What time is it? - telling the time in Dutch
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Time to put your knowledge about the Dutch numbers into practice! In this chapter, telling the time in Dutch will be discussed. Therefore, the numbers from 1 to 12 are necessary. You will learn about the Dutch clock, the time units in Dutch and the parts of the day in Dutch. Also, some sentences you can use when you want to talk about the time are included.
Unlike the English clock, the Dutch clock can be divided into four quarters. You have to look at the next/previous hour or half an hour to say the time correctly. When looking forward to the next (half) hour, you use the word voor. Looking back to the previous (half) hour, the word over is used.
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When telling the time in Dutch, the following sentence is used:
The following images will teach you how to tell the time in Dutch.
Note: The times of the clocks on the pictures do not correspond with the text explanation. The time between 2 and 3 o'clock is used as the text example.
In this quarter you have to look back to the previous complete hour:
A = Het is (twee) uur. - It is 2 o'clock.
B = Het is vijf over (twee). - It is five past two.
C = Het is tien over (twee) - It is ten past two.
D = Het is kwart over (twee) - It is quarter past two.
In this quarter you have to look forward to the next half an hour:
A = Het is tien voor half (drie) - It is twenty past two.
B = Het is vijf voor half (drie) - It is twenty-five past two.
C = Het is half (drie) - It is half past two.
In this quarter, you have to look back to the previous half an hour:
A = Het is vijf over (half drie) - It is twenty-five to three.
B = Het is tien over (half drie) - it is twenty to three.
In this quarter, you have to look forward to the next hour:
A = Het is kwart voor (drie) - It is quarter to three.
B = Het is tien voor (drie) - It is ten to three.
C = Het is vijf voor (drie) - It is five to three.
D = Het is (drie) uur - It is 3 o'clock
When the Dutch talk about the time they use the 12 hour clock, but in writing, the 24 hour clock is accepted as well.
Terms for AM and PM do not exist in the Dutch language. The Dutch use certain words to tell you if it is morning, afternoon, evening or night.
Dutch | English |
---|---|
Het is negen uur 's ochtends/'s morgens. | It is nine o'clock in the morning. |
Het is twee uur 's middags. | It is two o'clock in the afternoon. |
Het is negen uur 's avonds. | It is nine o'clock in the evening. |
Het is twee uur 's nachts. | It is two o'clock at night. |
The words that are used for the time units are quite similar to their English counterparts:
Dutch | English |
---|---|
De seconde | The second |
De minuut | The minute |
Het uur | The hour |
Kwartier | A quarter/15 minutes |
Driekwartier | Three quarters/45 minutes |
If you want to have a conversation about the time with someone, you can use the following sentences.
Talking about the time | Translation |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Translate these words and sentence from English to Dutch. Write the numbers in letters!
1. It is four o'clock. Het is .
2. The minute.
3. It is quarter past nine. Het is .
4. It is twenty past three. Het is .
5. At night.
6. Three quarters.
7. What time is it?
8. The hour. Het
9. It is half past two. Het is .
10. How long are you staying there?
11. I am going home at five o'clock. Ik ga om naar huis.
12. In the morning. .
13. The second.
14. In the evening. .
15. It is ten to twelve. Het is .
Translate these words and sentence from English to Dutch. Write the numbers in letters!
1. It is four o'clock. Het is .
2. The minute.
3. It is quarter past nine. Het is .
4. It is twenty past three. Het is .
5. At night.
6. Three quarters.
7. What time is it?
8. The hour. Het
9. It is half past two. Het is .
10. How long are you staying there?
11. I am going home at five o'clock. Ik ga om naar huis.
12. In the morning. .
13. The second.
14. In the evening. .
15. It is ten to twelve. Het is .
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We focused a lot on pronunciation of words and Linda was very helpful, particularly on all those Dutch sounds so difficult for foreigners!
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I’m not here to waste your time—and I won’t let you waste mine.
I give 100%. Always. My energy, my skills, my focus—they all go into making sure you succeed. That means classes that are effective, engaging, and yes, even fun. I coach you through your doubts, push you past hesitation, and get you speaking from day one. No fluff. No empty promises. Just real progress.
Yes, my fee is high—because the quality is high.
You’re not paying for a chat. You’re paying for transformation. For results. For someone who’s fully invested in your progress and doesn’t settle for mediocre.
But this is a two-way street.
I respect your time, your goals, and your effort. I expect the same. If you’re the type to constantly complain, cancel at the last minute, or come up with excuses—don’t contact me. I have a cancellation policy and I stick to it. My time and energy are not up for negotiation.
I don’t work with arrogant people, and I’m allergic to hypocrisy.
If you’re ready to show up, do the work, and grow—I’m all in. Let’s make it happen.
Book lessons with me if you’re serious about learning—and ready to get results.
