Dutch First

What Dutch First does

Dutch First B.V. is a privately held Dutch language school headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, operating under holding company SG Management Group. Founded in 2008 (the firmographics dataset lists 2016; the more detailed company history states 2008 — the earlier date is used here), the company specializes in teaching Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) to non-native speakers, primarily expats and internationals living in the Netherlands. It also serves newcomers preparing for the mandatory civic integration (Inburgering) exam under the Wet Inburgering 2021, for which it holds the Blik Op Werk quality mark obtained in September 2023.

The company delivers a full CEFR-level curriculum (A0 through C2) across four delivery formats: live in-person classes at a Smartboard-equipped Utrecht classroom (Niasstraat 1), live online sessions via Zoom, hybrid combinations, and a 24/7 self-study e-learning platform with teacher guidance. The core product lineup includes A0–A2 Beginners, B1 Intermediate, B2 Advanced, Inburgering preparation, a Conversation course (A2–B1), a Summer intensive, and the premium Dutch Language Excellence Program. Individual/private lessons (1–3 participants) and corporate in-company customized courses are offered as add-ons. The teaching methodology is shared via a partnership with Alfaskolen AS in Oslo, Norway, providing curriculum credibility and institutional affiliation. The company has taught 2,600+ cumulative students from 90+ nationalities and employs 10+ NT2-qualified teachers (with total headcount of ~9 per firmographics, indicating a lean operation).

Dutch First monetizes primarily through unit-priced course packages (pay-as-you-go, one-time license per level or module), with individual online sessions starting at €69 and classroom sessions at €79, inburgering priced at €17/hour (120-hour programs), self-study subscriptions starting at €159, and conversation courses at €269. A small recurring subscription component exists via self-study packages. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via the dutchfirst.nl website, supported by organic SEO content marketing (90+ blog articles), a free online placement test as a lead-generation tool, and word-of-mouth within the Utrecht expat community. The company is officially registered in the European Commission's DG EAC and EACEA databases, positioning it for EU-funded education program participation. No external venture funding has been disclosed.

Name

Dutch First

Legal name

Dutch First B.V.

Website

https://dutchfirst.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Dutch First is a privately held Dutch language school in Utrecht teaching Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) to expats and internationals via online, classroom, and self-study formats across CEFR levels A0–C2, including Blik Op Werk-certified inburgering courses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dutch language education services

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Exam Preparation Language Programs (IELTS/TOEFL/DELE/DALF/HSK, etc.) (EDAIAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online/Hybrid Overseas Pathway & Bridging Programs (EDAIAJAK), Foreign Language Subject Tutoring (School Coursework) (EDANAAAF), Overseas Summer School Programs (Secondary) (EDAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Dutch language courses
• NT2 second language
• Inburgering exam preparation
• Corporate Dutch training
• Online self-study Dutch

Headquarters

HQ city

Utrecht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Group Course Fees: Recurring revenue from group Dutch language courses offered at multiple levels (A0-A2, B1, B2). Courses are sold as packages covering full levels or partial modules, with standard (2x/week) and intensive (4x/week) options. Classroom and online formats available.
2. Individual/P.private Lessons: One-on-one or small group (up to 3 participants) personalized Dutch lessons. Sold in packages of lesson hours (50-minute sessions) with discounts for larger packages. Available online via Zoom or in-person at Utrecht location.
3. Self-Study Courses: All-inclusive online self-study packages providing 24/7 e-learning access with teacher guidance. Customers purchase course duration and level access.
4. Inburgering Integration Courses: Long-term integration courses preparing students for civic integration exams (A2 or B1-route). Includes group sessions plus self-study, priced per hour including materials.
5. Conversation Courses: Specialized speaking and listening practice courses for A2-B1 level students wanting to improve conversational skills.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Dutch First teaches Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) to expats and internationals through structured group courses covering CEFR levels A0 to B2, with preparation for official exams including Inburgering and Staatsexamen NT2. The school delivers these courses via three formats: physical classrooms at its Utrecht location, live online classes via Zoom, and a 24/7 self-study e-learning platform, complemented by individual/private lessons and a Dutch Language Excellence Program. It also provides certified civic-integration (Blik Op Werk) Inburgering courses tailored to the Wet Inburgering 2021 requirements for newcomers to the Netherlands.

