FAQ

In order to join the Dutch Experience 2 course, you need to be able to introduce yourself and others in Dutch, as well as ask and answer questions about yourself, such as where you live, people you know, and things you own. You can talk about your family, tell time, make an appointment, buy something at a market and order something at a bar. You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases to satisfy concrete needs. Grammatical proficiency: you are comfortable in using only the present tense.

After completing Dutch Experience 2 you are able to …
• order something at a restaurant
• give your opinion about food
• have a basic conversation in clothes shop regarding buying or exchanging clothes
• compare things
• describe your home to others and inquire after other people’s homes
• describe the positions of things/where things are (e.g. ‘Het boek ligt op tafel.’)
• visit the doctor (GP), explain your physical problems and understand the doctor’s advice
• talk about actions in the past such as what you did last weekend (e.g ‘Ik heb dit weekend mijn huiswerk gedaan.’)

After completing Dutch Experience 2 you know …
• how to use the perfectum past tense
• basic vocabulary regarding the following themes: restaurants, food, fashion, colors, homes and housing, prepositions of place, the body and physical problems
• about Dutch customs with regards to restaurants, GP consulting, house hunting.

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands in Gang’ chapter 6 through 9.

After completing Dutch Experience 2 your level of Dutch is A1+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to join the Dutch Experience 3 course, you have to be able to interact in a simple way, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help out. You can participate in basic Dutch conversations while shopping, about your home or visiting the doctor. You can tell an uncomplicated story, talk about your past and write a simple email and/or letter. Grammatical proficiency: you are comfortable using the present and perfectum past tense.

After completing Dutch Experience 3 you are able to …
• have your bike repaired at the bicycle repair shop and explain what is wrong with it
• talk about situations in the past such as what you/your life used to be like (e.g. ‘Vroeger ging ik altijd naar Frankrijk op vakantie.’)
• describe your job, education, and hobbies, and enquire after other people’s job, education and hobbies.
• congratulate someone on their birthday, their new job, their new home, etc.
• ask for and give directions
• express your opinion briefly and enquire after the other people’s opinions
• make small talk or chitchat
• make a promise

After completing Dutch Experience 3 you know…
• how to use the imperfectum past tense.
• vocabulary regarding the following themes: bikes, jobs, education & hobbies, public transport, maps, and directions.
• Dutch customs regarding public transport, small talk, and visiting friends.

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands in Gang’ chapter 10 through 13.

After completing Dutch Experience 3 your level of Dutch is A2- according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to join Dutch Experience 4, you need to be able to interact in a simple way and keep the conversation going with help. You can participate in basic Dutch conversations relating to being helped at the bike shop, asking for and giving directions, talking about your job and education, expressing your opinion and making small talk. Grammatical proficiency: you are comfortable using the present tense, perfectum (‘Ik heb dit weekend mijn huiswerk gedaan.’) and imperfectum past tense (‘Vroeger ging ik altijd op vakantie naar Frankrijk.’).

After completing Dutch Experience 4 you are able to …
• talk about sports
• politely ask for information
• talk about your plans for the rest of the day, for tomorrow, for the rest of the week and in the far future
• enquire after the other people’s future plans
• ask and give advice
• go to the cinema (buy a ticket, understand and give information about the movies)
• talk about a trip or your travels
• describe what you see
• describe what someone is doing
• talk about your daily routine
• write a postcard from your holiday address
• make a phone call

After completing Dutch Experience 4 you know…
• how to use more complicated sentences in Dutch (subordinate phrases, using words like because, while, even though, afterward, as soon as, if, etc.).
• how to use ‘zullen’, ‘gaan’ and the present tense to talk about the future.
• vocabulary regarding the following themes: landscape, cinema, at the gym, on the train, daily routines at home.
• about Dutch customs regarding sports, going to the cinema and daily life at home.

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands in Gang’ chapter 14 through 18.

