Parent talking with a teacher at a parent evening

Children at School: Parent Evening and the Teacher

When your children go to school in the Netherlands, you'll be invited to the parent evening. This is an important moment to meet the teacher and hear how your child is doing.

For many newcomers, the parent evening can be nerve-wracking, especially if your Dutch isn't fluent yet. But with good preparation and a few standard phrases, you can easily manage the conversation.

What is a parent evening?

A parent evening is a meeting at school where parents and teachers talk about the child's development. Usually, the conversation lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The teacher talks about results, behavior, and social skills.

You can also ask questions about homework, tests, or how to help your child at home. It's a good time to share how your child feels about school.

Example sentences for the conversation

Hello teacher, I'm the father/mother of [child's name]. How is he/she doing at school?
What do you think my child is good at? And where can he/she improve?
How can I help at home with learning or homework?
Are there any special things I should know? For example, about friends or behavior in class.

Tips for a good conversation

Arrive on time and listen carefully to what the teacher says. You can always ask questions if you don't understand something. For example, say: 'Could you explain that again? I don't quite understand.'

Write down a few questions beforehand so you don't forget anything. And don't be afraid to mention that you're learning Dutch: the teacher will speak slower or use simpler words.

Common mistakes or tips

Tip: Pronounce the teacher's name correctly. Otherwise, ask: 'How do you pronounce your name?'
Tip: Use 'u' instead of 'jij' when talking to the teacher, unless the teacher says 'jij' is fine.
Tip: At the end, ask: 'Can I email you if I have more questions?'

How to practice this in Dutch

In the Dutch Fluency NT2 app, you can practice conversations at the parent evening. You'll learn to ask questions, understand answers, and introduce yourself. There are also listening and speaking exercises that help you in real conversations. For example, practice in the 'Speaking' or 'Listening' module at A2 level.

Practice conversations at the parent evening →

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Frequently asked questions

What do I say if I don't understand the teacher?

Ask politely: 'Could you say that again? I'm learning Dutch.' The teacher will then speak slower.

Can I bring an interpreter to the parent evening?

Yes, that's allowed. Ask the school in advance so they can arrange a separate appointment.

How long does a parent evening last?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes per child. Sometimes there are multiple meetings in one evening.

More guides and exam tips

Also read articles about inburgering, NT2 and Dutch life →