Bart de Pau
online Dutch teacher
Let me help you!
There are lots of online lessons on this website. Please indicate your goal, and I will recommend how, and in what order to go through these materials.
What is your goal?
– I want to find out if learning Dutch is something for me
– I have no specific goal… I would like to start from zero and I’ll see where it ends
– I just want to learn some words, so that I can travel in the Netherlands (level 0-A1)
– I want some basic knowledge, to ‘survive’ in Holland (level A1)
– I need to pass the ‘Basis Examen Inburgering’, the exam at the Dutch consulate/embassy to get the MVV-visa (level A1)
– I want to be able to have basic conversations (level A2)
– I need to pass the ‘Inburgeringsexamen’, the exam for a permanent stay in the Netherlands (level A2)
– I want to be able to understand 80%-90% of Dutch television, newspapers (level B1)
– I want to study in Dutch at MBO (middle-level applied education) or do a job on this level (in a Dutch speaking work environment)
– I need to pass the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma I’ (level B1)
– I need to pass the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma II’ (level B2)
– I want to be able to understand 95% of Dutch television, newspapers, to have deep conversations (level B2)
– I want to study in Dutch at a university, or do a job on this level (in a Dutch speaking work environment)
– I want to become a translator or reach a native level
You want to find out if learning Dutch is something for you
You are not yet sure if you want to learn Dutch?
Step 1: Watch the webinar that I organised with Nuffic: ‘10 reasons to learn Dutch‘
Step 2: Try a few lessons of my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘: it’s free, it’s fun and besides words, you’ll learn a lot about the Netherlands and the Dutch culture. You will find out whether you like learning Dutch and whether you like my teaching style.
You want to start… and then just see where it ends…
Step 1: Watch my video about the pronunciation of the alphabet
Step 2: Start with my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘…
Do at least 10 lessons. You liked the first 10 lessons? And you are serious that you want to continue? Then you’re ready for the step below:
Step 3: Then do my course #dutchgrammar! (premium)
Once you are sure you want to learn a language well, then start immediately with learning the grammar basics. The earlier you start with grammar, the earlier you will be able to construct correct sentences. ‘Studying grammar’ may sound boring, but in my video lessons with animation I aim to explain things short, easy and step-by-step. Check the sample lesson.
At the same time you can continue the vocabulary course. For the best variation, do 1 lesson grammar, and then 1 vocabulary lesson etc.
Step 4: Once you’ve reached about 20 lessons of #dutchgrammar… it’s time to see how grammar is applied in daily conversations. Start watching my ‘Heb je zin?‘ videos (free)
Apart from practising grammar, the goal of these videos is to train listening skills. You’re at a level where Dutch television will be still to difficult to watch. In these videos – the language is spoken slowly and clear, and bilingual subtitles will help you to understand.
Step 5: start speaking Dutch! Get from behind the computer (unless using Skype) and try to apply what you’ve learned. Finding a native Dutch speaker is the best… but you can also practise with a fellow student. Speaking is not so easy in the beginning and it’s not a quick process… It’s just a matter of practising a lot – so speak as much as you can!
Step 6: Continue with #dutchgrammar-2, #dutchgrammar-3 and ‘Heb je zin? -2‘!
Step 7: Watch Dutch television. A lot. As soon as you are able to understand the ‘Heb je zin?’ videos without subtitles, it’s time for the next step. You will find out, that the Dutch speak pretty fast on television and not as clear as in ‘Heb je zin?’ It’s time to get used to this! On the website npo.nl, you can find all the programs of the Dutch public broadcasting organisation. Start with programs like ‘the news’ and ‘het klokhuis’ (a children’s program that each time discusses 1 subject: very good for vocabulary building).
And then there is more:
You’d like some more interaction with real people (a teacher and fellow students)? Then consider our Summer School or Winter School: short intensive language courses during a camp! So you can leave your daily life behind and be 100% on learning the language in the country where it is spoken. The most efficient way to learn a language! Another way to follow the same programme as the Summer/Winter School is to join our Virtual Classrooms (12 students + teacher with Zoom, 2 lessons/week).
