Have you been studying Dutch for a while and feel confident in your ability to conquer more advanced Dutch words? It sure takes a lot of dedication and brainpower to master these words, but once you pull it off, you’ll find that there’s nothing as rewarding as having fluent conversations with your Dutch-speaking friends, colleagues, or classmates. 

In this article, we’ll list a wide variety of advanced Dutch vocabulary words. This includes everything from general advanced words to more nuanced terms for the academic, business, medical, and legal spheres. In addition, we’ll introduce you to more sophisticated alternatives to common words that will help you ace your Dutch language exam. 

With this advanced Dutch wordlist, you’ll be able to express yourself better, understand more advanced conversations, and slowly but surely perfect your Dutch.

Let’s refine your Dutch vocabulary!

Table of Contents

1. General Advanced Dutch Words
2. Academic Words
3. Advanced Business Words
4. Advanced Medical Words
5. Advanced Legal Words
6. Alternative Words for Acing a Dutch Language Exam
7. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

1. General Advanced Dutch Words

These are advanced verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and linking words that you could use in a variety of situations. They allow you to express yourself in a sophisticated manner and relay your ideas with greater clarity.

1  – Verbs

Argumenteren	De leerlingen argumenteren tegen elkaar in het debat.
To argue	The students argue against each other in the debate.

Besteden	Ik besteed een groot deel van mijn budget aan marketing.
To spend / To pay	I spend a lot of my budget on marketing.

Bevatten	Sinaasappelen bevatten veel vitamine C.
To contain / To have	Oranges contain lots of vitamin C.

Discussiëren	We zouden hier de hele dag over kunnen discussiëren.
To debate	We could debate this all day.

Fluisteren	Hij fluisterde in mijn oor.
To whisper	He whispered in my ear.

Leiden tot	De crisis in de huizenmarkt leidde tot vele problemen.
To lead to	The crisis in the housing market led to many problems.

Verantwoordelijkheid nemen	Ik neem verantwoordelijkheid voor de risico´s van deze missie.
To take responsibility	I take responsibility for the risks of this mission.

Verkrijgen	Ik moet een visum verkrijgen om naar Rusland te reizen.
To obtain / To acquire	I need to obtain a visa to travel to Russia.

Verzamelen	Wij zijn data aan het verzamelen.
To collect / To gather	We are collecting data.

2 – Adjectives

Feilloos	Haar kleding is altijd feilloos gestyled.
Flawless	Her clothes are always flawlessly styled.

Gedetailleerd	Hij schreef een gedetailleerd rapport.
Detailed	He wrote a detailed report.

Geschikt	We zoeken een geschikte oplossing.
Suitable / Adequate	We’re looking for an adequate solution.

Onaanvaardbaar	Deze resultaten zijn onaanvaardbaar!
Unacceptable	These results are unacceptable!

Onwaarschijnlijk	Dit lijkt erg onwaarschijnlijk.
Unlikely	This seems very unlikely.

Raadselachtig	De film is erg raadselachtig.
Puzzling / Mysterious	This movie is very puzzling.

Redelijk	Dit is een redelijke oplossing.
Reasonable	This is a reasonable solution.

Subtiel	Een subtiele mix van knoflook en basilicum
Subtle	A subtle blend of garlic and basil

Voortreffelijk	Het eten was voortreffelijk!
Excellent / Outstanding	The food was excellent!

Willekeurig	Er is een willekeurige selectie gemaakt.
Random	A random selection has been made.

3 – Adverbs

Absoluut	Het heeft absoluut geen zin.
Absolutely	It is absolutely pointless.

Abrupt	We zijn abrupt weg gegaan.
Abruptly	We left abruptly.

Briljant	Hij sloeg die bal briljant weg.
Brilliantly	He hit that ball brilliantly.

Gematigd	Hij praat altijd erg gematigd over dat onderwerp.
Moderately	He always talks very moderately about that subject.

Letterlijk	Hij heeft dat letterlijk gezegd.
Literally	He said that literally.

Natuurlijk	Het winnen van de wedstrijd maakte me natuurlijk blij.
Naturally	Winning the game naturally made me happy.

Precies	Het is precies andersom.
Precisely	It is precisely the other way around.

