The Erasmus building is closed from 14 July until 8 August. During this period, you can visit Radboud in'to Languages in the Maria Montessori building. For more information, see our contact page.

Vrouw voor een Japans landschap
Vrouw voor een Japans landschap

Language course Japanese for beginners (halfway to A2)

The Japanese halfway to A2 course is suitable for anyone who can already understand simple words, sentences and short texts in Japanese. For example, you will learn how to ask where someone is from, how to ask for directions and how to make a request. This course will continue to build on what you learned at the A1 level and will take you halfway to A2 level.

    General

    Entry level

    In order to qualify for this course, we expect you to have knowledge and skills of the Japanese language at the A1 level. This means, for example, that you should be able to describe a person and talk about your profession. In addition to knowledge of the Hiragana script, you should have knowledge of Katakana, and you should be able to use prepositions and be familiar with the tai form (which is used to expresses one’s desire to do something).

    If you completed the preceding Japanese for beginners A1 course at In’to, 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:

    • have simple, short conversations on personal topics;
    • broadly follow everyday conversations on familiar topics;
    • broadly understand short, simple texts (brochures, advertisements);
    • write short, simple messages or e-mails.

    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.

    This course will help you on your way to language level A2.

    Why take a group course at In’to?

    • Small groups (max. 18 participants)
    • Lots of interaction and personal feedback
    • Fast-paced with quick results
    • Comprehensive digital learning environment
    • Our teachers are rated 8.8!

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

    Starting date

    01 October 2025, 7:45 pm
    This course ends on 26 November 2025. Each session takes 1.5 hours.
    Costs
    €335
    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 1 October until 26 November 2025. There is no class in the week of 13 October because of the Autumn break.

    Class day and time: Wednesdays 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 start with the third alphabet, reading and writing kanji
    • You will learn how to speak informally
    • You will learn to say you should or should not do something
    • You will learn to describe cause and effects
    • You will learn to speak your mind
    • You will learn to compare things
    • You learn how to say you are good or bad at something

    Grammar

    We cover a range of topics in the Japanese halfway to A2 course, including grammar:

    • The nai form and constructions you use it in
    • Turning adjectives into adverbs
    • To and tara
    • The verbs naru, omou and iu
    • The verb constructions -te ageru, -te morau, -te kureru

    Course material

    • Timothy G. Stout, Japanese Kanji for Beginners, Tuttle 2016
      ISBN: 9784805310496

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

    Costs

    • Regular fee: € 335,-
    • RU students: € 167.50 (50% discount)
    • RU and Radboudumc staff & alumni : € 301.50 (10% discount)
    • WUR students & staff: € 301.50 (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

    It is currently not possible to register for this course. New dates will be announced as soon as possible.

    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.