You just want to learn some common words (for example for travelling)
Step 1: Do my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘: it’s free, it’s fun and besides words, you’ll learn a lot about the Netherlands and the Dutch culture. It’s all you need, if you just learn the language for travelling… don’t worry too much about grammar.
You want to learn the basics: ‘survival Dutch’ (level A1)
You want to know the basics, so that you can do your shopping, ask for the road, answer if someone asks about the time, fill in a form, and explain in a very basic way who you are and what you want. In other words, you want to reach level A1.
Step 1: Watch my video about the pronunciation of the alphabet
Step 2: Start with my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘…
Do at least 10 lessons. You liked the first 10 lessons? And you are serious that you want to continue? Then you’re ready for the step below:
Step 3: Do my course #dutchgrammar! (premium)
‘Studying grammar’ may sound boring, but in my video lessons with animation I aim to explain things short, easy and step-by-step. Check the sample lesson.
Simultaneously, you continue the vocabulary course. For the best variation: do 1 lesson grammar, and then 1 vocabulary lesson etc.
You need to pass the exam at the consulate or embassy
Do you need to pass the ‘Basisexamen Inburgering Buitenland’ (Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad)? This is the exam of the Dutch consulate/embassy to get the MVV “Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf” (Provisional Residence Permit).
There are official online materials provided by the Dutch government on the website naarnederland.nl
Nevertheless, a lot of students who prepare for this exam, like to use my materials in addition to or in stead of the official materials:
* reason 1: because they think my lessons are a bit more spicy and juicy, and more fun and motivating to work through
* reason 2: because it’s good to have extra materials – studying with both packages will increase the chance of passing the exam
* reason 3: because it provides a better basis for those who want to continue to learn Dutch after passing the exam (if you goal is not just passing the exam)
So here is my recommendation:
Step 1: Find out if you like my lessons! How? Just do a few lessons of my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch’
Step 2: Determine your plan
option 1: If you don’t like my lessons, and you want to pass the examination with minmal efforts then just use the official materials.
option 2: If you like my materials, but your primary focus is on passing the exam, then use the official materials in combination with my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch’. You will find out that my course covers most of the required vocabulary. It’s just presented in a different way: fun videos in combination with lots of exercises. It will help you to know the required content much better.
option 3: If you know from the beginning that you will continue to learn Dutch after the exam, then consider learning grammar. The official materials do not cover much grammar. But if your goal is to become fluent, then the right way to learn a language from the beginning, is to start with grammar as soon as possible. My online course #dutchgrammar provides all the basic grammar, presented in an easy and structured way, step-by-step. It’s more than you need to know to pass the exam… the exam just will be very easy if you do this course in combination with the official materials and/or my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch’
You want to be able to have basic conversations (level A2)
Step 1: Watch my video about the pronunciation of the alphabet
Step 2: Start with my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘…
Do at least 10 lessons. You liked the first 10 lessons? And you are serious that you want to continue? Then you’re ready for the step below:
Step 3: Then do my course #dutchgrammar! (premium)
Once you are sure you want to learn a language well, then start immediately with learning the grammar basics. The earlier you start with grammar, the earlier you will be able to construct correct sentences. ‘Studying grammar’ may sound boring, but in my video lessons with animation I aim to explain things short, easy and step-by-step. Check the sample lesson.
At the same time you can continue the vocabulary course. For the best variation, do 1 lesson grammar, and then 1 vocabulary lesson etc.
Step 4: Once you’ve reached about 20 lessons of #dutchgrammar… it’s time to see how grammar is applied in daily conversations. Start watching my ‘Heb je zin?‘ videos (free)
Apart from practising grammar, the goal of these videos is to train listening skills. You’re at a level where Dutch television will be still to difficult to watch. In these videos – the language is spoken slowly and clear, and bilingual subtitles will help you to understand.
Step 5: start speaking Dutch! Get from behind the computer (unless using Skype) and try to apply what you’ve learned. Finding a native Dutch speaker is the best… but you can also practise with a fellow student. Speaking is not so easy in the beginning and it’s not a quick process… It’s just a matter of practising a lot – so speak as much as you can!
