Vrouw in stad in China
Vrouw in stad in China

Language course Chinese for beginners (A1)

You are ready for this A1 level course if you have mastered Pinyin, have some basic knowledge of Chinese, can introduce yourself, understand the structure of Chinese characters and have started learning about Chinese grammar. The course will help you to further develop your knowledge of the language so that you can achieve A1 level. 

    General

    Entry level

    This course requires a basic knowledge of Chinese. You should already be able to introduce yourself in Chinese and express how you are doing. You should know how to hold a conversation when meeting someone and be able to ask for directions. Additionally, you should be familiar with almost 50 basic Chinese characters and be able to recognize them. Mastery of Pinyin is also required.

    If you completed the preceding Chinese halfway to A1 course for absolute beginners, you will automatically be able to progress to this course. If you are unsure whether this course suits your level, you can make an appointment for an intake by phone. You can also enrol in a Chinese language course without an intake.

    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;
    • understand the structure of Chinese characters;
    • write Chinese characters.

    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.

    After completing this course, you will have reached language level A1. After this course, you can proceed with the course Chinese halfway to A2.

    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, 7:45 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
    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 7.45 - 9.15 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?

    Conversation

    • Different ways to greet each other
    • Where are you from?
    • What is your surname?
    • What do you do?
    • How many people are there in your family?
    • I can speak Chinese
    • What is the date today?
    • I'd like some tea.

    Grammar

    • What is the difference bteween Zhīdao and Rènshi?
    • How do you use “huì”?
    • How do you use “néng”?
    • Qù + place + to do something
    • What is the difference between “jǐ” and “duōshao”?
    • What is the difference between “ba” and “ma”? 
    • The use of “zài”: “zài” is always followed by a place/space. Example: “I work in Nijmegen = ‘I zài Nijmegen work” 

    Chinese culture

    • The origin of the name China
    • Why do Chinese people greet each other with “Did you eat?”
    • The origin of Chinese surnames
    • Why do Chinese ladies use umbrella in summer?
    • How many emperors lived in Forbidden City?
    • How many provinces are there in China?
    • What are the differences between south of China and north of China? 

    The stories of Chinese characters 

     

    Course material

    • Standard Course  HSK 1  (in English), ISBN: 9787561937099
    • Standard Course HSK 1 Workbook ( in English), ISBN: 9787561937105 

    The course material can be purchased at Roelants bookstore. Course material is not included in the course fee.

    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).

    Determine your level with a free intake

    If you did not complete the previous level with us, you may find it useful to have a free telephone intake before you register. That way, you can be sure that the course is a good match for your level. Contact our Service Centre to schedule an intake.

    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.