Language levels - Dutch B1 / 2 –What do these language levels mean? - Learn Dutch Online (2024)

Language levels – Dutch B1 / B2 –What do these language levels mean?

Language levels - Dutch B1 / 2 –What do these language levels mean? - Learn Dutch Online (1)

In the last couple of weeks I have received a number of questions from students who were thinking of studying with #dutchgrammar, but they weren’t sure what level they were. If you want to know this, you can check here.

But when you know what your level is, it is also interesting to know what that level actually means?

The levels are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference (abbreviated in English as CEFR).

In my previous blog I explained what A1 and A2 level Dutch mean, in this blog I will tell you what B1 and B2 Dutch are and how you can achieve them.

  1. B1 – Listening

B1 Listening means that you can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school and leisure. You can understand the main point of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.

  1. B1- Reading

B1 Reading means that you can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency every day or job-related language. You can understand descriptions of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

  1. B1 – Speaking

B1 Speaking means that you can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to your field of interest. You can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

It also means that you can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible.

  1. B1- Writing

B1 Writing means that you can write simple connected texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. And you can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

How to achieve B1 Dutch?

After doing #dutchgrammar-3, you will have the right theoretical basis for level B1. The only thing is that you will need to be able to apply this without thinking.

It is important to understand here that level B1 is very hard to reach if you don’t have practical experience. You cannot acquire every skill during a language course. To reach B1, you need at least 1-2 months of practical experience on this level, from the moment you have completed #dutchgrammar-3.

What is B2 level Dutch?

  1. B2 – Listening

B2 Listening means that you can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. You can understand most TV news and current affairs programs. You can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.

  1. B2 – Reading

B2 Reading means that you can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. You can understand contemporary literary prose.

  1. B2 – Speaking

B2 level speaking means that you can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to your field of interest. You can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Besides that it means that you can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible.

  1. B2 – Writing

If you can write at a B2 level, you can write a clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to your interests. You can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. You can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences

How to achieve B2 Dutch?

You cannot reach B2 level Dutch just with language courses (unless you are very talented or German is your native language). Otherwise, you absolutely must get a lot of practical experience. And that means that you have to live in a Dutch speaking environment and speak Dutch all the time (with colleagues, family, friends).

For level B1 – you need at least 1-2 months of practical experience on this level, from the moment you completed #dutchgrammar-3.

For level B2, you will need at least 4-6 months of full time practical experience.

Language levels - Dutch B1 / 2 –What do these language levels mean? - Learn Dutch Online (2)

Bart de Pau
online Dutch teacher & founder of the Dutch Summer School & Dutch Winter School

Language levels - Dutch B1 / 2 –What do these language levels mean? - Learn Dutch Online (2024)

FAQs

What does B1 level Dutch mean? ›

If necessary your goal may be to be able to discuss at the more intellectual B1 level. B1. Independent level : You are an independent Dutch-speaker. You learned to understand most common every-day Dutch and you are able to share in Dutch about familiar subjects as work, school and leisure activities.

What does B2 level Dutch mean? ›

B2 Listening means that you can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. You can understand most TV news and current affairs programs. You can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.

What level of language is B1 2? ›

The results indicate that you are probably around B1. 2 or IH Level 5 or Mid Intermediate. Mid Intermediate learners can communicate quite fluently in most everyday situations, and their ability to express complex ideas is developing.

What does A1 A2 B1 B2 language levels mean? ›

TrackTest. A1 (Beginner) A2 (Elementary) B1 (Pre-Intermediate) B2 (Intermediate)

Is B1 considered fluent? ›

Level B1 corresponds to independent users of the language, i.e. those who have the necessary fluency to communicate without effort with native speakers.

What is B1 level equivalent to? ›

Lower Intermediate

What is the difference between B1 1 and B1 2? ›

B1. 1 License (covers the aircraft with gas turbine engine) B1. 2 License (covers the aircraft with piston engine)

What language level is considered fluent? ›

C1 = fluent to business fluent language skills (proficient user) B2 = fluent language level (independent user) B1 = good language skills (independent user) A2 = in-depth basic language skills (basic user)

Is B1 or B2 better language? ›

They are grouped into three broader levels: A1-A2 (Basic User), B1-B2 (Independent User), and C1-C2 (Proficient User). What is the most popular CEFR level? The B2 level is the most demanded level when employers require “active command of the English language”.

Is A2 a good language level? ›

An A2 level of English also allows for networking with English-speaking colleagues, but working in English is limited to very familiar topics at the A2 level. An A2 level of English is not sufficient for academic study or for consuming most English-language media (TV, movies, radio, magazines, etc.).

Is a level German equivalent to B2? ›

They don't correspond exactly, but generally, if you were to take a level assessment for the European Reference Framework at the same time as sitting your A Level exam, you would most likely be assessed at a high B1 or low B2 level with those grades.

What is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 level in German? ›

The CEFR divides German language learners into three main divisions (A, B and C) and six common reference levels in total (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2). Broadly speaking, levels A1 and A2 describe basic language users, levels B1 and B2 describe independent users, while levels C1 and C2 describe proficient users.

How long does it take to reach B1 in Dutch? ›

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) prescribes the following timelines across skill levels: A1 Beginner: approximately 80 hours. A2 Elementary: 150–180 hours. B1 Intermediate: 300–360 hours.

Is B1 level good? ›

A B1 level of English would be sufficient for interactions with English speakers on familiar topics. In the workplace, people at a B1 level of English are able to read simple reports on familiar topics and write simple e-mails on subjects in their field.

What is a B1 language rank? ›

B1 (Lower-Intermediate Level )

At lower-intermediate level, students can express themselves coherently regarding events, experiences and plans, and justify their decisions on a wider range of topics.

What grade level is B1? ›

Decoding B1 is appropriate for most problem readers in grades 3 through 12. They guess at words. They have trouble reading words such as what, that, a, and the when the words appear in a sentence context.

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