Zeker	Ze is zeker erg populair.
Certainly / Definitely	She’s certainly very popular.

4 – Linking Words

Hoewel	Hoewel mijn oma oud is, is ze nog steeds erg actief.
Although	Although my grandma is old, she is still very active.

Desondanks	Het regende, maar desondanks gingen we wandelen.
Nevertheless	It was raining, but nevertheless, we went for a walk.

Niettemin	Het is moeilijk, maar niettemin moeten we het proberen.
Nevertheless / Nonetheless	It is difficult, but we must try nonetheless.

Ondanks	Ondanks haar vermoeidheid, is ze toch maar gaan fietsen.
Despite	Despite her fatigue, she went cycling anyway.

Ongeacht	Ongeacht wat u ook doet, u zult tot de juiste beslissing komen.
Whatever / No matter what	Whatever you do, you’ll come to the right decision.

Tenzij	Laten we beginnen, tenzij je wilt wachten.
Unless	Let’s start, unless you want to wait.

Terwijl	De prijzen stijgen terwijl de kwaliteit daalt.
While / As	Prices are increasing while the quality is going down.

Wat betreft	Wat uw rol betreft, we praten er morgen over.
As for	As for your role, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.

Zodra	Zodra u klaar bent, kunnen we beginnen.
As soon as	As soon as you’re ready, we can start.

How about these general advanced Dutch words? Did you already know some of them?

2. Academic Words

The next set of advanced Dutch vocabulary we’ll cover consists of words you would hear, read, or use in an academic setting. You’ll find these words especially useful if you plan to study in the Netherlands! 

Aanleiding	Haar slechte prestatie was de aanleiding voor haar ontslag.
Reason / Cause	Her poor performance was the reason for her dismissal.

Abstract	De ideeën van de professor waren tamelijk abstract.
Abstract	The professor’s ideas were quite abstract.

Analyseren	Als je wilt weten wat de kenmerken van een verhaal zijn, moet je het eerst analyseren.
To analyze	If you want to know the characteristics of a story, you have to analyze it first.

Chronologisch	Ik heb het verhaal in chronologische volgorde verteld.
Chronological	I have told the story in chronological order.

Citeren	Hij citeert enkele beroemde filosofen in zijn essay.
To quote / To cite	He quotes some famous philosophers in his essay.

Consequent	Bij het opvoeden van kinderen moet je consequent zijn.
Consistent	You have to be consistent when raising children.

Correlatie	Er bestaat een duidelijke correlatie tussen deze twee factoren.
Correlation	There is a clear correlation between these two factors.

Cyclus	Deze cyclus herhaalt zich elk jaar.
Cycle	This cycle repeats itself every year.

Dilemma	Europa staat duidelijk voor een dilemma.
Dilemma	Europe clearly faces a dilemma.

Diversiteit	In Nederland is er een grote diversiteit aan vogels.
Diversity	There is a great diversity of birds in the Netherlands.

Eficiënt	Als je efficiënt wilt studeren, moet je je leren focussen.
Efficiently	If you want to study efficiently, you have to learn to focus.

Empathie	Hij is erg egoïstisch en voelt weinig empathie voor anderen.
Empathy	He is very selfish and has little empathy for others.

Facultatief	De deelname aan de cursus Spaans voor beginners is facultatief.
Optional	Participation in the Spanish for Beginners course is optional.

Fenomeen	Het toenemende gebruik van smartphones is een universeel fenomeen.
Phenomenon	The increasing use of smartphones is a universal phenomenon.

Fictief	Dit is een fictief verhaal, het is niet echt gebeurd.
Fictional	This is a fictional story; it didn’t actually happen.

Generaliseren	Hij generaliseert veel als hij over zijn studenten praat.
Generalize	He generalizes a lot when he talks about his students.

Hiërarchie	In dit bedrijf is er nog veel hiërarchie.
Hierarchy	There is still a lot of hierarchy in this company.

Hypothese	Volgens onze hypothese heeft dit fenomeen verregaande gevolgen.
Hypothesis	According to our hypothesis, this phenomenon has far-reaching consequences.

Interpreteren	De opmerking kon op verschillende manieren geïnterpreteerd worden.
Interpret	The remark could be interpreted in different ways.

