Learning a foreign language
Dutch level and level test
What’s my level of Dutch?
Dutch levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
What do these different levels mean for assessing my knowledge of Dutch?
6 main levels of Dutch enable you to measure your current level of knowledge. It’s a tool developed by the CEFR for all foreign languages. It’s also used for other languages like English, Italian, Spanish and French when it’s not my mother tongue, etc.
What is the Dutch language level?
A1, A2, B1, B2, C2, C2 are the steps in a grading system that assesses my level of knowledge and command of Dutch.
This classification was developed by the CEFR (European Framework of Reference for Languages). It is an essential tool that contributes greatly to the design of Dutch language teaching programs.
The strength of this assessment system is based on your skills and what you can do in Dutch. It’s a very practical approach that serves as a good starting point for learning Dutch!
Levels are defined progressively, from A1 to C2, from the most elementary knowledge to fine-tuned mastery of the language (what we call being bilingual).
The 3 general levels of Dutch knowledge
Elementary, independent and experienced levels
The 6 levels of knowledge are grouped into 3 general levels or tiers of autonomy. They mark an important step in the progression of foreign language skills.
- Elementary user: A1 and A2
- Independent user : B1 and B2
- Experienced user: C1 and C2
What are the 6 levels of Dutch?
The 6-level foreign language scale: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
My level of knowledge of Dutch can be measured using these 6 levels. There are 6 levels of Dutch, to which we can add a 7th: level A0 or pre-A1, which corresponds to having absolutely no knowledge of a foreign language.
This frame of reference makes it easy to measure skill levels. This is the first step in determining the level of Dutch courses you need to take to progress.
1
Dutch level A1:
Basic user.
2
Dutch level A2:
Basic user or false beginner.
3
Dutch level B1:
Independent user.
4
Dutch level B2 :
Fluent Dutch – independent user.
5
Dutch level C1:
Advanced level of Dutch – experienced user.
6
Dutch level C2 :
Bilingual – experienced user.
How can I test my knowledge of Dutch?
It’s easy to determine your level of Dutch and find out if you’re A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2.
There are 2 methods:
- Method 1 – Self-assessment: The proficiency criteria are very simple to understand, and a simple reading of the criteria will enable you to determine your level.
- Method 2 – The Dutch level test: In 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll go through a few dozen questions that will allow us to measure your level.
CLL offers an online online Dutch level test which is very quick to complete and enables you to determine the level of course you need to start with to progress in the foreign language of your choice.
The different levels of Dutch
What is the A0 language level?
DutchA0 or pre-A1 is the most basic level. It corresponds to having absolutely no knowledge of Dutch.
What is level A1?
The A1 level of Dutch corresponds to an elementary user at the introductory or discovery level.
The skills at A1 level are :
- I can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
- I can introduce myself and others in Dutch.
- I can ask and answer questions about myself and others.
- I can interact in Dutch in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
When I reach A1 level, this means that I can :
- introduce myself and use basic greetings in Dutch ;
- speak Dutch to people I know;
- describe my home and the country where I live in simple terms;
- understand and complete a short, simple online form.
How do I know if my level is A1 in Dutch?
Nothing could be simpler. Take our online Dutch test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our A1 courses.
What is level A2?
The A2 level of Dutch corresponds to an elementary user at intermediate or everyday level.
The skills at A2 level are :
- I can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, work, etc.).
- I can communicate in Dutch in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- I can describe in simple terms in Dutch my educational background, my immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
When I reach A2 level, this means that I can :
- talk in Dutch about my everyday activities
- order in a restaurant or make an appointment
- ask for and understand simple directions from one place to another;
- understand a tourist brochure in Dutch;
- describe the weather and suggest activities;
- ask for services such as telephone or computer repairs;
- talk about my last holiday;
- compare different objects.
How do I know if I have an A2 level in Dutch?
Nothing could be simpler. Take our online Dutch test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses for A2 level.
What is level B1?
Dutch level B1 corresponds to an independent user at threshold level.
Level B1 skills are :
- I can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
- I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the target language is spoken.
- I can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
- I can describe events, experiences and dreams, express hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
When I reach B1 level, this means that I can :
- interact in Dutch with my friends on social networks ;
- follow and take part in a meeting in Dutch;
- understand book or film reviews;
- organise private and professional social events;
- get by in most situations when travelling (hotel, restaurant, museum etc.);
- understand the main ideas of a newspaper or magazine article in Dutch;
- organise my journey, e.g. flights, timetables and appointments when I’m late;
- discussing my plans for the future, for example where I want to live and what I’ll be doing in the next few years.
How do I know if I have a B1 level in Dutch?
It’s very simple. Take our online Dutch test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses for B1 level.
What is level B2?
Dutch level B2 corresponds to an independent user at an advanced or independent level. This is also known as being able to speak Dutch fluently.
Dutch level B2
I speak fluent Dutch!
The skills at this level are :
- I can understand the main ideas of complex text in Dutch on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in my field.
- I can communicate spontaneously and fluently with a native speaker.
- I can express myself clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects and can give an opinion on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
When I reach level B2, this means that I can :
- understand conversations in a noisy environment;
- exchange information on social and environmental issues, such as retirement or pollution;
- identify references to the past, present and future in live broadcasts;
- write a detailed newspaper or magazine article about an event, project or research initiative;
- defend my point of view in a debate on contemporary issues;
- understand acronyms and abbreviations used in social networking forums;
- understand podcasts on cultural, social and political topics;
- summarising a report describing political changes.
How do I know if I have a B2 level in Dutch?
Nothing could be simpler. Take our online Dutch test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses for B2 level.
What is level C1?
Dutch levelC1 corresponds to an experienced user at the autonomous level.
Level C1 skills are :
- I understand the Dutch of long, demanding texts. I understand implicit meanings.
- I express myself spontaneously and fluently in Dutch without having to search too hard for words.
- I use the language effectively and flexibly in social, professional and academic life.
- I can express myself on complex subjects in a clear, well-structured way and control the linguistic tools of organisation, articulation and cohesion of discourse.
When I’m at C1 level, it means I can :
- express myself without difficulty in social and professional situations, giving my opinion on a variety of complex subjects;
- understand television programs, films, podcasts, and idiomatic and colloquial expressions used ;
- understand reports, articles, long and complex literary texts and identify fine points of detail, attitudes, and opinions;
- write essays, reports and letters on complex subjects, and express myself in a clear, detailed and structured way.
How do I know if my Dutch is C1?
Nothing could be simpler. Take our online Dutch test and determine your level in just a few minutes.
Discover also all our C1-level courses.
What is level C2?
Level C2 corresponds to an experienced user at mastery level.
Dutch levelC2
I am bilingual
Level C2 skills are :
- I can understand almost anything I hear or read without effort.
- I can summarise facts and arguments from a variety of written and spoken sources.
- I can express myself spontaneously, very fluently, precisely and with fine nuances of meaning on complex subjects.
How do I know if my level is C2 in Dutch?
Nothing could be simpler. Take our online Dutch test and determine your level in just a few minutes.
Discover also all our C2 courses.
Want to learn or improve your Dutch?
CLL is Belgium’s largest language school. Tens of thousands of adults, children and teenagers have learned Dutch using CLL’s unique methods.
The CLL teaching team offers tailor-made support for each student, enabling them to dare to speak Dutch and develop their fluency.