Dreaming of learning a new language but not sure where to start? Taalhuis Amsterdam might just be the perfect fit.
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Taalhuis Amsterdam offers a welcoming space where students can dive into new languages and cultures.
But what makes the school so special? To find out, I spoke to Myrte, the founder, and Meredith, a student.
Want to find out for yourself? Taalhuis Amsterdam’s free Open Day on March 29, 2025 is the perfect opportunity to get to know the school. Whether you’re curious about a new language or ready to advance your skills, the Open Day is a great chance to dive in.
Why Taalhuis Amsterdam?
Taalhuis translates to “house of languages” in English — and that’s exactly what it is: a place for language learning, cultural exchange, and, most importantly, fun!
Myrte started the school with a simple yet powerful idea: language learning should be interactive, enjoyable, and deeply connected to culture.
“I’ve loved languages since I was very young,” says Myrte. “I studied Latin and Greek, opened Taalhuis Amsterdam, and then it all kind of got out of hand,” she explains with a laugh.
Today, Taalhuis Amsterdam is a community where people of all ages and nationalities learn the languages they’ve always wanted to learn.
11 language courses
From its humble beginnings of teaching just Greek and Dutch, Taalhuis Amsterdam now offers courses in 11 languages, all taught by passionate teachers. You can choose between:
- Dutch
- Italian
- French
- Farsi
- Arabic
- Turkish
- Greek
- Hebrew
- English
- Spanish
- Catalan
For children, there are lessons in French, Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, and English.
In each class, there is a unique international vibe, where people get to share their differences and diversity. And, most importantly, each class gets the students talking. 💪
What do the students say?
Meredith, originally from the United States, has been taking Dutch lessons with Taalhuis Amsterdam for three years. Having previously tried private lessons at another school, she found group courses to be the best fit for her.
“Sitting in a classroom with people from all over the world has expanded my worldview, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie when we don’t understand a difficult concept,” she laughs.
“I also really enjoy that the teachers are lifelong students of languages themselves, so there’s a lot of understanding of what the learning process looks like.”
Thinking back to her first lesson, she recalls: “It was full-on in Dutch, and I remember thinking, ‘…is nobody going to give me a little tip here?’ But it’s great that they hold to that.”
“I’ve learned so much because they let you make mistakes and learn from them — and they celebrate your wins.”
Learn by doing, not by cramming grammar
It’s this immersive approach, with a focus on communication from day one, that sets Taalhuis Amsterdam apart.
Each class is taught in the target language, helping you pick up the language naturally as you go. “We don’t talk about the language; we talk in it,” explains Myrte.
By learning this way, “students don’t have to take that intimidating leap from classroom to real life, because they’re already used to speaking and listening.”
This method also shifts the focus to what students can do, rather than what they can’t. “It’s important to focus on the words you understand instead of the ones you don’t,” Myrte stresses.
“Similarly, our classes aim to help you do things — like ordering a coffee — rather than getting stuck on complex grammar rules. But, of course,” she adds, “you’ll need the grammar to order your coffee, so the two go hand in hand.”
In other words, practical communication and grammar aren’t separate skills, and you learn them together at Taalhuis Amsterdam by using the language in real-life situations.
The perfect course for everyone
When asked about the typical Taalhuis Amsterdam student, Myrte says that “the one thing everyone has in common is their motivation.”
“Nobody studies a language without a reason,” she says, ”whether you’re trying to integrate, you love travelling, you’re learning for your partner, or to communicate with family.”
To accommodate this diverse group of people, Taalhuis Amsterdam offers classes to suit everyone, from group classes to private and children’s lessons.
Of course, different levels are offered for each language and a choice between intense courses (twice per week) or regular courses (once a week).
A vibrant community in the heart of Amsterdam
At the beginning of 2025, Taalhuis Amsterdam moved to the vibrant neighbourhood of De Pijp, where the language school finally put all its classes under one roof.
Now housed in a historic school building, the old gym has been transformed into a welcoming café, library, and bookstore.
“It has always been our dream to bring the community together in one space where we can all communicate with each other,” Myrte smiles.
The location in De Pijp, just around the corner from the famous Albert Cuyp market, is also an advantage for language learners, says Myrte.
“While the international vibe of Amsterdam can sometimes make it hard to learn Dutch, the city is a great place to practice other languages we teach. You can just walk around the corner and practice Arabic with the Lebanese pita seller, or Italian at one of the many Italian restaurants.”
Get to know Taalhuis Amsterdam at its upcoming Open Day
Want to know more about Taalhuis Amsterdam? Dat kan! (That’s possible!)
Taalhuis Amsterdam’s Open Day on March 29, 2025 is the perfect opportunity to explore the school, meet the community, and experience the learning environment firsthand.
You can even take part in a trial lesson, ask questions, and find the right course to match your goals.
Whether you’re curious about a new language or ready to take the next step in your learning journey, this event is a great time to ask questions and find your perfect course.
It’s also the ideal moment to enroll, with new classes starting the week of April 21.
Are you ready to kick off (or continue) your language journey at Taalhuis Amsterdam? Share your thoughts in the comments.