Dutch courses for adults
We offer you a fully comprehensive grounding in the Dutch language, enabling you to understand, speak and read with confidence, in a comfortable class setting learning in a small group. We use the method ‘Vanzelfsprekend’ and 'Niet Vanzelfsprekend' - written by one of our (former) teachers. We offer courses at multiple levels: Basic 1, Basic 2, Basic Advanced, Basic Advanced Plus, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Intermediate Advanced. Once you have decided on the appropriate level, click on the registration form link below. If you are unsure of your level, please email us at
Registration form 2023
Level overview
Below is a brief overview of the basic levels we offer. Each course is 15 weeks:
ERK A1: Basic I and II
At the end of these courses you can
- understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
- introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
- interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
At the end of the Basic II course, students are ready to take the Inburgeringsexamen (integration examination for immigrants from outstide the EU)
ERK A2: Basic Advanced
At the end of this course you can
- understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
- communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
At the end of the Basic Advanced course, the student can take the Profile 'Maatschappelijk Informeel'l language proficiency test from CNAVT.
ERK B1: Basic Advanced Plus
At the end of this course you can
- understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
- produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
At the end of the Basic Advanced Plus course, the student can take the Profile 'Maatschappelijk Formeel' language proficiency test from CNAVT.
What does each course cost?
Each course of 15 weeks costs $600 ($575 online) + $15 administration costs. The different levels require materials which need to purchased. 'Vanzelfsprekend' will be used for the first 3 Basic courses, 'Niet-Vanzelfsprekend' will be used for Advanced Plus and Intermediate, and 'Nederlands op Niveau' will be used in the Intermediate Advanced level.
Where and when
Group classes
Upperwest location: West End Collegiate Church, 245 West 77th Street, Manhattan
Mondays 7.00-9.00 pm - different levels
Chicago location: St. Matthias Elementary School, 4910 N. Claremont Ave, Chicago
Saturday 8.45-10.30 am Basic 1
Saturday 10.30 am -12.15 pm Intermediate 2
Online classes
All online classes are from 7.00-8.45 pm - different levels on different days
Fall course dates Monday:
2023 Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, (no class 9), 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18, 2024 Jan 8, (no class 15), and 22
Fall course dates Tuesday:
2023 Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, (no class 31), Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19, 2024 Jan 9, and 16
Fall course dates Wednesday:
2023 Sept 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, (no class 22), 29, Dec 6, 13, 20, 2024 Jan 10, and 17
Fall course dates Thursday:
2023 Sept 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, (no class 23), 30, Dec 7, 14, 21, 2024 Jan 11, and 18
Fall course dates Saturday, Chicago:
2023 Aug 26, Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, (no class 25), Dec 2, 9, 16, 2024 Jan 6, and 13
Spring course dates Monday:
2024 Feb 5, 12, (no class Feb 19), 26; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April (no class 1), 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, and 20
Spring course dates Tuesday:
2024 Feb 6, 13, (no class Feb 20), 27; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April (no class 2), 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, and 28
Spring course dates Wednesday:
2024 Feb 7, 14, (no class Feb 21); March 6, 13, 20, 27; April (no class 3), 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Spring course dates Thursday:
2024 Feb 8, 15, (no class 22), 29; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April (no class 3), 10, 17, 24; May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Spring course dates Saturday, Chicago:
2024 Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, (no class 17), 24; March 2, 9, 16, 23, (no class 30); April 6 , 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, June 1
Further information
For any further questions about our basic courses, email