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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Q: Which level do I need for civic integration in the Netherlands?

For most people who have to integrate, B1 is the standard. If you cannot reach it despite real effort, A2 can be enough in some cases. Always check your own situation with DUO.

Short answer: the CEFR (in Dutch: ERK, Europees Referentiekader) divides language ability into six levels: A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), C1 and C2 (proficient user). In the Netherlands, B1 is usually the standard for civic integration (inburgering). For many jobs employers ask for B1 or B2, and for study at a university or university of applied sciences often B2.

As soon as you start learning a language, you will come across the CEFR, for example: "your speaking is A1+ and your writing is B1". It is a European standard that everyone uses.

Language ability is divided into four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Within each skill there are three main levels: Basic user (A), Independent user (B) and Proficient user (C). If Dutch is your mother tongue, for example, your level in Dutch will be around C1.

Because teachers often want to describe a student's level more precisely, you will also see other notations, such as A1+ (a little better than A1), A1/A2 (halfway between A1 and A2) and +/A2 (on the way to A2).

Table of levels

Below is a table of the general levels (not split up by skill):

	Basic user
A1	Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2	Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

	Independent user
B1	Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

	Proficient user
C1	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2	Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Source: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, © Council of Europe 2001

Which level do you need?

Civic integration (inburgering): for most people who have to integrate, B1 is the standard. If you cannot reach it despite real effort, A2 can be enough in some cases. The rules depend on your situation, so always check with DUO.

Work: that differs per job. For work with a lot of contact with customers or colleagues, employers often ask for B1 or B2. In healthcare and education the bar is usually higher.

Study: for a programme taught in Dutch, universities and universities of applied sciences usually ask for B2, sometimes through the State Examination NT2 (Staatsexamen NT2).

How long does it take?

That varies a lot: your mother tongue, how much you practise and whether you hear Dutch around you all make a big difference. As a guideline: from nothing to B1 takes a few hundred hours of learning and practising, spread over one to two years. Whoever speaks a little every day goes fastest.

Frequently asked questions

CEFR or ERK: what is the difference?
There is none. CEFR is the English name and ERK (Europees Referentiekader) the Dutch name for the same six levels. When a Dutch employer or school asks for "ERK B1", that is CEFR B1.

What is the difference between the CEFR and NT2?
The CEFR is the yardstick (A1 to C2). NT2 means Dutch as a second language: lessons and exams for people whose mother tongue is not Dutch. An NT2 exam measures your level on the CEFR yardstick.

How do I find out which level I have?
Take TaalTaal's free Dutch language test, or have your level assessed by a teacher in a free intake.

More about learning Dutch and living and working in the Netherlands is in Knowledge, and you can try your level straight away with our free exercises.

External links and sources

Council of Europe: the CEFR

Europees Referentiekader Talen (in Dutch)

Common European Framework (Wikipedia)

Location and contact

You can reach us by phone at 070-3226091 or by e-mail at info@taaltaal.nl - we look forward to hearing from you!

Certificate

At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate with your proficiency level. We use the standardized Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), also known as ERK in Dutch.

Complete package

TaalTaal offers a unique blend of learning, speaking and listening so that you can quickly start using your new language. Going by the philosophy that a language is best learned in a relaxed yet energetic setting, TaalTaal focuses on speaking and practical use. Also look at the supplementary "All-you-can-talk" sessions for even more speaking practice. Please feel free to come by so we can get to know one another!

Linguistic Research

As a language institute, TaalTaal has its own research department dedicated to developing novel and intuitive methodologies to help you not only acquire knowledge, but also retain and refine it. As a TaalTaal student, you benefit from expertise across the spectrum.