Dutch language levels: A1 to B2 in CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Letters from DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch education service) (External site, opens in a new tab) use levels such as A2 and B1. In Dutch, CEFR is called Europees Referentiekader (ERK; European reference framework).

The CEFR has six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. This page covers A1 to B2, the levels used in the Dutch exams below. These examples show how everyday tasks change as your Dutch develops.

The Council of Europe developed the CEFR framework (External site, opens in a new tab) to describe what you can understand and communicate at each level. Schools and exam bodies use it to describe learning goals and qualifications. The levels describe abilities, rather than a fixed number of words to learn.

The Basisexamen inburgering buitenland (civic integration exam abroad) tests reading and speaking at A1. The inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) has A2 language exams. The Staatsexamen NT2 (Nederlands als tweede taal; Dutch as a second language state exam) tests at B1 or B2. Your required level depends on your situation.

A CEFR level describes what you can understand and communicate. From A1 to B2, you move from short phrases to detailed discussion. Each exam chooses tasks at its level. For example, A1 includes writing a short postcard, but the exam abroad tests reading and speaking. The lists below describe language abilities; each exam has its own tasks and scoring rules.

A1 covers familiar, everyday situations. You can use short phrases when the other person speaks slowly, repeats information and helps you. The CEFR also calls this level Breakthrough (beginner). The Basisexamen inburgering buitenland tests reading and speaking at A1. People who need this exam take it abroad, for example at a Dutch embassy.

At A1, you can:

• Introduce yourself and ask someone their name, where they live and what they do.
• Understand simple phrases about immediate needs, such as greetings, directions and prices.
• Read very short, simple texts, such as signs, labels and personal messages.
• Write a short postcard and fill in a simple form with your name, address and nationality.
• Follow a slow, clear exchange about familiar topics when the other person helps you.

At A1, you use basic words and phrases for concrete situations. Examples include Ik woon in Amsterdam (I live in Amsterdam) and Hoe heet je? (What is your name?). You can answer direct questions with short phrases and help from the other person.

A2 covers simple, routine tasks, such as shopping, visiting the doctor, talking to your landlord or contacting your child's school. You use connected sentences about familiar topics. The CEFR also calls this level Waystage (elementary). A2 is the minimum language level under the Wet inburgering 2013 (Civic Integration Act 2013) and for naturalisatie (naturalisation, becoming a Dutch citizen). Exemptions and accepted diplomas can apply.

At A2, you can:

• Understand common expressions about family, shopping, work and local places when people speak clearly and slowly.
• Exchange information in simple, routine tasks.
• Describe your background, education and surroundings in simple terms.
• Find information in short advertisements, menus and timetables, and understand simple personal letters.
• Write short notes, messages and simple letters, for example to thank someone or make an appointment.

At A2, your vocabulary covers routine tasks and basic needs. You may use forms for talking about the past, such as Ik heb gewerkt (I have worked). You may also use conjunctions (joining words), such as maar (but), omdat (because) and want (because). Basic grammar mistakes can remain, but your message is usually clear.

The A2 exams test lezen (reading), luisteren (listening), schrijven (writing) and spreken (speaking). There is also Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM; knowledge of Dutch society). Your situation determines any other required parts; check Mijn Inburgering (DUO's integration portal).

B1 lets you connect ideas, handle unfamiliar situations and explain opinions and plans. The CEFR also calls this level Threshold (intermediate). The B1-route (B1 learning route) under the Wet inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act 2021) targets B1. Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I (Programme I) is at B1 and is intended for work or study at mbo (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs; secondary vocational education) level 3 or 4.

At B1, you can:

• Understand the main points of clear, standard speech or text about work, school and leisure. Follow current affairs when the delivery is slow and clear.
• Handle most situations that arise while travelling in a Dutch-speaking area.
• Produce simple, connected text on familiar topics or personal interests.
• Describe experiences, events, hopes and ambitions, and briefly explain your reasons and opinions.
• Read straightforward news articles, personal letters and work correspondence using familiar language.
• Write a connected email or short essay with a beginning, middle and end.

