Level A1
A1 is the first level. You understand and use familiar words and short sentences from daily life.
What are the levels?
A1, A2 and B1 are language levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR, in Dutch ERK). It was made by the Council of Europe. There are 6 levels, from A1 to C2. A1 is the lowest level.
The levels are about reading, listening, writing, speaking and having conversations.
What can you do at A1?
- Introduce yourself.
- Ask and answer questions about yourself, for example where you live.
- Fill in your name, address and nationality on a form.
- React in a simple way when someone speaks slowly and clearly.
A1 and civic integration
In the Z route (zelfredzaamheidsroute, self-reliance route) you learn Dutch at level A1. This route is for people who find the other routes too difficult.
In the Z route you do not have to take exams, but you may. You finish with a final talk at the municipality (gemeente) and you get a certificate.
In the other routes, A1 is the first step to A2 and B1.
Practise on DutchKlaar
Open 'Practise with your own text', choose level A1 and paste a short Dutch text, for example a message or a leaflet. You get a short exercise at your level.
Make an exerciseOfficial practice exams
The practice page of inburgeren.nl has practice exams for A2, B1 and B2. Do you want to see what an exam looks like? Then look at the practice exams for A2.
DutchKlaar is a practice website. We are not DUO and not an official organisation. Rules can change. For your own situation, look in Mijn Inburgering on inburgeren.nl, or ask your municipality (gemeente).
Sources
This text is based on these official pages (in Dutch):
- Onze Taal: Taalniveaus vreemde talen (opens in a new tab)
- Rijksoverheid: Nieuwe Wet inburgering (opens in a new tab)
- Inburgeren.nl: U gaat inburgeren (opens in a new tab)
- DUO: Leerroutes (opens in a new tab)
- Inburgeren.nl: Oefenen (opens in a new tab)
Last checked on 18 October 2026.