From the very first group lesson, an experienced teacher will help to you build on your vocabulary and understand how the language works. You’ll use traditional learning methods as well as online learning tools, such as MP3, websites and social media. The course focuses on speaking and listening skills. You will also learn to identify and memorise basic Chinese characters. Additional work on grammar, as well as reading and writing skills, will support you in the language learning process. Your teacher is a native speaker, and the group lesson will be conducted in Chinese as much as possible. Instructions will only be given in Dutch or English if it’s absolutely necessary.
After completing the second module, you will be able to communicate in Chinese in everyday situations.
"I very much enjoyed the Chinese language course, in which we not only learned the language but also had a presentation every week on a subject related to China. These presentations helped me to gain more insight into China and Chinese culture."
Philip Gestel | student FASoS
For available times for the courses below, please see the course dates and the registration form. The registration form shows the currently available groups.
Quick links:
UM students: € 325
UM staff, alumni and Zuyd Hogeschool students: € 395
All other participants: € 510
Costs are exclusive course materials
Reference levels according to the CEFR:
Chinese A1minus is intended for people with no prior knowledge of Chinese. In this course, you will be introduced to the Chinese language and the culture of this country.
In this course, we will focus on communication. Basic grammar and simple sentences making. Chinese Characters will not be taught.
After this course is finished, you will be able to:
Course materials:
Dates: The registration form shows the actual available groups.
Certificate A1minus: Upon completion of the course requirements, you will receive a participation certificate by mail.
This course is intended for people with basic knowledge of Chinese and people who successfully completed Chinese A1minus.
In this course, we will learn Chinese Characters. Meanwhile, we will expand communication skills. Grammar will be further explained.
After this course, you will be able to:
Conversation subjects will be about your study, school, work, travel, order food, visiting family, planning a trip and take public transportation.
Course materials:
Dates: The registration form shows the actual available groups.
Certificate A1plus: Upon completion of the course requirements, you will receive a participation certificate by mail.
Chinese A2 is intended for people with basic conversation in Chinese, be able to read around 150 Chinese Characters and people who successfully completed Chinese A1plus.
After this course, you will be able to:
Conversation subjects will be about travel in China, see the doctor, visit a museum and celebrate a birthday.
Course materials: (will be same required as Chinese A1plus)
Dates: The registration form shows the actual available groups.
Certificate A2: Upon completion of the course requirements, you will receive a participation certificate by mail.
Chinese B1 is intended for people with basic conversation in Chinese, be able to read around 300 Chinese Characters and people who successfully completed Chinese A2.
You learn how to:
Course materials: (will be same required as Chinese A2)
Dates: The registration form shows the actual available groups.
Certificate B1: Upon completion of the course requirements, you will receive a participation certificate by mail.
If you are a beginner then no intake is needed and you can just register for level A1 by using our registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation.
If you already have some knowledge of the language and would like to join a non-beginners group then you can email to Suli Poell to make an appointment, free of charge. The appointment will take place at the Maastricht University Language Centre or online.
Book an intake well before the course is scheduled to begin. This process will make it easier to make the appointment, and more likely that there will still be an available spot in the module that’s right for you.
UM students: € 325 per module
UM staff, alumni and Zuyd Hogeschool students: € 395 per module
All other participants: € 510 per module
After successfully completing a course, you will receive a certificate. To be eligible for a certificate, you must attend at least 12 of the 14 lessons, be present at the final exam and have satisfactory results. One course is worth 3 ECTS credits. Whether these credits are acknowledged depends on your faculty. Please consult with your faculty / home university if these credits will be accepted as part of your programme.