Do you want to learn Dutch the fun way in Amsterdam?
You moved to Amsterdam. You want to speak Dutch. Maybe you just arrived and want to get started properly. Maybe you have been here for a few years, downloaded the apps, bought the textbook, and still freeze up the moment someone replies to you in Dutch.
Either way, you are in the right place.
The School for Dutch has been here in De Pijp since 1990, teaching expats to speak Dutch in a fun way that actually works outside the classroom: at the bakery, at the borrel, at work, in the WhatsApp group of your kids' school.
Why most Dutch courses don't work — and what we do differently
Most Dutch courses start with grammar. Rules, tables, fill-in-the-blank exercises. You study hard. You understand the theory. And then someone speaks to you at full speed and your mind goes blank.
We do it the other way around.
From your very first lesson, you speak Dutch out loud. Badly, at first. Then less badly. Then well enough to surprise yourself. The grammar comes in later, attached to things you have already said, where it actually sticks.
This method is called Dutch the Natural Way. It was developed here at the school by founder Wessel van der Heijden, who came to language teaching from theatre and psychology. The school is now run by Jeroen van den Berg, who has taught with this method since 2015. The approach has not changed, because the way people learn has not changed.
Dutch courses in Amsterdam — three levels, ten weeks each
Each course runs every three months as a ten-week evening course. All levels are mapped to the CEFR scale so you always know exactly where you stand.
- Level 1 — Survival Course (CEFR A1 / A2): Beginner Dutch for new arrivals. By the end you can handle the supermarket, the doctor, basic small talk, and most of the everyday situations you'll run into in your first year in Amsterdam.
- Level 2 — Small Talk Course (CEFR A2 / B1): For people who can order a coffee but get stuck on the second sentence. We work on conversations that go somewhere, on opinions, and on the language you need at work and with neighbours.
- Level 3 — Conversation Course (CEFR B1 / B2): Real conversations. Opinions, disagreements, humour. The kind of Dutch you need to actually feel at home in this city.
Other ways to learn Dutch with us
- One-week intensive Dutch courses: For beginners (A1) who want a fast start before a job, a move, or meeting a partner's family.
- Private Dutch lessons: At all levels. Flexible timing, specific goals, exam preparation.
- In-company Dutch courses: For businesses who want their international team to feel more at home in Dutch.
Not sure where to start?
Take the free online level test, and Jeroen will send you a personalised advice within two days, so that you know exactly which course fits you. Or just send Jeroen a message. He's easy to reach and happy to help you figure it out.