Nuanceren	Kun je die vraag nog wat nuanceren?
To nuance	Can you nuance that question a bit?

Objectief	De beslissing van de minister was gebaseerd op objectieve criteria.
Objective	The minister’s decision was based on objective criteria.

Pragmatisch	De doorgewinterde politicus neemt altijd erg pragmatische beslissingen.
Pragmatic	The seasoned politician always makes very pragmatic decisions.

Synoniem	Ik ken geen synoniem voor dat woord.
Synonym	I don’t know a synonym for that word.

Urgentie	Gezien de urgentie van het probleem moeten we direct handelen.
Urgency	Given the urgency of the problem, we must act immediately.

Variëren	Om de kinderen geïnteresseerd te houden, moet u uw lesmethoden variëren.
To vary	To keep the children interested, you have to vary your teaching methods.

Are you ready to master these academic Dutch words?

3. Advanced Business Words

As you approach the advanced level in Dutch, you might be considering a job or career in the Netherlands. The following words will give you a leg up in the Dutch business world, whatever direction your dreams take you. 

Winstgevend	Mijn bedrijf is niet meer winstgevend.
Profitable	My company is not profitable anymore.

Afdeling	Ik werk op de marketingafdeling.
Department / Division	I work in the marketing division.

Hoofdkantoor	Dit is het hoofdkantoor van Heineken.
Head office	This is the Heineken head office.

Uitbesteding	Door uitbesteding kunnen we kosten besparen.
Outsourcing	Outsourcing allows us to cut costs.

Ontslag	Ontslag werd overwogen.
Dismissal / Resignation	Dismissal was considered.

Activa	Ze hebben activa om met hun schulden te dealen.
Assets	They have assets to deal with their debts.

Aandelen	De gepresenteerde aandelen worden beoordeeld.
Stocks	The submitted stocks will be evaluated.

Aandeelhouder	Ik ben de enige aandeelhouder van mijn eigen bedrijf.
Shareholder	I’m the only shareholder of my own company.

Rentetarief	De rentetarieven dalen elk jaar.
Interest rate	Interest rates are decreasing every year.

Personeelszaken	Personeelszaken zorgt voor uw contract.
Human resources	Human resources are taking care of your contract.

Omzet	De omzet is gestaag gestegen.
Turnover / Revenue	Revenues have steadily increased.

Fondsen	We moeten fondsen vrijmaken.
Funds	We have to release funds.

Dochteronderneming	Wij zijn een dochteronderneming van dat bedrijf.
Subsidiary	We are a subsidiary of that company.

Tarief	U vindt mijn tarief op mijn website.
Rate	You’ll find my rate on my website.

Loonstrook	Ik heb mijn loonstrook nog niet ontvangen.
Payslip	I haven’t received my payslip yet.

Samenwerkingsverband	Ze heeft net een samenwerkingsverband getekend met ons bedrijf.
Partnership	She’s just signed a partnership with our company.

Arbeidsmarkt	Vrouwen worden vaak gediscrimineerd op de arbeidsmarkt.
Labor market	Women are often discriminated against in the labor market.

Vergoeden	Deze opdracht wordt goed vergoed.
To compensate / To pay	This assignment is well compensated.

Solliciteren	Ik solliciteer voor een nieuwe baan.
To apply	I’m applying for a new job.

Filiaal	We hebben een filiaal in Rotterdam.
Branch	We have a branch in Rotterdam.

Boekhouding	Ik ben voor een vereenvoudigde boekhouding.
Accounting	I vote for simplified accounting.

Failliet gaan	Mijn bedrijf is failliet gegaan.
To go bankrupt	My company has gone bankrupt.

Zakenreis	Ze gaat op zakenreis.
Business trip	She’s leaving for a business trip.

Vast contract

Permanent contract

Tijdelijk contract

Temporary contract

Let’s master the Dutch business world with these advanced Dutch words.

→ Are you working in the Netherlands? Then these vocabulary lists might come in handy: Essential Vocabulary and Phrases for Preparing a Presentation and Phrases for Doing Business Successfully.

→ Do you want to apply for a job in the Netherlands? Then have a look at these useful vocabulary lists with audio recordings to perfect your Dutch pronunciation: Words and Phrases for Writing Your Resume and Words and Phrases for HR and the Recruitment Process.

