Updated September 2026
Dutch uses the European framework (CEFR, in Dutch ERK). A is basic, B is independent, C is proficient.
You use everyday expressions and very basic phrases, introduce yourself and answer simple personal questions, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
In daily life: Say who you are and where you live, order a coffee, fill in your name and address on a form.
You handle short, routine exchanges about familiar things such as shopping, work, family and directions, and you understand short, clear messages.
In daily life: Make an appointment with the huisarts, ask the way, understand a short note from school.
You understand the main points of clear standard Dutch about work, school and free time, cope with most everyday situations, and describe experiences, plans and opinions in simple connected language.
In daily life: Follow a work meeting on a familiar topic, explain a problem to your landlord, write a clear email.
You understand the main ideas of complex texts, including technical discussion in your field, and talk with native speakers fluently enough that neither side has to strain. You can argue a point of view.
In daily life: Follow the news, take part in a discussion at work, study in Dutch at hbo or university level.
You understand long, demanding texts and what is meant between the lines, and express yourself fluently and spontaneously for social, academic and professional purposes.
In daily life: Write a report, give a presentation, catch jokes and irony in a fast conversation.
You understand virtually everything you hear or read, summarise information from different sources, and express fine shades of meaning precisely.
In daily life: Read and write complex texts with ease, such as legal documents or academic articles.
Your own plan decides. Under the 2021 law, your gemeente sets your route and exams in your PIP, and Mijn Inburgering shows which exams you have to take.
| Goal | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Civic integration exam abroad | A1 | Speaking and reading at A1, plus knowledge of Dutch society. Some people who come to live with a partner or family member take it before they move. |
| Inburgering: Z-route (2021 law) | A1 | For people for whom the B1-route or the onderwijsroute is too difficult. You may take A2 language exams, but you do not have to. |
| Inburgering under the 2013 law | A2 | Language exams at A2 or higher within 3 years, plus the knowledge exams. |
| Naturalisation (Dutch passport) | A2 | Shown with an inburgering diploma or a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma. A proposal to raise this to B1 is not law yet. |
| Inburgering: B1-route (2021 law) | B1 | Language exams at B1 within 3 years, plus the knowledge exams in your plan. After at least 600 hours of lessons, you can ask your gemeente about A2 (afschalen). |
| Inburgering: onderwijsroute (2021 law) | B1 or B2 | Mainly for young people heading to mbo, hbo or university. Language exams at B1 or B2 within 3 years. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I | B1 | Meant for study or work at mbo 3 or mbo 4 level. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II | B2 | Meant for study or work at hbo or university level. Schools set their own entry requirements. |
| Permanent residence | Your inburgering level | A stronger residence permit usually requires that you have completed inburgering. Check the IND for your permit. |
| Most jobs | Varies | Employers usually do not require a Staatsexamen diploma, but they may ask for it. |
DUO runs language exams at A2, B1 and B2. The B1 and B2 exams are the Staatsexamen NT2: Programma I is B1. Programma II is B2.
The Staatsexamen covers the language part only. For inburgering you also need the knowledge exams in your plan.
Which law applies depends on when you became inburgeringsplichtig: on or after 1 January 2022 means the 2021 law, before that the 2013 law. Under both laws you have 3 years.
It depends on the law and route. Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the B1-route asks for B1, the onderwijsroute for B1 or B2, and the Z-route works at A1. Under the 2013 law you need A2 or higher. Mijn Inburgering shows which exams you have to take.
A2 today. You can show it with an inburgering diploma or a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma. There is a proposal to raise the level to B1, but it is not law yet. You also need, among other things, 5 years of legal residence; the IND lists the exceptions.
Both. Programma I is B1 and is meant for study or work at mbo level. Programma II is B2 and is meant for hbo or university. You do not have to pass Programma I before you take Programma II.
It covers the language part. On the B1-route and the onderwijsroute, the B1 and B2 language exams are the Staatsexamen NT2. You still need the knowledge exams listed in your plan.
At B1 you follow clear standard Dutch on familiar topics and manage everyday situations. At B2 you also follow complex and abstract topics, talk with native speakers without them slowing down, and argue a point of view.
If you became inburgeringsplichtig on or after 1 January 2022, the Wet inburgering 2021 applies. Before that date, the 2013 law applies.
Take the free level test and see how far you are from A2, B1 or B2.