✅ Want to pass the Dutch exams “Basisinburgering A1” or “Inburgeringsexamen A2”? I’ll train you to succeed on the first try—with your full commitment and my professional, high-energy approach, we make it happen.
✅ Live in the Netherlands and still not speaking Dutch confidently? Let’s fix that. You'll connect more deeply with your environment—and with yourself.
✅ Need Italian for work, life, or pure love of the language? I’ll help you live it, not just study it.
✅ Studying Spanish for school, pleasure, or work? You’ll gain real confidence and speak it with clarity—fast.
I also help students:
– Handle real conversations with ease—from daily chats to professional meetings and presentations
– Overcome fear, shyness, and learning blocks
– Reclaim their confidence and speak like they mean it
My method? No gimmicks. We talk. A lot. From the very beginning. I use direct, spontaneous conversation, often through role plays, to get you using the language—not just studying it. I bring in books, articles, songs, and anything that keeps things alive and stimulating. Grammar becomes clear, pronunciation improves, and progress becomes natural.
I’ve taught for years—Dutch, Spanish, and Italian—in the Netherlands, in private institutes, in integration programs (Inburgering), and now online from Italy. I know what works.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel at least 24 hours in advance. No exceptions. My time is precious—and yours should be too.
Want to see if we’re a good match? Contact me for a free trial. Let’s talk about your goals—and then go achieve them.
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Elena is very good at keeping the conversation going, she nicely corrects my pronunciation mistakes (which I like) and teaches me new words and expresions useful for the conversation in question. I like how she adapts to my learning wishes and needs, prepares interesting subjects and promotes deep, professional and personal exchanges of ideas. Highly recommended!
Elena P.
Thank you for your feedback, David! I am happy to know that you are satisfied with the classes. Keep going because you are learning fast and well!
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Hello! My name is Emilia and I am an experienced language tutor and translator from/to Bulgarian, Spanish, English and Dutch. My biggest passion are foreign languages and I have passed this passion to many of my students throughout the years. Despite the fact I have a Master degree in Economics and International Business and I have worked few years as an economist, my heart always takes me back to my teaching and translation jobs. With 20 years of teaching experience, a great level of patience and dedication to my work, and a great number of happy students, I am here to help you learn Bulgarian and Spanish at your own pace and convenience. Hope to hear from you soon! Best regards, Emilia
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Emilia is a great teacher. Very experienced and very flexible and adaptable to my specific needs. The lessons with her are going very smooth and with no stress and I really enjoy learning new language with her. Thank you Emilia!!!
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Hello
My name is Anco Peeters,. I am born in The Netherlands and a native speaker of the Dutch language..
I started my career as a schoolteacher and as a gymnastic instructor.
Later I started working in the ICT sector. Now I am a freelance instructor and consultant who teaches mainly networking and telephony.
I am also an NLP Practitioner
My hobbies are: Yoga, traveling, fitness, walking, meeting people
I would love to teach the Dutch language in an informal way with the accent on learning to speak the language. Grammar is also important. We can talk about any topic. I would like to help you making progress and have a lot of experience in creating an individual plan for every student based on your needs
Would love to see you for a trial lesson
Kind regards
Anco
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Anco is a punctual, intelligent, dedicated, responsive and compassionate language instructor but also an amazing person to talk and work with. He prepares the class with material that meet your needs. He takes the extra mile to have material that suit your learning style. If you don't mind dutch explanations of the dutch grammar, then this is a perfect teacher that I recommend wholeheartedly!
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Hi! I live in Germany since 2014, I live in the Frankfurt am Main area. I teach German to refugees since the beginning of 2017 and I have been teaching Dutch at several language schools, at peoples homes and in-house at several companies. I passed the C1-level Test for German at the Goethe Institut.
It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
I look forward to meeting you online!
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Marlijn was perfectly on time however we could not agree on a set time which I thought we had. she processed refund instantly, but suggest to agree on a time first before paying.
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Monique explains Dutch grammar and vocabulary clearly and makes even tricky concepts easy to understand. The lessons are well-organized and practical, with a good balance of speaking, listening, and grammar.
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Hi there
My name is Lieneke Jansen and I am 56 years old.
I am from a small country in Europe called the Netherlands
I am a TEFL certified English language coach with experience in teaching both children and adults.
Although I am a non-native speaker, I have learned English since high school, and practicing it on a daily basis from then on.
I have over 30 years of working experience in several international companies on a high professional work and think level.
I am specialised in business conversation and practicing speaking skills on every possible level
Looking forward to meet you as my student.
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Lieneke is a great teacher. Very professional and sensitive to your needs. She is always positive so lessons are very comfortable.
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¡Hola! I’m Paul from Venezuela. I’ve been living in France since 2012, where I work as a fully qualified Spanish teacher at the university level, with up-to-date training.
