What A1 to C2 actually mean, how far each level gets you, and how they connect to the official Dutch exams: the Staatsexamen NT2 and the inburgering (integration) exam.
Dutch, like most European languages, is measured on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It has six levels in three groups. Each level describes what you can actually do with the language, not how many words you know.
You handle very simple, everyday phrases: introduce yourself, say where you live, ask basic questions. You understand slow, clear speech on familiar topics.
Covered in the Dutchie Academy course →You manage routine situations: shopping, directions, simple work exchanges, describing your background and daily life. You use the simple past for familiar events.
Covered in the Dutchie Academy course →You cope independently in most everyday and work situations: narrate past events, explain opinions and plans, handle meetings and emails. This is the level most expats aim for.
Covered in the Dutchie Academy course →You interact fluently and spontaneously, follow complex texts, argue a case, and work comfortably in Dutch. Often required for higher education and many professional roles.
You use Dutch flexibly and effectively for academic, professional and social life, understanding implicit meaning and long, demanding texts.
You understand virtually everything you read and hear and express yourself precisely, close to a highly educated native speaker.
Our lessons and student course take you from A1 (complete beginner) through A2 to B1, the independent-user level that covers most daily life and work in the Netherlands. Not sure where you are? The placement test gives you a recommended starting level in about five minutes.
If you need a recognised certificate, for work, study, integration or naturalisation, you take an official exam. Here are the main ones.
The Staatsexamen NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal) is the official Dutch-as-a-second-language exam for non-native speakers. It is organised by DUO on behalf of the Dutch government, and the diploma is recognised for work and study. It tests all four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. There are two programmes:
| Programme | Level | Typically for |
|---|---|---|
| Programma I | around B1 | vocational work and MBO-level study |
| Programma II | around B2 | higher education (HBO / university) and professional roles |
You can register and read the official exam details at staatsexamensnt2.nl.
Many people who move to the Netherlands from outside the EU have a legal duty to integrate (inburgeren). The integration process includes Dutch-language parts plus components about living and working in the Netherlands.
For people who became subject to integration from 1 January 2022, the general language target is 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.
The CNaVT (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal) is an exam mainly for people learning Dutch outside the Netherlands and Belgium. If you live in the Netherlands, the Staatsexamen NT2 is usually the relevant one.
The course builds genuine, practical Dutch from A1 to B1, which is the foundation the exams test. It is original study material, not official exam preparation, and it does not grant an official certificate. For exam-specific practice (timed mock exams, exact formats), use official and recognised exam-prep resources alongside it. The best setup is solid everyday Dutch plus targeted exam practice, and, if you want feedback on your speaking and writing, lessons with a teacher.
A1-B1 lessons with grammar, games and homework. Students get the full online course. Find your level first if you are unsure.
Book a lesson → Take the placement test