers donate their time to provide an opportunity to talk to native Dutch speakers for free.
• Jekuntmeer.nl is an initiative that offers the chance to learn new skills through neighbourhood initiatives such as the Taalcafe, and Dutch lessons hosted through partners and volunteers. The website is available in Dutch and you will find a mix of activities and courses outside of language training as well when you click on 'leren'.

Resources to learn Dutch online

The following YouTube channels offer free lessons and guides for Dutch learners:

• Learn Dutch with DutchPod101.com
• Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau
• Dutchies to be - Learn Dutch with Kim

You will find a guide to Dutch grammar:

• Dutchgrammar.com has various printable resources, grammar rules, podcasts and word lists to keep you on track.
• The Dutch Online Academy offers free Dutch grammar exercises varied by level and topic, as well as a newsletter for self-study.
• Beter Spellen is a resource that helps improve your spelling. Take daily quizzes and improve your knowledge of the Dutch language.

Learn Dutch through language podcasts and resources:

• 5-minuten Netherlands is a podcast intended for people with a B1+ command of the Dutch language, who want to broaden their language and cultural knowledge.
• Een Beetje Nederlands doesn't focus on grammar, but rather on more fun topics, such as culture, history and notable Dutchies. There are transcripts of the episodes available.
• Nieuws in Makkelijk Nederlands is a weekly podcast featuring a round-up of the latest news in a simplified manner.
• NOS Nieuws van de Week is an easy-to-understand summary of the weekly news, made more accessible for all. You can watch the episodes on YouTube or check for the scheduled appearance of the segment on regional TV here.
• Huisje Boompje Beestje is an educational programme about nature, technology and the environment. It is oriented towards kids aged 6 to 9 years old and is easy to follow for new learners.

Useful links

• How to choose a tutor for private Dutch lessons
• How to learn Dutch when your office speaks English
• Are you having fun learning Dutch?
• How to make sure in-company Dutch courses work for businesses and employees