From A1 to B2, one step at a time

1. A1

   Beginner

   You start from zero: greetings, numbers, your home, shopping and simple questions.

   ≈ 1,000words (rough guide)
   • I can say who I am and where I come from.
   • I can ask and answer simple questions about where I live and the people I know.
   • I can understand numbers, prices and times.
   • I can fill in a form with my name, address and date of birth.
   • I can read short signs and messages in the street, the shop and the station.

   Exams at this level: Basic integration exam abroad · A1

   A1 starter routeA1 vocabularyVideos for A1A soap for beginners: meeting peopleFood and drink with Juf MFree practice
2. A2

   Elementary

   Everyday situations: the doctor, the municipality, work, school and your neighbours. The level of the A2 integration exam.

   ≈ 2,000words (rough guide)
   • I can understand sentences about familiar topics such as shopping, work and family.
   • I can make an appointment by phone and explain a simple problem.
   • I can read short letters, ads and timetables and find what I need.
   • I can write a short message or e-mail to a neighbour, school or employer.
   • I can talk about my background, my day and my plans in simple words.

   Exams at this level: Dutch integration · DUO A2Dutch society · KNM

   A2 vocabularyVideos for A2A2 listening: Henk and IngridKNM: how does it work in the Netherlands?Free practice
3. B1

   Independent

   You manage on your own at work, in training and with authorities. The level of Staatsexamen NT2 I and the B1 integration route.

   ≈ 4,000words (rough guide)
   • I can follow the main points of clear talk about work, school and free time.
   • I can give my opinion and a reason, and react to someone else’s opinion.
   • I can read news, instructions and longer letters about everyday matters.
   • I can write a clear e-mail or short text with a complaint, a request or advice.
   • I can describe an experience and my plans for the future.

   Exams at this level: Dutch integration B1 · 2021 route

   B1 vocabularyVideos for B1B1 speaking tasks with model answersB1 writing tasks with model answersFree practice
4. B2

   Upper intermediate

   Study and professional work in Dutch: longer texts, debates and formal writing. The level of Staatsexamen NT2 II.

   ≈ 8,000+words (rough guide)
   • I can understand lectures, reports and discussions in my field.
   • I can take part in a discussion and defend a point of view with arguments.
   • I can read long articles and find the writer’s position and arguments.
   • I can write a structured text: a report, a formal letter or an argument.
   • I can explain a complex topic clearly to someone else.

   Exams at this level: State exam NT2 II · B2

   B2 vocabularyVideos for B2Free practice

Word targets are rough estimates often used in Dutch courses, not official requirements. The exams test what you can do with the language, not a word count.