After completing Dutch Experience 4 your Dutch level will be A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

To join the Intermediate Conversation course, you need to have a well-rounded basic vocabulary: you can describe what you did and have done, go shopping in Dutch, have simple discussions, and present your arguments. You can communicate clearly on family, hobbies, past experiences and take part in routine conversations.

Grammatical proficiency: you know your past tenses, reflexive and separable verbs and you are starting to use subordinate phrases (with conjunctions).

In Intermediate Conversation, we are going to expand your conversational A2 level skills. This course will help you feel more confident using the A2 grammar and it’s fun because lessons are completely focused on conversations, discussions, competitions, arguments, opinions, etc. while recapping the grammar in short.

After completing the Intermediate Conversation you are able to…

• have basic conversations, discussions, competitions, and arguments
• express your opinion on a variety of fun conversation topics
• speak with more confidence and fluency

After completing the Intermediate Conversation course you know…

• how to use more complicated sentences in Dutch (subordinate phrases, using words like because, while, even though, afterward, as soon as, if, etc.)
• how to use the past tense correctly
• new separable verbs and how to use them in different sentences
• a lot of new vocabulary

Course structure
The main focus in this course is speaking/conversation and expanding your vocabulary. Refreshing A2 grammar is part of this course but will be done mostly as homework. At the beginning of each class we will revise (a part of) the homework and the teacher will answer questions and explain if necessary. Expect each class therefore to be 80% conversation and 20% grammar (usually the first half-hour of class).

There is no book for this course, the expected known grammar is on level A2 (for example you completed ‘Nederlands in Gang’).

After completing the Intermediate Conversation course your Dutch level will be A2+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

To be able to join the Dutch Challenge 1 course, you need to have already developed a well-rounded basic vocabulary: you can describe what you see, go to the cinema, hold a telephone conversation, and read a simple letter from a public body. You can communicate clearly while performing simple and routine tasks that require a direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. You can describe aspects of your background, and immediate environment, and satisfy your immediate needs in simple terms. Grammatical proficiency: you are starting to use subordinate phrases.

After completing Dutch Challenge 1 you are able to …

• have deeper personal conversations about people’s interests and background
• have a personal email contact in Dutch
• book a holiday (hotel, apartment, plane tickets, etc.)
• survive in a dutch airport
• understand the weather forecast on the radio and tv
• be polite in asking questions
• discuss food, health, and lifestyle
• have conversations about traditions and cultures

After completing Dutch Challenge 1 you know …
• how to use more complicated sentence structures (for example: “If I had a million euros, I would spend it all in one week.”), the use of om+te, indirect speech (formal questioning), and more uses of ‘zouden’
• vocabulary regarding the following themes: your identity, personal information, health, lifestyle, food, traditions, culture, and traveling

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands in Actie’ chapters 1 through 4 (up to page 135). Edition 4 – 2022.

After completing Dutch Challenge 1 your level of Dutch is B1- according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to join the Dutch Challenge 2 course, you should be able to understand Dutch sentences and frequently-used Dutch expressions related to immediately relevant topics (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). You can give a presentation about a hobby or interest. You can present your point of view on a non-complex topic and can read the newspaper or watch a simple Dutch television show.

After completing Dutch Challenge 2 you are able to …
• write a letter of motivation and participate in a job interview
• express emotions and react appropriately to other people’s emotions (for example phrases like “I’m sorry, that is such bad news, please know that I’m there for you”, or “That’s wonderful, I am so happy for you!”)
• talk about jobs, your career
• discuss the pros and cons of an idea or plan
• understand the Dutch educational system
• talk about language acquisition
• speak about your experiences and history regarding learning Dutch

After completing Dutch Challenge 2 you know …
• the rules for grammatical topics like relative pronouns
• vocabulary regarding the following themes: career, education, language acquisition, emotions

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands in Actie’ chapters 5 through 7, Edition 4 – 2022.

