Learning the Dutch language
How do I find a language buddy or a language practice group?
Do you want to learn or improve your Dutch? On this page you will find ways to learn the Dutch language and links to various websites for reading, speaking and writing exercises.
Learning the Dutch language can be done in different ways. For example with a language buddy. This is someone who helps you learn the Dutch language and maybe also the Dutch culture. You usually meet weekly: at home, in the library or in another place that is pleasant for both parties.
In a language practice group you practice speaking and listening the Dutch language in a group, but you can also spend time improving your reading and writing. There are also language practice groups in which language lessons are given, and there is a Language Café where you can talk Dutch with volunteers about various topics. A nice side effect of a language practice group is that you can make new contacts.
Are you a statushouder and looking for a language coach? This can be done through the VluchtelingenWerk foundation. Contact Mounir Fattal via [email protected].
Possibilities in Hilversum for a language buddy
Language buddy in your neighbourhood
Are you looking for a language buddy in your neighbourhood? Please contact one of the contact persons below. They can connect you to a language buddy in the neighbourhood.
Northwest: Lilian Martens - 06-13965784
Northeast: Mayke Vaes - 06-11036897
Center: Lilian Martens - 06-13965784
Southwest: Katinka Boat - 06-47191994
South: Jaco van der Velden - 06-13966530
Southeast: Sandra Zamir - 06-30202481
Hilversumse Meent: Zina Kesab - 06-10587514
Maatjesproject Gooi and Vechtstreek Hilversum
Maatjesproject is an addition to language education and offers support to people with psychological or psychiatric problems. In addition to a language course, these people want one-on-one contact for extra practice. The aim of this language support is that someone becomes more independent and self-reliant. After registration, it will be determined through an interview whether you fit the target group of the Maatjesproject.
Contact person: Janet Oudenaarden
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 035-6400061
Dutch talking buddy via Vrijwillige Thuishulp
Vrijwillige Thuishulp mediates in finding a Dutch speaking buddy for non-native speakers. For example, with a speaking buddy you go shopping together, watch the news, take the train or talk about daily activities.
Contact person: Anneke Bijleveld
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 06-49377171
Possibilities in Hilversum for language practice groups or language lessons
View the weekly overview for possibilities in your area
View the weekly overview for possibilities in your area
Monday
St. Joseph community centre
A1 level: Language practice group speaking skills for beginners. 9.30 am - 11.30 am
A1 level: Language practice group speaking skills for beginners. 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm
Hilversum Library
All NT2 levels (A1, A2, B1 and B2): Taallokaal, to practice your Dutch speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities. Register at the library desk. During a short conversation we will discuss what you want to learn and what you are already able to do. 12.30 pm - 2.15 pm
Verbindingshuis
Advanced level: Language group for women. In an informal way they share about different topics and sometimes they also do activities together (such as eating and drinking, dancing or improvising). 12.45 – 2 pm
Hilversum Library
All levels: Taaltafel, an open language practice group with focus on conversation, speaking and listening skills. Working with language games, exercises and informal conversations. Open walk-in 3 pm - 5 pm
Tuesday
St. Joseph community centre
A2 level: Language practice group speaking skills for advanced students 9.30 am - 11.30 am
Lopes Dias Community centre
Advanced level: The Dutch language is practiced in different ways. 10 am - 11.30 am.
Web035 (Hilversumse Meent)
From beginner level to advanced: Language lesson 10 am - 12.30 pm
Lopes Dias Community centre
A slightly advanced level: The Dutch language is practiced in different ways. 1 pm - 2.30 pm.
Community centre De Kleine Lelie
From beginner level to advanced: Language practice group Hilversum South. In small groups of the same level led by a volunteer. 7 pm - 8.30 pm, possible online at home or live in the community centre De Kleine Lelie at Hilvertsweg 89-91.
Wednesday
Community centre De Koepel
From beginner level to advanced: Language lesson 10 am - 11 am
Thursday
Lopes Dias Community centre
Advanced level: The Dutch language is practiced in different ways. 9 am - 10.30 am.
The Salvation Army
From beginner level to advanced: In the Language Café you talk about all kinds of subjects, you play language games, learn to improve your pronunciation and have a nice coffee with each other. 10.30 am - 11.30 am.
Hilversum Library
Digi&taalhuis: weekly office hours to find help for your language question 1.30 pm - 3 pm
Web035 (Hilversumse Meent)
From beginner level to advanced: Language lesson for local women from the Meent 5.30 - 7.30 p.m.
Project Taal en Sociaal: Maatjesproject offers language practice groups especially for low-literate people with psychological problems, traumatic experiences, depression or isolation. The language skills are practiced weekly in small supervised groups. The groups are Monday morning 10 am - 12 pm and Tuesday afternoon 1 pm - 3 pm. Visit the website www.maatsprojectgooi.nl
Contact person and address details
Contact person and address details
Hilversum Library
Phone: 035-6212942
Location: 's-Gravelandseweg 55, 1217 EH Hilversum
For Taallokaal you can sign up at the information desk.
The Salvation Army
Phone: 06-13062672
Location: Bussumerstraat 27 a/b, 1211 BH Hilversum
Web035, Hilversumse Meent
Contact: Zina Kesab, Opbouwwerker
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 06-10587514
Location: De Meent 4A, 1218 CB Hilversum
Verbindingshuis
Community centre De Kleine Lelie
Contact: Jaco van der Velden
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 06-13966530
Location: Hilvertsweg 89-91, 1214 JB Hilversum
Community centre De Koepel
Community centre Lopes Dias
Contact: Mayke Vaes
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 06-11036897
Location: Lopes Diaslaan 213, 1222 VE Hilversum
Community centre St. Joseph
Contact: Leila Aboujid
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 06-13495346
Location: Minckelersstraat 71, 1223 LD Hilversum
Digital practice programs for the Dutch Language
There are numerous websites online that offer digital practice programs for practicing the Dutch language. These websites are recommended:
www.bibliotheekhilversum.nl - The website of the Hilversum Library describes various options for practicing with Language and Computer.
www.oefenen.nl - Oefenen.nl is a clear digital platform with good programs with many options at multiple levels and skills (language, maths, digi skills and integration).
www.steffie.nl - Steffie.nl is a helpful website for explanations about all kinds of topics such as money, health, support and travel in Dutch that is easy to understand.
www.naarnederland.nl - If you want to prepare for the basic civic integration exam, you will find teaching material on speaking skills, reading skills and knowledge of the Dutch community on this website.
www.gratisnederlandsleren.nl - Do you want to practice even more? On this website you will find numerous links to other websites with teaching materials to practice.
Language course at an educational institution
Free courses:
You can also take a language course at an educational institution. This is free at some institutions. It is for people who are 18 years or older, who are not (or no longer) obliged to integrate, and who live in Hilversum, Blaricum, Gooise meren (Bussum, Naarden, Muiden), Huizen, Laren, Weesp, Wijdemeren and Eemnes.
- Danner & Danner - This educational institution offers the option of a free language course. The course locations in 't Gooi are Hilversum and Huizen. Check out the website: www.dannerendanner.nl/lesaanbod/gratis-taalles-hilversum.
- Toptaal - More information follows.
Paid courses:
Every school year The Community college offers Dutch courses for NT2 students (level A0-A1, A1-A2). For people who have already learned a second European language and people who only know their own language. The courses always start around the end of August/beginning of September. The program for the coming season is expected to be completed in June and will be published on the website of the Hilversum Library and community college. Please note, these courses are not free, the price is approx. 298 euros for 24 lessons of 1.5 hours.
