FAQ
Questions about Dutch lessons
Does the Dutch Language House Brussels also give advice to children? Open
No, the Dutch Language House only assists people from the age of 16.
Can the Dutch Language House Brussels enrol me in a French-speaking school? Open
No, we provide you with information on Dutch courses in Dutch-speaking centres for adult education. Information about French-speaking schools can be found on the Promosoc website.
Where can I take lessons? Open
You take lessons online or in a classroom. There are lessons in every Brussels municipality, for example in community centres. Not every location offers all types of Dutch courses. We will review your language level and situation to see where you can take your course.
Does the Dutch Language House Brussels itself offer courses? Open
No. You will receive information on the courses of the CVO (adult education centres) and Ligo Brusselleer (centre for basic education). The Dutch Language House Brussels will help you identify which courses suit you and will help you to register to register for the course that suits you.
Would you like to know more about the schools? See their websites:
When can I take lessons? Open
You take lessons in the morning, afternoon or in the evening. There are no lessons during the school holidays of the Dutch-speaking education system. You will receive more information on the lesson schedule during your consultation at the Dutch Language House Brussels.
When should I register? Open
You can drop in to enrol throughout the whole year, however there is a broader selection of courses available in September and January.
How does an online course work? Open
Online lessons require a computer or laptop with camera and microphone. Also, we strongly advise you to find a quiet place with stable internet connection, where you can concentrate without being disturbed.
Questions about self-study
Do I need to be enrolled at the Dutch Language House Brussels? Open
No, that's not necessary; you only need to make an appointment for self-study advice. If you are visiting the Dutch Language House in person, for the first time, we will assess your language level during the consultation and prepare your file.
Will the Dutch Language House Brussels guide me in my self-study? Open
No, we do not provide guidance with your self-study course. However, will will offer you all the necessary self-study tools during the consultation. If you then have any other questions, we will be pleased to help you via e-mail.
Can I buy the learning materials from you? Open
No, we don’t sell learning materials. We will offer you all the information needed to purchase the learning materials from a bookshop or borrow it from a library.
Will there be an exam, or can I obtain a certificate? Open
No. We will explain how and where you can test your language level during your self-study course. You can also take certain tests at the Dutch Language House.
Can I improve my language level through self-study? Open
Can I also receive self-study advice via e-mail? Open
No. Self-study starts with a personal consultation. We will get to know you better during this consultation. This means we can work together to determine which self-study material is best for you. Choose between a consultation online or in the Dutch Language House.
What is the difference between an online appointment and a physical appointment at the Dutch Language House Brussels? Open
If you come to the Dutch Language House, you can view our collection of self-study materials. This will help you to decide which method best suits you. There are no other differences between an online consultation and a physical consultation at the Dutch Language House.
How long does the consultation take? Open
The consultation takes approximately 45 minutes. We will listen to your needs and offer advice on self-study materials. We will also offer you advice about planning and tell you where you can practise Dutch. If this is your first appointment at the Dutch Language House, we will also take the time to prepare your file during the consultation.
Can I make another visit after my appointment? Open
You are always welcome to make a second or even a third visit. You will no doubt have new questions as your language level improves. So simply make a new appointment. We will be pleased to help.
Questions about practising Dutch
Can anyone take part in your activities for practising Dutch? Open
Yes, anyone over the age of 16 can participate in our activities. There are activities for all language levels. So even if you only know a little Dutch, you can take part in activities.
From what age can I take part in the activities? Open
You are welcome to join our activities from the age of 16. Are you under the age of 16 and do you want to practise Dutch? Or are you looking for a Dutch-speaking activity for your child? Have a look at www.jonginbrussel.be, www.muntpunt.be or www.uitinbrussel.be
What language level do I need? Open
There are activities at various levels. Do you want to know which activity best suits you? Check out the 'taaliconen'. They indicate the level of Dutch required to complete each activity comfortably. More than 200 organisations in Brussels and Flanders use them.
What do I need? Open
The information next to each activity tells you what you need. You don't need anything for most activities. Most activities are free, but sometimes you need to register.
