Dutch language exam levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2 explained
Last checked: 29 October 2026
Dutch language exams use the European levels A1, A2, B1 and B2. The exam abroad is A1. The inburgering exam is A2 under the 2013 law and usually B1 under the 2021 law. Naturalisation needs at least A2. The Nt2 state exam is B1 (programme I) or B2 (programme II), for work and study.
| Level | In plain words | Dutch exam at this level | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Simple phrases about yourself, slowly | Civic Integration Exam Abroad | Partners who need an MVV visa (ind.nl); the Z route under the 2021 law |
| A2 | Short everyday conversations and texts | Inburgering exam, A2 language parts (DUO) | Everyone under the 2013 law; minimum for naturalisation (ind.nl) |
| B1 | Most daily situations, work talk, simple opinions | Nt2 state exam, programme I | Most people under the 2021 law (B1 route); work or study at MBO level 3 or 4 (duo.nl) |
| B2 | Fluent on most topics, longer texts | Nt2 state exam, programme II | Work or study at HBO or university level (same source) |
More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. The levels come from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which DUO itself links to (inburgeren.nl).
What the levels mean
The CEFR has six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near native). Dutch integration and state exams use the first four. In plain words (Erasmus University language centre, linked by DUO):
- A1. You understand and use very basic phrases. You can introduce yourself and answer simple questions if the other person speaks slowly. Ik heet Sara. Ik woon in Utrecht.
- A2. You handle short, routine exchanges: shopping, the doctor's assistant, a simple form, a short message to the school. Kan ik morgen om tien uur komen? Mijn zoon is ziek.
- B1. You get by in most situations you meet at work, in town or on holiday. You can tell a story, explain a plan and give a short reason for your opinion. Ik denk dat thuiswerken goed is, omdat ik minder tijd in de trein zit.
- B2. You talk with native speakers without much effort on both sides and read longer articles and reports.
The jump from A2 to B1 is bigger than it looks. At A2 you can manage. At B1 you can explain, compare and argue, which needs subordinate clauses, past tenses and a wider vocabulary.
Which level for which exam
A1: the exam abroad
If you need an MVV visa to join a partner in the Netherlands, you first pass the Civic Integration Exam Abroad at a Dutch embassy. It covers speaking, reading and knowledge of Dutch society (ind.nl). Under the 2021 law, people on the Z route (self-reliance) also work towards A1 (inburgeren.nl).
A2: the 2013 law and citizenship
Under the 2013 law (duty to integrate before 1 January 2022), all four language exams are at A2, and the diploma is always an A2 diploma (inburgeren.nl). For naturalisation, A2 is the minimum. You pass the integration exam at A2, and that is the naturalisation test (ind.nl). Details in the inburgering exam at A2 and the Dutch language test for citizenship.
B1: most people under the 2021 law
Under the 2021 law your municipality makes a personal plan (PIP) with you. On the B1 route, the usual one, your language exams are at B1. That is the Nt2 state exam, programme I (inburgeren.nl). If you have had at least 600 hours of lessons and still did not pass B1, you can talk to your municipality about doing A2 instead (same source). The diploma shows the level you passed (inburgeren.nl). Read the Dutch B1 exam and how to pass the B1 Dutch exam.
B2: higher education and skilled work
Programme II of the Nt2 state exam is B2. It is meant for people who want to study or work at HBO or university level (duo.nl). It also counts for integration and for naturalisation.
Is the KNM exam at a level?
KNM tests knowledge, not language, so it has no CEFR level of its own. But the questions are in Dutch, so weak reading slows you down. Most people find A2 reading is enough. More in how to pass the KNM exam.
How to tell which level you need
- Log in to Mijn Inburgering. It shows your law and the exams you still need.
- Under the 2021 law, check your PIP. It names your route and level.
- Taking the exam only to naturalise? You need A2, unless you already hold another accepted diploma.
The full picture of the exam, per law, is in the inburgering exam guide.
How to move up a level
From A1 to A2, words matter most. Learn the 594 most common Dutch words first: they cover a large part of everyday text. From A2 to B1, grammar matters more. Get word order right, especially the verb at the end after omdat and dat. Our free grammar cheat sheets are marked A1, A2 and B1, so you can work through them in order. Start with word order and past tense.
Frequently asked questions
What level is the Dutch integration exam?
A2 under the 2013 law. Under the 2021 law it is usually B1, on the B1 route, as set in your personal plan.
What Dutch level do I need for citizenship?
A2. The IND also accepts a B1 or B2 Nt2 state exam diploma.
Is B1 much harder than A2?
Yes, for most people. B1 asks you to explain and give opinions, which needs longer sentences, more grammar and more words.
What level is the exam abroad?
A1. It is for people who need an MVV visa, for example to join a partner.
What is the difference between Nt2 programme I and II?
Programme I is B1, meant for MBO-level work or study. Programme II is B2, for HBO or university.
How long does it take to go from A2 to B1?
It depends on your lessons and practice. Under the 2021 law, the 600-hour rule for switching to A2 gives a rough idea of how long B1 can take.