Tiivistelmä

On our Dutch courses at Helsingin aikuisopisto you can start learning Dutch from scratch or continue after the beginners’ level. In spring 2027 we offer a beginners’ continuation course (A1.1) for learners who have studied Dutch for about one term and a short course in May, First steps in Dutch, which is ideal before a summer trip to the Netherlands, for example. Classes are held at our building in Töölö (Runeberginkatu 22–24), and the courses cost €59 and €134. If you know Swedish or German, Dutch may feel surprisingly familiar right from the start.

Please note that our Dutch courses are taught in Finnish and Dutch. The language of instruction is always shown in the course details in the registration system. See all our courses taught in English.

The Dutch language

Dutch is the mother tongue of around 23 million people, mainly in the Netherlands and northern Belgium. It is also spoken in the former Dutch colonies in the Caribbean and in Suriname. Flemish, spoken in Belgium, is considered the same language as Dutch, although it has dialectal differences. The official languages of Belgium are therefore Dutch, French and German. Dutch is closely related to German and the Scandinavian languages, so if you know Swedish or German, Dutch may already seem surprisingly familiar!

Which course is right for you?

If you want to…Explore
try Dutch before a trip or just for funFirst steps in Dutch
prepare for the autumn beginners’ courseFirst steps in Dutch
continue Dutch after about one term of studyDutch beginners’ continuation

Courses in spring 2027

This list is based on the published spring 2027 programme. You can always find up-to-date information, course descriptions and available places in the registration system. Classes are held at Runeberginkatu 22–24. The Finnish course name is shown in brackets.

At beginner level an enthusiastic attitude is all you need to get started. You learn to greet people, introduce yourself and order food and drink, and on the continuation course you work towards managing simple conversations when travelling and in everyday life.

  • First steps in Dutch, level 0 (Ensiaskeleet hollannin kieleen): Wed 18.00–20.00, 28 Apr – 19 May 2027, Norman Langerak, €59. Greetings, introducing yourself and ordering food and drink, as well as Dutch culture with sightseeing tips. No previous study needed. Materials are included in the price.
  • Dutch beginners’ continuation, A1.1 (Hollannin alkeiden jatko): Wed 17.00–18.30, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, Norman Langerak, €134. Ordering in a restaurant, expressing opinions and writing short messages, as well as grammar such as plurals, adjectives, the imperative and negation. For learners with about one term of Dutch. Textbook: Contact! Nieuw 1, chapters 5–8.

See also

Good to know

  • Location: Runeberginkatu 22–24, Helsinki. How to find us
  • Language of instruction: The courses are taught in Finnish and Dutch.
  • Levels: The course levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (level 0, A1). Read more about language levels
  • Textbooks: Textbooks are not included in the course fee unless the course details say otherwise. We recommend that you buy the textbook right after the first class. You can buy textbooks from bookshops, online bookshops and publishers’ websites. We do not supply textbooks.
  • Payment: Language courses cannot be paid for with Edenred or Epassi culture and sport benefits. If your employer offers a tax-free culture benefit (up to €400 a year) that you would like to use for language studies, we can make a separate agreement with your employer. You choose the course, and we invoice the full fee or the part your employer covers directly to your employer. Please contact our study guidance or office for more information.
  • Certificate: You can request a certificate from our office once the course has ended.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Dutch courses taught in English? No. The courses are taught in Finnish and Dutch.

Can I start Dutch from scratch in spring? Yes. First steps in Dutch (level 0) starts at the end of April, and no previous study is needed. It is also a good introduction if you are thinking of starting Dutch on the autumn beginners’ course.

Is Dutch easy to learn if I know Swedish or German? Dutch is closely related to German and the Scandinavian languages, so many words and structures may feel familiar right from the start if you know Swedish or German.

Can I join a course that has already started? Yes, you can still join the Dutch beginners’ continuation course after it has started. Register for the course but do not pay, and email toimisto@helao.fi to tell us when you will start. We will send you a payment link with an adjusted price.

Can I pay with Edenred or Epassi? No. Language courses cannot be paid for with culture and sport benefits. You can, however, use a tax-free culture benefit from your employer through a separate agreement. Please contact our office for more information.

Registration

Browse all our Dutch courses and register online. Our study guidance can help you choose a course and answer questions about your studies. For more information about our Dutch courses, please contact Niina Kerppola, Head of Foreign Languages, at niina.kerppola@helao.fi.