At B1, you have vocabulary for familiar topics and everyday situations. You can explain a missing word in other words. Grammar errors can remain, but your meaning is clear.

The official Programma I exam format (External site, opens in a new tab) gives 6 reading texts with 36 questions in 110 minutes. Its writing exam asks for sentences, short messages, forms and short texts under time pressure. See the A2 vs B1 Dutch guide for a comparison of the two levels.

B2 lets you follow complex arguments and write detailed texts. You can talk with fluent Dutch speakers without strain for either person. The CEFR also calls this level Vantage (upper intermediate). Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II (Programme II) is at B2. It is intended for work or study at hbo (hoger beroepsonderwijs; higher professional education) or wo (wetenschappelijk onderwijs; university education) level. These include a hogeschool (university of applied sciences) and a universiteit (research university).

At B2, you can:

• Understand the main ideas of complex texts about concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field.
• Talk with fluent Dutch speakers spontaneously, without strain for either person.
• Write clear, detailed texts on many subjects. Explain your view on a current issue and give the advantages and disadvantages of the options.
• Follow extended speech and lectures when the topic is reasonably familiar, and understand most television news and current affairs programmes.
• Write detailed essays, reports and work correspondence with a clear structure.

At B2, your vocabulary covers most general topics and matters connected to your field. You may still pause or explain a missing word in other words. Programma II tests these abilities through its own exam tasks and scoring rules.

A1 and A2 language exams belong to the civic integration exams. B1 and B2 belong to Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I and II. The route descriptions below reflect official requirements; exemptions and individual plans can change what you need.

The A2 language exams and Staatsexamen NT2 test reading, listening, writing and speaking. The A1 basisexamen tests reading and speaking, plus Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (KNS; knowledge of Dutch society). Formats and task difficulty change between levels. The inburgeringsexamen guide explains the exam families and their parts.

Your required level depends on your integration law, residence application or study goal. Your DUO letter states which law applies. Under the 2021 law, your persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie (PIP; personal integration and participation plan) states your route and exams. For questions about your official situation, required parts, costs and registration, see the Inburgering (civic integration) questions and answers: A1, A2, B1 and B2.

If you need an MVV to live with a partner or work as a spiritual counsellor, you must normally pass the basisexamen before applying. It tests reading and speaking at A1, plus KNS. Some nationalities are exempt; other exemptions and dispensations also apply. Check the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, the Dutch immigration service) exam-abroad requirements (External site, opens in a new tab). For the residence application itself, use the family reunification and MVV guide.

If your integration obligation started before 1 January 2022, the Wet inburgering 2013 applies. Its language requirement is A2 or higher. You can book A2 exams through Mijn Inburgering. The 2013 and 2021 integration law comparison explains the difference.

If your integration obligation started on or after 1 January 2022, the Wet inburgering 2021 applies. Your gemeente (municipality) determines your leerroute (learning route) and records it in your PIP. The B1-route targets B1; other routes have different requirements.

Within the B1-route, your gemeente can approve A2 for one or more language skills if you cannot reach B1 within your integration period. You need 600 NT2 course hours at a qualifying provider, plus evidence that you made sufficient effort in those lessons. Qualifying literacy lessons can count. The gemeente may also count qualifying lessons during the brede intake (initial assessment). The Besluit inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Decree 2021), article 5.5 (External site, opens in a new tab) sets these conditions. The gemeente must record the change in your PIP.

A2 approval within the B1-route is a separate process from the 600-hour ontheffing wegens aantoonbaar geleverde inspanningen (AGI; waiver for demonstrated effort) under the 2013 law. A waiver can remove exam requirements; A2 approval changes the language level.

Programma I is at B1 and is intended for work or study at mbo level 3 or 4. Programma II is at B2 and is intended for work or study at hbo or research-university level. Before choosing B1 or B2, check your PIP or the institution's admission requirements. The Staatsexamen NT2: B1 or B2 programme-choice guide explains which programme fits each goal.

For naturalisation (External site, opens in a new tab) and an ordinary permanent residence permit (External site, opens in a new tab), the minimum language level is A2. An accepted diploma, exemption or dispensation can meet or remove the exam requirement. See the integration diploma and certificates guide to check whether an existing qualification counts.

