Frequently Asked Questions.
If you cannot find the answer to your question,contact us at info@taalthuis.nl or +31(0)23 3050305
General information
Does Taalthuis offer integration courses?
Taalthuis does not provide specific integration courses or preparation for the Inburgeringsexamen. However, general Dutch language lessons are available, to prepare you for language part of the exam.
Can I use a DUO loan for a course at Taalthuis?
No, Taalthuis does not accept DUO loans for course payments.
Does Taalthuis offer accommodation or assist with visa applications?
No, Taalthuis does not provide accommodation or visa application assistance.
Are there special courses for au pairs and students?
Yes, Taalthuis offers tailored courses for au pairs and students. These classes group young individuals, often au pairs residing with host families, focussing on Dutch language and culture. We use our own course materials.
Can I take classes in the weekends?
No, we do not offer courses in the weekends.
Do I need to speak and unterstand English?
Yes, English is our supporting language. Knowledge of the language is mandatory.
Practical course information
What is the group size?
The minimum to start a course is 6 students. The maximum students in an online course is 9. For our face-to-face courses, there is a maximum of 12 students.
Will I get homework during the course?
Yes, there is homework during our courses.
Can I join a course when it has already started?
Yes, you can join a course up until the third lesson.
Learning Dutch
Learn Dutch with us. What is the best way to learn Dutch?
Our courses combine speaking, listening, reading and writing. We use interactive teaching methods with lots of real-life practice so you can quickly build confidence using Dutch in everyday situations.
How long does it take to learn Dutch?
That depends on your starting level, your goals, and how much time you can dedicate. Many studens build a solid foundation within 3 to 6 months.
Courses and levels
What type of Dutch courses does Taalthuis offer?
Taalthuis provides Dutch language courses ranging form beginner (A0) to advanced levels (C1). Courses are available for expats, au pairs and international students, with options for in-person classes across seven Dutch cities and online classes.
If you are an expat and want more information about our Dutch courses, click here.
If you are an au pair or student and want more information about our Dutch courses, click here
What requirements do you need to register for a course
Students should have a basic understanding of English. Specific course requirements vary:
| Courses and requirements | Level | Lessons and hours | Lesson material |
| Beginner basic courses basiscursus (students must have knowledge of the English language) | A0->A1 | 14 x 2 hours and 15 minutes (13 + exam) 32,5 hours total |
Kom maar binnen! (Taalthuis) Het fundament (Taalthuis) |
| Beginners plus cursus (especially for students who speak native German or native Afrikaans) |
A0-> A2 | 14 x 2 hours and 15 minutes (13 + exam) 32,5 hours total |
Kom gauw binnen! (Taalthuis) Het fundament (Taalthuis) |
| Intermediate course (students must have finished a beginners course) |
A1->A2 | 14 x 2 hours and 15 minutes (13 + exam) 32,5 hours total |
Kom maar verder! (Taalthuis) Het fundament (Taalthuis) |
| Advanced course (part 1 and 2) (students must have finished a beginners plus or intermediate course) |
A2->B1 | 28 x 2 hours and 15 minutes 65 hours in total |
Nederlands in Actie (Coutinho) |
| High Advanced course (part 1 and 2) (students must have finished a course at B1 level) |
B1-> B2 | 28 x 2 hours and 15 minutes 65 hours in total |
Nederlands op Niveau (Coutinho) |
| To perfection course (part 1 and 2) (students must have finished a course at B2 level) |
B2 -> C1 | 28 x 2 hours and 15 minutes 65 hours in total |
Nederlands naar Perfectie (Coutinho) |
Do you offer beginner courses?
Yes! We have courses for absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. We’ll assess your level during and intake conversation before the start of the course.
What is the difference between the beginners basic course and the beginners plus course?
The beginners plus course is specially developed for students who are native German or Afrikaans speakers. The Beginners Plus course is at double the pace of an already challenging Beginners Basic course. Native German or Afrikaans speakers have an advantage and learn faster because of similarities in the language.
Does Taalthuis offer private lessons?
All courses at Taalthuis are group-based, with class sizes ranging from 5 to 12 students, ensuring personalized attention.
What if I miss a lesson?
You can use our e-learning platform to catch up. Each course includes a student guide detailing lesson content. You can listen to the vocabulary, learn the grammar and do all the exercises to be at the same level as your fellow students.
For additional support, you may arrange a private catch-up lesson with your teacher for € 69,50 per hour. These lessons can be purchased in your own Taalthuis account.
What do I do when I am in doubt about my level?
When you are in doubt about your level, you can always give us a call during the level check consultation hours.
