Dutch Level 4

Dutch Level 4

Course Description

Level 4 Classes: this course suits people who have recently completed Level 3 or have acquired a level of language which means they can, for example, communicate simply about themselves and about a few past experiences, can compare options and express simple future plans (see level 3 key communicative and grammatical points for more detail). In this class, you will develop your confidence to be able to tackle more situations when abroad or speaking to a native speaker of Dutch. In Level 4, we work at the A2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages*).

Term duration: 10x weekly classes, Monday evenings, 18:15 - 20:15

Communicative themes may cover: 

• Explaining in simple terms why you are learning a language

• Talking or writing about relationships

• Describing/asking questions about one’s work, careers and studies

• Formulating opinions about the digital world in simple ways

• Making predictions for the future

• Talking or writing about how things used to be, and memories

• Understanding/communicating about some current events

• Talking about what you would do in certain situations 

 Key grammatical points covered may include: 

• Perfect and simple future tenses uses (revision)  

• The imperfect tense and its uses. e.g. Toen ik jong was, speelde ik gitaar 

• ‘Mixed’ past tense forms: e.g. ik bakte, ik heb gebakken

• The conditional tense. e.g. Als ik jou was, zou ik dat niet doen 

• Form and position of object pronouns, e.g. ik geef het haar; ik geef haar het boek 

• Phrasal verbs and use of hier-, daar-, -er – e.g. ik wacht erop

• Adjective + om te + infinitive, e.g. dat is leuk om te doen

Note that we adapt the pace of the class to the needs and interests of the group, so the listed themes and grammar may be subject to change and are not meant to be exhaustive.  

Homework may be set between classes, though we do understand that the constraints of everyday life may make it difficult to complete at times. You are under no obligation to complete the homework, but revision of the weekly lessons is strongly encouraged to allow you to make excellent progress and benefit fully from the course.  

Each week you will practise most if not all four communicative skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). You will be encouraged to take an active part in all activities which can include games, pair and group work as well as individual tasks. We aim to establish a friendly, inclusive atmosphere in the classroom so that all students can express themselves freely and increase their confidence.  

*CEFR levels indicated on our level descriptors are not a guarantee that you can take the associated CNaVT exam (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal) for this level. If you would like to take the CNaVT (there is an exam centre at UCL in London – the first level is A2), please speak to your tutor to discuss what they think would be most appropriate.