If you have more than one goal, compare the requirements before booking. The Which Dutch exam do you need? guide helps you choose the exam for your situation.

A 2012 European Commission document says that accurate CEFR study-hour estimates are impossible. It gives rough estimates from ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Guided learning means study with teaching or supervision. These are historical English guided-learning estimates, rather than Council of Europe requirements, DUO targets or Dutch-specific study times.

These figures are cumulative totals from beginner level in English.

The Commission document gives no calendar durations. Your timeline depends on the languages you already know and your reading and writing skills. Study hours and teaching also affect it. So does the amount of Dutch you hear or use outside lessons. Use the table as a rough reference when discussing a study plan with your teacher.

Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the inburgeringstermijn (integration period) is normally 3 years. Check your deadline in Mijn Inburgering. Some situations qualify for extra time; see the 3-year integration deadline and extra-time guide. If you finish late without a right to an extension, DUO can fine you. Asylum residence permit holders receive no DUO fine for late completion. See DUO's current fine rules (External site, opens in a new tab) and the integration fines guide.

Choose practice that matches the skills in your target level. Start with official DUO A2 practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab) or official Staatsexamen NT2 B1 and B2 practice (External site, opens in a new tab) to see exam tasks and the interface. For extra practice, use Inburgering.org's free mock exams. Our mocks are additional practice, rather than official exam questions.

Practise common Dutch words in full sentences. Listen to simple Dutch audio, such as children's programmes or slow news, each day. Repeat the same words and sentence patterns in several tasks.

Practise joining ideas in speech and writing. Practise finding the main conclusions and following the argument in straightforward texts on familiar topics where the main points are clearly marked. Read straightforward Dutch news articles, write short diary entries in Dutch and watch Dutch television with Dutch subtitles. For example, write a diary entry about a school appointment and explain what you plan to do next.

Read opinion pieces, listen to podcasts and lectures, and practise essays with a clear argument. Review word order in complex sentences and uses of er (there). Practise timed reading and writing for Programma II. For example, write a short report comparing two proposals at work.

Under the 2013 law, you choose a school or self-study method. Under the 2021 law, the gemeente chooses and pays for the course if you hold an asylum residence permit. Family migrants and other migrants choose and pay for their own course. See the choosing an integration school guide for questions to ask.

In October 2026, DUO lists each A2 language exam and KNM at €50. Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt (ONA; orientation on the Dutch labour market) costs €40.

ONA normally applies under the 2013 law if your duty started on or after 1 January 2015. It also applies to voluntary integration in the Netherlands, for example for naturalisation. ONA exemptions can apply.

Under the 2021 law, asylum residence permit holders get the first 2 attempts at each exam free at the PIP level or higher. Extra attempts cost money. See DUO's integration costs (External site, opens in a new tab) and the integration costs, loans and fees guide for the conditions and financial support.

Use this order to plan your exams:

1. Check your required level and parts in your DUO letter, PIP or institution's requirements. If your letter is unclear, ask your gemeente which law and route apply. The who must integrate guide explains the integration duty.
2. Choose lessons or a self-study method that matches your level and the school-choice rules above.
3. Practise the official tasks at your target level.
4. Check the fees and available dates before booking.

When you feel ready to take the exam, book A2 exams through Mijn Inburgering and B1 or B2 exams through Mijn DUO (DUO's online portal) for Staatsexamen NT2 registration (External site, opens in a new tab). You can book components on different dates. Use the exam registration guide to check the booking route.

If you must integrate, follow the level in your DUO letter or PIP. Ask your gemeente about a change from B1 to A2 before booking A2 exams. If you need Dutch for study, follow the institution's requirement. If you need proof for naturalisation or permanent residence, check whether your existing diploma or an exemption already meets the requirement. Plan around your official deadline: a study-hour estimate gives no guarantee that you will finish in time.

• Which Dutch exam do you need?
• A2 vs B1 Dutch
• Dutch courses for your exam level, with reading, listening, writing and speaking exercises.