The University of Amsterdam’s Institute for Dutch Language Education (INTT) offers semi-intensive Dutch language courses (six levels) to international UvA students and staff, as well as to other highly educated foreigners. The Semi-Intensive course is the most popular INTT course. The course is taught through two lectures per week and takes six weeks in total, so it can easily be combined with a job or a study programme. The Semi-intensive programme is offered four times per year, at six different levels ranging from Absolute Beginners (CEFR 0) up until Advanced (CEFR B2).
Would you rather only have one lecture per week? Please have a look at our Extensive Dutch language course. Please note that this course is only offered at Absolute Beginners (CEFR A1) and Beginners (CEFR A2) levels.
If you would rather attend a full-time Dutch language programme, please have a look at our Intensive Dutch language courses.
The course activities are founded upon various tasks. These tasks are functional, and are directly linked to a concrete situation, such as ‘having conversations with people on the street’ or ‘writing a job application’. By using multimedia, the teacher provides learners with opportunities to develop the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Next to classes on location, the INTT offers a few online groups for those who prefer to take distance learning classes.
For these classes a stable internet connection and the option for video calling is mandatory.
A distance learning lesson consist of two parts:
Together these parts add up to three hour lesson.
The Semi-Intensive course is taught at Absolute beginners level - Advanced level (CEFR* levels: 0 - B2).
Absolute Beginners (0-A1)
For those with absolutely no knowledge of Dutch.
Beginners (A1-A2)
For those who understand some Dutch, but are incapable of making themselves understood in the language.
Pre-Intermediate (A2-B1.1)
For those who:
- have a global understanding of simple, everyday Dutch;
- can make themselves understood in simple, everyday Dutch.
Intermediate (B1.1-B1.2)
For those who:
- have a reasonable understanding of everyday Dutch and of Dutch used in the media;
- can make themselves understood in simple, everyday Dutch.
Pre-Advanced (B1.2-B2.1)
For those who:
- have a good understanding of everyday Dutch and of Dutch used in the media;
- can make themselves understood in everyday Dutch, but still make quite a few mistakes.
Advanced (B2.1-B2.2)
For those who:
- have a thorough understanding of everyday Dutch;
- have a good understanding of Dutch at an academic level;
- can express themselves in spoken and written Dutch in daily and professional situations.
Before the beginning of a course, the INTT organises a level assessment for new participants to assess their level of proficiency in Dutch.
Participants who pass the examination at the end of their course may continue with the course at the next level without taking another levelassessment.
The textbook and weblicense of the method of CODE+ is used in class for all levels.
The course fee covers access to the UvA computers and Canvas, the digital learning environment of the UvA. The course fee does not cover the textbooks. Students need to buy a textbook and weblicense of the method: Heijne, N.C. e.a., Code + , Basisleergang Nederlands voor anderstaligen, Takenboek part 1 - 4.
Detailed information on which book to buy, will be provided during the intake.
Students can apply for either an online or on campus course. A combination of online and on location classes is not possible.
When there are less than ten applicants for a group, the group will be cancelled. Those who have already paid the course fee will of course be completely refunded.
A refund is only possible if written cancellation (by letter or by email) is received at least four weeks before the start of the course. A ten percent administration charge will be deducted from each refund.
If during the course period the Covid-19 situation changes and on campus classes are no longer possible, the INTT will switch to fully online classes to enable you to continue the course.
Target group: Higher educated foreign language speakers
Class size: Approx. 16
Language of instruction: Absolute beginners: Dutch and English / Other levels: Dutch
Hours per week: Two 3-hour classes and around 6 hours of self-study
Course duration: 6 weeks
Evening groups: Monday and Thursday 18:30 – 21:30 (all levels)
Morning groups: Tuesday and Friday 9:30 – 12:30 (not available for (pre) Advanced)
Afternoon groups: Tuesday and Friday 15:00 – 18:00 (not available for (pre) Advanced)