The first time you log in, you see a calendar, not a wall of forms.
That small change is part of a bigger shift. We rebuilt the dashboard and the trial experience to give you a clearer map from day one. If you are new to the Netherlands, you have enough to figure out: the huisarts, the gemeente, your DigiD, and yes, the Dutch language. Your learning platform should not add to the confusion. So we made it simpler.
This article walks you through the updates: the new Let's go Dutch intro, a dashboard that respects your time, and a results page that shows you exactly where you stand. You will also find practical tips for using these tools, plus answers to common questions. No fluff, just what changed and why it matters for your Dutch journey.
Meet the Let's go Dutch intro: your 15-minute starting point
When you start a self-study trial, you now get a free 15-minute intro lesson called Let's go Dutch. It is not a test. It is a warm welcome. You meet a friendly guide, hear real Dutch spoken slowly, and get a feel for how our lessons work. You do not need any prior knowledge. You just need to show up.
This intro is designed to do three things. First, it lowers the barrier. Starting something new is hard, especially a language. A short, low-pressure lesson feels doable. Second, it gives you a taste of our method. You will see how we break down sentences, how we coach your pronunciation, and how we make grammar less scary. Third, it sets you up for a smarter recommendation. After the intro, we know a little more about your level and your goals, so we can point you to the right path.
You get credit for this intro automatically when you start any self-study trial. No extra steps. The system tracks it, and you will receive an email with a link to book your slot. If you prefer to just jump in, you can also find the intro on your dashboard. It is your first step, but it is a gentle one.
“I was so nervous to start learning Dutch. The 15-minute intro felt like a friend sitting down with me, not a teacher grading me. Now I look forward to each lesson.” , Sanne, expat in Utrecht
A dashboard that respects your time
Your dashboard is your home base. It should show you what is next, not overwhelm you with options. So we cleaned it up. The biggest change: you now see a schedule right away. When you log in, the first thing you see is a calendar with your upcoming lessons, including the Let's go Dutch intro if you have not done it yet. No more hunting for buttons or wondering where to click.
We also removed the “Guided” tier from the dashboard trial page. Why? Because it was confusing. You had two similar options, and you were not sure which one you needed. Now, the trial page is simpler: you start with the intro, and then you choose your path. Fewer choices, less stress.
Behind the scenes, we improved how the intro is handled. There are now clear checks for availability, your account status, and your credit. If something is not right, you will see a friendly message that tells you what to do next. No more silent errors or dead ends. And when you book your intro, you get a calendar invite (.ics file) so it lands in your calendar automatically. You will not forget it.
How the intro fits into your learning path
Think of the Let's go Dutch intro as the first step on a staircase. After you complete it, you will get a recommendation for your next steps. That might be a self-study course at A2 level, or a structured program like Inburgering A2 if you need to pass the civic integration exam. The intro is not a placement test, but it gives us a signal. We combine that with your goals and your available time to suggest a path that fits.
For example, if you are aiming for the inburgering exam, you might want to focus on the KNM component (knowledge of Dutch society) or the speaking part. The intro can help you decide which area needs the most attention. But you do not have to decide alone. After the intro, you will see a clearer picture of what you need to work on.
A results page that shows you what you need
We also redesigned the results page. After you finish a lesson or a practice session, you used to see a long list of everything you did. Now you see a clean summary: what you need to work on, what you have mastered, and what to do next. It is like a map that highlights the potholes so you can avoid them.
The new results page has two main parts. The first part is “What you need.” This is a short list of specific skills or grammar points that need more practice. For example, you might see “Using de and het correctly” or “Asking questions in the past tense.” Each item links to a relevant lesson or exercise, so you can act immediately.
The second part is the Let's go Dutch intro, but only if you have not completed it yet. If you have, you will see a link to start a full trial with two doors: one for self-study and one for guided learning. This gives you a choice without overwhelming you. And if you want to see the full details of your performance, you can expand a collapsed section that shows everything, but it is hidden by default. Clean and simple.
Why we made these changes
We listen to our learners. Over the past year, we heard the same feedback again and again: “I do not know where to start,” “The dashboard is too busy,” “I finished a lesson but I do not know what to do next.” These changes address those pain points directly.
The Let's go Dutch intro is our answer to “I do not know where to start.” It is a clear, low-pressure first step. The dashboard redesign is our answer to “The dashboard is too busy.” We removed clutter and put the schedule front and center. The results page is our answer to “I do not know what to do next.” It gives you a concrete action plan.
We also made technical improvements to make everything faster. For example, the welcome page now reads your email and name on the server, so the first paint is the calendar, not an empty form. That means less waiting and fewer errors. You might not notice it, but it makes the experience smoother.
Practical tips for using the new tools
Here is how to get the most out of these updates.
- Book your intro right away. When you get the email, do not postpone. Pick a time that works and put it in your calendar. The 15 minutes will fly by, and you will feel more confident.
- Use the results page as your guide. After each lesson, look at the “What you need” section. Spend a few minutes on the suggested exercises. That is where the real learning happens.
- Set a regular study time. Consistency beats intensity. Even 10 minutes a day helps. The dashboard schedule can help you see your week at a glance.
- Explore the full trial options. After the intro, you will see two doors: self-study and guided. Self-study gives you flexibility. Guided gives you structure and feedback. Consider your learning style and your schedule.
- Check your email for the intro credit. Sometimes emails land in spam. If you did not receive the intro credit email, check your spam folder or contact support. We are happy to help.
Your checklist for a smooth start
- Log in to your dashboard and look at your schedule.
- Book your Let's go Dutch intro if you have not done it yet.
- Complete the intro lesson and note your results.
- Review the “What you need” section on your results page.
- Choose your trial path: self-study or guided.
- Set a weekly study time and stick to it.
- Explore the mock exam if you are preparing for the inburgering test.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the Let's go Dutch intro?
It is a free 15-minute introductory lesson that you get when you start a self-study trial. It is designed to give you a taste of our method and help you decide your next steps. You do not need any prior knowledge.
Do I have to take the intro before I can start learning?
No, you can skip it if you want, but we recommend it. It is a gentle way to begin, and it helps us recommend the right path for you. Plus, it is free and short.
How do I get the intro credit?
The credit is granted automatically when you start a self-study trial. You will also receive an email with a link to book your intro. If you do not see the email, check your spam folder or contact support.
What does the results page show?
It shows a summary of your performance: what you need to work on, what you have mastered, and what to do next. You can expand a section to see full details if you want.
Will these changes affect my exam preparation?
No, the changes are about the learning experience, not the exam content. If you are preparing for the inburgering exam, you can still use our dedicated resources like the speaking practice or the KNM module. The intro and results page will help you study more effectively.
Where can I find more information about the inburgering exam?
For official details about the exam, such as duration, question counts, and pass scores, always check the DUO or Mijn Inburgering portals. We provide practice materials, but the authoritative source is the government.
We hope these changes make your Dutch learning journey clearer and more enjoyable. The map is ready. Now it is time to take the first step.