How Dutch Online helps expats break the A1 level barrier
Let’s be honest. If you're living in the Netherlands as an expat, the chances are you've tried to learn Dutch at some point. A class here, an app there. Maybe a workbook. Maybe even a few live lessons. And yet... how confident are you in speaking Dutch today?
If you feel stuck somewhere between “Ik wil een koffie” and “Sorry, spreken jullie Engels?”, you’re not alone. Most expats never progress past A1, and not because they’re lazy or bad at languages, but because traditional Dutch learning methods were never designed for their lives. Dutch Online is.
The expat reality
Life here is busy. You work, commute, maybe care for a family, all while not speaking Dutch. Suddenly, learning more Dutch doesn't seem like a priority.
Add in expensive courses that provide slow progress and rigid schedules, and the result is clear: Expats are expected to learn Dutch in a system that was not designed for them.
Yet while nearly everyone speaks English, not speaking Dutch can still hold you back. It’s hard to understand documents, leases or public announcements with only rudimentary Dutch, which can lead to serious complications in daily life.
You might find yourself hesitating at the gemeente, in the pharmacy or during your child’s school meeting, and sometimes opt for the easiest thing to say rather than actually expressing yourself. Your social life is also impacted, as you can miss out on small talk with Dutch colleagues and neighbours.
What learners actually want
What expats have been asking for is simple:
- Let me learn in my own time.
- Give me Dutch I can actually use.
- Make the lessons structured and up-to-date.
- Let me ask questions, not just follow a textbook.
- And please… don’t charge me €2.000 for it!
This is exactly what Dutch Online sets out to provide.
A platform shaped by its learners
This is not just another language app or one-size-fits-all course. Dutch Online is a CEFR-aligned e-learning platform designed with and for expats in the Netherlands. The online platform lets you learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere, and you don't have to be alone while doing it. You can join in with live webinars for real-life support.
Dutch Online has compiled over six years of feedback from students of all types and created a learning system that provides what people actually want. The information and resources you can draw on are more extensive than any textbook. You can practise with over 2.000 practical words, 1.500 real-life sentences and 6.000 exercises with audio, visuals and context (and these figures are growing each day!).
At the moment, Dutch Online includes all the listening, reading and writing skills you need, with speaking features coming soon so you can start talking like a native too. Right now, you can earn an official A1 or A2 certificate, which is fully online and shareable, so you can prove your level to potential employees, and soon B1 level will be available too.
Transparent subscription options
Everyone's learning habits and finances are different. That's why Dutch Online offers two clear subscription models:
- Monthly: Pay monthly for unlimited access to the platform, and know that you can cancel at any time with no penalties. Perfect for individuals who don't have time every month to dedicate to Dutch learning.
- Annual: Pay a one-off fee for full access for a whole year. You save money over a year's monthly subscription and can plan your learning schedule well in advance. Perfect for the dedicated student!
Neither option has any sign-up or other hidden fees, and you can try a free three-day trial of either to see how you like the teaching style. Most learners begin to understand Dutch texts, emails and conversations within just a few weeks, even if they start from scratch.
If you're a business interested in arranging access for your team, tailored pricing is available upon request.
More to come
And we’re just getting started. Later this year, Dutch Online will launch:
- A mobile app for even easier access.
- A full inburgering course to help you pass the exams with confidence.
- The full B1 level, for learners ready to move beyond the basics.
- An AI teacher that can correct your pronunciation so that you can practice your conversation skills at home.
Dutch Online grows with your life and your goals.
Supporting expat teams
Dutch Online is not just for individuals. They also help international teams, HR departments and relocation partners onboard and support expats faster. Features to support professional use of the platform include:
- Seat-based user management.
- Usage analytics and progress tracking.
- One central dashboard for your organisation.
- Tailored pricing structures.
If you are supporting Dutch learning at scale, get in touch to discuss how Dutch Online can help.
Start speaking Dutch with structure and support
If you've been telling yourself, “I really should work on my Dutch…”, this is your moment. You get instant access to the full platform when you subscribe, including lessons, webinars and a clear path to certification.
In addition to your three-day free trial, IamExpat readers get an exclusive 30% discount on the annual plan. Simply head over to Dutch Online today and sign up with the code IAMEXPAT30. Visit Dutch-Online.com and start your free trial today.