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CEFR levels explained.

Dutch CEFR levels explained (A1-C2)

When learning Dutch in the Netherlands, you’ll often hear about CEFR levels. CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is the international standard used across Europe to measure language ability.

The levels go from beginner (A1) to near-native (C2). 

Below you’ll find what you’ll learn at each level when studying Dutch. 

A1 - Beginner (Survival Dutch)

At A1, you start communicating in simple everyday situations.

You will learn:

  • Basic greetings and introductions (see page: Introducing yourself in Dutch).
  • The Dutch alphabet and pronunciation (see page: Dutch pronunciation guide).
  • Numbers, dates and time (see page: Numbers and telling time).
  • Basic sentence structure (subject-verb-order) (see page: Dutch sentence structure basics).
  • Essential verbs like zijn, hebben, gaan (see page: Important Dutch verbs).
  • Ordering food and drinks (see page: ordering in Dutch).
  • Shopping vocabulary (see page: shopping in Dutch).
  • Talking about where you live and work (see page: talking about home and work).
Goal: handle very simple daily interactions in shops, cafés and at work. 

A2 - Elementary (Basic Independence)

At A2, you start feeling more comfortable in daily Dutch life.

You will learn:

  • Talking about past events (perfect tense) (see page: Dutch past tense – perfectum).
  • Making future plans (see page: talking about the future).
  • Modal verbs like kunnen, moeten, willen (see page: Dutch modal verbs).
  • Giving directions and understanding transport (see page: Directions and public transport).
  • Visiting the doctor (see page: Dutch at the doctor).
  • Basic workplace communication (see page: workplace Dutch Basics).
  • Writing short emails and messages (see page: writing emails in Dutch).
  • Understanding simple official letters (see page: understanding Dutch letters).
Goal: manage everyday life in the Netherlands with basic confidence.

B1 - Intermediate (Independent User)

At B1, you can participate in conversations more naturally.

You will learn:

  • Expressing opinions and giving reasons (see page: expressing opinions in Dutch).
  • Using imperfect tense (imperfectum) (see page: Dutch past tense – imperfectum).
  • Separable verbs (see page: separable verbs explained).
  • Reflexive verbs (see page: reflexive verbs in Dutch).
  • Talking about experiences and goals (see page: talking about experiences).
  • Workplace meetings and discussions (see page: Dutch for meetings).
  • Reading news articles (see page: reading Dutch news).
  • Understanding Dutch culture and direct communication style (see page: Dutch communication culture).
Goal: function independently in work and social situations.

B2 - Upper intermediate (Confident communication)

At B2, you communicate clearly and effectively in professional and academic contexts.

You will learn:

  • Complex sentence structures (see page: advanced Dutch sentence structure).
  • Subordinate clauses and word order (see page: Dutch word order in depth).
  • Passive voice (see page: Passive voice in Dutch).
  • Formal writing (see page: formal Dutch writing).
  • Debating and structured argumentation (see page: Debating in Dutch).
  • Professional presentations (see page: giving presentations in Dutch).
  • Understanding fast native speech (see page: understanding native speakers).
Goal: work professionally in Dutch and practice fully in society.

C1 - Advanced (Professional Fluency)

At C1, you can use Dutch flexibly and effectively in demanding situations.

You will learn:

  • Nuanced vocabulary and expressions (see: advanced Dutch vocabulary).
  • Idioms and fixed expressions (see page: Dutch idioms).
  • Academic and technical language (see page: academic Dutch).
  • Writing reports and structured essays (see page: writing reports in Dutch).
  • Understanding humor and implied meaning (see page: Dutch humor and nuance).
  • Participating in complex discussions (see page: advanced discussions in Dutch).
Goal: operate professionally and academically in Dutch with ease.

C2 - Mastery (Near-Native Level)

At C2, you understand virtually everything you hear or read.

You will learn:

  • Subtle stylistic differences (see page: Dutch style and register).
  • Regional accents and dialect awareness (see page: Dutch accents and dialects).
  • Persuasive and rhetorical language (see page: persuasive Dutch).
  • Creative and literary language (see page: Literary Dutch).
  • Precision in tone and register (see page: Tone and register in Dutch).
Goal: use Dutch at a near-native level in any context.