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Introduction to Dutch

Learn to speak, write and understand basic Dutch, with this free, three-week, introductory foreign language course.

291,330 enrolled on this course

Lots of Dutch clogs hanging on a wall

Introduction to Dutch

291,330 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Are you planning to visit, or work or study in the Netherlands soon? This free online course is perfect if you have little or no prior knowledge of Dutch, but would like to master the fundamentals in order to survive life in the Low Countries.

Learn basic Dutch

The course will run over three weeks, helping you to:

  • introduce yourself and get to know other learners
  • talk about your family, friends, work and study
  • and experience life in the Netherlands.

Speak, write and understand useful Dutch

During the course, you will learn Dutch phrases, greetings, vocabulary, numbers, spelling and grammar. Being able to understand the language will make everyday activities, such as shopping or going out to a restaurant, much more enjoyable.

By the end of the course, you will be able to recognise familiar words and phrases about yourself and your family. You will be taught to use simple sentences to describe where you live and the people you know.

Finally, you will be able to write short texts such as an email or fill in forms with personal details. The main focus will be on receptive skills such as reading and listening.

Learn with the University of Groningen Language Centre

The course will be taught in English by lecturers of Dutch and English from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

So, if you would like to get a taste of Dutch - and join the 23 million people who speak the language in the Netherlands, Flanders, Suriname and many other countries - join the course now.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 4 seconds You may know the words “boss,” “cookie,” “yacht,” and “brandy.” These words have one thing in common. They all originate from Dutch words– “baas,” “koekje,” “jacht,” “brandewijn.” Welcome to the University of Groningen, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. My name is Wim Tommassen. I’m a senior English lecturer at the Language Centre of the University of Groningen. And I’d like to welcome you to our free online introductory Dutch course. Dutch is the language spoken in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname. In this course, you will learn Dutch up to a lower beginner’s level, meaning you should be able to understand some Dutch and use some elementary phrases and expressions.

Skip to 1 minute and 4 seconds We hope that you will soon be able to say– “welkom aan boord” –welcome onboard, and that you will enjoy your course.

What topics will you cover?

  • Reading and listening to dialogues about work, study, hobbies, eating, drinking, living, weather and the time
  • Understanding the grammar around the conjugation of verbs, word order,personal pronouns, adjectives, modal verbs and making questions
  • Writing and speaking assignments including introducing oneself and speaking about eating and living
  • Introduction to Dutch culture

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Apply basic Dutch vocabulary and grammar in a range of everyday situations
  • Produce short written statements in Dutch about every day life
  • Discuss simple concepts, situations and needs in Dutch

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at people with no prior knowledge of the Dutch language, who have a strong interest in learning languages. It will give you a taste of language skills that will help you to survive in Dutch-speaking countries. The main focus will be on receptive skills like reading and listening. It will be taught in English.

What do people say about this course?

"Perfect course! Everything is clear, easy to understand. I'm enjoying!"

Who will you learn with?

I have been a lecturer of Dutch as a second language for 16 years now. I have worked as a language teacher both at the University of Groningen Language Centre and at other schools in Groningen.

Lead educator / developer of Introduction to Dutch. Senior lecturer of Dutch and Head of Modern Foreign Languages at the University of Groningen Language Centre

Who developed the course?

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$104/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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