Are all the activities in a group? Open
Most of the activities are in a group. If you prefer activities that are not in a group, please visit www.patati.be. Here you can find a partner to practise Dutch with.
When do your activities for practising Dutch take place? Open
Most conversation activities take place on weekdays in the morning, afternoon or evening. There are also activities that you do on weekends or at your own pace, such as Plonge and Patati. Looking for an activity at a specific time? Use the filter at huisnederlandsbrussel.be/oefenen.
Questions about certification tests
Why do I need pre-screening for a certification test? Open
A certification test takes a long time and must be paid for. Pre-screening tells you whether you are ready for the test.
Questions about playing Plonge in a group (info for group guides)
What do teachers or group guides need to do during the game? Open
You can choose one of three roles:
Game moderator:
- You start the game and choose the teams.
- You don’t play the game yourself.
- You do award the scores during the game. You are actively involved throughout the duration of the game.
Participant:
- You start the game and choose the teams.
- You play the game just like the other participants.
- The participants award each other scores.
No role:
- You start the game and choose the teams.
- You don’t participate in the game and have no active role. You can relax with a coffee and wait for the game to end.
- The participants award each other scores.
How many participants is the game designed for? Open
The group game is suitable for groups from 6 to 50 players. A group is divided into teams. Each team consists of 3 to 5 participants.
Do participants have to use their own smartphone? Open
Yes, the game is played using the participants' smartphones. Each participant uses his/her own smartphone to follow the route and the game.
What if some participants don’t have their own smartphone? Open
At least 1 smartphone per team is required. Everyone should preferably use their own device to ensure optimal involvement and interaction. Unable to do so? No problem: participants without a smartphone can follow along on a teammate's smartphone.
Can participants take a break during the game? Open
The game has a set timer which runs out automatically. A long break during the game is therefore not a good idea.
Do I need anything else, or should I bring something with me? Open
Read the game moderator's instructions prior to starting the game. Print them out and bring them with you so that you can read them during the game. Also bring your own smartphone to start the game.
How do I create teams? Open
Once all the players have created a profile, you divide the group into teams. Choose the number of players per team. The teams will automatically be formed by the app. You can still switch players between teams. You can do this by clicking the ‘Change’ button next to the name of the player who wants to switch team. Remember to click the save icon (floppy disk) to confirm the team change.
Can I add players if the game is already in progress? Open
No. All the players must be added before the teams are formed.
How do I add players to the game? Open
Either have them scan the QR code, or send them an e-mail containing a link to log in. You can send the e-mail by clicking the QR code. You will then be given the opportunity to enter an e-mail address. If all the players have created a profile, you can go to the next screen. Here you will get the last chance to add players. Don't allow players go to game.plonge.be. This link is for supervisors only.
Can you participate without an e-mail address? Open
No. You will need an e-mail address to create a profile and you will not be able to participate without a profile.
When does the game finish? Open
When the timer runs out. Or if the game is stopped manually. To do this, click ‘Stop this route’ in the menu. You can then send a message to the players.
When does the timer start running? Open
If you click ‘Start the game’, and then ‘ok’, the timer will start running. Let the players go to the starting point before clicking ‘ok’. Otherwise, they may lose valuable time on their way to the starting point.
A player has closed the browser and can no longer enter the game. What now? Open
All the players received an e-mail containing a link. This link allows them to log in again. Attention: This email usually lands in the spam or adverts folder.
I have opted for a game where players give each other scores. How do they do this? Open
Players give each other points by choosing ‘Give scores to the teams‘ in the menu. They can do this during the game or after the last assignment.
Refresh? Open
The refresh button is often the solution to a problem. Sometimes a screen doesn't load, or something doesn’t appear. Refresh your screen if this happens.
How do I show the whole group what the teams have submitted? Open
When the game has finished, you can project what the teams have submitted. It's fun to watch each other's videos, audio clips, etc. in the classroom. Go to the menu and click ‘Manage game’. Go to ‘My routes’ and click the route of which you want to show the results.
Can I show the entries on my computer instead of my smartphone? Open
Yes, that is possible. Go to game.plonge.be in your browser. Select ‘I already have a login’. Go to ‘Manage game‘ via the menu.