In-company Dutch course at your office: help your international staff feel at home

Dutch lessons that help international teams feel more confident, connected and at home.

Curious if we're a match?

Happy expats graduating from their Dutch language course in Amsterdam with Noémie Winkel

Trusted by teams at:

"As an HR professional working for bunq, I highly recommend More than Les for in-company Dutch courses. What truly sets them apart is their exceptional organization. [...] serve as a fantastic form of team building. Most importantly, our international employees now feel more at home in the Netherlands." - Google Review

In-company Dutch course on-site or online and build new friendships within your company

What to expect from our Dutch language course for internationals?

Loved by international teams

Trusted by teams at bunq, TNW, Corendon, IDH and 100+ other companies for more than 10 years

"More than Les has made a positive impact on our team, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results"​

Welcome your colleagues with an in-company Dutch course for employees

Being able to speak Dutch is more than just a language: it's a sense of coming home

An in-company Dutch course for employees does make a difference! You know how it goes, right? You walk into the office kitchen in the morning for a cup of coffee. A small group of colleagues is chatting cheerfully about their weekend. There’s laughter, and jokes flying back and forth. But one international colleague is standing there, smiling a bit awkwardly. They get the vibe, but not the words. It’s that moment when you realize: work is about so much more than just hitting targets and meeting deadlines. It’s about belonging.

At More than Les, we believe that a language course shouldn’t feel like a mandatory chore or a boring lesson in a stuffy classroom. It’s the key to connection. For international employees, learning Dutch is often the crucial step toward no longer feeling like a guest, but a full-fledged part of the team, and of Dutch society. That’s exactly why we offer an in-company Dutch course for employees that’s different from what you’re used to. No cramming until you drop, but learning with fun, humor, and situations you can apply right away the next day at the coffee machine.

Why Dutch skills are a workplace superpower

You might be wondering: “Is learning Dutch really necessary? Don’t we all speak English just fine here?” Especially in the tech sector, at startups, or at large international companies like ASML or hotels, English is often the working language. And that works just fine for substantive meetings. But what about the social glue that holds a team together?

The magic of a company culture often lies in the nuances. The jokes during lunch, the informal chats in the hallways, or understanding Dutch directness (which can take some getting used to!). When international colleagues learn Dutch, something special happens. Barriers come down. Mutual understanding grows. It demonstrates commitment from both sides: the employee invests in the culture, and you, as an employer, invest in their future and well-being.

In addition, we see in practice that absenteeism can decrease and retention increases. Employees who feel at home and speak the language are happier and stay longer. It is one of the most powerful tools for employer branding. You’re showing: you’re welcome here, and we’ll help you find your way. Not just at the office, but also at the supermarket or the doctor’s office.

Transform your workplace with an in-company Dutch course for employees

Our approach: Feel at home, playful and personal

Expats having fun during their Dutch language course at More than Les, Amsterdam.

Fun game at Vesper

Let’s be honest: after a long day at work, no one feels like spending another two hours listening to a teacher who just lectures. That’s why we do things a little differently at More than Les. Our style is warm, playful, and above all: interactive. We believe in “chat, chat, chat.” The focus is on speaking and taking the plunge. It’s okay to make mistakes, in fact, you have to! That’s the only way to learn.

Students from IDH completing their Dutch Language Course at More than Les in Amsterdam

Certification Time at IDH

Our instructors are certified, but more importantly: they know how to energize a group. Whether you have a team of backend developers who mainly want to understand technical jargon, or hospitality staff who want to exude hospitality in Dutch; we tailor the material. We work with real-life case studies. No fictional stories about “John and Mary going to the market” if that’s not relevant, but scenarios that actually play out in your workplace.

Noémie Winkel encouraging her students to speak Dutch as much as possible

Laughing at TNW

Our instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re seasoned guides with over 10 years of experience. Our Dutch in-company courses are taught by professional and experienced teachers who prioritize making a personal connection with every student. We know that strong teacher-student bonds enhance the learning experience.

How to choose the best in-company Dutch course for employees?

Let’s boost your business together!

There are so many options out there, which makes choosing difficult. When you search online, you will read jargon everywhere, it doesn’t make sense. What should you really look for to separate the wheat from the chaff? Here are a few must-haves that make the difference between a course that’s “just okay” and an experience your team will be talking about for years to come:

  • Experience and Certification: Don’t just look at the price, but at the quality. Instructors with over 10 years of experience and the right credentials know exactly how to handle varying skill levels and group dynamics.
  • Personalized Approach: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work with language. Look for a partner that delivers customized solutions. We really take into account who’s in the group.
  • Flexibility: Can the course be held at the office (in-company) or online? And what about the schedule? A good language school adapts to your rhythm, not the other way around.
  • Small groups: In a group of 15 people, you barely get a word in. We keep the groups small (preferably around 8 people) so that everyone receives personal attention.
  • Good reviews: What do others say? Real experiences often give the best picture of the atmosphere and results.
Noémie Winkel, owner More than Les, joyfully teaching her students Dutch
graduation ceremony More than Les in front of an airplane

In-company or online: which works best?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The honest answer? It depends on your situation. A major advantage of an in-company language course (held at your location) is that it literally removes the barrier. Colleagues don’t have to travel; they can walk right from their desks into the class. This often fosters team spirit; learning together in a familiar environment builds a bond. Plus, we can respond immediately to what we see happening on the job.

