| Everyone Elementary |
€ 520 Now with an early bird discount! |
25% discount for UG and Hanze students 10% discount for UG, UMCG, and Hanze staff Early bird discount: 10% discount for all other participants when you register by 14 December 2026! |
Japanese 0>A1 |
| Everyone |
Elementary |
520 Now with an early bird discount! 25% discount for UG and Hanze students 10% discount for UG, UMCG, and Hanze staff Early bird discount: 10% discount for all other participants when you register by 14 December 2026! |
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Have you always wanted to learn Japanese? The Japanese course for beginners offered by the University of Groningen Language Centre introduces you to the Japanese language and culture. Our Japanese teacher will teach you your first Japanese words and phrases. We practice with conversations in everyday settings, such as in a restaurant, on the street, or a conversation with an acquaintance. This way you will soon be able to get by in Japanese!
Who is this course for?
This course is meant for beginners in the Japanese language. During the course we work towards CEFR level A1. The course is taught in Japanese as much as possible, with explanations provided in English or Dutch depending on the composition of the group. The teaching material is in English. It is therefore important that you have a good command of English in order to participate in the course.
What will you learn in this course?
The course consists of 12 lessons of two contact hours, during which the following topics will be covered:
- Numbers, telling time, and days of the week.
- Basic vocabulary and common verbs in the present and past tense.
- Reading and writing hiragana and katakana.
- Recognizing and using the first kanji in context.
You will also gain insight into cultural aspects such as courtesies, forms of address, and customs in everyday situations.
How many hours of independent study are required?
The course requires active participation as well as self-study. You should expect to spend approximately 3-4 hours per week on self-study, during which you will:
- Study new grammar and vocabulary from the book.
- Listen to related audio material (available via the Genki app or website).
- Complete written assignments and practise reading texts.
- Read stories in Japanese.
- Learn and repeat kana (hiragana and katakana) and the first kanji using writing sheets or digital tools.
Self-study is essential to become sufficiently familiar with the writing system and structure of Japanese.
What will you be able to do after the course?
- Introduce yourself appropriately and greet others.
- Ask and answer questions about nationality, occupation, family, and daily routines.
- Understand basic information in spoken and written Japanese.
- Read and write short texts in kana and a limited number of kanji.
After successfully completing this course, you will be ready for the follow-up course Japanese A1>A1/A2. You could also choose the Speak Up! Japanese elementary course, which focuses entirely on speaking.
Course materials
During this course, the first half of the book Genki is covered. You will need to purchase the books yourself.
- Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese — textbook
ISBN: 9784789017305 (third edition) - Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese — workbook
ISBN: 9784789017312 (third edition)
Practical information
Japanese language courses
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€ 520 Now with an early bird discount!
25% discount for UG and Hanze students
10% discount for UG, UMCG, and Hanze staff
Early bird discount: 10% discount for all other participants when you register by 14 December 2026! Read the terms and conditions for the discount offer here.
Available dates
Course participant says |
| A deep dive into the Japanese language and culture; engaging teacher and useful material that can be applied immediately. |
Course participant Japanese 0>A1
|
Course participant says |
| A deep dive into the Japanese language and culture; engaging teacher and useful material that can be applied immediately. |
| Course participant Japanese 0>A1 |
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