Step 6: Continue with #dutchgrammar-2 and ‘Heb je zin? -2‘!
If you complete all these courses and you have enough practise with speaking Dutch (and you’re able to apply the grammar and vocabulary in your conversations), then congratulations! You have reached level A2!
Another way to reach A2:
You’d like some more interaction with real people (a teacher and fellow students)? Then consider our Summer School or Winter School: short intensive language courses during a camp! If you start from zero, to reach A2 – book a 4 or 6 week course. If you are fast in learning languages or German is your native language then 4 weeks is enough; otherwise 6 weeks. Another way to follow the same programme as the Summer/Winter School is to join our Virtual Classrooms (12 students + teacher with Zoom, 2 lessons/week).
Recommendation: start with online learning at home and then enroll on the A1 level at our Summer School or Winter School. This is probably the best mix of preparing well and getting the maximum out of your intensive life course, as our course book seamlessly integrates with the online materials. To get A1, follow these steps.
You need to pass the ‘Inburgeringsexamen’ (civic integration exam)
You need to pass the ‘Inburgeringsexamen’ (the Civic Integration Examination)?
This is the exam that you need to pass in order to get a residence permit for the Netherlands.
To pass this exam, you need to have level A2.
Step 1: To get level A2 with my materials, follow these steps.
But…
Step 2: you need to know more than that! Because this exam is not only about language acquisition! Part of the exam is about knowledge of the Dutch society, and another part is about the labour market. Unfortunately, this is not something I can teach you, simply because it’s not my profession. Check the website of the government inburgeren.nl
Alternative:
If you plan to reach level B1 or higher anyway, it might in some situations be better to do the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma 1’ in stead of the ‘Inburgeringsexamen’
Your goal is to reach level B1
Step 1: Watch my video about the pronunciation of the alphabet
Step 2: Start with my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘…
Do at least 10 lessons. You liked the first 10 lessons? And you are serious that you want to continue? Then you’re ready for the step below:
Step 3: Then do my course #dutchgrammar! (premium)
Once you are sure you want to learn a language well, then start immediately with learning the grammar basics. The earlier you start with grammar, the earlier you will be able to construct correct sentences. ‘Studying grammar’ may sound boring, but in my video lessons with animation I aim to explain things short, easy and step-by-step. Check the sample lesson.
At the same time you can continue the vocabulary course. For the best variation, do 1 lesson grammar, and then 1 vocabulary lesson etc.
Step 4: Once you’ve reached about 20 lessons of #dutchgrammar… it’s time to see how grammar is applied in daily conversations. Start watching my ‘Heb je zin?‘ videos (free)
Apart from practising grammar, the goal of these videos is to train listening skills. You’re at a level where Dutch television will be still to difficult to watch. In these videos – the language is spoken slowly and clear, and bilingual subtitles will help you to understand.
Step 5: start speaking Dutch! Get from behind the computer (unless using Skype) and try to apply what you’ve learned. Finding a native Dutch speaker is the best… but you can also practise with a fellow student. Speaking is not so easy in the beginning and it’s not a quick process… It’s just a matter of practising a lot – so speak as much as you can!
Step 6: Continue with #dutchgrammar-2, #dutchgrammar-3 and ‘Heb je zin? -2‘!
After doing #dutchgrammar-3 , you will have the right theoretical basis for level B1. The only thing… you will need to be able to apply this without thinking!
Step 7: Watch Dutch television. A lot. As soon as you are able to understand the ‘Heb je zin?’ videos without subtitles, it’s time for the next step. You will find out, that the Dutch speak pretty fast on television and not as clear as in ‘Heb je zin?’ It’s time to get used to this! On the website npo.nl, you can find all the programs of the Dutch public broadcasting organisation. Start with programs like ‘the news’ and ‘het klokhuis’ (a children’s program that each time discusses 1 subject: very good for vocabulary building).
