Learning Dutch
Would you like to learn to speak, write and read Dutch better? Do you want to actively participate in society or are you required to take a civic integration course? Different courses and programmes are available in The Hague.
Approximately 1 in 10 residents of The Hague has difficulty reading and writing. This includes people who were born in the Netherlands and went to school here.
For other people speaking, reading and writing are tough because Dutch is their second language. This can lead to problems, for example, at work, in shops, at home when reading aloud to (grand) children, at school or at the doctor.
Speak, read and write Dutch better
There are many ways to learn Dutch:
- ROC Mondriaan offers many different language classes, for example the Dutch as a second language course. Look at the Begin external link: website of ROC Mondriaan(External link), end external link. for more information.
- Taal aan Zee provides Dutch language lessons to isolated foreign women, asylum seekers and refugees. Read more on the Begin external link: website of Taal aan Zee(External link), end external link..
- The Begin external link: website Oefenen.nl(External link), end external link. offers online programmes and exercises for you to improve your Dutch reading and writing skills.
- You can borrow Dutch language course materials from The Hague Public Library. Are you taking a language course from a certified organisation? Then you can have free library membership for 2 years. Library staff can tell you more about the conditions. Go to Begin external link: Nederlands leren(External link), end external link. (website of The Hague Public Library) for more information.
Taalhuis in the Central Library
Would you like to improve your Dutch reading, writing and/or speaking ability? Or do you want to learn how to use the internet or make online video calls? Visit Begin external link: Taalhuis Den Haag(External link), end external link. on the 2nd floor of the Central Library. Volunteers there can help you find a suitable language course in The Hague. There is also a collection of materials you can check out of the library and use to work at home.
Studying in the Netherlands
Would you like to study in the Netherlands and do you need proof that you have a good command of Dutch? Then you can take the Nederlands als tweede taal (Nt2), or State Exam Dutch as a Second Language. This exam is intended for people aged 17 and older who wish to become Dutch citizens, work, or study in the Netherlands. More information about the Nt2 exam, costs and registration is on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..
Getting Dutch citizenship
To get Dutch citizenship, you are required to learn Dutch. If you would like Dutch nationality, you need to pass the civic integration examination. More information can be found on the Begin external link: website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)(External link), end external link. and at Begin external link: Integration in the Netherlands(External link), end external link..
Language requirement for welfare benefits
If you apply for benefits, you will be subject to a Dutch language requirement. See Begin link: Language requirement when receiving benefits, end link. .
Video
How important is language for participating in society? A colourful and diverse group of immigrants living in The Hague give you their answer.
Bekijk de video Taal kent veel vormen (YouTube channel of The Municipality of The Hague) (External link)
Also see
Find a private language school on the websites below: