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Jeroen van Engen,
Margriet Hidding,
Tom Spits,
Birgit Lijmbach,
and
Simone Pentermann
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at people with no prior knowledge of the Dutch language, who have a strong interest in learning languages. It will give you a taste of language skills that will help you to survive in Dutch-speaking countries. The main focus will be on receptive skills like reading and listening. It will be taught in English. You can use the hashtag #FLlearndutch to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at people with no prior knowledge of the Dutch language, who have a strong interest in learning languages. It will give you a taste of language skills that will help you to survive in Dutch-speaking countries. The main focus will be on receptive skills like reading and listening. It will be taught in English. You can use the hashtag #FLlearndutch to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at people with no prior knowledge of the Dutch language, who have a strong interest in learning languages. It will give you a taste of language skills that will help you to survive in Dutch-speaking countries. The main focus will be on receptive skills like reading and listening. It will be taught in English. You can use the hashtag #FLlearndutch to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
- Reading and listening to dialogues about work, study, hobbies, eating, drinking, living, weather and the time
- Understanding the grammar around the conjugation of verbs, word order,personal pronouns, adjectives, modal verbs and making questions
- Writing and speaking assignments including introducing oneself and speaking about eating and living
- Introduction to Dutch culture
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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Reviews summary
Beginner's introduction to dutch language and culture
According to students, this introductory Dutch course is highly recommended for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge. Learners frequently praise the clear and engaging lectures and find the structure of the course logical and easy to follow. Many appreciate the inclusion of Dutch culture alongside language basics, which adds valuable context. While the course focuses primarily on receptive skills (reading and listening), some learners felt it could benefit from more opportunities for active speaking and writing practice, though the included assignments provide some exposure. Overall, it's seen as a solid foundation for anyone starting their Dutch language journey.
Strong emphasis on reading and listening.
"It focuses heavily on reading and listening, as stated in the description."
"The course provided good practice for understanding spoken and written Dutch."
"If you're looking mostly for speaking practice, this might not be enough."
"I felt much more confident in understanding Dutch after this course."
Well-organized and easy to follow path.
"The course is structured very logically, week by week."
"Found it easy to follow the progression of topics."
"The modules build nicely upon each other."
"A well-planned curriculum for beginners."
Insightful cultural context provided.
"The cultural aspects woven throughout the lessons were a great bonus."
"Learning about Dutch culture made the language feel more real."
"Loved the sections on daily life and traditions in the Netherlands."
"It's not just language; you get a taste of the country too."
Concepts are easy to grasp and follow.
"The explanations are very clear and easy to understand."
"The way grammar is presented makes sense, not overwhelming."
"Lectures break down complex ideas into digestible parts."
"I really appreciated how well the instructor explained everything."
Ideal for those with no previous Dutch.
"This course is perfect for someone who has zero knowledge of Dutch."
"As a complete beginner, I found this course incredibly accessible and well-paced."
"An excellent introduction that doesn't assume any prior language experience."
"I had never studied Dutch before, and this course gave me a great foundation."
More active practice would be beneficial.
"I wish there were more opportunities to practice speaking."
"The course is strong on input, but output practice is limited."
"Could use more interactive speaking exercises."
"While there are some assignments, I felt the need for more conversational practice."
Activities
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Introduction to Dutch.
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Learners who complete Introduction to Dutch will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
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OpenCourser.com/course/v2r8b6/introduction
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This academic text provides a comprehensive description of the phonological system of Dutch. It is suitable for advanced learners and those with a linguistics background who want to deepen their understanding of Dutch sounds and pronunciation rules. It's a key reference in the field of Dutch linguistics.
This visual dictionary provides an extensive collection of images and translations for everyday words and phrases in Dutch.
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This comprehensive handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of Dutch linguistics, covering a wide range of topics.
This scholarly work provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Dutch language, from its origins to the present day.
Offers a thorough and accessible description of modern Dutch grammar, focusing on real patterns of use. It valuable reference for learners of all levels, providing detailed explanations and examples. It can serve as a core text for those seeking a solid grammatical foundation and is organized for easy access to specific topics.
A popular choice for learners, this book provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of essential Dutch grammar. It is particularly useful for beginners and intermediate learners, focusing on practical communication. Its streamlined approach makes it a good supplementary resource for language courses.
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Offers a step-by-step course in spoken and written Dutch, suitable for independent study or classroom use. It focuses on practical communication in everyday situations and includes dialogues, exercises, and cultural notes. It's a good starting point for beginners to gain a broad understanding and build essential skills.
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This comprehensive and authoritative reference grammar of Dutch, widely considered the standard work in the field. It is essential for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Dutch grammatical structures and is frequently used as a reference at academic institutions. While not a beginner's textbook, it is invaluable for solidifying and deepening understanding at intermediate and advanced levels.
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Traces the historical development of the Dutch language. It is valuable for those interested in the evolution of Dutch, its relationship to other Germanic languages, and the socio-historical factors that shaped it. It provides broader context for understanding contemporary Dutch.
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While not strictly a language book, this resource provides essential cultural context for language learners. Understanding Dutch culture is crucial for effective communication. is valuable for anyone planning to live, work, or interact with Dutch speakers. It complements language learning by providing practical cultural insights.
Provides engaging short stories designed for beginner Dutch learners. Reading is an excellent way to expand vocabulary and reinforce grammatical structures learned in introductory courses. This book makes reading in Dutch accessible and enjoyable for those just starting out.
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This young adult novel set during WWII widely read book in the Netherlands. Its clear language makes it suitable for intermediate learners and provides cultural and historical insights. Reading this can help expand vocabulary and comprehension skills.
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A classic children's book series, 'Jip en Janneke' is excellent for absolute beginners due to its simple language and clear illustrations. It's a beloved part of Dutch culture and provides a gentle introduction to reading in Dutch.
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A seminal work with significant historical and social importance, 'Max Havelaar' classic that critiques Dutch colonialism. The language can be more formal and complex, making it suitable for advanced learners with an interest in historical literature and its impact.
This well-established reference guide to modern Dutch grammar, suitable for learners from beginner to intermediate level. It provides clear explanations and examples, and includes exercises for practice. It reliable resource for solidifying grammatical understanding.
Focuses specifically on Dutch verb conjugation, which key aspect of mastering the language. It provides comprehensive conjugations for commonly used verbs, making it a valuable reference tool for learners at all levels looking to improve their fluency and accuracy.
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Provides a solid introduction to Dutch grammar with accompanying exercises. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, offering a balanced approach between grammar explanations and practical application. It helps solidify understanding through practice.
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This handbook offers a practical guide to teaching and learning reading comprehension. It covers various aspects of comprehension, including vocabulary development, inferencing, and critical thinking. It valuable resource for educators and students alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of reading comprehension strategies, including theoretical foundations, research findings, and practical applications. It is suitable for students, educators, and researchers interested in developing and improving reading comprehension skills.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/v2r8b6/introduction
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Time
9 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institution
University of Groningen
Instructors
Jeroen van Engen
Margriet Hidding
Tom Spits
Birgit Lijmbach
Simone Pentermann
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