After completing Dutch Challenge 2 your level of Dutch is B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

To join the Dutch Challenge 3 course, you should be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You are able to deal with most situations likely to arise when traveling in an area where the Dutch language is spoken. You can produce simple, connected text on topics that are familiar to you, or in which you take a personal interest. You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly, explain your viewpoints and the incentives behind your plans.

After completing Dutch Challenge 3 you are able to …
• discuss sustainability and the environment, climate, and impact
• write a blog
• discuss personal relations
• talk ‘tikkie’ and other financial conversations
• understand and participate in discussions about social topics like the economy
• complain about a service or product online
• review a book, movie, or piece of art
• participate in a discussion about more complicated topics that are related to your own interests

After completing Dutch Challenge 3 you know …
• how to use the famous ‘er’, more ‘zouden’, and passive constructions (like “The letter is being read.”, “He has been asked to give a presentation.”) etc.
• vocabulary regarding the following themes: sustainability, economy, personal relationships, economics, and art.

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands in Actie’ chapters 8 through 11, Edition 4 – 2022.

After completing Dutch Challenge 3 your level of Dutch is B1+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

To be able to join the Advanced Conversation course, you need to have a well-rounded vocabulary that includes topics such as work, holidays & travel, education, feelings, economics, and art & literature. You are able to use this vocabulary to express your own thoughts and experiences about these topics and inquire after others’ experiences, discuss them a bit more in-depth and respond appropriately in a discussion.

Grammatical proficiency: you know your past tenses, reflexive and separable verbs, relative pronouns, passive voice, ‘er’, and use subordinate clauses (with ‘omdat’ or ‘als’), all with some room for errors.

In Advanced Conversation, we are going to expand your conversational B1 level skills. This course will help you feel more confident using B1 grammar and it’s fun because lessons are completely focused on conversations, discussions, arguments, opinions, etc. while recapping some important grammar topics.

After completing the Advanced Conversation course are able to…
• talk about the history of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and your own country.
• talk about work life in the Netherlands.
• talk about the environment and how to contribute to a better environment.
• talk about eating out in the Netherlands compared to your country.
• use more Dutch expressions.
• better use ‘er’, relative clauses, subordinate clauses, passive voice, zou/zouden and reported speech to talk about the above topics.

After the course, you will feel confident in more abstract and complex conversations and discussions. You will be better able to express your opinions and thoughts about more abstract ideas.

There is no book for this course, the expected known grammar is on level B1 (for example you completed ‘Nederlands in Actie’).

After completing the Advanced Conversation course your Dutch level will be B1+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to join the course of Dutch Deli 1, you need to be able to discuss your own and other people’s feelings and relationships, using idiomatic expressions and structures like “He tells many jokes that make her laugh her head off.” You have started to use constructions like “with whom”, “in which” and the magic word ‘er’ in daily life. You can discuss economics, statistics and money matters and you understand newspaper articles in which passive sentences are used. You know some basics about famous Dutch artworks and can give a presentation about your favorite Dutch painting or book.

After completing Dutch Deli 1 you are able to …

• describe a person’s positive characteristics
• tell people about your hero
• compliment people on their actions/appearance
• react spontaneously in a positive or negative way
• make small talk with people (to avoid awkward silences)
• give your opinion on (unwritten) cultural rules
• express your negative feelings using strong language
• discuss social/political issues like gender roles
• use complex idiomatic expressions like ‘te allen tijde’
• understand and participate in a debate about a social/political issue
•  use ‘structure words’ that help your readers/audience of your essays or presentations

After completing Dutch Deli 1 you know …

• all about a change in word order when using words like ‘doordat’ as opposed to ‘daardoor’
• all about word order in complex sentences with conjunctions like ‘aangezien’ and ‘tenzij’
• how to describe things/people/places by using relative subclauses
• how to use modal verbs in passive sentences
• how to use ‘er’ in (passive) sentences
• how to combine ‘er’ with verbs and prepositions

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands op Niveau’ chapter 1 through 3.