Step 8: Important: level B1 is very hard to reach if you don’t have practical experience. This is very important to understand! Not every skill you can acquire during a language course. For level B1 – you need at least 1-2 months of practical experience on this level, from the moment you completed #dutchgrammar-3.
Speeding up the process:
You’d like some more interaction with real people (a teacher and fellow students)? Then consider our Summer School or Winter School: short intensive language courses during a camp! So you can leave your daily life behind and be 100% on learning the language in the country where it is spoken. The most efficient way to learn a language! Another way to follow the same programme as the Summer/Winter School is to join our Virtual Classrooms (12 students + teacher with Zoom, 2 lessons/week).
A frequent question that I get: how to reach level B1 with maximum use of my materials and schools?
– start learning online: complete steps 1-4 at home
– come to the Dutch Summer/Winter School for a 4 or 6 week course, enrolling at A1, complete #dutchgrammar-2
– steps 5-8: review the materials after the summer/winter school complete #dutchgrammar-3, practise as much as you can, learn lots of words
– instead of the Summer/Winter School, you can also join our Virtual Classrooms
Congratulations: about 250-350 hours of study + 250-350 hours of practical experience you have reached level B1!
Your goal is to reach level B2
Step 1: Watch my video about the pronunciation of the alphabet
Step 2: Start with my course ‘1000 most common words in Dutch‘…
Do at least 10 lessons. You liked the first 10 lessons? And you are serious that you want to continue? Then you’re ready for the step below:
Step 3: Then do my course #dutchgrammar! (premium)
Once you are sure you want to learn a language well, then start immediately with learning the grammar basics. The earlier you start with grammar, the earlier you will be able to construct correct sentences. ‘Studying grammar’ may sound boring, but in my video lessons with animation I aim to explain things short, easy and step-by-step. Check the sample lesson.
At the same time you can continue the vocabulary course. For the best variation, do 1 lesson grammar, and then 1 vocabulary lesson etc.
Step 4: Once you’ve reached about 20 lessons of #dutchgrammar… it’s time to see how grammar is applied in daily conversations. Start watching my ‘Heb je zin?‘ videos (free)
Apart from practising grammar, the goal of these videos is to train listening skills. You’re at a level where Dutch television will be still to difficult to watch. In these videos – the language is spoken slowly and clear, and bilingual subtitles will help you to understand.
Step 5: start speaking Dutch! Get from behind the computer (unless using Skype) and try to apply what you’ve learned. Finding a native Dutch speaker is the best… but you can also practise with a fellow student. Speaking is not so easy in the beginning and it’s not a quick process… It’s just a matter of practising a lot – so speak as much as you can!
Step 6: Continue with #dutchgrammar-2, #dutchgrammar-3 and ‘Heb je zin? -2‘!
After doing #dutchgrammar-3 , you will have the right theoretical basis for level B1. The only thing… you will need to be able to apply this without thinking!
Step 7: Watch Dutch television. A lot. As soon as you are able to understand the ‘Heb je zin?’ videos without subtitles, it’s time for the next step. You will find out, that the Dutch speak pretty fast on television and not as clear as in ‘Heb je zin?’ It’s time to get used to this! On the website npo.nl, you can find all the programs of the Dutch public broadcasting organisation. Start with programs like ‘the news’ and ‘het klokhuis’ (a children’s program that each time discusses 1 subject: very good for vocabulary building).
Step 8: Important: level B1/B2 and the higher levels, you can not reach with only language courses (unless you are talented or German is your native language). Ohterwise, you absolutely need a lot of practical experience. It is essential to understand that. And that means: living in a Dutch speaking environmnent and speaking Dutch all the time (with colleagues, family, friends etc). Reading newspapers, watching Dutch television, listening to Dutch radio etc.
For level B1 – you need at least 1-2 months of practical experience on this level, from the moment you completed #dutchgrammar-3.
For level B2, you will need at least 4-6 months of full time practical experience, after you reached level B1.
Speeding up the process:
You’d like some more interaction with real people (a teacher and fellow students)? Then consider our Summer School or Winter School: short intensive language courses during a camp! So you can leave your daily life behind and be 100% on learning the language in the country where it is spoken. The most efficient way to learn a language!
