Dutch levels explained

Would you like to know more about the Dutch levels we offer for our Dutch courses? On this page you learn about the different Dutch levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

From the Dutch A1 level up to the Dutch C1 level.

Learn more

About the Dutch levels

To get an impression of the different levels, we wrote down the abilities related to each level. The levels of the Dutch language courses are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Related to our Dutch group courses

The description of the levels are based on our general Dutch group courses, courses in which you will go from one level to another and cover all the aspects of the language.

We also offer Dutch conversation courses, which are split into two level groups (A2-B1 and B2-C1). The conversation courses only focus on improving your speaking skills, so don’t go from one level to another.

Related to our Dutch private lessons

We also offer Dutch private lessons, which are more flexible. Private lessons are suitable for all levels and lessons are more flexible. With private lessons you can focus on any aspect and can achieve any Dutch level.

Dutch A0 to A1 level – Beginners level explained

Dutch A0 is the starting level for absolute beginners who have no prior knowledge of the Dutch language.
In our Dutch beginner group course, you progress from A0 to A1, which is the first official CEFR level.

Starting level: A0 (absolute beginner)

At the Dutch A0 level, you:

Are new to Dutch sounds, vocabulary and sentence structure
Have no or almost no knowledge of Dutch

This level is only a starting point, not an official CEFR end level.

End level after the course: A1

After completing the Dutch beginner course A1, you reach the Dutch A1 level.

What can you do at Dutch A1 level?

With the Dutch beginners A1 course you will go from the Dutch A0 level towards the Dutch A1 level. By the end of the course you will have the A1 level and you can:

Describe pictures with basic vocabulary
Understand Dutch by making and understanding basic vocabulary and phrases
Ask and answer basic questions

Suitable courses

Dutch beginners A1 course (semi-intensive)
Dutch beginners A1 course (intensive)
Dutch private lessons

Dutch A1 to A2 level – Elementary level explained

Dutch A1 is the level for learners who already have basic knowledge of Dutch and can handle simple everyday situations.
In the Dutch elementary group courses, you progress from A1 to A2, the next official CEFR level.

Starting level: A1

At the Dutch A1 level, you:

Use basic Dutch words and phrases in familiar situations
Ask and answer simple questions about yourself and daily life
Understand slow and clearly spoken Dutch on common topics

End level after the courses: A2

After completing the Dutch elementary group courses, you reach the Dutch A2 level.

What can you do at Dutch A2 level?

With the Dutch elementary courses you will go from the Dutch A1 level towards the Dutch A2 level. The level is split into two courses. By the end of the second part you will have the A2 level and you can:

Understand familiar words and very basic phrases about yourself and your family when people speak slowly and clearly;
Read familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues;
Use simple phrases and sentences to describe where you live and people you know;
Write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. You can fill in forms with personal details.

Dutch A2 level according to CEFR — Dutch Elementary level (A1 → A2)

Suitable courses

Dutch A2 to B1 level – Pre-intermediate level explained

Dutch A2 is the level for learners who can already communicate in simple, everyday situations.
In the Dutch pre-intermediate group courses, you progress from A2 to B1, the level where you start using Dutch more independently. With the A2 and B1 level you can also take the Dutch conversation course 1.

Starting level: A2

At the Dutch A2 level, you:

Communicate in short and simple conversations
Understand frequently used expressions related to daily life, work and family
Describe your background, environment and basic needs
Follow simple spoken Dutch when it is clearly articulated

End level after the courses: B1

After completing the Dutch pre-intermediate group courses, you reach the Dutch B1 level.

What can you do at Dutch B1 level?

With the Dutch pre-intermediate courses you will go from the Dutch A2 level towards the Dutch B1 level. The level is split into two courses. By the end of the second part you will have the B1 level and you can:

Understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to basic personal and family information, shopping,employment etc.;
Read simple texts such as advertisements, menus and timetables and understand short simple personal letters;
Use a serie of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms;
Write short, simple notes and messages.

Suitable courses

Dutch B1 to B2 level – Intermediate level explained

Dutch B1 is the level where you can function independently in many everyday and professional situations.
In the Dutch intermediate group course, you progress from B1 to B2, a key level for professional communication. With the B1 level you can also take the Dutch conversation course 1, while with the B2 level you can take the Dutch conversation course 2.

Starting level: B1

At the Dutch B1 level, you:

Communicate independently in everyday situations
Understand the main ideas of texts and conversations on familiar topics
Participate in discussions about work, studies and personal interests
Explain viewpoints and experiences in a structured way

End level after the courses: B2

After completing the Dutch intermediate group course, you reach the Dutch B2 level.

What can you do at Dutch B2 level?

With the Dutch intermediate course you will go from the Dutch B1 level towards the Dutch B2 level. By the end of the course you will have the B2 level and you can:

Understand the main points of many radio or TV programs or topics of personal and professional interest when the delivery is slow and clear;
Read and understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters;
Connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, dreams and ambitions. You can give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans;
Write simple text on topics which are familiar. You can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

Suitable courses

Dutch B2 to C1 level – Advanced level explained

Dutch B2 is the level where you can use Dutch effectively for work and study. Between the B2 and C1 level you can take the Dutch conversation course 2 to improve your Dutch speaking.

Starting level: B2

At the Dutch B2 level, you can:

Use Dutch confidently in most professional situations
Understand detailed texts, meetings and presentations
Communicate clearly, fluently and with good control of grammar
Adapt your language to different formal and informal contexts

Until level: C1

When you reach the C1 level, you will be able to:

Understand extended speech and most TV news and programs;
Read articles and more difficult texts;
Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible. You can take an active part in discussions in familiar contexts;
Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to your interests.

Suitable courses

Dutch C1 to C2 level – Advanced proficiency level explained

Dutch C1 is an advanced level for learners who already use Dutch at a high level in daily and professional life.
At this level, the focus is on refinement, accuracy and near-native communication. Dutch private lessons are the best fit for this.

Starting level: C1

At the Dutch C1 level, you can:

Use Dutch confidently in complex professional environments
Understand nuanced language in meetings, media and literature
Express subtle differences in meaning and tone
Communicate naturally and effectively with native speakers

Until level: C2

When you reach the C2 level, you will be able to:

Understand extended speech and television programs and films without too much effort;
Understand long and complex texts;
Present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects;
Express yourself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length. You can write about complex subjects in a letter, essay or report.

Suitable courses

Dutch private lessons

Related to our Dutch group courses

Related to our Dutch private lessons

Dutch Elementary level (A1 → A2)