Workshops better writing in Dutch 

for UM students and staff


Would you like to refresh your knowledge of Dutch spelling and grammar, or receive tips to work on your writing skills? We offer four different online workshops, free or charge, in which our tutors help you regain or boost your confidence when writing in Dutch.



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Description

Do you ever doubt your spelling and grammar? Or do you feel uncertain when you write?

The online workshops 'Better Writing' allow you to refresh your spelling, take your texts to a higher level and thereby increase your self-confidence. During the thematic workshops, you will work directly on practical assignments together with other participants, under the guidance of an expert teacher.

The ‘Better writing in Dutch’ workshops are held twice a year. 

Fast facts

  • Four 2-hour thematic online workshops (via Teams)
  • For UM students and staff; Dutch speakers and non-native speakers with at least Dutch B2 level
  • Participation per workshop possible
  • Maximum of 12 participants per workshop
  • Free of charge

I would recommend this workshop to anyone considering a life in the Netherlands or who wants to take their Dutch to ‘the next step’. Since the workshop, I feel more confident in my use of language, and (largely) thanks to the excellent teacher, I obtained a bachelor's degree in Dutch Law!

Jack Hutchinson • student Nederlands Recht

Registration

These workshops are free for all UM students and staff. However, registration is not without obligation. If you cancel less than three days before the workshop starts or are absent without notice, please note that you may be charged €30.


For whom?

These free workshops are intended exclusively for UM students and employees. Both for students and employees whose mother tongue is Dutch and for non-native speakers.


For admission to the workshop, you must have a command of Dutch at B2 level. An intake is required if you cannot demonstrate B2 certification.


After each workshop, you will once again have effective tools at your disposal to

  • spell correctly (1),
  • construct good sentences (2),
  • write clear texts (3)
  • and argue well (4).

Workshop topics

Workshop 1: Spelling and grammar


What was that again about the hyphen? When do you spell -d and -t with verbs, and how do you use the pronouns die, dat and wat? We address frequently asked questions and spelling issues for each part of speech.

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Workshop 2: Tips for an appealing writing style


How can you express yourself clearly? You will receive tips on how to make a sentence flow smoothly and how to improve the structure and layout of your texts. We will also discuss the tone and style of your text. And, of course, we will practise using these tips so that you can learn to apply them immediately.

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Workshop 3: writing a clear text


Do you always think for a long time before writing something down, or do you just start somewhere and then lose your train of thought? To express your ideas clearly, it is important to follow a structured approach. You will learn how to proceed with a clear step-by-step plan. You will also learn how to use AI to perfect your text.

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Workshop 4: Argumentation


Do you want to be able to write a good argument? Then it is important to gain insight into argumentation structures. You will learn this in this workshop. You will also learn how to give your text a good structure using signal words, for example, so that the reader does not get lost in your text.

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French B2 Plus

Registering for this course is only possible when you have passed the previous course or had an intake with one of our staff members.

French B2 Plus is for you if you wish to broaden and reinforce your knowledge of French, which at this point, allows you to work in a French-speaking environment. The focus is again on general speaking and listening skills, but also on discussion techniques, such as expressing opinions and providing arguments, on the basis of texts about socio-economics, culture and politics.


At the end of this course, you will be able to :

  • express opinions and emotions;
  • use all French tenses;
  • give advice;
  • express acceptance, rejection and avoidance;
  • hold debates and give presentations about familiar topics;
  • make summaries;
  • hypothesise and speculate;
  • write letters and e-mails (formal and informal);
  • deal with French speaking countries cultures.


Course material for French B2 Plus

  • Pratique révision B2, J. BEntifraouine, E. Busson, C. Josse, S. Quinchamp,  CLE International, ISBN : 978-2-09-035317-4
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French C1

Registering for this course is only possible when you have passed the previous course or had an intake with one of our staff members.

French C1 further improves speaking and listening skills, with special attention to professional purposes.

A lot of emphasis is put on themes and vocabulary that relate to study or work. You will also work on skills that are useful for your career, such as presenting, discussing and participating in meetings. 

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • discuss typical subjects concerning your country or a country you are familiar with and compare it to the French speaking countries realities.
  • clearly express and explain your ideas and opinions;
  • give a clear and well structured presentation, as well as spontaneously answer questions;
  • use grammar correctly;
  • make summaries;
  • argue, presenting and debating;
  • write letters and e-mails (formal and informal).

Course material for French C1

  • Expression française écrite et orale, Editions PUG, (ISBN: 9782706123108)​
  • Recommended literature: Vocabulaire progressif du français avancé: Avec 390 exercices Broché – Grand livre, Claire MIQUEL,  2018,  CLE International; 2e édition (4 septembre 2018), 
    ISBN-13: ‎ 978-2090381993

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Dutch biweekly B2

To participate in this B2 course an intake is required when you do not have a of B2minus certificate.

In this course, you will improve your ability to:

  • give a clear and well-structured presentation, as well as spontaneously answer questions;
  • use grammar correctly;
  • make summaries;
  • pay attention to intercultural aspects: discuss typical subjects for your country or for a country with which you are familiar.

After B2minus and B2 you are advanced enough to take the State Exam Dutch as a Second Language, programme II, if you like.

Course material: Please note, new edition: De Finale (herziening 2025) | | 9789024465897 | NT2

Certificate B2: upon completion of the course requirements, you will receive a participation certificate by mail. 

NB Boost your employability and apply for a free Advanced Dutch language course now. Go to UM Language Centre – Scholarships for more information.

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French C1

This course further improves speaking and listening skills, with special attention to professional purposes.

A lot of emphasis is put on themes and vocabulary that relate to study or work. You will also work on skills that are useful for your career, such as presenting, discussing and participating in meetings. 

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • discuss typical subjects concerning your country or a country you are familiar with and compare it to the French speaking countries realities.
  • clearly express and explain your ideas and opinions;
  • give a clear and well structured presentation, as well as spontaneously answer questions;
  • use grammar correctly;
  • make summaries;
  • argue, presenting and debating;
  • write letters and e-mails (formal and informal).


Course material for French C1

  • Expression française écrite et orale, Editions PUG, (ISBN: 9782706123108)​
  • Recommended literature: Vocabulaire progressif du français avancé: Avec 390 exercices Broché – Grand livre, Claire MIQUEL,  2018,  CLE International; 2e édition (4 septembre 2018), 
    ISBN-13: ‎ 978-2090381993

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