What is the CEFR?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a standard that makes language levels comparable worldwide — from complete beginner to near-native speaker. It's used by language schools, exam organisations (such as CNaVT and Staatsexamen NT2), employers and government bodies to indicate how well someone knows a language.
The CEFR has six levels, divided into three groups:
- A — Basic user: A1 (beginner) and A2
- B — Independent user: B1 and B2
- C — Proficient user: C1 and C2 (near-native)
Each level concretely describes what you can do in listening, reading, speaking and writing — not how much grammar you "know", but what you can actually do with it.
💡 Why this matters: Not sure which exam fits your level? Read my article on the difference between Staatsexamen NT2 Programme I (B1) and Programme II (B2).
A1 — Beginner
At A1 you can introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details such as where you live, who you know and things you have. You understand familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
| Skill | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Listening | Understand very simple, direct sentences about yourself and your surroundings, spoken slowly and clearly |
| Speaking | Introduce yourself, ask simple questions about address, belongings, people you know |
| Writing | Write a short, simple postcard, fill in forms with personal details |
A2 — Basic user
At A2 you can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, such as personal information, shopping, work and the immediate environment. You can communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information.
| Skill | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Listening | Understand the main points of short, clear conversations on familiar topics |
| Speaking | Hold short social exchanges, though you can't yet sustain conversation yourself |
| Writing | Write short, simple notes and messages about immediate needs |
💡 Relevant for civic integration: A2 is usually the minimum level for naturalisation in the Netherlands. Read more in my article on the civic integration exam.
B1 — Independent user
At B1 you can understand the main points of clear, standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, school or leisure. You can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling, and produce simple connected text on familiar topics.
| Skill | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Listening | Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters, including news |
| Speaking | Explain your opinions and plans, describe experiences and events |
| Writing | Write simple connected text on familiar topics, personal letters |
B1 is often the level at which people really start to feel independent in Dutch — you can hold a conversation without constantly searching for words.
B2 — Advanced
At B2 you understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers, without strain for either party, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
| Skill | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Listening | Follow extended lectures and arguments, including fairly complex argumentation, provided the topic is reasonably familiar |
| Speaking | Converse fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, explain and defend viewpoints |
| Writing | Write clear, detailed text, explaining a viewpoint with advantages and disadvantages |
💡 Relevant for work and study: B2 is often the level required for higher education/university or professional roles. See my article on Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II for more details.
C1 and C2 — Proficient user
At C1 you understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning. You speak fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, and use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. This is the level tested in, for example, the CNaVT EDUP C1 exam.
At C2, the highest level, you understand with ease virtually everything heard or read, and can summarise information from different spoken and written sources into a coherent presentation. You express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in complex situations. C2 is rarely set as a requirement in practice — it's the level of a very experienced, near-native speaker.
How do you determine your level?
Estimating your own level is difficult — most people over- or underestimate themselves, especially in speaking and writing. There are two reliable ways to determine your level:
- A level test — quickly measures your listening, reading and grammar skills and gives a good indication
- A conversation with a teacher — the only way to also properly assess your speaking skills (often the hardest to judge objectively)
🎓 Want to know what level you're at?
Take the free level test →Which level for which exam?
Different exams and goals require different CEFR levels:
- Naturalisation — usually A2
- Civic integration — A2 or B1, depending on your route (see my civic integration exam article)
- Staatsexamen NT2 Programme I — B1, focused on vocational level, work and daily life
- Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II — B2, focused on higher education/university
- CNaVT EDUP C1 — C1, focused on education and professional roles at a high level (see my CNaVT article)
My approach at Dutch Together
I teach at every level, from A1 to C1, and adapt my material and method to where you stand. At the start of lessons we determine your level together, so we don't start too easy or too hard. You get:
- A clear assessment of your current CEFR level
- Teaching material and pace tailored to that level
- A concrete picture of what the next level requires from you
- Guidance towards the exam or goal that fits your level
Want to know exactly where you stand and what the next step is? Discuss it in a free trial lesson.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international standard that makes language levels comparable, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native). It's used worldwide for language exams, courses and job requirements.
What is the difference between A1 and A2?
At A1 you can introduce yourself and understand and use very simple, direct sentences. At A2 you can hold short, everyday conversations about familiar topics such as work, family and shopping.
What is B1 level Dutch?
At B1 you can understand the main points of clear, standard language on familiar matters, and cope with most situations while travelling, working or studying in Dutch.
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
B1 is functional and practical, focused on everyday situations. B2 goes further: you understand more complex texts, can converse fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, and use the language effectively at work or in study.
How do I determine my CEFR level in Dutch?
The fastest way is to take a level test that measures listening, reading and grammar skills. For a complete picture, including speaking skills, a conversation with an NT2 teacher is the most reliable method. Take the free level test.
Do I need C2 to function well in the Netherlands?
No. Most work, study and civic integration situations require at most B2 or C1. C2 is the level of a very experienced, near-native speaker and is rarely set as a requirement.
Dutch Together · CEFR Levels
Ready to discover what level you're at?
Book a free 20-minute trial lesson. We'll determine your CEFR level together and discuss the best route to your next goal.
Book your free trial lesson →