Nederlands als 2e taal/Dutch 2nd language

Discover the magic of the Dutch language!

Click here to read this text in Dutch.

Welcome to the Rotterdamse Volksuniversiteit! We understand how important it is to master the language of the country you live or stay in. That’s why we offer accessible and step-by-step Dutch courses, specially designed to help you understand Dutch as easy as possible. Discover the beauty of the Dutch language through our courses, regardless of your background or level of knowledge!

How does it work?

The Dutch as a Second Language course is divided into four step-by-step levels:

• A0–A2: Beginner
• A2–B1: Intermediate
• B1–B2: Advanced 1
• B2–C1: Advanced 2

Each course lasts 16 weeks and focuses on the four language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. At the end of each course, you take an independent test to determine if you have reached the final level. After that, you can continue with the next course depending on how well you want to master the Dutch language. In addition to these general courses, there are refresher courses (A1–A2 and A2–B1) and speaking skills courses (A2 and B1).

Online or in-person
Our online courses move at a fairly fast pace and require you to study independently alongside the online lessons. Besides three hours of online lessons per week, you will also do about 3 to 5 hours of independent homework weekly. This way, it’s possible to progress from ‘beginner’ to ‘intermediate’ or from ‘intermediate’ to ‘advanced’ in just 16 weeks.

If you prefer a slower pace and more personal attention from your teacher, an in-person course might suit you better. You will meet fellow students who are also learning Dutch. You can help each other practice and maybe even make some great connections!

In addition to three hours of lessons per week, you are expected to do about 1 to 3 hours of homework independently. These courses have a slower pace than the online courses. You progress from ‘beginner’ to ‘intermediate’ or from ‘intermediate’ to ‘advanced’ over two courses (a total of 32 lessons).

Registration
You can register for all courses through our website or at the reception desk of the Volksuniversiteit. Our courses start September and February.

Which level suits me?
Each course page includes a link to a free placement test. This test gives you an indication of your level.

Read all about the tests and scores here.

These tests can also be found here:

• Test A (beginner)
• Test B (intermediate)
• Test C (advanced)

Should you feel that the course level is not right for you after a few lessons, your teacher can request a transfer to a more appropriate course.

Final tests
At the end of a course, during week 17, you take your oral exam. From lesson 16 onwards, you can take the official TOA tests online at home. The cost for all four skills is from A1 to B1 €30 and from B1 to C1 €37,50. After several lessons, you will receive a registration form to indicate whether you want to take the tests. If you have achieved at least three out of the four skills on the final test you pass and for the fourth skill, you can show you are ‘on your way’.

After achieving level B1, you can register for the State Exam I. After achieving level B2, you can register for State Exam II. Registration for the State Exams is done through the institutions that administer these exams; they are not offered by Volksuniversiteit Rotterdam.

Any questions?
Our staff will gladly provide you with all the information you need to find the course that best matches your preferences and abilities. Visit us during opening hours, send an email to [email protected], or call 010-476 1200.

Also, keep an eye on our website or social media to stay updated on our current course offerings. New courses start regularly throughout the year!

Click here to read this text in Dutch.