A frequent question that I get: how to reach level B2 within 1 year, with maximum use of my materials and schools?
– SPRING – start learning online: complete steps 1-4 at home
– SUMMER – come to the Dutch summer school for a 4 or 6 week course, enrolling at A1, complete #dutchgrammar-2
– AUTUMN – steps 5-8: complete #dutchgrammar-3, live in a Dutch speaking environment, speak Dutch as much as possible and be focussed on applying the grammar correctly, expand your vocabulary – learn 1000’s of words, watch TV etc.
– WINTER – come to the Dutch Winter school for 2 or 4 weeks for a course at B1/B2 level and after that: 2-3 months continue learning words and practising the language
– You can follow the same programme as the Summer/Winter School online: join our Virtual Classrooms (12 students + teacher with Zoom, 2 lessons/week).
Congratulations: 1 year later (about 600-800 hours of study + 1200-1500 hours of practical experience) you have reached level B2!
You want to study in Dutch at MBO (middle-level applied education) or do a job on this level (in a Dutch speaking work environment)
If you want to study in Dutch at MBO, which is the middle level of applied education, you normally need to have level B1. Examples of studies at this level are: nurse, hairdresser, carpenter, logistics employee, sales employee etc.
The same counts for the jobs on this level.
Follow these steps to reach B1
(It is likely that your institute/employer asks you to pass the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma I‘ before starting your job/study)
You need to pass the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma I’ (level B1)
The ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma I’ (State Exam Dutch as a Second Language – program I) is usually required to pass if you plan to study or work in the Netherlands in jobs like: nurse, carpenter, logistics employee, sales empolyee, childcare employee etc. For this exam you need to have level B1.
How to reach level B1?
Recommendation: once you’ve reached level B1 and you are thinking about doing the exam, I recommend to take a private tutor who is specialised in exam preparation.
Doing this exam instead of the normal ‘Inburgeringsexamen’:
Because this exam is on a higher level than the ‘Inburgeringsexamen’ (which is A2 level), you can do this exam in stead of the ‘Inburgeringsexamen’:
- in some situations (naturalisation or exchanging temporary residence permit into a permanent residence permit if you entered before 2015) this exam alone is enough
- in other situations (entering after 2015) you will need to pass 2 extra tests ‘Knowledge of the Dutch society’ and ‘Orientation on the Dutch labour market’
You need to pass the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma II’ (level B2)
The ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma II’ (State Exam Dutch as a Second Language – program II) is usually required to pass if you plan to study (in Dutch) at a university. This is an exam at the B2 level.
That also counts for jobs at this level in a Dutch speaking working environment. Some employers ask for it and At our Summer/Winter School we typically get frequently medical staff (doctors, dentists) who need to pass this exam.
How to reach level B2?
Recommendation: Once you’ve reached level B2, and you are thinking about doing the exam, I recommend to take a private tutor who is specialised in exam preparation.
I want to study in Dutch at a university, or do a job on this level (in a Dutch speaking work environment)
If you want to study in Dutch at a university, you normally need to have level B2. The same counts for the jobs on this level, in a Dutch speaking working environment.
Follow these steps to reach B2
(It is likely that your institute/employer asks you to pass the ‘Staatsexamen NT2 – programma II‘ before starting your job/study)
You want to become a translator or reach a native level
Do you want to reach the level of a native? Or even become a translator (from/to Dutch)?
This is what we call level C1/C2. If you are starting from zero, it will be a long journey… and it will take many years! You can reach this level after a 4-5 year university study or just after living in a Dutch speaking environment for many years (while continuously focussing on improving your Dutch).
I can help you in the beginning of that journey… from zero to level B2.
Follow these steps to reach B2
And once you’ve reached B2… it’s not really a matter of taking extra language classes anymore. A private teacher can only help you to correct some errors and work on weaknesses. But you don’t get from B2 to C1 inside a classroom. So continue to speak and practise a lot… Expand your vocabulary. And then after a few years, your level has improved to C1.