Upper-Intermediate Dutch (B1 → B2)

This advanced course prepares you for the Staatsexamen NT2 programma 2. It deals with the four skills listening, reading, writing and speaking, and there will be time to repeat and expand your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

In this course you work towards language level B2. The course is suitable if you have completed our Intermediate Dutch (B1) course or if you have achieved B1 level through other means. If you have not completed our B1 course, it is important that you take our free placement test. That way we can make sure you are entering at the right level. Furthermore, our courses are aimed at college and university graduates, so the learning pace is relatively fast. Finally, we use English as a supporting language. So it is important that you understand English to understand additional information.

• This Upper-Intermediate Dutch (B2) course consists of 34 sessions of 1 hour and 45 minutes at Babel in Utrecht or the virtual classroom.
• To make sure you learn as much as possible, we expect you to spend about eight hours a week on self-study. Of course, you will receive study material and assignments for this, which will be discussed during the classes.

In this course you will work towards language level B2.

After completing the course you will be able to:

• understand the main idea of complex texts, both with concrete and abstract subjects, including technical discourse in your own professional field. You can react fluently and spontaneously, in such a way that a normal exchange is possible with native speakers of Dutch, without any strain on either side.
• produce a clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, and you can give your opinion on a topical issue and give advantages as well as disadvantages of different options.

• The language of instruction is Dutch.
• You can order all books required for the course on our special book page. Please make sure you bring your books to the first session.
• You will receive a certificate if you attend at least 80% of the classes.
• If you work or study at Utrecht University you will receive a 15% discount. Please register with your UU email address. Your registration will then be processed automatically.

• In this course we use the book ‘De finale‘. This book is especially designed to prepare highly educated people for programme II of the Staatsexamen NT2. Besides practical assignments and exercises that also come back on the exam, the book also contains a language aid with practical tips and a reference book for grammar.
• Assignments will be made in class, in groups, pairs or individually.
• During the course you will practise with a few mock exams to prepare for the State exam NT2 (Dutch as a second language) programme II.