Dutch lessons for people who've just moved to Belgium or the Netherlands.
Online, one to one, taught in English or German by a native speaker from Ghent.
Taught in English or German.
You don't need Dutch to learn Dutch.
Flemish or Dutch from the Netherlands.
I teach both, and I'll tell you where they differ.
Online, on your schedule.
Book a 40 or 60 minute slot that suits you.
Most of my students moved for work, for a partner, or both. So did I.
When I moved from Ghent to Hamburg, I had to build a life in a language I barely spoke: forms I couldn't read, conversations I could only half follow, and the slow work of making friends and settling in with my partner. I'm still regularly taking German classes. So I know what it takes, and what actually helps.
My students come from all over the world and they're in very different places: some need to pass an integration exam, some want to follow a conversation with their in-laws, some are just tired of switching to English at the bakery. What they have in common is a busy life and not much patience for textbook lessons that don't match the language they actually hear. That's where I start.
Preparing for an integration or language exam?
Inburgering in Flanders or the Netherlands, the Staatsexamen NT2, or Dutch for nationality. I'll help you work out exactly which exam and level apply to you, and then prepare you for that one, not for Dutch in general.
Exam preparation →I'm Merlijn. I grew up in Ghent, trained as a teacher, and have taught languages for years, to the children of diplomats and executives and to adults at companies like Philips, Nike, PwC and KPMG. I know what it's like to learn a language as an adult, because I've done it myself, more than once.
More about me →
What students say
I couldn't speak Dutch at all when we started. … I passed - all the components … Merlijn made me feel well-drilled and relaxed at the same time.
Merlijn is very understanding of the mistakes I make and builds up the class around them so that I can learn more efficiently.
Thank you for a great experience, and being so helpful, patient and making the classes fun! … I already feel the difference in communication here - being able to follow along conversations.
like hear a podcast, not boring
Merlijn is always in a good mood and we can joke together (in the language I'm learning)! … Merlijn goes the extra mile.
Very patient with answering my questions. Typing the mistakes I made is always very helpful. Also very helpful with correcting my pronunciations of certain words and sounds.
You make the classes fun, conversational and easygoing. You create an environment that makes us feel comfortable to try and to learn!
Real feedback from my students, shared with their permission.
The first lesson is about you: where you are, what you need, and whether we work well together.Book a trial lesson