Learning how to speak, read and write Dutch

Would you like to speak or improve your Dutch, improve your calculation skills or your computer skills? You can! And often free of charge. You have the following options.

• Attending a Dutch Language School
• Learning and working, with language classes
• Practicing in the library
• Practicing with a volunteer
• Self-practicing

Dutch Language School

There are two schools where you can learn to speak, read and write Dutch free of charge:

• Danner en Danner. Register via their website.
• TopTaal. Register via their website.

Both schools offer language classes for different target groups. The courses take 3 months to complete, 6 hours a week.

The (classroom) training is conducted at various locations and times in our region. When you have attended classes for at least 80% of the time and your language skills have improved, you can continue to follow free lessons for another three months.

What are the criteria for attending the selected language schools for free?

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are an EU citizen living in the Gooi en Vechtstreek region OR You are a non-EU citizen living in the Gooi en Vechtstreek region and you have successfully completed the integration course

The Gooi en Vechtstreek region includes Hilversum, Blaricum, Bussum, Naarden, Muiden, Huizen, Laren, Wijdemeren and Eemnes.

Would you like to participate? Do you have any questions?

You can register via the websites of Danner & Danner or TopTaal. If you need any help, fill out this form and we will contact you.

Learning and working, with language classes

Baan.Talent collaborates with the MBO College Hilversum and WijkLeerbedrijf. You can develop professional skills and learn the Dutch language at the same time.

Dutch language course and learning how to work in healthcare

You will learn and work in the healthcare or facilities sector during 2 to 3 half days. You can attend Dutch language classes if necessary. Click here to find out more.

Dutch language course and learning how to become a cook

You will learn how to work as a basic cook. You will attend lessons two days a week and will be doing traineeship one day a week. You can also attend Dutch language classes during one day a week, if necessary. Click here for more information.

Learning outside our region

Would you like to learn a new profession? Do you need extra Dutch language classes? You can combine both in Amsterdam or Hoofddorp. Click here for more information.

Practicing at the library

The library offers free classes and opportunities to practice Dutch for free. You can also improve your calculation or computer skills. The library has a language café and there are language buddies who can support you. Volunteers will help you fill out forms and other documents that may be difficult to understand.

Learning Dutch

• At the Bussum, Huizen, Laren, Eemnes, Muiden and Loosdrecht libraries:
  • Reading, writing, conversing in Dutch. Click here to find out more.
  • Language café (Taalcafé): learning Dutch in (small) groups. Click here for more information.
  • Taalmaatjes (language buddies): Practicing one-on-one with language buddies. Click here to find out more.
• At the Hilversum library:
  • Reading, writing, listening, conversing in Dutch. Click here for more information.

Learning computer skills

Would you like to improve your computer skills? The library can help

• At the Bussum, Huizen, Laren, Eemnes, Muiden, Naarden, Nederhorst den Berg and Loosdrecht libraries. Click here for more information. What you can learn:
  • How to use the computer, practicing with a digimaatje (digital buddy)
  • How to be safe on the internet
  • How to participate in society using the computer
• At the Hilversum library. What you can learn:
  • How to use public services, for example how to deal with local authorities, the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) and the tax authorities. Click here for more information.
  • How to use the computer and the internet, for example social media or Seniorweb. Click here for more information.

Learning how to manage your budget and improving your calculation skills

This can be done at the libraries of Gooi+. Click here for more information.

Practicing with a volunteer

Would you like to practice Dutch with a volunteer, a language buddy?

• Click here for a list of volunteers in Hilversum.
• Click here for a list of volunteers in Gooise Meren.
• Click here for a list of volunteers in Bussum, Huizen, Laren and Eemnes.

Stichting Maatjesproject

Would you like to learn and practice Dutch with a buddy through Maatjesproject? Click here for more information.

Maatjesproject is a project for inhabitants of Hilversum, Naarden, Muiden, Bussum, ’s Graveland, Kortenhoef, Loosdrecht, Ankeveen, Nederhorst den Berg, Breukeleveen and Weesp.

Other options

• Informatiepunt Gooi: Learning the Dutch language, improving calculation skills or computer skills in our region. Enter your postal code or place of residence and find out what options are offered in your neighborhood. Click here for more information.
• Maatschappelijke Zaken: Practicing the Dutch language in Huizen, Blaricum, Eemnes or Laren. Click here for more information.
• Taalcafés (language cafes): You can visit the language cafe in all branches of the Gooi+ library. Click here for more information.
• Integration and the Dutch language: For help with learning Dutch and integration, you can contact the libraries of Gooi+. Click here for more information.

Practicing online

You can practice Dutch online with a buddy for free. Click here for more information.

Practicing by yourself

Would you like to self-practice Dutch and test your skills for free?

• Practicing via oefenen.nl
• Practicing for work via WERK-portal.nl
• Practicing how to spell
• Practicing with Duolingo

Calculation and/or managing budget

Would you like to learn how to manage your budget more efficiently or to improve your calculation skills? Courses are offered free of charge through these sites:

• Beter rekenen
• Geld en rekenen via WERK-portal.nl
• Snap je geld

Computer skills

Would you like to self-practice using the computer? Click here to do so via WERK-portal.nl.