The history of Nederlandse Academie

For over 40 years, Nederlandse Academie has opened the doors of Dutch to thousands of people, in Brussels and beyond. But how did it all begin?

At the origins: a simple conviction, an ambitious challenge
In the 1980s, Dutch was often considered a difficult language. Nederlandse Academie was born from a simple idea: to enable people to speak Dutch at work, in a professional context where the language was often an obstacle. The challenge was significant, but the passion for teaching prevailed over everything.

A school that evolves with its students
Over the years, the school has grown. From the beginning, we have always had a different and unique approach, centered on the student, their pace and their objectives. Today, Nederlandse Academie offers Dutch courses in Brussels designed to meet the real needs of learners.
Thanks to our hyper-reactivity and maximum supervision, each student benefits from personalized follow-up, rapid feedback and constant support. Discover our Team!

A method that evolved: from Ping Pong to Forcing
Before becoming known as Forcing, our approach was called Ping Pong. This innovative method, designed to make learning more concrete and faster, has always been our trademark. It remains at the heart of our pedagogy today, with a modernized version: the Forcing Method.

Dutch courses for adults, for concrete objectives
Our courses are for anyone who wants to progress, pass an exam, land a job, integrate into a new life or simply thrive in a language that seemed inaccessible to them. Explore our formulas: Courses

Learning Dutch: a human adventure
Learning Dutch is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar. It's an adventure made of small victories: everyday breakthroughs, daring to order in Dutch at a restaurant, chatting with colleagues without stress, passing an exam you dreaded.
These successes, simple on the surface, represent the very heart of our mission.

What hasn't changed in 40 years: people first
Today, Nederlandse Academie is much more than a school: it's a place where learning Dutch becomes a pleasure, where every student broadens their horizons.
And if you're wondering how we managed to stay true to our mission for over 40 years, the answer is simple: people first, pedagogy always and the pleasure of teaching!

If you want to read more about us: Commitments | Forcing Method | Team | Day courses