Learn Dutch
The Dutch language belongs to the West Germanic language family, together with the English and German language.
The Dutch Government emphasizes the integration of people who are staying and living in The Netherlands. It starts with the Dutch Civic Integration Examination (basisexamen inburgering) abroad. Everybody who wants to apply for a residence permit for familiy reunion (join partner/spouse) has to pass this exam. If the exam is not passed, the application for the residence permit cannot be started and the authorization for temporary stay (MVV) cannot be obtained.
This exam contains basic Dutch language skills, knowledge of the Dutch society and reading and writing basic Dutch text. Lessons in the Dutch language must be continued after arrival in the Netherlands in order to reach the level NT2 Dutch language within 3,5 years. Most Municipalities can help you and offer you the integration course, at reduced, state-aided rates.
Everybody who applies for a residence permit for indefinite period (onbpeaalde tijd), for an independent residence permit (voortgezet verblijf) or a Dutch passport (which is possible after having obtained 5 continuous years residence in the Netherlands), must have passed the Dutch exam at level NT2.
Dutch is not only spoken in The Netherlands but also in the Flemish part of Belgium, Suriname and in smaller groups in the former Dutch colonies, such as Aruba and the Dutch Antilles. Although the Netherlands are a multicultural and multilingual country, the Dutch language is very important when you want to live in The Netherlands.
To speed up or to specialise your Dutch language skills, you can always take extra private lessons.
