Vrouw in stad in China
Vrouw in stad in China

Language course Chinese for absolute beginners (halfway to A1)

If you would like to learn Chinese and you have no previous knowledge of the language, this Chinese beginner’s course is a good place to start. You will be introduced to the Chinese language, basic Chinese characters and culture and learn the basics of communicating in Chinese.

    General

    After completing this Chinese language course, you will be able to:

    • understand simple words, expressions and sentences;
    • ask and answer simple, short questions;
    • follow a simple conversation;
    • write simple, short sentences about personal matters;
    • sing a few Chinese songs

    The course focuses primarily on verbal communication, as well as reading, listening and writing skills. You will also learn more about Chinese culture.

    To receive a Radboud in’to Languages certificate, you need to attend 80% of the classes.

    This course will help you on your way to level A1. After completing this course, you can continue with the Chinese A1 course to complete the A1 level.

    Why take a group course at In’to?

    • You notice rapid progress thanks to the fast pace
    • You learn by doing with plenty of interactive exercises – also in our online courses
    • You practise speaking a lot and learn how to really use the language
    • You learn about the culture and the nuances of the language so that you can really connect
    • Learning from and with each other in a group is effective and fun
    • Our teachers are your best motivation: they give you feedback and share both their knowledge and their love for the language and culture 

    Would you prefer individual classes, or a shorter, more intensive course? Check out our tailor-made courses.

    Starting date

    20 January 2026, 6 pm
    This course ends on 17 March 2026. Each session takes 1.5 hours.
    Costs
    €340
    Discount
    50% (RU students), 10% (RU & Radboudumc staff and alumni; WUR students and staff)
    VAT-free
    Yes
    Educational method
    Combination of on-site and online
    Main Language
    English
    Number of sessions
    8
    Intake
    Yes
    Maximum number of participants
    16

    Factsheet

    Type of education
    Course
    Level
    Beginner
    Result
    Certificate

    Contact information

    Do you have a question? Or would you like to discuss which course best suits your needs and starting level? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you out.

    Contact us

    024 - 361 21 59
    info [at] into.ru.nl (info[at]into[dot]ru[dot]nl)

    This course takes place from 20 January until 17 March. There is no class in the week of 16 February because of the Spring break.

    Class day and time: Tuesdays from 6.00 - 7.30 pm.
    Number of participants: min. 6 - max. 16

    The course consists of 8 classes:
    - 3 classes on campus in Nijmegen (class 1, 5 and 8) and
    - 5 online classes via the Virtual Classroom (class 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7). Find out what to expect from our online courses.

    Approach and content 

    Chinese is spoken as much as possible during classes, with English as the supporting language, as are the materials used. This means you can take this course if you do not speak Dutch. 

    You should count on about three to four hours of individual study per week.

    What do the classes cover?

    Pinyin

    • Initials and finals and 5 tones
    • The rules of Pinyin, which finals is the tone placed on?

    Conversation

    • Basic conversations about greetings: How are you? What is your name?
    • Where is the toilet? How do you ask for directions?
    • What do you do in your spare time?
    • Buying fruit at the market
    • What day is it today? 

    Grammar

    • How do you make a question with "ma"?
    • Affirmative negative question
    • How do you use “ne”?
    • Pattern: tai+adj.+le

    Characters

    • About 50 basic Chinese characters with stories, e.g. 人 大 小   

    Chinese culture 

    • Numbers in Chinese culture
    • Cows in Chinese culture
    • Traditional Chinese books
    • “zuò yuè zi” or “sitting the month” – the concept of Chinese confinement
    • Chinese songs

    Course material

    Will be provided online in our online environment Brightspace and is included in the course price.

     

    Costs

    • Regular fee: € 340,-
    • RU students: € 170,- (50% discount)
    • RU and Radboudumc staff & alumni : € 306,- (10% discount)
    • WUR students & staff: € 306,- (10% discount)

    Would you like to make use of your discount as RU alumnus, or as WUR student or employee? Please enter this information in the ‘reference’ field on the registration form, or email us once you have registered at info [at] into.ru.nl (info[at]into[dot]ru[dot]nl).

    Registration

    Register now

    This course starts every year in January/February, April/May and October. If you would like to take this course, but is it fully booked or your desired start date has not yet been listed, let us know that you would like to be kept informed, and we will let you know when you can sign up for new dates.