4. Advanced Medical Words

Whether you’re studying medicine in the Netherlands, pursuing a job in the medical field, or sitting in the ER, these advanced Dutch words will help you out in a pinch. 

Behandeling	Ik probeer een experimentele behandeling.
Treatment	I’m trying an experimental treatment.

Goedaardig	Dit syndroom is goedaardig.
Benign	This syndrome is benign.

Desinfecteren	Je moet de wond desinfecteren.
To disinfect	You have to disinfect the wound.

Besmettelijk	Dit virus is zeer besmettelijk.
Contagious	This virus is highly contagious.

Immuun	Ik ben niet immuun voor die ziekte.
Immune	I am not immune to that disease.

Allergie	Allergie voor dit product is zeer ongebruikelijk.
Allergy	Allergy to this product is very unusual.

Bloeddruk	Hij zal uw bloeddruk meten.
Blood pressure	He will measure your blood pressure.

Breuk	Ik heb een dubbele heupbreuk.
Fracture	I have a double hip fracture.

Röntgenfoto	Je hebt een röntgenfoto nodig.
X-ray	You’re going to need an X-ray.

Gips	Ik draag sinds januari gips.
Cast	I’ve been wearing a cast since January.

Hartaanval	Hij stierf na een hartaanval.
Heart attack	He died after suffering a heart attack.

Immuunsysteem	Mijn immuunsysteem was verzwakt.
Immune system	My immune system was weakened.

Bloeding	We moeten de bloeding stoppen.
Bleeding	We have to stop the bleeding.

Vaccineren	Ze willen de hele bevolking vaccineren.
To vaccinate	They want to vaccinate the whole population.

Recept	U kunt dit medicijn niet zonder recept kopen.
Prescription	You can’t buy this medication without a prescription.

Bijwerking	Er is geen bijwerking bekend.
Side effect	There is no known side effect.

Bloedonderzoek	U moet een bloedonderzoek ondergaan.
Blood test	You have to do a blood test.

Griep	Ik kreeg vorig jaar griep.
Flu	I got the flu last year.

Jeuk	Ik begin jeuk te krijgen.
Itch	I’m starting to feel an itch.

Menstruatie	Dit is een middel tegen pijnlijke menstruatie.
Menstruation	This is a remedy for painful menstruation.

Nek	Het slachtoffer heeft een gebroken nek.
Neck	The victim has a broken neck.

Buik	Ik heb buikpijn.
Stomach	I have a stomachache.

Wervelkolom	De wervelkolom is delicaat.
Spine	The spine is delicate.

Ribben	Mijn ribben doen pijn.
Ribs	My ribs hurt.

Longen	Hij ademt slecht want hij heeft last van zijn longen.
Lungs	He’s breathing badly because he has lung problems.

These advanced Dutch medical words will help you feel more comfortable when going to the doctor in the Netherlands.

→ There are so many complicated medical words that it would take days to list them all! For more phrases with recorded examples, head over to these vocabulary lists: Medicine and Medical Treatments, Words and Phrases for Talking About Injuries, and Useful Phrases for Talking to Your Doctor.

5. Advanced Legal Words

Learning these advanced legal words will aid your law studies, allow you to engage in more complex conversations, or maybe even help you work out an unfortunate misunderstanding. 

Conform	Het bedrijf handelt conform de wetgeving.
In accordance with	The company acts in accordance with the law.

Erkende	Ik ben een erkende vertegenwoordiger van de regering.
Authorized / Accredited	I’m an accredited representative of the government.

Strafblad	Ik heb geen strafblad.
Criminal record	I don’t have a criminal record.

Hoger beroep	De beslissing werd door de rechter in hoger beroep genomen.
Appeal	The decision was made by the judge on appeal.

Juridisch advies	We hebben juridisch advies nodig.
Legal counsel	We need legal counsel.

Gerechtelijk	Dit is een gerechtelijke zaak.
Judicial	This is a judicial case.

Schriftelijk bewijs	Schriftelijk bewijs van adres
Written proof	Written proof of address

Dagvaarden	Ze dagvaardde de getuige.
To summon	She summoned the witness.

