Dutch Language Programme A0 to A1
- 9 months
- 27-10-2026
- Eindhoven
For those who don't
speak Dutch yet. For people who have never learned Dutch before, the language may seem totally incomprehensible. It doesn’t have to stay like that, though!
Overview
In this course you will start from scratch and very quickly you should be able to understand some simple written and spoken language and be able to start communicating in Dutch. The goal of this course is to reach CEF (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level A1 for Dutch reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
Once you've completed this course you will be able to:
- Greet people as well as introduce yourself and others;
- Ask for and provide personal details;
- Get around in shops and restaurants;
- Conduct simple discussions in the present and future tenses;
- Talk about daily activities such as work or sports.
Who this course is for
This course is mainly designed for foreign students who want to get to know and learn the Dutch language.
At Fontys, we go through programme level A0 to A1 and programme level A1 to A2. Both programmes consist of the following exam parts: listening, reading and grammar.
At Fontys, we go through programme level A0 to A1 and programme level A1 to A2. Both programmes consist of 4 exam parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
Content and structure
Speaking
You can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech.You will be able to ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.You can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where you live and people you know.
Listening
You can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning yourself,your family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.
Reading
You can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
Writing
You can write a short, simple ‘whatsapps’, for example sending holiday greetings.You can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering your name, nationality and address on registration forms.
Lessons are structured in a way to encourage students to communicate in Dutch. The largest part of the classroom time is used for practising new material in various ways. Of course, there is also time for questions and explanations of grammar and vocabulary.
Students study the ten chapters from the textbook Start.nl 1 plus website during 15 course days, one lesson of 2,5 hours every other week. When finished a chapter there will be a written test to measure the student’s progress. Students have to compose their own vocabulary files (adding at least 10 Dutch words including translation each week). During the lessons the language of instruction is English and Dutch where possible.
Learning a language is gaining vocabulary. So during the A1 course students compose their own vocabulary files, adding at least 10 Dutch words plus translation each week. Progress of these files will be checked throughout the duration of the course.
It is mandatory to attend at least 80% of the lessons. Should you not be able to come to class, please inform your teacher immediately and in advance via email.
The exam of this course will take place in Testvision and consists of reading, listening and grammar exercises. Students have to study all the material from the book (Start.nl 1, chapter 1 - 10) and website.
A minimum score of 5,5 is required to pass the exam and to move on to the second course (A1-A2).
An exam with a score lower than 5,5 can be retaken once.
An exam with a score of 5,5 or higher cannot be retaken.
Participants will receive an A1 level certificate if they scored a 5,5 for the exam and if they attended 80% of the classes.
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance if they score lower than 5,5 and if they attended 80% of the classes.
Participants whose attendance is lower than 80% (with or without notice) will not receive a certificate.
Learning outcomes
With Nt2, you can show that you have sufficient command of the Dutch language to be able to work or study in the Netherlands.
To learn Dutch as a 2nd language, you go through four programmes:
- Level A0 to A1
- Level A1 to A2
- Level A2 to B1 (programma I, Staatsexamen Nederlands)
- Level B1 to B2 (programma II, Staatsexamen Nederlands)
In the Netherlands there are 2 examination programmes: programme I (language level B1) and programme II (language level B2). The 'Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal' Nt2 is a national exam for adults learning Dutch as a second language. Participants will receive anA1 level certificateif they scored a 5,5 for the exam and if they attended 80% of the classes.
Participants will receivea certificate of attendanceif they score lower than 5,5 and if they attended 80% of the classes.
Participants whose attendance is lower than 80% (with or without notice) will not receive a certificate.
- Programme I if you want to study or work at MBO-3 or MBO-4 level.
- Programme II if you want to study or work at college or university level.
Students who want to enroll in higher education need to follow the Staatsexamen Programme II course. After completing the Fontys courses A0-A1 and A1-A2, they should follow up with the online B1 and B2 courses at Fontys in order to prepare for the state examination programme I and II. Students will be prepared for the official statal exams. They can register for programme I but it is not mandatory. (Staatsexamen NT2: Staatsexamen NT2 – DUO).
Practical information
- Level
- Cursus
- Length
- 9 months
- Start date(s)
- 27-10-2026
If you have any questions, please contact us: fontysprohealth@fontys.nl
The Dutch Language Course is not part of the regular curriculum of the study program.
Fontys University off applied science wants to encourage its international students to take the Dutch Language course and therefore asks for a small contribution instead of the full course fee.
The contributions amounts €500 for one module.
It is possible to pay in instalments. Please contact us for this at fontysprohealth@fontys.nl
Please note that once you have registered yourself, Fontys payment obligations apply.
The course consists of 15 lessons, a written exam, and a resit.
The lessons last 2.5 hours each. These are scheduled weekly in your study program but take place approximately every two to three weeks. In the weeks without an in-person class, you spend the time on assignments.
Register
The course starts on the date below. If there is no start date and sign up button shown here, registration is not possible at this time (yet). Please feel free to contact us for more information about the language course.
Start date(s)
-
Eindhoven
27 Oct '26, EUR875 Register