languages/dutch/social-dutch

Social Dutch

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.

Fast facts

only for UM students
two levels, for beginner and basic knowledge levels
two times FREE for UM students
starts in September, November, February and April
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

Course Description

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.

The Social Dutch 2 courses are only for students that have passed Social Dutch 1 or already know some Dutch and had an intake with one of our staff members. An intake is necessary for Social Dutch 2 when you have not followed Social Dutch 1.

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. 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.

Sofia Castro • Student European Studies

Proof of participation and ECTS Credits

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

Cost per module

UM students: maximum 2 modules free of charge.

The course material is not included in the course fee.

Our Social Dutch courses

NB Germans tend to make progress in Dutch much more quickly. That’s why we offer a separate course for people with at least a B2 level in German. As a German speaker, you are therefore expected to register only for the Social Dutch courses for German speakers.

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:

introduce yourself;
ask for and provide personal details;
talk about daily activities;
talk about your hobbies;
talk about your family;
get around in 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 (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 A1min: 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.

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 at the market.

Please note: with this course you cannot automatically continue to a regular course (NL-A2). 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 NL-A1 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 the regular Dutch 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.

This course is for German students 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:

conduct simple conversation about daily activities;
tell something about yourself and your family;
get around in shops and restaurants;
talk about the past.

Course material: Start.nl. Deel 1.* 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 is website based, so make sure you buy a new book (not second hand).

Since the code to get access to the website is a personal code, you cannot use the code in a used book.

Proof of participation A1: upon completion of course requirements, you will receive a proof of participation by e-mail.

This course is for German students with basic knowledge of Dutch and for people who have completed level A1. An intake is necessary when you have no certificate of A1.

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

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

describe your surroundings;
compliment;
talk about health;
conduct simple discussions in present and future tenses;
share your opinion;
ask for and give directions.

Please note: with this course you cannot automatically continue to a regular course (NL-B1minus). 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 NL-A1 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 2.* 978-90-469-0379-7, Coutinho; textbook for the group lesson, website for independent study. Or as E-book ISBN9789046962671 via Bookshelf.

* Start.nl is website based, so make sure you buy a new book (not second hand).

Since the code to get access to the website is a personal code, you cannot use the code in a used book.

Proof of participation A2: upon completion of course requirements, you will receive a proof of participation by e-mail.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.