Learning Dutch

For latin and asian speakers, learning Dutch can be quite challenging. It will require a significant amount of study time and conversation practice.

Most of the population in the Randstad area (western region of the Netherlands) speaks English, so you can manage without learning the language.

However, if you plan to stay here for several years, we highly recommend that you make an effort and start learning Dutch.

Mastering the language can greatly benefit you, especially in terms of employment opportunities. Many of us start working in international companies, but when they close down, we find ourselves jobless. The quicker you learn the language, the better chances you have of entering the local job market, which ultimately pays off in the long run.

Moreover, you’ll need to deal with various bureaucratic matters in Dutch, such as mortgages, school enrollment for children, club memberships, taxes, legal issues, insurance, and home repairs. If you don’t have a good grasp of the language, sooner or later, you’ll have to spend extra money to find someone to help you with translations or sorting out your documents.

Studying a new language opens up numerous opportunities

Taking Dutch courses in Rotterdam

ABC Dutch Rotterdam: very popular language school for expats wanting to learn Dutch in a fast way. You will meet many people from all over the world and achieve Dutch fluency rapidly. Lessons take place during the day or in the evening. Small group sizes and highly professional teachers. Join ABC Dutch for better job opportunities in The Netherlands.

ABC Dutch Rotterdam: Vijverhofstraat 47. It’s a ten-minute walk from the central station. Visit their website at this link.

Beter in Taal: This academy has a few locations in Rotterdam where they offer Dutch classes. One is in North Rotterdam, and the other is in South Rotterdam.

The classes are free and prepare you for the Dutch diploma and the integration exam, which is necessary for becoming a permanent resident or a Dutch citizen.

If you have a European passport, you don’t need to take this exam. Visit their website at this link.

UPB: This school offers classes in various languages and levels, taught by native speakers. They provide both private and group lessons, including intensive and online options for children.

Una Paloma Blanca: Walenburgerweg 3. It’s a ten-minute walk from the central station. Visit their website at this link.

Taalhuis Rotterdam: The central library of Rotterdam organizes Dutch courses every year for immigrants who want to improve their language skills. You need to have at least a basic understanding of Dutch.

Taalhuis Rotterdam have different levels focusing on writing, reading, and conversation skills. They offer two sessions of one and a half hours each, in the morning and afternoon, and they are free of charge.

They will also give you advice on other learning options and recommend websites to expedite your language learning. Drop by the first floor of the library on weekdays for more information.

Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam: Hoogstraat 110. Metro Station Blaak.

Practice your Dutch in Rotterdam with Walking and Talking

Walking and Talking: A great initiative by a pair of girls who live in Rotterdam.

They meet a few times a week, in the evening, and organize walking tours around Rotterdam.

A group of foreigners who want practice and improve their Dutch, go for a walk in the city. They divide them into pairs or groups of three. Every twenty minutes, they change your partners, so you can practice your sentences, get used to speaking Dutch, meet new people, and learn some secrets about the city.

We’ve taken a walk with them, and they are highly recommended.

Visit their website at this link.

Albeda College. They offer subsidized Dutch courses for beginners, supported by the city council. They have classes in the morning and in the afternoon.

You can get a diploma through them, which will open doors to job opportunities.

Albeda College. Baljuwstraat 2. It’s a ten-minute walk from Central Station.

Visit their website at this link.

There’s no choice but to work hard on your Dutch

Other Dutch classes

Instituto Regina Coeli. The nuns from Vught. The Instituto de Idiomas Regina Coeli was founded by the Canonesses of St. Augustine in Vught. They helped people from different countries learn new languages and are highly respected in the Netherlands.

They offer intensive language courses in various languages, and their method helps people learn faster than in a regular school. The courses last for a week, from 8 in the morning until 7 in the evening. They focus on conversation, reading, and understanding Dutch.

The classes are taught by highly qualified native teachers. Accommodation and meals are included in the price.

Some international companies include these courses as part of their employee benefits, especially for managerial positions. It’s hard to convince bosses to enroll you in one of these courses, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. The prices are over 5,000 euros per week.

You can also negotiate it as part of your severance package when you leave a company, with the excuse of having more chances to find a job in the Dutch job market.

Highly recommended.

Visit their website at this link.

Tips

Another way for learning Dutch is to find an elderly person in your street who is alone and in need of company. They will be very happy to spend an hour every day teaching you the language and sharing friendship. You can also contact older people who spend their day in the library.

You can also volunteer in organizations in the city like hospitals, libraries, festivals, and sports clubs. This will expand your social life and help you integrate more quickly.

We have prepared some basic Dutch phrases to use on your first visit to Nederlands on this link.

Things to check when arriving in The Netherlands