Type of course

Go to ‘Timetable & Registration' to see whether the course is offered as a traditional classroom and/or online course.

Course description

This course covers all basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, and particularly focuses on everyday language use. Other areas of focus are basic grammar and basic vocabulary of Dutch. You will learn approx. 650 words of basic vocabulary.

During class, conversational skills are practiced by speaking with the entire group, with smaller groups, and by making use of the equipment available in the language laboratory.

One lesson requires approximately three hours of preparation. Upon completion of this course, you are able to have a short conversation on everyday subjects such as where you live, where you are from, and family background. You are also able to understand notices and simple texts.

The course is concluded with a final test and a certificate (minimum attendance 80%). If you will be absent for more lessons, please contact your teacher or talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Course material

• Nederlands in gang by Berna de Boer et al.
  ISBN 9789046905609.

This book is not included in the registration fee. Course participants are required to purchase it themselves. We recommend purchasing a hard copy. It’s more convenient to work with than an e-book.

In the first lesson, course participants will receive a reader prepared by teachers of the Academic Language Centre.

Target group and admission requirements

This course is intended for adults with higher levels of education, Leiden University students and staff members, as well as other interested parties who are unrelated to Leiden University.

The course is open to persons aged 17 and older who have completed a secondary school education.

Knowledge of Dutch is not required for enrolment in this course.

Basic knowledge English at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

This is a fast-paced course. Students are expected to prepare each lesson and to actively participate in each class.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 14 and for a classroom course is 16.
• The course load is 100 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added at the end of the courses. Please take into account that courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.