The difference between A1 and A2 Dutch is this: at A1 you understand isolated words and short sentences when someone speaks slowly. At A2 you can hold a simple conversation about your everyday life — work, family, shopping, making a doctor’s appointment. At B1 you can follow a normal conversation at normal speed and explain why you think something.
A1, A2, B1 and B2 are levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Below you will find what each level means per skill, and which level you need for your integration.
In this article
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference is a European standard for describing language ability. There are six levels in three groups:
- A — basic user: A1 and A2
- B — independent user: B1 and B2
- C — proficient user: C1 and C2
The key idea: a level describes what you can do, not how many words you know. "I can make an appointment at the dentist" is a level description. "I know 1,200 words" is not.
And each level is described per skill: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Which is exactly why the integration exam has four separate parts.
A1 versus A2: the real difference
On paper A1 and A2 look close together. In practice there is one big difference: at A2 you can manage.
At A1 you can do isolated things. Say your name, count to ten, ask where the station is. But holding a conversation does not work yet, and you need someone who speaks very slowly.
At A2 you can hold a simple conversation about things close to you. Make an appointment. Say what hurts at the doctor. Explain what work you do. Write a short email to a colleague. You still need help with difficult subjects, but everyday life works.
In short: A1 is isolated sentences. A2 is everyday life. That is the jump.
All levels, per skill
This table gives you a feel per skill. These are plain-language descriptions, not official CEFR wording.
| A1 | A2 | B1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | isolated words, names, very short notes | short everyday texts: adverts, letters, forms | longer texts on familiar subjects; you get the gist |
| Listening | isolated words when spoken very slowly | simple conversations about familiar things, clearly spoken | conversations at normal speed; you follow news or an explanation |
| Writing | a form with your name and address | a short letter or email; filling in a form | a coherent text about something you experienced or think |
| Speaking | isolated sentences about yourself, with many pauses | a simple conversation about work, family, shopping, health | giving an opinion and explaining it; keeping a conversation going |
A2 versus B1: a bigger step than you think
Many people assume B1 is "a bit better than A2". It is not. The step from A2 to B1 is larger than the step from A1 to A2.
The difference is mostly about help. At A2 the other person may speak slowly, repeat themselves and choose easier words. At B1 you are expected to follow a normal conversation — without anyone adjusting for you.
On top of that, B1 asks you not just to give information but to give an opinion with a reason. "I think this is a good idea, because…" That is a different kind of language from "I work in healthcare".
And B2, C1 and C2?
You do not need these for your integration, but it helps to know where they sit.
- B2: you can also discuss abstract subjects and follow a debate. Often required for higher education.
- C1: you use Dutch fluently and flexibly, including at work.
- C2: close to a native speaker.
The language exams at B1 and B2 are called the staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2). That is a different exam from the integration exam, with its own rules and dates.
Which level do you need?
Under the Wet inburgering 2021 your level depends on your learning route, set out in your PIP. The municipality decides it with you.