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Vrouw voor een Japans landschap
Vrouw voor een Japans landschap

Language course Japanese for beginners (A1)

If you already have some basic knowledge of Japanese, you can introduce yourself, count to 100, you have already started learning about Japanese grammar and you also have some knowledge of the Hiragana script, this Japanese A1 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 some basic knowledge of Japanese: you should be able to talk about yourself and the things that you enjoy. You should be able to use the verb forms desu (to be) and masu (which is a polite verb suffix) in the present, past and negative tense and be able to use demonstrative pronouns.

    If you completed the preceding Japanese 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 Japanese language course without an intake.

    After completing this Japanese 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;

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

    22 January 2026, 7:45 pm
    This course ends on 19 November 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
    Dutch
    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 22 January until 19 March. There is no class in the week of 16 February because of the Spring break.

    Class day and time: Thursdays from 7.45 - 9.15 pm 
    Number of participants: min. 6 - max. 16

    There will be 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)
    Read more about our courses using the 5-3 model

    Approach and content 

    Japanese is spoken as much as possible during classes, with Dutch as the supporting language. This means you cannot take this course if you do not speak Dutch.

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

    The script: Hiragana and Katakana

    Through self-study and a free practice module, you can become familiar with the script (Hiragana and Katakana). In class, you will get help from the teacher, who will also devote attention to recognising important characters, such as inscriptions in stations, directions, etc.

    What do the classes cover?

    Skills

    • You will learn to read and write the second of the three Japanese alphabets (katakana)
    • You will learn how to say you want to do something
    • You will learn how to ask and describe directions
    • You will learn how to describe someone
    • You will learn how to say you want to do something
    • You will learn how to make requests
    • You will learn how to count objects
    • You will start on informal speaking

    Grammar

    We cover a range of topics in this Japanese A1 course, including:

    • Prepositions (on the table, in the restaurant)
    • The tai form
    • Kara and node
    • The dictionary form and ta form of verbs and constructions in which you use them
    • The te form and constructions you use it in

    Course material

    • Japanese Hiragana & Katakana for Beginners, Tuttle 2011.
      ISBN: 9784805311448

    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.