Language levels show how well you master a language, from absolute beginner to near-native proficiency. The international standard for this is the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). For the integration exam and the State Exam NT2, A2 and B1 are especially important. Which level you need to achieve depends on your situation: status holders are required to reach B1, while family and labour migrants can in some cases complete at A2.
| Level | Description | Relevant for integration? |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Absolute beginner, understands isolated words and short sentences | No |
| A2 | Basic user, manages in familiar situations | Yes, for certain groups |
| B1 | Independent user, understands the gist of normal conversations | Yes, mandatory for status holders |
| B2 | Advanced, can communicate fluently on a wide range of topics | No (higher than required) |
| C1 | Effective user, masters the language at a high level | No (higher than required) |
| C2 | Near-native proficiency | No (higher than required) |
Key takeaways from this blog
- The CEFR has six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native proficiency).
- Status holders are required to reach B1; for family and labour migrants, A2 is still possible in certain cases.
- The exams are administered by DUO, not by any other body.
- The integration exam at B1 is the same exam as the State Exam NT2 at B1, not a separate or lighter version.
- Each language level sets concrete requirements for listening, reading, speaking and writing. The difference between A2 and B1 is bigger than it seems.
- Authentic Dutch material such as TV, radio and podcasts is an effective tool: because it is slightly above exam level, you get used to the language faster.
What is the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)?
The Common European Framework of Reference, abbreviated as CEFR, is a European standard that describes what someone can do in a foreign language. It is not just about knowing grammar, but about what you can actually do: understand, speak, read and write in real situations. Governments, schools and examination bodies across Europe use the same scale, so a level in the Netherlands means the same as in Germany or Spain.
DUO, the Dutch organisation that administers the integration exams and the State Exams NT2, also uses the CEFR. This means the exams you take directly align with this international standard. If you achieve B1 at DUO, everyone in Europe knows exactly what that means.
The six language levels at a glance
A1: beginner
At A1 you understand simple words and short, familiar sentences. You can introduce yourself, spell a name or understand a date on a letter. Nothing more is needed at this level yet, but this is where the basics begin.
A2: basic user
At A2 you can manage in everyday situations you are familiar with. You understand short messages, simple instructions and conversations about topics such as housing, work and shopping. You can fill in a form, write a simple letter and make yourself understood in a shop or at the doctor’s.
This is the level at which certain groups can complete the integration exam. For family and labour migrants, A2 is still possible as a final level in some cases. At A2, incorrect use of de/het is overlooked in the assessment, which is no longer the case at B1.
B1: independent user
At B1 you understand the gist of normal conversations about work, school, free time and current topics. You can express yourself reasonably well in spoken and written language, even if the topic is not entirely familiar. You don’t need to be perfect, but you communicate independently and clearly.
This is the level status holders are required to achieve. The integration exam at B1 is the same exam as the State Exam NT2 Programme I at B1. It is not a separate or lighter version, but exactly the same exam, administered by DUO. The difference with A2 is bigger at this point than it sounds: the language proficiency required for B1 demands serious preparation. Incorrect use of de/het does count towards the assessment at B1, which makes a concrete difference in how precisely you need to write and speak.
B2: advanced user
At B2 you can communicate fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, without it feeling like a strain for either party. You understand longer and more complex texts, including on abstract topics. This level is above what the integration exam or State Exam NT2 Programme I requires.
C1: effective user
At C1 you master the language at a high level. You express yourself fluently and precisely, including in professional or academic situations. The State Exam NT2 Programme II corresponds to this level. For most people going through integration, this is not the required final level.
C2: near-native proficiency
C2 is the highest level and is close to the level of a native speaker. This level is not required for integration.
Which level do you need?
The answer depends on your residence status and personal situation.
Are you a status holder? Then you are required to achieve B1. The municipality draws up a personal integration plan together with you and is your first point of contact. The three-year integration period starts the moment you received the letter from the IND stating that you have a residence permit and must integrate. The date on that letter is therefore decisive, not the day you arrive or start a course.
Are you a family or labour migrant, or a voluntary participant in integration? Then A2 may still be possible as a final level in certain cases. You do not follow a municipal programme. It is wise to check with DUO or a recognised institution which level applies to your situation, so you avoid surprises.
In addition to the language exam, some candidates must also complete a participation statement process and/or demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Dutch labour market. Whether this applies to you differs per situation.
The difference between A2 and B1 in practice
It sounds like a small step, but the difference between A2 and B1 is considerable in practice. At A2 you manage in familiar situations. At B1 you are expected to also deal with unfamiliar topics, longer texts and more nuanced conversations.
In concrete terms, this means: at B1, incorrect use of de/het is factored into the assessment, whereas this is not the case at A2. At B1 you read longer and less predictable texts. You listen to recordings that are closer to everyday Dutch. And you write texts that require more from you than a simple message.
The difference in vocabulary is also noticeable. For A2 you can expect around 2,000 common words, while for B1 that is around 4,000. That sounds like a lot, but the most common words keep recurring. Knowing those core words already gets you a long way.
How do you use authentic material to improve your level?
One of the most effective ways to get used to Dutch is by using regular Dutch TV, radio and podcasts. Not because it is exactly the same as the exam, but precisely because it is a bit more challenging. Once you get used to the pace and language of regular programmes, exam level will feel more familiar afterwards.
Het Journaal in makkelijke taal (the news in easy language) is a good starting point if you are just beginning. If you want to go further, regular news programmes, radio programmes or podcasts are a valuable addition. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t understand everything. You don’t have to. The point is that your ear gets used to the rhythm of the language.
FAQ
What exactly are language levels?
Language levels indicate how well someone masters a language. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) divides language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. A1 is for absolute beginners, C2 for people who master the language at a near-native level. These levels describe what you can do in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Which language level do I need for the integration exam?
That depends on your situation. Status holders are required to achieve level B1. Family and labour migrants can in certain cases complete at A2. For status holders, the municipality is the first point of contact. Other participants in integration do not follow a municipal programme.
Who administers the integration exam?
The integration exam and the State Exam NT2 are administered by DUO. You register for the exam via inburgeren.nl.
Is the integration exam at B1 more difficult than the State Exam NT2?
No. The integration exam at B1 is the same exam as the State Exam NT2 Programme I at B1. It is not a separate or lighter version, but exactly the same exam, administered by DUO.
How much time do I have to complete integration?
The integration period is three years. That period starts the moment you received the letter from the IND stating that you have a residence permit and must integrate. The date on that letter is therefore the starting point.
What is the difference between A2 and B1?
At A2 you manage in familiar, everyday situations. At B1 you are expected to also deal with unfamiliar topics and longer or less predictable texts. At A2, incorrect use of de/het is overlooked, at B1 it is not. The vocabulary you need increases from around 2,000 words at A2 to around 4,000 at B1.
How do I know what level I am at?
A good way is to take a placement test. Inburgering Online offers practice material for both A2 and B1, so you can see where you stand and practise specifically what you need.
Start practising at your level today
Do you now know which level you need to achieve? Then the next step is to practise concretely at that level. At Inburgering Online you’ll find practice material with clear video explanations and direct explanations of the core structures of Dutch. This way you know exactly what you’re working on and what still needs to be done.
Do you want to achieve B1? Then go to the B1 practice material. Are you preparing for A2? Then you’ll find everything you need on the A2 page. Everything for 11.95 euros per month.
