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Online Dutch Course - Beginners

Beginners Dutch 1 and 2 are tutor-supported online Dutch language courses aimed at beginning learners of Dutch, the official language of the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders). The courses are available to learners worldwide and delivered via online course materials, supported by a series of one-to-one or group lessons, depending on the format you choose. The courses are developed and taught by highly qualified and experienced UCL Centre for Languages and International Education tutors.

For general information about our online Dutch courses, the next starting dates and how to apply, go to the Online Dutch home page.

Aims and objectives

The learning outcomes of Beginners 1 are equivalent to level A1 as defined by the Council of Europe and are of a level A2/A2+ for Beginners 2. The Beginners courses prepare you for the CNaVT exam Profiel Toeristische en Informele Taalvaardigheid.  They are also an excellent preparation for the Basisexamen Inburgering (Dutch Civic Integration Examination).

At the end of Beginners 1 you will have gained:

  • level A1 of proficiency in Dutch as defined by the Council of Europe
  • insight into language structure and aspects of Dutch and Flemish culture
  • well-developed self-study skills

At the end of Beginners 2 you will have gained:

  • level A2 of proficiency in Dutch as defined by the Council of Europe
  • insight into language structure and aspects of Dutch and Flemish culture
  • well-developed self-study skills

You will also receive a UCL completion certificate. The Beginners Dutch Study Guide gives further details regarding the course. If you have any questions about the courses, please email one of the course tutors, Dr An. or Paul, the course administrator 

Course content

Beginners Dutch 1 and 2 each consist of five online course chapters. Each chapter includes reading and listening activities, accompanied by comprehension and vocabulary exercises. There is a grammar section with a series of tutor-supported exercises, including a link to a separate reference grammar of Dutch which was developed alongside the course. The reference grammar contains further self-correcting exercises which are freely available for private study. Each chapter also has a section on pronunciation, including audio files and pronunciation activities. In every chapter you also find a series of tutor-supported exercises and tasks to practise writing and speaking. You send all your writing tasks to your personal teacher for written feedback and corrections. On the further development of your listening, pronunciation and speaking skills you focus in the individual online lessons

Prerequisite for entry

For Beginners 1 no prior knowledge of Dutch is required. To take Beginners 2 you first need to have completed Beginners 1 or have a similar language standard, comparable to level A1 as defined by the Council of Europe. If you are uncertain about your current level, please email, Dr An. 

Two Formats: One-to-One or Small Groups

One-to-One

The standard versions of the courses run over a 12-week period starting from your chosen starting date. The intensive versions run over a 6-week period. Both versions include the same number of one-to-one lessons with your personal tutor. Enrolment is continuous: you can start the week after you have signed up.

For Beginners 1 you participate in an introductory session and seven teaching sessions of 60 minutes (each) with your individual tutor. For Beginners 2 you take part in an introductory session and six individual teaching sessions of 60 minutes (each). Lessons are via Zoom or MS Teams and can be scheduled depending on a learner's individual needs. Note that you can sign up for the courses individually or for a package including both Beginners 1 and 2 (24-week period for the standard version; 12 weeks for the intensive version).

Small Groups

Each of the Beginners’ courses runs over a 12-week period and includes twelve teaching sessions of 75 minutes (each). The classes are taught in groups of a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 participants (*). Lessons are via MS Teams and you have two options. You choose whether you take part in the lessons offered in the early afternoon (noon or 1pm UK time) OR at 6pm UK (you are asked for your preference after signing up). The day of the week on which the lesson takes place is decided together with your tutor (and your fellow students), as well as the exact start date of the course. Note that we aim to have at least one starting date every month.

Course Delivery

The courses are delivered via an online learning environment (Moodle). All course materials can be downloaded for offline use. After you complete the course, you continue to have access to the online course materials. The course includes a series of lessons via Zoom or MS Teams. You need internet access and a computer (desktop, laptop or tablet) and webcam.

(*) Group classes are organised if a number of 3 participants is reached. If there are less participants in a certain month, you will be automatically enrolled for the following month's start date.

Registration and fees

You can register for the course via the UCL online store 

Group Lessons:

One-to-One:

If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, please contact Ingrida Maziliauskaite 

UCL has a no refund policy for course fees. Refunds of course fees minus a £100 administration charge will only be considered in cases of serious illness. Claims must be made in writing and be supported by verifiable documentation.

Enrolment

For the one-to-one courses you can start the week after you’ve signed up. There is at least one start date every month for the courses taught in small groups.

To sign up for the courses, pay the course fee in the UCL Online Store.