Frequently asked questions
At Tutor Dutch we believe that learning to speak like a native consists of two parts: having a solid language foundation and having ample opportunity to practice speaking. With our conversational classes students learn to speak in a safe and encouraging environment with feedback from an experienced native speaking tutor after every conversation. Building up your speaking confidence makes it much easier to speak Dutch in situations outside of the classroom
After every conversation both students will get feedback in English about vocabulary and the correct use of words, grammar, interaction, fluency, coherency and pronunciation. The conversation between the students will be mostly uninterrupted, unless a mistake is very consistently made and requires immediate feedback. During the conversation the tutor will take notes and share this feedback directly after each conversation. The tutor will guide the conversation when needed and encourages full sentences, asking follow up questions and discourages the use of English during the conversation
How often do you recommend to take classes?
We recommend to have at least one conversational class a week to create and keep momentum. Most of our students combine private classes with conversational classes so as to be able to directly integrate and practice with their newly acquired language skills
How are students being paired?
Students are being paired based on their language level/ their goals (business Dutch/ daily life conversations) and their interests. It is also possible and recommended to join the conversational classes as a pair
Are tailor-made individual classes/ classes on a specific theme possible?
Absolutely. We recommend taking some private classes on specific (grammar/ pronunciation) topics when you notice something is repetitively challenging during the conversational classes. The private class can focus on that specific topic and it’s normally possible to solve the issue within one class. Talk to your tutor when you would like to book in a private Dutch class or fill in the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible
How does Tutor Dutch selects her tutors?
Our Dutch native tutors all grew up in the Netherlands, have a neutral accent (ABN – Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands) and have at least 5 years of experience teaching a language (English and Dutch). All of our tutors speak English on at least C1 level and have experience in business settings
What courses/ books do you recommend for extra self-study?
Books
The books that we use most in our private classes are:
Nederlands in Gang (conversation/ vocabulary A1 – A2 level)(affiliate link bol.com)
Nederlands in Actie (conversation/ vocabulary A2 – B1 level)
De Sprong (affiliate link bol.com)
De Opmaat for grammar (affiliate link bol.com)
Word lists
To build up your vocabulary we recommend these two wordlists: (most common words B1/ B2 link)
Podcasts
Dutch podcast has many very useful classes on vocabulary and pronunciation
https://www.dutchpod101.com/dutch-word-lists/?coreX=100
Blogs/ YouTube
Dutch with Kim
Apps
Wrds
What is your cancellation policy
Lessons can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the class starts. After 24 hours the class will be deducted from the package. Please keep in mind that your fellow student will be affected as well by a cancellation so commit to the classes that you schedule in in advance. If cancellations are made more than 24 hours in advance the class will be rescheduled to a different day
What are your terms and conditions?
Please click here to see our full terms and conditions
