What Dutch level do you need for the inburgering exam?

For people who became subject to integration from 1 January 2022, the general target is B1, though it can be scaled to A2 under certain conditions or taken at B2. Earlier arrivals and some voluntary integrators may complete it at A2. Always confirm your required level with DUO and the IND.

What does the inburgering process involve?

It includes Dutch language parts testing reading, listening, writing and speaking (via the Staatsexamen NT2 or integration-level exams), plus components about living, working and participating in Dutch society. The exact requirements depend on your integration route.

How do I start preparing for the inburgering exam?

First confirm your required level with DUO. Then build solid everyday Dutch from A1 up to your target level, and add exam-specific practice with official and recognised exam-prep resources, ideally with feedback from a teacher on your speaking and writing.

Learn › Dutch for the inburgering exam

Dutch for the inburgering exam: where to start

If you have to integrate (inburgeren) in the Netherlands, the language part can feel daunting. Here is a clear, practical way to begin, and where to get the official facts for your own situation.

First: find out your required level

The single most important step is to confirm your required level and route, because it depends on when you became subject to integration and your personal circumstances.

People who became subject to integration from 1 January 2022 generally aim for B1. Under certain conditions it can be scaled down to A2, or taken at a higher level.
People who started earlier, or who integrate voluntarily (for example toward naturalisation), may complete it at A2.

Confirm your own case first. This is general information, not legal advice, and the rules change. Check your required level and exam route with DUO and the IND before you plan your study.

What the language exam involves

The Dutch-language side tests the four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking, through the Staatsexamen NT2 or integration-level exams. Alongside the language parts there are components about living, working and taking part in Dutch society. The exact set depends on your route.

How to build the Dutch to pass

Passing is really two jobs: building real Dutch, and then practising the exam format. Do them in that order.

Build the language first. Work steadily from A1 toward your target level. Our lessons and student course take you A1 → A2 → B1 with grammar, practice games and homework.
Practise speaking out loud from the start. The speaking exam is where many people lose points, and it is the hardest to self-teach.
Then add exam-specific practice with official and recognised prep resources: timed mock exams and the exact question formats.
Get feedback on speaking and writing. A course can teach you the Dutch, but it cannot hear you. A few lessons with a teacher fix the specific mistakes you cannot spot yourself.

A realistic plan

Confirm your required level with DUO.
Take a quick placement test to see where you are now.
Work up to your target level with lessons and practice, speaking aloud daily.
Add official exam-format practice in the final stretch.
Book lesson time for speaking and writing feedback before the exam.

Dutchie Academy is original study material to build your Dutch. It is not official exam preparation and does not grant a certificate, use it to get your Dutch up to level, then combine it with official exam practice.

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A1-B1 lessons with grammar, games and homework. Students get the full online course. Find your level first if you are unsure.

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