These are every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon between 14:00 and 17:00. You can reach us at 023-3040023
How do you check my level?
We have two options to check your level:
1> you give us a call during our level check consultation hours every Tuesday and Thursday. In a brief telephone call with a Dutch teacher we will have a conversation in Dutch to see what your knowledge of the language and the grammar is. After this call my colleague can give a good advice which course will be the right course for you.
You can also register for a level check and we will call you, click on this link to do so: register for a level check
2> you register for the course, and the teacher of the course will give you a call to do a short level check.
How do I know what my level is?
When you have never done a Dutch course before, you can start with the beginners basic course.
For all other levels, click on this link to see the requirements: Which course is right for me?
Registration and payment
How much does a course cost?
All our courses (online and in-person) cost € 625,00. For the courses up to level A2 the lesson materials are included. For our advanced courses we use the books from Coutinho and you will have to purchase the book seperately.
For all prices you can go this this page prices
Can I try a free lesson?
No, we do not offer free lessons.
Can I pay in installments?
No, payments must be completed in full before the course commences. Access to the e-learning platform is provided only after payment is received.
Can I cancel my course?
Please check our general terms & conditions for our cancellation policy.
Where can I register for a Dutch course at Taalthuis?
Registration can only be done online. Once you’ve selected your desired course, click the sign-up button to register.
When will I get access to the e-learning platform?
Access to the e-learning platform is granted upon receipt of your payment. If your company is covering the course fee and payment is delayed, please contact us to arrange manual access
Can I change my start date to another start date?
Once you have registered for a course, you are taking a spot in that course. If you want to change courses, because you want another start date, you will keep a spot in another course as well, and we are not sure that we can sell the other spot for you.
Please contact my colleague at administratie@taalthuis.nl to see if we have a possibility for you.
Online lessons
When will I receive my books for the online course?
Books are mailed to your home address the week before the course starts. After payment, you can also access PDF versions of the book through the e-learning platform. Additional shipping costs apply. We do not ship outside of Europe.
Are the lessons being recorded?
No, we do not record our lessons.
Do I need a microphone and camera?
Yes, you need a microphone and a camera for the lessons. There will be speaking excersises during the lessons and it for the correct pronunciation it is important that the teacher can hear and see you.
Lesson materials and books
What is the difference between the Taalthuis account and the e-learning account?
As soon as you register for a course, we will create a personal account for you. This is your Taalthuis account. In this account you can view your courses, the invoices and, if apllicable, download your certificate of attendance.
You will receive the login details for the e-learning account as soon as we have received your payment. The login details are send to you in an email, this sometimes ends up in the spamfolder. The e-learning platform will be used during the lessons, to listen to conversation fragments, see grammar videos and do excersices.
Which books do you use?
Up until level A2, we use our own lesson materials. For the more advanced courses we use the books from Coutinho.
Are the books included in the price?
Up until level A2, we use our own books, these are included in the price. For the higher levels we use the books of Coutinho, these are not included in the price.
How does the shipment of the books work?
Up until level A2 we use our own books. We ship the books in The Netherlands and Europe, we do not ship outside Europe.
For the higher levels, you have to order your own book at Coutinho.
For expats, au pairs and international students
Do I need a BSN number to join a course?
No, that is not necessary.
Do I need to study in the Netherlands to join a course?
Yes, you need to study at a Dutch university to join a course, upon registration we will ask for your student number.
Do I need to speak and understand English?
Yes, English is our supporting language and therefor mandatory.
Are all courses for au pairs?
Yes, you as an au pair, you can take any course you want. When you do want to meet other au pairs, we recommend the introduction course for au pairs, or when you are native German or Afrikaans, the beginners plus au pair only course.
After the course
Do I get an official certificate at the end of the course?
At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance ( if you have attended 80% of the lessons). If you want to have an official certificate, you will need to do an exam at an official governmental institute.
Do you offer follow up courses?
Yes, we offer courses up until level C1
When can I continu to the next level?
When you have attended 80% of the course and completed your Taalthuis exam with a positive score you can continu to the next level.
Practical information about our lesson locations
Are the lessons online or in-person?
You can choose! We offer fully supported online lessons via Zoom (or teams), and we offer in-person classes in 8 cities in The Netherlands.
Where are your lesson locations?
We have 8 different lesson locations, when you click on this link you will go to the locations page to see where we are located.
Can I park my car at a Taalthuis lesson location?
No we do not have a parking at our lesson locations. When you come by car, you can park in the neighbourhood or a public car park.
Are you easy to reach with public transportation?
Yes, all our lesson location are in the city centre, and easy to reach by public transport.