Wettelijke vertegenwoordiger	Ik ben de wettelijke vertegenwoordiger van dit bedrijf.
Legal representative	I’m the legal representative of this company.

Aangetekende brief	Ik heb het document per aangetekende brief verzonden.
Registered letter	I have sent the document in a registered letter.

Geschil	U heeft twee dagen de tijd om een geschil te openen.
Dispute / Litigation	You have two days to open a dispute.

Huiszoekingsbevel	Ik kom terug met een huiszoekingsbevel.
Search warrant	I will come back with a search warrant.

Vertegenwoordiger	We zullen een vertegenwoordiger aanwijzen.
Representative	We will appoint a representative.

Notaris	Het document is gecertificeerd door een notaris.
Notary	The document is certified by a notary.

Paraferen	Je moet dit contract paraferen.
To initial (a document)	I need you to initial this contract.

Clausule	Hij heeft alle clausules van het contract gelezen.
Clause	He read all the clauses of the contract.

Rechtszaak	Er is een rechtszaak aangespannen tegen het bedrijf.
Lawsuit	A lawsuit was filed against the company.

Officier van justitie	De officier van justitie wil met u praten.
Public prosecutor	The prosecutor wants to talk to you.

Eisen	Ik eis het recht om deze beslissing te nemen.
To claim	I claim the right to make this decision.

Onwettig	Deze handel is in dat land volledig onwettig.
Illegitimate	This trade is completely illegitimate in that country.

Illegaal	De goederen die hij in bezit heeft gekregen, zijn illegaal.
Illegal	The goods he came into possession of are illegal.

Aanvaller	Zijn aanvaller was lang en blond.
Assailant	His assailant was tall and blond.

Corruptie	Corruptie is een misdaad.
Corruption	Corruption is a crime.

Inbraak	De inbraak vond plaats in de nacht van 17 op 18 juni.
Burglary	The burglary took place on the night of June 17 to June 18.

Chanteren	Ze hebben me gechanteerd voor vertrouwelijke informatie.
To blackmail	They blackmailed me for confidential information.

Which advanced Dutch legal words are most useful to you?

6. Alternative Words for Acing a Dutch Language Exam

Do you want to take a Dutch language proficiency test? In the Netherlands, there are two official language proficiency tests: the NT2 Dutch as a Second Language State Exam (Staatsexamen NT2) and the Dutch as a Foreign Language Certificate (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal, CNaVT). 

→ Are you interested in taking the NT2 Dutch State Exam? Then have a look at our guide with useful information, tips, and tricks. It will definitely help you prepare for this common Dutch language exam.

One way to do well on a Dutch language proficiency test is to show that you have a diverse vocabulary. It also helps to prove that you’re able to express yourself with subtlety instead of relying on the same (simple) terms.

In the final leg of this advanced Dutch word list, you’ll find simple verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, followed by their more sophisticated alternatives and an example sentence. The first column is the simple word, and the second is the alternative you might want to use.

1 – Alternative Verbs

Beginnen	Aanvangen	Voordat de werkzaamheden kunnen aanvangen, moet dit eerst in orde worden gemaakt.
To start	To commence	Before the work can start, this must be arranged first.

Doorgaan (met)	Hervatten	We kunnen de vergadering hervatten.
To continue	To resume	We can resume the meeting.

Laten zien	Tonen	In deze nieuwe campagne toont het bedrijf de nieuwe modellen.
To show	To show	In this new campaign, the company is showing the new models.

Kopen	Aanschaffen	We willen graag een nieuwe auto aanschaffen.
To buy	To acquire	We would like to buy a new car.

Hebben	Bezitten	Ik bezit een huis in Amsterdam en een huis in Frankrijk.
To have	To own	I own a house in Amsterdam and a house in France.

Zeggen	Beweren	Ze beweert dat ze niets weet.
To say	To claim	She claims she doesn’t know anything.

2 – Alternative Adjectives

Essentieel	Noodzakelijk	Het is noodzakelijk om nu te investeren.
Essential	Essential	It is essential to invest right now.

Handig	Gunstig	Het nieuwe systeem is erg gunstig.
Convenient	Convenient	The new system is very convenient.