Product overview

Dutch First is a Dutch language education provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of language courses for expats and internationals. The core product lineup includes level-based group courses (A0-A2 Beginners, B1 Intermediate, B2 Advanced), specialized Inburgering (civic integration) preparation courses, and the Dutch Language Excellence Program. These are complemented by flexible learning options including Individual (private) lessons, Self-Study courses, and Conversation practice courses. Courses are delivered through multiple formats: classroom-based at the Utrecht location, online via virtual classroom (Zoom), and combination/hybrid approaches. The company also offers seasonal Summer courses and tailors corporate training for businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• A0-A2 Dutch Course for Beginners Comprehensive beginner Dutch language course covering A0 to A2 CEFR levels for non-native speakers with little or no prior Dutch. Available as a full package or individual modules, in classroom or online formats.
• B1 Intermediate Dutch Course Intermediate Dutch language course at B1 CEFR level covering B1.1 through B1.4 modules, focused on vocabulary, grammar and communication for professional and daily contexts.
• B2 Advanced Dutch Course Advanced Dutch language course at B2 CEFR level designed to consolidate listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for independent language use.
• Inburgering Course Civic integration (Inburgering) preparation course preparing students for the NT2 inburgering exams (A2 or B1-route) and Staatsexamen NT2. Includes group lessons and self-study components with a structured intake process.
• Individual Dutch Course Fully personalized private Dutch lessons for 1 to 3 participants, available online via Zoom, in classroom at the Utrecht location, or hybrid. Sold in packages of lesson hours with discounts for larger packages.
• Dutch Self-Study Course Online self-study Dutch course with 24/7 e-learning access, weekly individualized learning plans, teacher guidance and feedback on assignments for A0-A2 and B1 levels.
• Dutch Summer Course Intensive beginner Dutch course offered during summer months in a relaxed atmosphere, available in classroom format at Dutch First's Utrecht location.
• Dutch Conversation Course Specialized speaking and listening practice course at A2-B1 level focused on conversation skills, pronunciation and discussion of topics related to life in the Netherlands.
• Dutch Language Excellence Program Immersive Dutch language mastery program designed to help students achieve fluency and communicate effectively in personal and professional settings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90+ nationalities served
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Alfaskolen AScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch First is a partner school of Alfaskolen AS in Oslo, Norway. The partnership includes shared use of the same teaching methodology, allowing Dutch First to leverage Alfaskolen's established curriculum and teaching approach for Dutch language instruction. This affiliation provides credibility through association with an established Scandinavian language school network.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Alfaskolen AS: Norwegian language school for immigrants that shares curriculum with Dutch First through a formal partnership. Same methodology, same expat/integration customer, different geography.
• Direct Dutch Institute: Amsterdam-based Dutch language school for expats offering group, private, inburgering and corporate courses. Directly competes with Dutch First in NT2, online delivery, and the expat/inburgering segment.
• Dutch Academy Eindhoven: Regional Dutch language school in the Brainport region offering NT2, inburgering and corporate training. Competes for the same expat/inburgering customer in a different Dutch city.
• Taalthuis: Dutch language school offering NT2, inburgering and corporate training with both classroom and online options. Closely overlaps Dutch First's product mix and target customer (expats and inburgeraars).
• Speak! Dutch: Dutch language school focused on practical speaking skills for expats. Overlaps Dutch First's conversation and intermediate course offerings and similar direct-to-consumer positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Radboud in'to Languages: Nijmegen-based university language center delivering NT2, inburgering and corporate Dutch training. Comparable mission and customer base but anchored to a large academic institution.
• UvA Talen: University of Amsterdam's language center offering Dutch and many other languages to adults. A larger, broader incumbent with institutional credibility and multiple locations competing for the same expat students.
• Regina Coeli Language Institute: Established Dutch language institute in Vught offering immersive individual and group Dutch training. Competes for the same high-intent professional and integration learners with a premium brand and larger scale.

Emerging players

• Babel Babbel Dutch (Babbel): Global self-study language app that includes Dutch. Competes with Dutch First's self-study tier on price and convenience, though without live teacher guidance or inburgering certification.

Regional players

• Language Institute Todays: Amsterdam-based Dutch language school offering group and corporate courses for expats. Comparable customer profile but different geographic catchment than Dutch First.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dutchfirst

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dutch First