Dutch Language Levels Explained: A1, A2, and B1 for Expats
Vivian 
Curious about your Dutch level? Learn what A1, A2, and B1 mean, what skills you need at each stage, and how to choose the right Dutch course .
What do A1, A2, and B1 really mean?
If you're learning Dutch, you've probably heard terms like A1, A2, or B1. But what can you actually do at each level? In this blog, I’ll break it down in plain language, with real-life examples. I’ll also show you which Vivo Dutch courses match each level so you can keep growing with confidence.
A0-A1: Starting from Zero
At this beginner level, you learn the basics you need in everyday life. After completing level A1, you can build easy and short sentences, and you'll go beyond "ja" and "nee".
Topics and goals for level A1
✓ Greet people
✓ Tell about yourself, like where you're from and who your family is
✓ Share personal info like your email address and date of birth
✓ Make plans with friends and respond to invites
✓ Order food or drinks in a restaurant
✓ Talk about your hobbies
✓ Talk about your day and daily routines
✓ Respond to the cashier in the supermarket
✓ Ask for directions
✓ Explain yourself at the doctor's
✓ Congratulate people.
A1 Grammar
In the A0-A1 Dutch course, you'll learn how to conjugate verbs in the present tense, basic sentence structure, the future tense, and the most essential (modal) verbs (and more).
Examples of Dutch sentences you can make at level A1
Mijn naam is Vivian.
Hoe heet jij?
Ik ga vandaag werken.
Ik ben 35 jaar.
Ik ga morgen naar mijn vriendin in Amsterdam.
➡️I want to go from 0 to A1
A1-A2: Everyday Conversations
Once you reach A2, your Dutch becomes more useful in daily life.
Topics and goals for level A2
✓ Have a short conversation with neighbors or colleagues
✓ Talk about the weather
✓ Offer your help and accept or decline help from others
✓ Give your opinion
✓ Explain yourself at the doctor’s
✓ Explain what happened in case of an emergency
✓ Ask for help in stores
✓ Make appointments at work
✓ Talk about your study and work experience
✓ Share what you're good at and what your qualities are
✓ Have a short conversation with your child’s teacher at primary school
A2 Grammar
Besides the grammar topics of A1 (which you will continue to work on), you'll learn how to use the past tense (imperfectum & perfectum) in Dutch. Another new topic is conjunctions and adverbs, and how they affect word order.
Examples of Dutch sentences you can make at level A2
Vandaag ga ik niet werken, want ik ben ziek.
Zal ik je helpen?
In de tuin staan mooie bloemen.
Ik heb gisteren met een vriendin gewinkeld.
A2-B1.1: Confident in Daily Life
At this point, you can handle and initiate full conversations.
Topics and goals for level B1.1.
✓ Talk with Dutch friends and neighbors
✓ Express your opinion
✓ Talk with other parents at your child's school
✓ Have informal conversations at work
✓ Participate in Dutch meetings at work
✓ Gather info and handle things at the town hall
✓ Communicate with the landlord
✓ Make, cancel, and reschedule appointments
✓ Communicate with doctor, dentist, and vet
✓ Buy and return items, and ask for conditions
B1.1. Grammar
You're going to practice even more with the past tense and new grammar topics like om te + infinitief, reflexive verbs, separable verbs, and zouden are introduced.
Examples of Dutch sentences you can make at level B1.1.
Morgen ga ik met een vriendin naar de markt om bloemen te kopen.
Ik zou me graag willen aanmelden als vrijwilliger.
Kunt u mij vertellen hoe ik dit moet doen?
➡️I want to go from A2 to B1.1
How to Choose the Right Level?
Not sure where you stand? Ask yourself:
- Can I introduce myself and order a coffee? Do I know how to respond to basic questions from the cashier?
- Can I conjugate in the present tense? Can I form short basic sentences when I take time to think about the structure?
👉🏻 Yes? Then your level is around A1, and you're ready for the A1-A2 course. If not, then I recommend taking my A0-A1 course to build a solid foundation and to speak your first sentences with confidence.
- Can I ask for help in a store? Can I respond with short sentences? Can I explain what I did last weekend? Can I share my opinion?
- Do I know how to use the past tense (even if you still find this a bit difficult)?
👉🏻 Yes? Then your level is around A2, and you're ready for the A2-B1.1 course. If you feel like you 'know' what to do, but if you barely speak in public, then take my A1-A2 course to boost your confidence first!
Ready to take the next step?
Understanding these Dutch levels helps you choose the right learning path. But don't focus too much on those A1, A2, and B1 labels. Managed to order a coffee in Dutch? Celebrate it! Asked a store employee if they have a smaller size of the pants you like? Celebrate it!
Celebrate all your real-life successes too!
➡️Ready to boost your confidence? Check out all courses here