Many Muslim parents in the Netherlands want their children to learn Arabic. Some want them to understand the Quran; others want to keep a family language alive. Families of Moroccan heritage may speak Darija or Tamazight at home, families from the Middle East may speak another dialect, and families from Turkish, Somali or Surinamese backgrounds may not speak Arabic at all. In every case, children often grow up reading and writing only in Dutch. Online Arabic classes for kids in the Netherlands help children read, write and understand standard Arabic, with one-to-one lessons at home.
This guide explains what children learn, how lessons fit around Dutch school, and how parents can support progress.
Why learn standard Arabic?
Standard Arabic (Fusha) is the language of the Quran, of Islamic scholarship and of written Arabic across the world. Children who learn it can read the Quran with understanding, read Arabic books and communicate with Arabic speakers from many countries.
For children who hear a dialect at home, Fusha builds on what they know, adds reading and writing, and connects their everyday language to the language of the Quran.
For children from Arabic-speaking homes
Children who hear Darija or another dialect at home often understand a lot but cannot read or write Arabic confidently. Lessons focus on reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary in Fusha, building on familiar words.
The teacher shows how dialect words relate to standard Arabic, which makes learning faster and helps children feel proud of their home language.
For children from non-Arabic-speaking homes
Children from Turkish, Somali, Surinamese, Dutch or other-speaking homes start from the beginning: letters and sounds, then words, short sentences and simple grammar. Many already know the letters from Quran lessons, which gives them a head start.
What children learn
- Letters and sounds: correct pronunciation of every letter.
- Reading and writing: joining letters, reading and writing words.
- Vocabulary: daily-life words, numbers, colours, family and common Quranic words.
- Sentences: introducing yourself, describing, asking questions.
- Grammar: masculine and feminine, singular and plural, simple verbs.
- Reading texts: short stories and simple passages linked to the Quran.
See our Arabic for kids course and all Arabic courses.
Making Arabic fun
Children learn best when Arabic feels like play. Teachers use pictures, songs, games, short stories and role-plays, and celebrate every new word. Our list of Arabic games for kids has ideas for home too.
Fitting Arabic lessons into the Dutch school week
Most families book lessons on Wednesday afternoons, weekday evenings or weekend mornings. A balanced plan for a nine-year-old might include two Arabic lessons and three Quran lessons a week, all 30 minutes long.
| Day | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Monday | Quran reading |
| Wednesday afternoon | Arabic for kids |
| Thursday | Quran and Tajweed |
| Friday | Arabic for kids |
| Saturday | Quran memorization |
Lessons are scheduled in Dutch time. Compare weekly options on our pricing page.
Arabic and the Quran together
Arabic and Quran lessons support each other. Children who understand Arabic read the Quran more fluently and with more feeling, and children who read the Quran daily pick up Arabic vocabulary faster. See our Quran for kids programme and the guide to online Quran classes for kids in the Netherlands.
Older children and teenagers
Older children and teenagers can move on to the Madinah Arabic course, Arabic grammar, Arabic conversation or Quranic Arabic. Teenagers interested in the Quran’s meaning can also explore the Tafseer course.
How parents can help
- Use simple standard Arabic phrases at home, even a few each day.
- Label household items with Arabic words.
- Read short Arabic picture books together.
- Ask your child to teach you a new word after each lesson.
- Connect Arabic words to the surahs your child recites.
How a lesson works
Each lesson is a 30-minute one-to-one video call. The teacher reviews previous words, introduces new ones with pictures and examples, practises reading, writing and speaking, and sets a short task. You need a laptop or tablet, headphones with a microphone and a quiet space.
Why explanations are in English
English gives families from many backgrounds one clear shared language for explanations, and most Dutch children understand it well. As children progress, more of each lesson is conducted in Arabic.
How quickly will my child progress?
Progress depends on age, background and practice. Children starting from zero can often read and write simple words within the first months. Children who hear Arabic at home usually progress faster in vocabulary and understanding, while needing focused work on reading, writing and grammar. The teacher shares progress regularly so you always know what comes next.
Arabic, identity and family
For many Dutch children with roots in Morocco, the Middle East or elsewhere, learning to read and write Arabic strengthens their connection with grandparents and relatives, and with their heritage. For children from other backgrounds, Arabic opens the door to understanding the Quran and the wider Muslim world. Either way, it becomes part of who they are.
What to expect in the free trial
In the free trial, the teacher meets your child, checks letter recognition and reading, and asks a few simple questions to understand their level. You then receive a suggested starting point, course and weekly plan. Parents are welcome to join and share their goals, and there is no obligation to continue.
Choosing the right teacher
A good Arabic teacher for children is patient, playful and well organised. During the trial, notice whether your child is engaged, whether explanations are clear and at the right level, and whether there is a simple task to practise afterwards. Girls can request a female teacher.
Short tips for practising Arabic at home
Five minutes a day makes lessons much more effective. Name objects at dinner in Arabic, sing a simple Arabic song in the car, or read one short page together before bed. Regular, small moments keep new words fresh, and they show your child that Arabic belongs in everyday life, not only in lessons.
Children who see Arabic used warmly at home, even in small ways, usually stay motivated for longer and enjoy their lessons more. Ask your child’s teacher for a short list of words to practise each week, and make them part of family life.
Online Arabic Classes for Kids in the Netherlands: FAQs
We speak Moroccan Arabic or Tamazight at home. Will standard Arabic lessons help?
Yes. Lessons teach standard Arabic (Fusha), the language of the Quran and of reading and writing, and build on what children already hear at home.
What age can children start?
Many children start around five or six with letters and simple words. Older children start at a level that suits them.
Can Arabic and Quran lessons be combined?
Yes. Many children take both in one weekly plan, which strengthens reading and understanding.
Are explanations in Dutch?
Explanations are in English, with as much Arabic as the child’s level allows.
Is a female teacher available?
Yes. Girls can request a female teacher.
Is the first lesson free?
Yes. The first lesson is a free trial to assess your child’s level.
Book your child’s free Arabic trial
Help your child read, write and understand Arabic. Book your free trial lesson, tell us your child’s age and home language, and meet a teacher who will build a fun, structured plan. For more, read our Netherlands guide.
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