I have extensive experience preparing students for DELE, SIELE, Bright, and CLOE exams, as well as general Spanish practice.
I specialize in helping students improve their Spanish pronunciation and grammar, assisting many in developing a more natural and fluid way of speaking.
I have worked for various universities and associations for over 10 years. Currently, I teach online for CoLanguage and engineering schools in France, mainly to university and high school students.
My sessions focus on encouraging students to use Spanish effectively, building their confidence, and helping them find their own natural way of expressing themselves in my language.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Paul
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Paul is a great teacher, very patient and motivating. The lessons are prepared and personalised. I definitely recommend taking lessons with Paul!
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Helene is an excellent teacher and a pleasure to work with. She has an organized lesson at the start and has a easy and clear communication style. I took Dutch classes from her, so I know she is at least fluent in English and Dutch. I also understand she is fluent in French as well. I plan to continue taking classes with Helene!
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Hello, my name is Michel and I'm a Dutch primary school language teacher. I lived in France for 7 years and I worked for an international school that is well known all over France. I moved to Madeira, Portugal and started to work as online Dutch language teacher 4 years ago. Teaching children and adults is my passion aswel as having fun with learning a new language.
My lessons are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
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Michel / Johannes is really nice, he adapted to my needs and understood my type of learning. Result: really targeted courses that allow me to make rapid progress.
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My mother language is Dutch and I mainly teach Dutch nowadays.
However, I have a Master's degree in Spanish and I am also fluent in English.
I offer interactive classes, often focused on speaking skills. I am patient and helpful.
My students come from all over the world, all levels and ages.
I look forward to meeting you!
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Elvira is an expirience and lovly teacher. She understood very fast when I need to improve and we focus on that. The lessons was fun and helpful, I enjoyed study with her.
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Hello,I would love to help you improve your knowledge of English.I adapt the lessons following your wishes : are you a beginner and need to get some basic knowledge with grammar and easy texts or do you want to improve your conversation skills. I can help you either way.Looking forward to meeting you !
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I have been with franscoise for nearly 20 lessons now. She has excellent command of English so it is easy to learn the Dutch expression equivalent to the one in english. She can focus on routine grammar stuff as well as useful daily conversation phrases such as “don’t jump the queue “ etc . She can definitely tailor the programme according to my need but in a discreet manner . Franscoise would give me homework such as exercise from the text or essay to help me consolidate what I have learnt , or simply prepare for the next lesson. She travelled a lot and has international perspective as well as cultural sensitivities but keeping her sense of humour. A kind and understanding person to be with. Definitely has a passion to teach and to share. Definitely not a money grabber ! Lucky to have her in my journey of Dutch learning.
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Monique is an incredibly patient, warm, and encouraging teacher, I feel much more competent in my language skills and testing abilities after only a few lessons. Highly recommend!
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Learn to communicate in Dutch from the first lesson! Enjoyable classes with teaching materials tailored to your needs. First 15 min. class for free. My name is Karin and I'm from Holland, but I live on the Canary Islands. I love teaching DUTCH and have done so for more than 20 years. I have a Diploma in English Philology. I also have two methodology degrees: the CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults of the University of Cambridge) and the FCTBE (Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
I have taught at a Business School and ten companies. In the last two years I've mainly been giving private lessons and I've developed a variety of online self-study DUTCH courses. My schedule is flexible and I adapt myself to the needs and interests of my students so that they reach their objectives in the shortest possible time.
Enjoyable classes, with teaching materials tailored to your needs.
How do the classes work? A class lasts 45 minutes. I'll send you the materials we are going to use in class beforehand so you can print them. After the class I'll send you audios of the notes we made, vocabulary etc. My speciality is communication, from beginner level to advanced. So, you will speak some Dutch in the first class already! Why wait any longer? Let's get started! :-)
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I had my first lesson a couple of days ago and everything went super good! Karin was attentive, transmiting her positivism and helping me with every doubt I had. She really focus on teaching how to pronounce and talk a language, so this is really interesting for me, to practise it & be able to use it in my day by day. I really recommend her to everyone willing to learn a new language :)
Karin L.
Hi Alba! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I enjoyed our class too & I wish you the best of luck with all your future projects :-)
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Have you always dreamed of becoming an expert in the English language? Now you can!
I am a sworn translator and have more than 15 years of experience. Together with me you will be a near native speaker in no time!
My name is Wendy and I have been working as a sworn translator and reviser in the English and Dutch language for more than 15 years. In addition, I occasionally help students and pupils with their lessons, young and old.
Would you also like to become a language professional? Or do you just want to be able to get by in the English or Dutch language, and especially want to practice speaking? Then you're in the right place with me. I would be happy to help you!
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Wendy is a great teacher, very perceptive and with a great adaptability. I have enjoyed my classes with here and I definitively feel an improvement after studying with her.