After completing Dutch Deli 1 your level of Dutch is B2- according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to join the course of Dutch Deli 2, you need to preferably use Dutch on a daily basis. You speak and write Dutch at work, in the street, and in your free time. You have taken up using idiomatic expressions to spice up your Dutch and are able to give a presentation and write an essay on a topic of your (work-related) interest.

After completing Dutch Deli 2 you are able to:

• discuss (inter)national cultural differences, stereotypes, and integration issues
• describe statistical figures like charts, diagrams, and graphs
• discuss social/academic/political statements, using multiple arguments and ‘structure words’
• talk about what would happen if a situation were different  (‘Wat zou je doen als …?’)
• talk about things that didn’t happen in the past and their imaginary results (3rd conditional in English) 
• talk about inventions and their function (with relative pronouns)
• discuss books you read that are special to you and why 

After completing Dutch Deli 2 you know:

• how to use ‘er’ referring forward to a subclause (‘Ik houd ervan dat Amsterdammers veel fietsen’
• the proper past tense for every occasion
• how to talk about events in the past that happened before another event in the past (plusquamperfectum)
• the difference between the conjunctions toen/nadat/als/wanneer and their effect on verb tenses
• how to use ‘zou(den)’ for imaginary situations, rumors and advising people
• more new vocab and idiomatic expressions like ‘fatsoenlijk’ and ‘ tot stand komen’
• everything about relative pronouns like ‘dat, ‘wat’, ‘die’, ‘op wie’ and ‘waarmee’
• the difference between alleen/maar/enige and iedereen/allemaal/alle

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands op Niveau’ chapters 4 and 5 (parts of).

After completing Dutch Deli 2 your level of Dutch is B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to join the course of Dutch Deli 3, you need to preferably use Dutch on a daily basis. Sounding more and more like a native speaker, you speak and write Dutch at work, in the street, and in your free time. You enjoy using idiomatic expressions to spice up your Dutch, can explain why the Dutch do things differently, and are able to give a presentation and write an essay on both familiar and new topics.

After completing Dutch Deli 3 you are able to …

• remind someone of promises they made before 
• use one or more idiomatic expression(s) in complex sentences like ‘Het baart me zorgen dat fietsende kinderen worden blootgesteld aan onveilige verkeerssituaties.’
• advise people on social / political / personal / ideological matters, like a more sustainable lifestyle
• debate about a political / news-related topic
• speak, listen to, read, and write Dutch at an academic level

After completing Dutch Deli 3 you know … 

• the difference between moeten/ hoeven and kennen/weten better.
• you master ‘er’, ‘daar’ and ‘hier’ combined with prepositions
• all about separable verbs combined with a fixed preposition, with and without ‘er’, like ‘Ik kijk al dagen uit naar het feest’ or ‘Ik kijk er al dagen naar uit’
• all about separable verbs combined with a preposition and reflexive pronoun with and without ‘er, like ‘Ik bereid me op het examen voor’ en ‘Ik bereid me er grondig op voor’
• • how to combine the perfectum with modal verbs

The chapters that are covered in this course are ‘Nederlands op Niveau’ chapters 5 (parts of) and 6 along with reviewing some of chapter 1-4.

After completing Dutch Deli 3 your level of Dutch is B2+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

At Koentact, we offer a variety of Dutch language courses to suit different learning styles and schedules:

• In-person evening courses
  31 hours / 5 weeks | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 19:00 – 21:30
  Perfect for those who prefer learning after work or other daytime commitments.
• In-person morning courses
  32 hours / 4 weeks | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 09:30 – 12:45
  Ideal for learners who are free during the day and want to start their day with Dutch lessons.
• In-person intensive weeks
  33 hours / 1 week | Monday – Saturday | 09:30 – 15:45
  A great option for those who want to immerse themselves in Dutch and make rapid progress in a short period.
• In-person conversation courses
  18.5 hours / 5 weeks | Tuesdays (B1) or Thursdays (A2) | 19:00 – 21:30
  Focused on improving speaking and listening skills through interactive sessions.
• Online evening courses
  25 hours / 5 weeks | Mondays & Wednesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
  Flexible and convenient for learners who prefer studying from home in the evenings.
• In-company Business classes
  Tailored courses for businesses looking to improve their employees’ Dutch language skills.
• Private classes
  Personalized one-on-one lessons to cater to individual learning needs and goals.

Whether you prefer in-person interaction or the flexibility of online learning, Koentact has a course to meet your needs.

If you’re an absolute beginner, we recommend beginning with Dutch Experience 1, our introductory level. This course starts at the very beginning and is designed to build your foundational Dutch skills.

You can join level Dutch Experience 1 in our in-person evening course, in-person morning course, online evening course and intensive week.

In-person evening courses: Perfect for those who prefer learning after work.

In-person morning courses: Ideal for learners who are free during the day.

Online evening courses: Flexible for learners who prefer studying from home.

In-person intensive weeks: Great for those who want to learn a lot in one week.

Upon completion of Dutch Experience 1, your Dutch proficiency will be at level A1- according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

When you join Koentact for your first course, and you’ve learned some Dutch before, we’ll assess your current level. We can assess your current level online, but we can also assess your level during our Open Day.

Online level assessment

You can enroll for a course on this page. After we receive your enrollment, we will send you an email. This email includes a link to the written test, as well as a link to schedule an appointment for your spoken test. On the arranged time, one of our teachers will give you a call. You will discuss the written test and talk some Dutch as well.

Our teachers have a lot of experience in talking Dutch with people who are still learning, so don’t worry about this too much! By sharing your current knowledge, our teachers will be able to give you the most accurate advice on which level to join.

Level assessment during the Open Day

You can have your level tested during our Open Day as well. The Open Day takes place once every six weeks. You can sign up for the Open Day here.

Before the event, you will receive an email with the written test included. This way, you can already fill in the test at home. We also have copies at the event, for those who prefer to fill in the test during the Open Day.

At the Open Day, you will be connected to one of our teachers. You will discuss the written test and talk some Dutch with them. This way, the teacher can advise you which course would be best for you.

Yes, you will need a book for your Dutch classes. Here are the specific books needed for each level:

Dutch Experience 1-4 (A0 – A2): “Nederlands in gang”
Dutch Challenge 1-3 (A2 – B1):    “Nederlands in actie”
Dutch Deli 1-3 (B1 – B2):               “Nederlands op niveau”

• You can order your book online through Libris or bol.com for example.
• If you want to support a local bookstore, go to bookstore Xantippe on Prinsengracht 290 (closed on Mondays).
• The E-book or a new code for the website can be ordered here.

At the end of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance. The certificate will testify that you have completed the Dutch course (at an attendance of at least 80% of the programme) and have successfully passed the final test. This is not an official language certificate, as only governmental organizations are authorized to issue these.

When you happen to miss a class, there are different ways to catch up again!

Our teachers start each Dutch class with a review of what has been addressed in the previous class. In addition, your teacher is able to share the class material with you, so you can study by yourself.

You can also attend our free review classes (for levels Dutch Experience 1 through 4, A0-A2). These online review classes are held twice per course session.

Our courses use three books, each offering additional online material for you to practice with:

• Dutch Experience 1-4 (A0 – A2): “Nederlands in gang”
• Dutch Challenge 1-3 (A2 – B1): “Nederlands in actie”
• Dutch Deli 1-3 (B1 – B2): “Nederlands op niveau”

Access the online exercises for these books by logging in here: Coutinho | Online Exercises

Additionally, it is possible to reach out to us for private classes to recap anything you’ve missed.

The Koentact office is located in community center Claverhuis at Elandsgracht 70, 1016 TX, Amsterdam.

