Inburgering: Do You Need A2 or B1?
It depends on which law applies to you. Became inburgeringsplichtig before 2022: the old system, language exams at A2. From 2022 onwards: the new system, where the standard route aims for B1. Here’s the difference in plain language, what each level actually means, and how to find out which rules apply to you.
First: which law applies to you?
The date your inburgeringsplicht started decides everything. DUO told you this date by letter, and you can check it in Mijn Inburgering on duo.nl. Everything below is general guidance; DUO’s word is the one that counts for your case.
Old law vs new law
| Old law (before 2022) | New law (from 2022) | |
|---|---|---|
| Language level | A2 for all four skills | B1 is the standard (B1-route) |
| Exams | Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken + KNM + ONA | Depends on your route; language + KNM (ONA replaced by MAP) |
| Routes | one route for everyone | three: B1-route, Onderwijsroute, Z-route |
| Who arranges it | you, with a DUO loan | the gemeente guides you, with a personal plan (PIP) |
The three routes of the new law
B1-route: the standard. You work toward B1 in reading, listening, writing and speaking. If B1 genuinely proves out of reach after serious effort, parts can be completed at A2 in consultation with the gemeente. Onderwijsroute: for (mostly young) newcomers heading to Dutch education, aiming at B1 or higher. Z-route (zelfredzaamheid): for people for whom exams aren’t realistic; focus on practical self-sufficiency, no A2/B1 exam requirement. Your gemeente decides the route in your PIP.
What A2 and B1 actually mean
| Level | You can… | Feels like |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | handle short everyday conversations, simple forms, familiar topics: shopping, appointments, work small talk | surviving in Dutch |
| B1 | hold real conversations, understand the news in clear language, write short letters and emails, explain opinions | living in Dutch |
The practical gap: A2 gets you through the exam; B1 gets you through a job interview. About 70% of Dutch job vacancies expect working Dutch, which in practice means B1.
KNM: the exam everyone takes
Whatever your route or level, Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (knowledge of Dutch society) is part of inburgering: rules, healthcare, work, history, the practical how-does-this-country-work questions. It’s also the easiest exam to prepare for, because the question format is predictable. We built a free KNM practice exam with 124 questions, no account needed.
Already past A2? Consider the Staatsexamen
The Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I (B1) or II (B2) also counts for inburgering and is worth more on the job market. If you’re heading for university or a professional career, aiming straight for NT2 II at B2 can save you an exam round later.
Train for the exam you actually have
Dutch Daily’s exam exercises follow the real inburgering formats across all four skills, graded the way the exam grades. Start with the free KNM exam, then train the language skills.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need A2 or B1 for inburgering?
It depends on when your inburgeringsplicht started. Before 2022: the old law, exams at A2. From 2022: the new law, where the standard B1-route aims for B1, with A2 possible for parts if B1 proves out of reach after real effort. Check your start date and route in Mijn Inburgering at DUO.
What is the difference between A2 and B1 in daily life?
A2 covers short, familiar conversations: shopping, appointments, simple forms. B1 means real conversations, following the news in clear language, and writing short letters. For work, most employers expect B1.
What is the Z-route?
The zelfredzaamheidsroute in the new law, for people for whom language exams aren’t realistic. The focus is practical self-sufficiency and participation, without the A2/B1 exam requirement. The gemeente decides who follows this route.
Does the Staatsexamen NT2 count for inburgering?
Yes. Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I (B1) or II (B2) satisfies the language requirement and carries more weight with employers and universities than the standard inburgering exams.
How long does it take to reach A2 or B1?
With consistent daily practice, A2 is realistic in 4 to 6 months from beginner level. B1 typically takes 8 to 18 months depending on your starting point, study time and how much Dutch you speak outside class. Anyone promising B1 in 30 days is selling something.