Learning Dutch (NT2)

A1 and A2 are beginner for simple daily life, B1 is intermediate enough for integration and most manual and service jobs, B2 opens the opportunities of administrative jobs and study at higher professional schools (HBO), and C1 and C2 are for university education and demanding professions.

• For civic integration B1 is usually required (and sometimes A2 in some old systems).
• For citizenship often A2 or B1 depending on the regime.
• For higher education in Dutch you usually need B2, proven through the NT2 state exam programme II or others.
• For education in English you need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
• Check the level required for your goal before planning, and note that you need a few months per level depending on intensity.

There are integration courses organised by the municipality for those subject to integration, courses at regional education centres (ROC) at reasonable prices or free for those eligible, private language schools and universities (such as UvA and Radboud courses) at higher cost, online courses and apps, and programmes for learning the language in the neighbourhood through volunteers such as the Taalhuis at libraries and Nederlands in Huis.

• There are vocational courses suited to your field such as nursing or transport.
• Choose according to your time, since there are morning, evening and Saturday courses, and according to your goal and level, and try a trial lesson if possible.
• There are classes designated for mothers with childcare and women-only classes for those who prefer.

For those subject to integration under the new system the municipality pays for the course.

• For others your municipality may fund part through learning budgets (leerbudget) or provide free courses for residents on low income.
• Some employers offer courses to their employees, and you can ask for it. UWV may offer language courses to job seekers.
• City libraries provide free courses with the help of volunteers.
• For students in higher education the cost of study is paid with student finance.
• Look for applicable training budgets (such as SLIM) with your employer or sector organisations.
• And if you find no support compare school prices, and check that it has a quality certificate (CRKBO) confirming its accreditation.

The NT2 state exam (Staatsexamen NT2) is an officially recognised certificate organised by DUO and required for study in higher education and for work in some professions, with two programmes: programme I for level B1 leading to general jobs and vocational education, and programme II for level B2 leading to higher education.

• It includes four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
• You can take each part separately and keep the part you passed.
• Register via the DUO website, pay the fees and practise the published exam samples.
• There are other certificates such as CNaVT and university certificates.
• Keep the certificate because it is required in jobs, naturalisation and study.

Lessons alone are not enough to master the language.

• Speak Dutch with neighbours, colleagues and your children's teachers even with mistakes, since Dutch people appreciate the attempt though some quickly answer in English, so say politely Ik wil graag Nederlands oefenen meaning I want to practise Dutch.
• Join a taalcafé at the library, and a sports club, association or volunteer at a school or care home.
• Listen to radio and podcasts and watch programmes with Dutch subtitles such as NOS news and the simplified news programme (Jeugdjournaal).
• Read simplified newspapers and children's books.
• Note new words daily and review them regularly using flashcard apps.

What is NT2?