Free cookie consent management tool by TermsFeed

Prêt-à-Parler

If I'm selling to you, I speak your language.
If I'm buying, dann müssen Sie Deutsch sprechen!


Willy Brandt, voormalig kanselier van Duitsland

Intro Image

You would like to do business in Flanders, but you feel that your knowledge of commercial Dutch is too limited and undermines your confidence?

You can speak Dutch perfectly well, but do you often have the impression that you can’t understand Flemish people when they’re talking to you?

Do you feel that you don’t know Flanders well enough to conquer the Flemish market?

Do you recognise yourself in this scenario? If so, then it's time to bring in Prêt-à-Parler!

Ludwig Poppe
Founder

Prêt-à-Parler

Prêt-à-Parler, your partner for business success in Flanders

Prêt-à-Parler develops intensive Dutch courses for entrepreneurs, managers, and expats who are active in Flanders or aspire to be. Our focus is on refining your general Dutch language skills and teaching you business Dutch. During our training, you’ll learn practical skills such as networking, giving presentations, negotiating, and attending meetings – all in Dutch.

However, language skills alone are often not enough. To build successful and lasting business relationships in Flanders, understanding the local economic context, infrastructure, sensitivities, and culture is essential. That’s why Prêt-à-Parler offers immersive programs that combine:

  • An in-depth enhancement of your Dutch skillswith a focus on professional communication.
  • An exploration of the Flemish economy, infrastructure, and culture, giving you the confidence to operate effectively.

At Prêt-à-Parler, we focus on delivering efficient, engaging, and personalized training. You won’t just learn a language – you’ll gain the insights needed to navigate a new professional landscape.

Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help you grow in Flanders!

 

About you

Prêt-à-Parler supports entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals who are either active in Flanders or planning to expand their activities in the region. You understand that mastering Dutch and gaining a strong grasp of the Flemish economic context are essential tools for achieving business success.

Our programs are specifically designed for driven professionals like you, who already have a basic knowledge of Dutch (level A2+ or B1 according to the CEFR) and want to elevate their language skills. Whether it’s during meetings, negotiations, presentations, or informal conversations, we help you communicate with confidence in Dutch.

However, you understand that language is only part of the equation. A thorough knowledge of the local culture, sensitivities, and economic dynamics is equally important. At Prêt-à-Parler, we provide the knowledge, tools, and skills you need to build and maintain successful business relationships in Flanders.

 

What do you learn?

Prêt-à-Parler develops language courses at level B1 and B2 of the CEFR. The general language skills associated with these levels can be found in the FAQ section. Tailored to the sector of businesses and entrepreneurs, you will learn to do the following in Dutch:

  • speaking with and before an audience without fear
  • networking
  • presenting a product, service or company
  • conducting a business conversation with customers at all levels
  • engaging in a conversation with government departments
  • conducting small talk on everyday topics with staff or customers
  • understanding business texts and audio-visual messages

In addition, depending on the immersion path chosen, you will acquire knowledge of:

  • the economic needs and assets of the region of Flanders that are relevant to you, the 5 Flemish provinces, the 13 Flemish centre cities or the Flemish port cities
  • the cultural peculiarities of day-to-day interaction and doing business
  • general cultural and current topics
  • And, last but not least, depending on the route you follow, you will have a network of local entrepreneurs, politicians and officials.

In a nutshell: after participating in the active immersion pathways of Prêt-à-Parler, you will have a sufficient basis to enter the Flemish business world with confidence.

The program isn't exactly what you're looking for?

Are you interested in the Prêt-à-Parler method but don't find 100% what you are looking for in our programme? Do you have precise needs or wishes, do you want a programme specific to your company or your employees? Prêt-à-Parler will develop for you an immersion pathway tailored to your needs. Don't hesitate to contact us and put your questions to us.

