Mastering Dutch. Or at least trying too.

We first tried to write this blog in Dutch. But soon we ended up doing it in English. We figured learning Dutch itself is complicated enough. Navigating through the amount of institutes and volunteers makes it even harder. While, in fact, you just want to get started. We wouldn’t be TechMeUp if we didn’t make this happen for you. Well, here we go.

Why should I learn Dutch?
A lot of Dutchies master the English language. Despite this fact, we prefer to talk Dutch to each other. To truly participate in our society, Dutch knowledge is therefore often a must. At TechMeUp we also see a certain level of Dutch is required at companies when applying for a job. Mastering the language gives you the chance to show yourself and realize your ambitions. But where to start?

What level of Dutch is required?
The Dutch language is divided into 6 levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). All of them show how far you master our language. It starts with A1 (when you understand the primary basics) and it goes all the way up to C2 (fluent Dutch). Forty percent of the Dutch People have a B1-level of the Dutch language, also forty percent have a higher understanding but -ofcourse- understands B1. That said: to participate in society a B1 level is often required. It shows you’re capable of understanding simple Dutch words and sentences.

How to learn Dutch
There are a lot of institutions and organizations offering the chance to learn our language. Some of them are free to join, some of them are paid. We put together a list.

Local subsidy schemes
There are a lot (!!) of subsidized Dutch language courses available for both (future)employees as their employers. At the website of the Rijksoverheid you’ll find the right RMT/leerwerkloket for your region. Please note that is you receive an uitkering, WW, or if you don’t have an income, there is a very high posibility the RMT offers Dutch courses for free. But also if you do not qualify there are many options depending on the region. For example Leerwerkloket Midden Brabant has many options when you’re living in the ‘Noord-Brabant’ province or the Dutch It Program, designed for women in tech in the Greater Amsterdam area. So make sure to reach out to your local RMT!

As an employer you can find initiatives like Taal-ID which offers subsidy when your employees want to study Dutch as a second language. Good information to let your future employer know :).

Just arrived in the Netherlands?
The Welcome App offers a user friendly tool to take charge over your integration process. It gives you an opportunity to start building your life here. www.welcomeapp.nl

Get a language coach
Practising makes perfect. That also counts when learning a new language. At ‘Het Begint met taal’ (it starts with language) you’ll learn Dutch for free by following classes and practicing your skills with a language coach, in groups, online or at a so-called language café. Almost every municipality offers this opportunity. At the website you can easily fill in your city or village to see where you have to go. www.hetbegintmettaal.nl

Language centers and libraries
Each municipality has a library. It’s often the best place to start your journey into the world of Dutch. With study materials but also free workshops to attend you can improve your level of Dutch. www.bibliotheek.nl

iTalki app
This language learning app offers 1-on-1 lessons by certified teachers fitting your budget and planning. You can practice, join group sessions and connect to a world wide community. Check it out at iTalki.

Free web course
At the Danner&Danner education institute they offer free courses up till level A1, A2, B1 and B2. However, you do need to match some criteria: you must me 18+, you are no longer required to integrate and you live in Hilversum, Blaricum, Gooise meren (Bussum, Naarden, Muiden), Huizen, Laren, Weesp, Wijdemeren, Soest, Baarn or Bunschoten. If you’re not living here, you should look up initiatives in your own city. There are often similar institutes offering the same courses.

Suggestion from a TechMeUp student:

”I strongly suggest checking out ivio.nl there are multiple courses related to Dutch. The NT2 course is all free from A1 to B2. There is quite a waiting list depending on the city itself but once you are enrolled the following stages comes very quick. Thanks to Ivio I am about to finish B2 with zero euros.”

Talking buddies
Kletsmaatjes connects newcomers to Dutchies just to have a weekly, online chat. After 10 to 20 weeks you gained a lot of knowledge about our language. What to talk about? It can be anything. Your hobbies, family, work or favorite food. It doesn’t matter. www.kletsmaatje.nl  

Language buddy at work
When you already have a job in the Netherlands you can ask your employer if you can participate in the national program of het begint met taal. Foreign-speaking employees, such as migrant workers or refugees, are linked to Dutch-speaking colleagues. Every week they practice the Dutch language and talk about the work culture. This can be done as a couple or in a group. The language buddy receives training, practice materials and guidance from Het Begint met Taal. www.hetbegintmettaal.nl/werkgevers But you can also point your employer to the Taal-ID course.

DIY-study by podcasts
There are a lot of initiatives that offer the possibility to learn the Dutch language yourself. Think of the obvious ones like the app Duolingo but also having a conversation with Chat GPT. Another way to do so, is listening to podcasts.

5-minuten Nederlands
This 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
This podcast 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
This weekly podcast features a round-up of the latest news in a simplified manner.

Have another suggestion?
Please let us know by emailing patty@techmeup.nl