Dutch Level 1 is a complete beginner course for students who have never studied the language before, designed to give you a genuine first step into Dutch, with real confidence to show for it by the end. 

Over 6 lessons, you will build a solid foundation in Dutch through dynamic, interactive lessons taught primarily in Dutch, where the emphasis is on spoken communication, achieved through group work and role-plays that help you build confidence and fluency from the very first class. At the same time, the course develops your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, so Dutch becomes something you can genuinely use in real-life situations, not just something you’ve studied. 

An evening class is more than a lesson, it’s a chance to meet new people who share your interests, in a relaxed, sociable setting after the working day. You’ll get to know your classmates well over the six weeks, and many students carry on socialising together long after the course ends. 

Classes are small, which means more speaking time, more individual feedback, and more attention from your teacher, so you progress faster and feel genuinely supported. Every teacher at IH London is also fully qualified and experienced, which means you are in expert hands from your very first lesson. 

Our modern facilities in Covent Garden are designed with language learning in mind, giving you a comfortable, professional environment that makes it easy to focus and enjoy the experience. 

Dutch that works for real life, taught by experts in the heart of London. 

Course format 

Why choose Dutch Level 1? 

• study at a trusted, internationally recognised language school in the heart of London, easy to reach by public transport from across the city 

• learn in small groups with a fully qualified, experienced teacher, so you get more speaking time, more feedback, and more individual attention 

• build real, usable Dutch through group work, role-plays, and spoken practice from lesson one 

• meet like-minded people in a relaxed evening setting, right in the heart of Covent Garden 

• gain insight into Dutch traditions, cities, and culture alongside the language itself 

This course is for complete beginners who have never studied Dutch before and want a structured, supportive introduction to the language. 

It is a good fit for: 

• adults who are completely new to Dutch and want a confident, well-supported start 

• people who want more than grammar and vocabulary, who want to use Dutch in real, practical situations from the start 

• learners who enjoy a sociable, interactive classroom with plenty of speaking practice 

• anyone looking for a manageable weekly commitment alongside work or other responsibilities 

• people who want to combine learning with a sociable evening out, meeting others in a relaxed, low-pressure setting 

If you already have some prior knowledge of Dutch, this course may not be the right level for you, please contact the Foreign Language Department, and we’ll help you find the course that’s the best fit. 

Focus: Personal introductions, everyday communication, and Dutch culture 

Communicative aims 

• introduce yourself and others (name, nationality, profession) 

• ask and answer basic personal questions, such as where you’re from, where you live, and what you do 

• exchange contact details, such as phone number and email 

• talk about the languages you speak 

• use basic greetings and farewells 

• spell words and names using the alphabet 

• recognise and practise correct pronunciation 

• express simple likes and dislikes 

• engage in short, everyday social interactions 

Linguistic aims 

• present and past tenses of ‘hebben’, ‘zijn’, and ‘houden van’ 

• question words and sentence structure 

• personal and possessive pronouns 

• greetings and farewells 

• numbers from 0 to 100 

• double vowel sounds 

• time expressions, family, hobbies, and interests 

• formal and informal address 

Sociocultural aspects 

• introduction to Dutch traditions such as Koningsdag and Sinterklaas 

• familiarisation with Dutch cities, provinces, and foods 

Can-do statements: By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• introduce yourself and others, and engage in simple social interactions 

• ask and answer questions about personal information 

• talk about your likes and dislikes 

• use greetings, farewells, and both casual and formal forms of address 

• use the verbs ‘hebben’, ‘zijn’, and ‘houden van’ in the present and past tenses 

• demonstrate cultural awareness of Dutch traditions, cities, and customs 

Learning approach 

Lessons are face-to-face, dynamic, and led by a fully qualified, experienced teacher who teaches primarily in Dutch. Classes combine systematic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation work with interactive activities like group work and role-plays, so you build real speaking confidence from your very first lesson. 

Materials 

All lesson materials, summaries, and resources are provided by your teacher and through our online platform. There is no coursebook to purchase for this course.

Do I need any previous knowledge of Dutch? 

No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of Dutch. If you already have some basic knowledge, we recommend contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. 

Do I need to buy a coursebook? 

No, a coursebook is not required for this course. All lesson materials and resources are provided by your teacher and through our online platform. 

Will I be speaking in class? 

Yes. Speaking and real communication are central to every lesson, achieved through group work and role-plays designed to build your confidence and fluency. 

What will I be able to do by the end of the course? 

By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange personal information, talk about your likes and dislikes, and engage in everyday social situations, all in Dutch. 

What happens after this course? 

After completing Dutch Level 1, you can continue to Dutch Level 2 and beyond to keep building your Dutch. 

Who is the course suitable for? 

The course is aimed at adults who want a confident, well-supported introduction to Dutch in a face-to-face evening format at our school in Covent Garden.

Why not try out a sample beginners Dutch lesson before signing up to a full course? These one-off sessions are aimed at students who have never studied the Dutch language before. 

Our Dutch language classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with a qualified, experienced teacher and fellow students. Language classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication, which is achieved through lots of group work and role-plays. At the same time, there is systematic work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, so that you can improve on all aspects of the language. Your teacher speaks in the target language throughout, so that you can refine your comprehension and listening skills. 

Sample Lesson Plan 

• Greeting people 

• Introducing yourself and someone else 

• Asking and giving personal details (name, nationalities, profession, age, phone number, date of birth)