Type of course

The course can be taught in-person or online. At 'timetable & registration' you find an overview of our courses.

In a classroom course, the teacher and all students are present in the classroom. To be able to participate online, you are advised to use a headset with microphone.To check that everything is working properly, please use: Quick Tech Check.

It is not possible to switch between courses once the course has started.

Course length

• The intensive courses (apart from the summer courses) are traditional classroom courses; 5 weeks with classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 3 hours per day.
• The intensive summer courses in June, July and August can be offered as a traditional classroom course and as an online course; 3 weeks with classes from Monday - Friday; 4 hours per day.

Course description

This course covers all basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, and particularly focuses on everyday language use. Other areas of focus are basic grammar and basic vocabulary of Dutch. During class, conversational skills are practiced by speaking with the entire group, with smaller groups, and by making use of the equipment available in the language laboratory. One lesson requires approximately two hours of preparation.
Upon completion of this course, you are able to have a short conversation on everyday subjects such as where you live, where you are from, and family background. You are also able to understand notices and simple texts.
The course is concluded with a final test and a certificate (minimum attendance 80%).  

Course material

• Boer e.a., Nederlands in gang. Uitgeverij Coutinho. ISBN 9789046905609.

The course material is not included in the registration fee. Course participants are required to purchase course materials themselves.

Target group and admission requirements

This course is intended for adults with higher levels of education, Leiden University students and staff members, as well as other interested parties who are unrelated to Leiden University. Knowledge of Dutch is not required for enrolment in this course, but basic knowledge of both English (at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and Roman script is required. This is a fast-paced course. Students are expected to prepare each lesson and to actively participate in each class.

For third-party payments an intake is required. Please state clearly that it is for an intensive course. To make an appointment, please contact: talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl 

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 14 and for a classroom course is 16.
• The course load is 110 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added at the end of the courses. Please take into account that courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.