Are you planning to stop by? Please make sure to make an appointment, so we know when to expect you. Koentact is easy to reach via public transport. For the best travel options, follow these steps:

• Public Transport: Depending on your starting point, you can navigate to ‘Tram/bushalte Elandsgracht‘.
  We advise to use 9292.nl to plan your journey.
• Car: You can park at the Q-park Europarking garage, located on Marnixstraat 250. It’s a 5-minute walk from the garage to our office.

For further assistance or detailed directions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Koentact!

Koentact does not handle visa applications, work permits, or other governmental documents.

However, you can check if you need a visa and get more information on how to apply by visiting the governmental website Netherlands Worldwide. This official resource will guide you through determining your visa requirements and provide instructions for submitting your application.

For additional assistance, please contact the Dutch embassy or consulate in your area.

Here are some essential resources to support your Dutch learning experience and life in the Netherlands:

1. Online Study Materials for Dutch Language Courses:

Our courses use three books, each offering additional online material for you to practice with:

• Dutch Experience 1-4 (A0 – A2): “Nederlands in gang”
• Dutch Challenge 1-3 (A2 – B1): “Nederlands in actie”
• Dutch Deli 1-3 (B1 – B2): “Nederlands op niveau”

Access the online exercises for these books by logging in here: Coutinho | Online Exercises

2. Essential Websites for Expats in the Netherlands:

• I am Expat: A comprehensive guide for expats in the Netherlands, providing the latest news, job opportunities, housing information, and more.
• Amsterdam.info: Your go-to source for information about Amsterdam, covering attractions, events, public transportation, and local tips.
• Undutchables: A leading recruitment agency for international professionals in the Netherlands, featuring job listings and career advice.

These resources are designed to support your Dutch language learning and help you thrive in the Netherlands.

Koentact offers various semi-intensive Dutch language courses (31 hours in 5 weeks), including two ‘out-of-the-classroom’ sessions with native Dutch speakers. Koentact’s young and energetic teachers focus on a practical approach towards mastering the Dutch language. Located at the heart of the Jordan Area, Koentact is dedicated to connecting expats and locals. In addition to group courses, Koentact also offers specialised private courses completely tailored to the participant’s needs and corporate packages for both the Dutch and English languages. Now that you’re here, feel free to have a look at the rest of our website! ‘You guys make learning Dutch a hobby!’

Yes, we can invoice your company for your Dutch course. This is a convenient option for professionals whose employers cover their educational expenses.

The invoice will be sent after the course has started, unless an earlier date is requested. Payment should be completed within 30 days after receiving the invoice to ensure smooth processing.

You can enroll for the preferred course on this page. In the comment section, please share your full name, the company name, and the company address. If the invoice should be sent directly to the company, please share the email address of the contact person in your organization for invoicing purposes. This helps us ensure the invoice reaches the appropriate department promptly.

You will receive an email in reply to your enrollment, in which we will confirm your enrollment, or ask for additional details if needed. Your spot will be reserved, after which you’re all set to learn Dutch the fun way!

Absolutely! At Koentact, we have a package deal for you. If you pay for at least three courses upfront, you get a €40,- discount per course. Here’s how it works:

• Three-Course Package Deal: 3 courses of your choice, each with a €40,- discount.
• Four-Course Package Deal: 4 courses of your choice, each with a €40,- discount.

Starting as a beginner? You can reach A2 level by joining Koentact for these levels:

• Dutch Experience 1 (A1-)
• Dutch Experience 2 (A1)
• Dutch Experience 3 (A2-)
• Dutch Experience 4 (A2)

To take advantage of this deal, just pay the total fee before your first course starts. You’ll have one year (or 8 course sessions) to complete the courses. After a year, the deal expires. And once you attend the first class, cancellations follow term 5.4 of our Terms & Conditions.

Interested? You can sign up for your first course on our Enroll page and leave a note mentioning your interest in the package deal. We’ll get back to you with more information then!