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Reviews
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We focused a lot on pronunciation of words and Linda was very helpful, particularly on all those Dutch sounds so difficult for foreigners!
Review
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Communication
Punctuality
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I’m not here to waste your time—and I won’t let you waste mine.
I give 100%. Always. My energy, my skills, my focus—they all go into making sure you succeed. That means classes that are effective, engaging, and yes, even fun. I coach you through your doubts, push you past hesitation, and get you speaking from day one. No fluff. No empty promises. Just real progress.
Yes, my fee is high—because the quality is high.
You’re not paying for a chat. You’re paying for transformation. For results. For someone who’s fully invested in your progress and doesn’t settle for mediocre.
But this is a two-way street.
I respect your time, your goals, and your effort. I expect the same. If you’re the type to constantly complain, cancel at the last minute, or come up with excuses—don’t contact me. I have a cancellation policy and I stick to it. My time and energy are not up for negotiation.
I don’t work with arrogant people, and I’m allergic to hypocrisy.
If you’re ready to show up, do the work, and grow—I’m all in. Let’s make it happen.
Book lessons with me if you’re serious about learning—and ready to get results.
✅ Want to pass the Dutch exams “Basisinburgering A1” or “Inburgeringsexamen A2”? I’ll train you to succeed on the first try—with your full commitment and my professional, high-energy approach, we make it happen.
✅ Live in the Netherlands and still not speaking Dutch confidently? Let’s fix that. You'll connect more deeply with your environment—and with yourself.
✅ Need Italian for work, life, or pure love of the language? I’ll help you live it, not just study it.
✅ Studying Spanish for school, pleasure, or work? You’ll gain real confidence and speak it with clarity—fast.
I also help students:
– Handle real conversations with ease—from daily chats to professional meetings and presentations
– Overcome fear, shyness, and learning blocks
– Reclaim their confidence and speak like they mean it
My method? No gimmicks. We talk. A lot. From the very beginning. I use direct, spontaneous conversation, often through role plays, to get you using the language—not just studying it. I bring in books, articles, songs, and anything that keeps things alive and stimulating. Grammar becomes clear, pronunciation improves, and progress becomes natural.
I’ve taught for years—Dutch, Spanish, and Italian—in the Netherlands, in private institutes, in integration programs (Inburgering), and now online from Italy. I know what works.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel at least 24 hours in advance. No exceptions. My time is precious—and yours should be too.
Want to see if we’re a good match? Contact me for a free trial. Let’s talk about your goals—and then go achieve them.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
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Elena is very good at keeping the conversation going, she nicely corrects my pronunciation mistakes (which I like) and teaches me new words and expresions useful for the conversation in question. I like how she adapts to my learning wishes and needs, prepares interesting subjects and promotes deep, professional and personal exchanges of ideas. Highly recommended!
Elena P.
Thank you for your feedback, David! I am happy to know that you are satisfied with the classes. Keep going because you are learning fast and well!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
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Hello! My name is Emilia and I am an experienced language tutor and translator from/to Bulgarian, Spanish, English and Dutch. My biggest passion are foreign languages and I have passed this passion to many of my students throughout the years. Despite the fact I have a Master degree in Economics and International Business and I have worked few years as an economist, my heart always takes me back to my teaching and translation jobs. With 20 years of teaching experience, a great level of patience and dedication to my work, and a great number of happy students, I am here to help you learn Bulgarian and Spanish at your own pace and convenience. Hope to hear from you soon! Best regards, Emilia
Reviews
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Communication
Punctuality
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Emilia is a great teacher. Very experienced and very flexible and adaptable to my specific needs. The lessons with her are going very smooth and with no stress and I really enjoy learning new language with her. Thank you Emilia!!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
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Hello
My name is Anco Peeters,. I am born in The Netherlands and a native speaker of the Dutch language..
I started my career as a schoolteacher and as a gymnastic instructor.
Later I started working in the ICT sector. Now I am a freelance instructor and consultant who teaches mainly networking and telephony.
I am also an NLP Practitioner
My hobbies are: Yoga, traveling, fitness, walking, meeting people
I would love to teach the Dutch language in an informal way with the accent on learning to speak the language. Grammar is also important. We can talk about any topic. I would like to help you making progress and have a lot of experience in creating an individual plan for every student based on your needs
Would love to see you for a trial lesson
Kind regards
Anco
Reviews
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Communication
Punctuality
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Anco is a punctual, intelligent, dedicated, responsive and compassionate language instructor but also an amazing person to talk and work with. He prepares the class with material that meet your needs. He takes the extra mile to have material that suit your learning style. If you don't mind dutch explanations of the dutch grammar, then this is a perfect teacher that I recommend wholeheartedly!
Review
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Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials