Course

Dutch: Social Dutch (students only)

Are you starting your studies at Maastricht University but don’t speak Dutch yet? Then this is the perfect course for you. In seven weeks, you will learn social Dutch on a basic level with a focus on speaking and listening skills. During these lessons we will also make use of an interactive, digital environment.

Together with about 12 to 16 other participants, you will follow two-hour group lessons. For each lesson you will need to invest 1.5 to 2 hours of independent self-study (practicing what you have learned in the lesson before). This course consists of two modules. The first module is aimed at beginners, while the second module is suitable for people who already speak social Dutch on a very basic level.

'I can confidently say that I am much better at Dutch now than when I started. I am understanding much more from the random conversations I hear now.'

Fast facts

two levels, for beginner and basic knowledge levels
two times FREE for UM bachelor and master students (exchange students excluded)
starts in September, November, February and April
only for students
focus on speaking and interaction; less attention to grammar
7 sessions of 2 hours
1.5 to 2 hours preparation time
proof of participation upon completion of course requirements

Improve your Dutch Course dates and registration

'I now can understand written notes and announcements, as well as instructions on the phone, all after just 7 weeks. In addition I made new friends during the course.'

'Of course Social NL 2! Compared to A1, 2 gets you to a higher level of understanding and speaking Dutch'

'I would definitely recommend this course to other students! It is really helpful to get a feeling for the Dutch language. The small groups and the variety of exercises make the classes really enjoyable.'

'Language learning is always fun...'

For available times and registration please see the timetable and registration form

NB Places are limited. The registration form shows the actual available groups.

Cost per module

UM bachelor and master students (exchange students excluded): 2 times a module free of charge, after that € 215 per module
Other UM students (including exchange students): € 215 per module

The course material is not included in the course fee.

Social Dutch 1 (SD 1)

This course is for people with no prior knowledge of Dutch. An intake is not necessary. This course represents 1 ECTS.

Once you've completed this module you will be able to:

presenting yourself;
ask for and provide personal details;
talk about daily activities;
talk about your hobbies;
talk about your family;
get around in a shops.

Course material: Start.nl deel 1, ISBN 978-90-469-0566-1, uitgeverij Coutinho; textbook for the group lesson, website for independent study. Or as E-book via ISBN9789046964064 via Bookshelf.

* Start.nl provides a personal access code to a website with learning material, so make sure you buy a new book (not second hand). A used access code will not allow you to follow the course material.

Proof of participation A1^min: To be eligible for a participation certificate, you must attend at least 5 of the 7 lessons and have satisfactory results on the speaking assignments.

Social Dutch 2 (SD 2)

This course is only for students that have passed Social NL 1 or already know some Dutch and had an intake with one of our staff members. An intake is necessary when you have not followed Social NL 1.

Once you've completed this module you will be able to:

inquire about travel and transport;
talk about your house;
conduct simple discussions in present and future tenses;
get around in shops, restaurants and market.

Please note: with this course you cannot automatically continue to a regular course (NLA2). Please check with your tutor if you are at the right level for a follow-up course after Social Dutch 2. If this advice is positive, you can apply for the follow-up course. Your teacher will inform the administration that you can join. If the advice is negative, you will have to start again with the regular NLA1 course. If you are interested in doing a follow-up course, we advise you to do all the assessments and online tests on the book's website during the Social Dutch course. Otherwise, your writing skills will probably be insufficient to be able to participate in a regular course.

Course material: Start.nl Deel 1. ISBN 978-90-469-0566-1, uitgeverij Coutinho; textbook for the group lesson, website for independent study. Or as E-book ISBN9789046964064 via Bookshelf.

* Start.nl provides a personal access code to a website with learning material, so make sure you buy a new book (not second hand). A used access code will not allow you to follow the course material.

Proof of participation A1: To be eligible for a participation certificate, you must attend at least 5 of the 7 lessons and have satisfactory results on the speaking assignments.

Intake and registration

When you are not a beginner you can send us an email to schedule an intake. Please mail languages-intake-NL to make an appointment, free of charge. The intake will take place online.

Please book your intake well before the course is scheduled to begin. This will make it easier to make the appointment, and it is more likely that there will still be an available spot in the module that’s right for you.

If you have an overlap with your tutorials after you have received your schedule, please send us an email and we will do our best to put you in another group.

Costs per module

UM bachelor and master students (exchange students excluded) :
2 times a module free of charge, after that € 215 per module
Other UM students (including exchange students): € 215 per module

Proof of participation and ECTS credits

To be eligible for a participation certificate, you must attend at least 5 of the 7 lessons and have satisfactory results on the speaking assignments. You will receive this participation certificate by mail.

The number of credits earned after successfully concluding this course is the equivalent of 1 ECTS according to Maastricht University’s guidelines.

Please consult with your faculty / home university if these credits will be accepted as part of your programme and, if necessary, converted to the credit system acknowledged by your home university.