About us

In the course of 10 years of experience in the industry, namely in the sale and installation of level and flow measurements on the Belgian waterways of the river Scheldt, the river Maas/Meuse and the river Samber/Sambre, I have often worked in Wallonia. I have also been in the classroom for 20 years, as a teacher of Dutch in French-language education in Brussels. Teaching was a revelation for me. The contact with young people was and still is refreshing, but motivating them for the Dutch lessons was quite a challenge. Over time, I discovered the power of stories: after that I avoided well-worn school books and preferred interesting stories. That is how I created a universe where I could take my students with me. After all, language is a means of communication and that communication must be relevant and interesting enough to trigger and strengthen the learning process. Prêt-à-Parler offers me the opportunity to put my knowledge and experience in this field at the service of an inquisitive and motivated audience.

Price

 The Tour of Flanders programme consists of 13 full training days, held at the Silversquare Europe facilities in Brussels. The programme includes: 

  •  the Prêt-à-Parler starter package
  •  all course materials 
  •  drinks and snacks during the reception and breaks 
  •  lunches. 

 The base price for the programme is €2,850. Discounts are available for: 

  •  multiple registrations 
  • early bookings (until June 30, 2025). 

 This programme can also be organized as an in-company training. We will be happy to provide a quotation. 

 Would you like more information? Don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form or simply give us a call at +32 468 47 44 82.

Agenda

The lessons take place on Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at Silversquare Europe, Square de Meeûs 35, 1000 Brussels.

Dates:

  • 07/11/2025
  • 14/11/2025
  • 21/11/2025
  • 28/11/2025
  • 05/12/2025
  • 12/12/2025
  • 19/12/2025
  • 09/01/2026
  • 16/01/2026
  • 23/01/2026
  • 30/01/2026
  • 06/02/2026
  • 13/02/2026
Programme 2025-2026

Tour of Flanders : Discover the regional capitals

This introductory course highlights the 13 regional capitals of Flanders, each serving as a hub for their surrounding areas in terms of employment and economy, healthcare and education, culture and leisure. Exploring the business sector and infrastructure of these cities provides a valuable general overview of Flanders’ economic landscape. In addition, this course also covers cultural, historical, and political aspects that are essential to understanding the Flemish mindset.

The course consists of 13 course days, each dedicated to a different city. Using carefully curated materials – such as news articles, reports, and documentaries – you’ll gain valuable insights into the economic strengths and challenges of each city. Exercises and assignments will help you not only understand the content but also systematically expand your knowledge of business Dutch.

With the Tour of Flanders, you’ll gain not only in-depth language training but also the insights and tools needed to confidently do business in Flanders.

 

Admission requirements

In order to participate in this programme, a basic knowledge of Dutch is a necessity. As the course is being conducted at level B1 of the CEFR, the required minimum level is CEFR A2+. We therefore ask our learners to take a level test at the first enrolment. The result of the test allows us to make groups as homogeneous as possible and to prevent course participants from leaving disappointed.

FAQ

Since "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) rarely provide a satisfactory answer, and since we have promised you an efficient and personalized approach above, we invite you to submit your question or questions via our contact page. We will provide you with a clear response as quickly as possible. This way, you avoid wasting time and unnecessary frustration.

 

What language level is required to participate in the Prêt-à-Parler language courses?

Our programmes are developed at level B1 and above. The minimum level required to participate is CEFR A2+. A language user at level A2+

  • Can understand phrases and regular expressions related to matters of direct interest (e.g. personal data, family, shopping, local geography, work).
  • Can communicate in simple and everyday tasks that require a simple and direct exchange on familiar and everyday issues.
  • Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her own background, the immediate environment and issues related to various needs.

When we first register, we ask our customers to take a level test. People who do not yet have a basic knowledge of Dutch must first take a course for beginners.

Contact

Prêt-à-Parler is happy to explain more about our services.
In order to do this optimally, we ask you to answer some questions.
Based on your answers, we will be able to offer you the appropriate information.
It is mandatory to fill in all fields.