On the other hand, online classes are ideal for teams that work in a hybrid model or are spread across different locations. Our online classes are just as interactive as the in-person version. We use smart tools and breakout rooms so it doesn’t feel like “just another Zoom meeting,” but rather an energetic session. At More than Les, both options are possible, and we’re happy to work with you to determine what best fits your company culture and logistics.

Practical information in-company Dutch course for employees

Start date, duration, and costs

Of course, you want to know what to expect. How soon can I book an in-company Dutch course for our employees? With us, you can start quickly. Because we work with a flexible team of instructors, you won’t have to wait months on a waiting list. Once we’ve identified your learning goals and proficiency levels, we can often begin at short notice.

How long does an average Dutch language course last?
Our in-company programs usually last 12 to 14 weeks, with classes held twice a week for two hours each session. In practice, this has proven to be the “sweet spot”: intensive enough to make rapid progress, but not so demanding that it conflicts with work commitments. For those who are really in a hurry, we also offer intensive weeks, such as a one-week one-on-one crash course.

What are the costs for an in-company language course?
We prefer to talk about money openly and honestly. An in-company group course at More than Les starts at €3,870 per course. Please note: this is often the price for the entire group (up to about 8 people), not per person. That makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to train. If you compare this to individual training courses outside the company, it is often much more expensive per employee. Of course, we always provide a customized quote based on your specific needs.

Tax benefit: Is investment in language training tax-deductible?

Good news for budget managers: in many cases, investing in Dutch language training is tax-efficient. The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration often considers study costs aimed at earning income or performing better in one’s current job to be tax-free compensation (targeted exemption). Because speaking Dutch in a Dutch company (or a company based in the Netherlands) directly improves employability and communication, a language course usually falls under this category.

This means that as an employer, you may reimburse the costs tax-free or cover them yourself, without this affecting the discretionary allowance under the Work-Related Expenses Scheme (WKR). Note: tax rules can change and depend on specific circumstances, so to be on the safe side, always have this verified by your accountant or tax specialist. But as a general rule: yes, the tax authorities encourage learning!

Level differences and lack of time: Don’t panic
A common concern is the diversity within a team. “Do all employees need to be at the same level?” The ideal scenario is, of course, a homogeneous group, but reality is often different. One person has been living here for three years and picks things up quickly, while another has just arrived. No problem. Before the start, we administer online tests or conduct brief intakes. Based on that, we advise on group placement.

If the skill levels are too far apart, we’ll split the groups or adapt the course material so that everyone is challenged at their own level. The focus is on progress, not perfection. And what if employees have limited time? Since the lessons often take place during work hours or immediately afterward (for example, during lunch or at the end of the day), they take up as little of the employee’s personal time as possible. Plus, because we keep it fun and energetic, it doesn’t feel like “work,” but rather like a pleasant break.

Ready to make the connection?

At More than Les, we’re more than just a language school. We’re your partner in creating a work environment where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re a tech giant or a boutique hotel, we’ll design a program that fits your DNA—warm, personal, and with a healthy dose of fun.
Curious about how we can strengthen your team with an in-company Dutch course for employees? Let’s grab a coffee (or give us a call) to discuss the possibilities. Together, we’ll make sure no one has to stand awkwardly on the sidelines of the conversation anymore.

Noémie Winkel encouraging her students to speak Dutch as much as possible

This course is for your employees, if you want to...

FAQ

In addition to the obvious language skills, you’ll notice an improvement in the overall atmosphere. Misunderstandings caused by cultural differences will decrease. A simple example: Dutch people are direct. To someone from a hierarchical culture, this can come across as blunt. In our lessons, we explain why Dutch people communicate this way. This breaks the ice and prevents friction in the workplace.

From day one. It’s not just about speaking fluently, but about showing goodwill. As soon as an international colleague tries to say, “Good morning, how was your weekend?” you see the appreciation from their Dutch colleagues. The ice is broken. After a few weeks, you’ll notice that the barrier to asking questions lowers, which boosts efficiency.

Absolutely. As mentioned earlier: business meetings go just fine in English. But informal integration, the sense of belonging, and understanding the Dutch context (and customers!) happen in Dutch. It prevents “islands” from forming between expats and locals.

No, definitely not. We start at every level. From absolute beginners (A0) to advanced learners who want to polish their business writing. Our “Survival Dutch” course for beginners is incredibly popular precisely because it gives people immediate confidence.

Language is the vehicle of culture. By learning the language, colleagues better understand each other’s backgrounds. It reduces the “us-versus-them” culture. Moreover, taking a course together creates a shared experience. Struggling together with the pronunciation of “Scheveningen” builds a bond that no team-building session in the countryside can match.

Perfectly. Learning & Development is about developing talent. A language course contributes to personal development, communication skills, and cultural intelligence. It is tangible proof of good employment practices.

Noémie Winkel, owner More than Les, energetically teaching an in-company Dutch course in Amsterdam