You opened your letter from DUO, saw the words "inburgering" and a deadline, and now you are stuck on one question: do you need A2 or B1? It matters more than it sounds. Choosing the wrong target can mean months of extra study, or studying far less than your situation actually requires. We have guided expats through both routes, and the confusion is almost always the same.
This guide explains, in plain language, which inburgering level applies to you in 2026, how A2 and B1 really differ, and what the levels mean for Dutch citizenship.
Inburgering A2 or B1: the short answer
Your required inburgering level depends on when you became obligated to integrate, not on how you feel about your Dutch. The rule of thumb is simple:
- Became obligated before 1 January 2022 (old law, Wet inburgering 2013): your level is A2.
- Became obligated from 2022 onwards (new law, Wet inburgering 2021): your default route is the B1-route, so the level is B1.
For naturalisation (Dutch citizenship), the language level is still A2 in 2026. A move to B1 has been discussed for years but has not been introduced yet. More on that below, because this is where most of the confusion comes from.
What do A2 and B1 actually mean in Dutch?
A2 and B1 are levels from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the European scale used to describe language ability. They describe what you can do with the language, not how many words you have memorised.
At A2, you handle basic, everyday Dutch. You understand short, simple texts, you can ask and answer questions about familiar topics, and you manage routine situations like the supermarket, a doctor's appointment, or a short form. Sentences are short and the topics are predictable.
At B1, you become independent. You can follow a normal conversation, explain and defend an opinion, write a clear message about something that matters to you, and understand the main points of clear standard speech, for example a colleague explaining a task. The jump from A2 to B1 is the single biggest step in everyday Dutch, which is exactly why it takes more time.
Which inburgering level applies to you?
Under the Wet inburgering 2021, newcomers who became obligated from 2022 follow one of three learning routes, decided together with their municipality (gemeente):
- The B1-route: the default. You work towards B1 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- The education route (onderwijsroute): aimed at younger newcomers who want to study, often working towards an even higher level.
- The self-reliance route (Z-route, zelfredzaamheidsroute): for people for whom B1 is not realistic, with a strong focus on practical participation.
If you became obligated under the old law (before 2022), you are not in this route system. Your inburgering language level is A2, and your exam covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, and Knowledge of Dutch Society. If you are unsure which exam parts apply to you, our guide to the Dutch integration exam and how to pass it faster breaks down each component.
Not sure which route or level is on your DUO letter? Book a free 15-minute intake call and we will read your situation, confirm your level, and map the fastest path to it.
A2 or B1 for Dutch citizenship (naturalisation)?
This is where expats get the most worried, often because of older articles online. Here is the current picture for 2026.
To apply for Dutch citizenship, the required language level is A2. The government has wanted to raise this to B1 since around 2018, and it appears in several coalition agreements, but the change has not been put into force, largely because of the cost and the number of people it would affect. So as things stand, A2 is still the level for naturalisation.
Two practical takeaways follow from this. First, do not panic about B1 for citizenship based on a headline. Second, because the plan to raise the level is real and could return, if you are close to A2 and eligible now, it is wise to act sooner rather than later. Rules around residency and citizenship change, so always confirm your personal situation with the IND and DUO before you apply.
A2 versus B1: how much extra study time?
The honest answer is that B1 usually takes roughly twice the study time of A2. If a motivated beginner reaches A2 in about 3 to 4 months of weekly lessons plus daily self-study, B1 often means closer to 6 to 9 months, depending on your starting point, your other languages, and how much Dutch you use in daily life.
| A2 | B1 | |
|---|---|---|
| What you can do | Basic everyday situations | Independent conversation and opinions |
| Typical use | Old-law inburgering, naturalisation | New-law B1-route, work, study |
| Rough time from beginner | About 3 to 4 months | About 6 to 9 months |
These are realistic ranges, not promises. The single biggest factor is consistency: a structured weekly lesson combined with short daily practice beats occasional bursts of cramming every time.
How to find out your exact inburgering level
Do not guess. Your obligation, your route, and your deadline are all set by DUO, and they are written down. To confirm your level:
- Read the official letter from DUO that states whether you are obligated and under which law.
- Log in to Mijn Inburgering on the official inburgeren.nl website to see your route and deadline.
- If anything is unclear, contact DUO directly. Your municipality can also help if you fall under the 2021 law.
Still deciding between the inburgering exam and a higher certificate? It can be worth aiming higher on purpose. Our guide on the Staatsexamen NT2 versus the Inburgeringsexamen explains when a stronger exam is the smarter choice.
How to reach your inburgering level faster
Whether your target is A2 or B1, the method that works is the same. Practise speaking from the first lesson, study a little every day rather than a lot once a week, and use materials that match the real exam instead of a generic textbook. A teacher who hears your exact mistakes and fixes them on the spot is what turns months of slow progress into weeks of real gains.
That is exactly how our inburgering exam preparation and private Dutch lessons are built: we assess your level, set the right target, and take you there with plenty of speaking practice and real exam materials.
Frequently asked questions about the inburgering level
Is the inburgering exam at A2 or B1 level? It depends on when you became obligated. Before 1 January 2022 (old law) the level is A2. From 2022 onwards (Wet inburgering 2021) your default route is the B1-route, so B1.
What Dutch level do I need for naturalisation in 2026? For citizenship the required level is still A2. A rise to B1 has been planned for years but is not yet in force, so confirm the current rule with the IND before applying.
What is the difference between A2 and B1 Dutch? A2 is basic everyday Dutch with short, simple sentences. B1 is independent Dutch: you hold normal conversations, give opinions, and understand clear standard speech. B1 takes about twice the study time.
Can I take the inburgering exam at B1 if I only need A2? Yes. You may always sit the exam at a higher level. Many learners aim for B1 or NT2 because a higher certificate opens more doors and still covers the A2 requirement.
How long does it take to reach A2 or B1? From a beginner, A2 takes about 3 to 4 months with weekly lessons and daily practice; B1 usually takes roughly twice as long because it is a much bigger step.
This article is general guidance and not legal advice. Integration and citizenship rules can change. Always confirm your personal level, route, and deadline with DUO and the IND.