Dutch

Please note that this course is embedded in the curriculum of all Hanze international bachelor programmes.

During this course you study the Dutch language and the culture of the Dutch language area (The Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname). Topics include: introducing yourself, asking for information, greeting and saying goodbye, spelling, describing people, asking what time it is, ordering and paying, thanking, asking and telling how you are, making an appointment, making a proposal, responding positively/negatively, asking/saying what you want to buy, the price and paying, asking how someone feels about something, judging positively/negatively, giving a tip, trying on and buying clothes, looking for a place to live, describing complaints, responding to doctor's questions, giving responses. 

Competence

A1

Prerequisites

None

Certificate

Upon passing Dutch A1, you receive a certificate confirming your attained level A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), allowing you to create a European Language Passport. This passport is internationally recognised.

Type of course

Practical/skill training, lecture

Assessment type(s)

Written and oral assessment

Credits

5 EC (European Credits)

Start

Period 1 (September) and period 3 (February)

Course scheduling options

• Semester Course (semester 1 or 2): classes are scheduled once a week in the late afternoon or evening
• Period Course (period 3, February): classes are scheduled twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday afternoon 16.30-18.30.

Course code

LCK25DUTA1

During this course you study the Dutch language and the culture of the Dutch language area (The Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname). 

Topics include: describing an event, saying you don't understand someone/something, asking how to say something in Dutch, congratulating someone, asking and telling someone about work, study, hobbies, giving responses, asking for and giving directions, giving an opinion, small talk, asking for information, telling someone about a trip, telling someone about what you see, talking about everyday things, talking on the phone, reporting a crime, describing an event, asking for and giving advice.

Competence 

A2 

Prerequisites 

Dutch languagelevel A1 

Certificate

Upon passing Dutch A2, you receive a certificate confirming your attained level A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), allowing you to create a European Language Passport. This passport is internationally recognised. 

Type of course

Practical/skill training, lecture

Assessment type(s)

Written and oral assessment

Credits

5 EC (European Credits)

Start

Period 1 (September), period 3 (February), or period 4 (April)

Course Scheduling Options

• Semester Course (semester 1 or 2): classes are scheduled once a week in the late afternoon or evening
• Period Course (period 4, April): classes are scheduled twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday afternoon 16.30-18.30

Course code

LCK25DUTA2

This course is intended for learners who have completed A2 and are moving into B1.1 (lower intermediate). The focus shifts from learning about Dutch to actively using it in everyday situations.

You will learn to describe experiences, events, and plans in simple, connected sentences, and handle routine situations with growing confidence. You will improve your listening and reading skills, understanding the main points of familiar topics and everyday and work-related texts.

The course emphasises correct use of basic grammar, including compound sentences, conjunctions, indirect speech, zou/zouden, prepositions, te and om te + infinitive, and separable verbs.

Topics include work, study, leisure time, travel, feelings, and education, which will help you communicate more naturally in your daily life.

Competence

B1.1

Prerequisites

Dutch language level A2 

Certificate 

Upon passing Dutch Language and Culture B1.1 and B1.2, you receive a certificate confirming your attained level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), allowing you to create a European Language Passport. This passport is internationally recognized. 

Type of course

Practical/skill training, lectures

Assessment type(s)

Written and oral assessment

Credits

5 EC (European Credits)

Start

Semester 1 (September) and 2 (February)

Course duration

The course consists of 14 weeks of lessons, with 2 hours per week, scheduled in the late afternoon or evening.

Course code

LCK26DUTB11

This course is designed for learners who have completed B1.1 and want to further develop their Dutch at B1 level. The focus is on becoming more independent and effective in real-life communication.

You will learn to express opinions and plans in more detail and communicate more naturally in both familiar and unexpected situations at work, university, and in daily life. You will improve your listening skills by following the main points of news and radio programmes, and develop your reading skills with broader, more complex texts.

The course also expands your use of idiomatic expressions and more advanced grammar, including er, prepositions, relative pronouns, and passive sentences.

Topics include foreigners in the Netherlands, art and literature, relationships, and the economy, which will help you use Dutch more confidently in a wider range of contexts.

Competence

B1

Prerequisites

Dutch language level B1.1

Certificate

Upon passing Dutch Language and Culture B1.2, you receive a certificate confirming your attained level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), allowing you to create a European Language Passport. This passport is internationally recognised. 

Type of course

Practical/skill training, lectures

Assessment type(s)

Written and oral assessment 

Credits

5 EC (European Credits)

Start 

Semester 2 (February)

Course duration

The course consists of 14 weeks of lessons, with 2 hours per week, scheduled in the late afternoon or evening. 

Course code

LCK26DUTB12

As of the 2027–2028 academic year, the Dutch Language and Culture B2 course will be included in the HLCC course offering. This course is designed for students who want to further develop their Dutch language skills and reach an upper-intermediate (B2) level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The course consists of two consecutive units, each worth 5 ECTS credits:

• Part 1 starts in September 2027
• Part 2 follows in February 2028

Together, these courses provide a structured and practical learning pathway, helping you improve your communication skills in academic and professional contexts while deepening your understanding of Dutch culture.

More detailed information will be shared here in due time.