Verschillend	Divers	De oceaan kent een rijk en divers ecosysteem.
Different	Diverse	The ocean has a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Makkelijk	Eenvoudig	Je zult zien dat het erg eenvoudig is.
Easy	Easy / Simple	You’ll see that it’s very easy.

3 – Alternative Adverbs

Echt	Werkelijk	Wat zij beweert is werkelijk niet waar.
Really	Really	What she claims is really not true.

Zonder problemen	Probleemloos	Het evenement verliep probleemloos.
Easily	Smoothly	The event went smoothly.

Nu	Onmiddellijk	Kom onmiddellijk naar mijn kantoor!
Now	Immediately	Come to my office immediately!

Vanaf nu	Voortaan	Ik wil dat jij mij voortaan altijd op de hoogte stelt van nieuwe aankopen.
From now on	From now on	From now on, I want you to always keep me informed of new purchases.

Voor	Voorafgaand	Voorafgaand aan het tekenen van het contract, wil ik het huis nog een keer zien.
Before	Prior	Prior to signing the contract, I want to see the house again.

Vroeger	Voorheen	Voorheen was het product niet in winkels verkrijgbaar.
Before	Previously	Previously, the product was not available in stores.

Which alternative Dutch word will you use on your language exam?

7. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

In this guide, you have seen over 150 of the most useful advanced Dutch words in a range of categories. You’ve even been able to discover some alternative Dutch words that will help you ace your Dutch language exam. You might already have known some of them, but now you have them all conveniently gathered in this advanced Dutch wordlist.

Are there any advanced words or categories you think we should’ve included? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll gladly get back to you. 

Ready to start using these 150+ advanced Dutch words? DutchPod101.com hosts a range of vocabulary lists with audio recordings and other free resources to boost your studies.

Would you like some special attention? Remember that we also offer a Premium PLUS service with personal 1-on-1 coaching: MyTeacher. Let your private teacher help you master everything on this Dutch advanced wordlist, and then some. You’ll receive personalized exercises, constructive feedback, and interactive assignments.

Happy learning on DutchPod101.com!

Would you like to take an official Dutch language proficiency test? If that’s the case, wouldn’t you love to receive some handy tips and tricks to make sure you pass? If so, this guide will definitely come in handy.

In the Netherlands, there are two official language proficiency tests: the NT2 Dutch as a Second Language State Exam (Staatsexamen NT2) and the Certificate Dutch as a Foreign Language (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal, CNaVT). In this guide, we’ll only focus on the NT2 Dutch State Exam, as it’s the most common one they ask for when you’re looking for a job or applying for a university or school in the Netherlands. 

We’ll go over everything you need to know about the NT2 Dutch language proficiency exam: what it is, how to sign up, and why you should care. We’ll also give you some insight into the different language levels and how they relate to the NT2 Dutch exam. 

Finally, we’ll dive into the structure and content of all four sections of the exam, and provide you with some tips on how to practice for and master this most important Dutch test.

Table of Contents

1. What is the NT2 Dutch as a Second Language State Exam?
2. A Test for Two Levels
3. How to Succeed on the NT2 Dutch State Exam
4. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

1. What is the NT2 Dutch as a Second Language State Exam?

The NT2 Dutch as a Second Language State Exam is the national Dutch proficiency exam for non-native adult speakers who want to work or study in the Netherlands. The diploma received after passing this test is officially recognized by the Dutch government. You can find more details about the exam right here.

1- Why Take the Exam?

There are many possible reasons why you’d want to pass the NT2 Dutch exam:

• To study at a Dutch school or university
• To find a job in the Netherlands
• To apply for a Dutch residence permit
• To request a Dutch citizenship

→ The Diploma of the NT2 Dutch State Exam meets the Dutch language requirements for integration: Inburgering (“Integration”) and Naturalisatie (“Naturalization”).

You can only take this Dutch language exam in the Netherlands.

→ Would you like to do a test just “for fun” or to discover your level? In that case, the NT2 Dutch State Exam might be too much trouble, and it would be better to take a different Dutch test. 

2- What Does the Exam Look Like?

The exam has four sections:

1. Lezen (“Reading”)

2. Schrijven (“Writing”)

3. Spreken (“Speaking”)

4. Luisteren (“Listening”)

The tests are all computer-based. To obtain the diploma, you need to pass all four sections.

→ What happens if you fail one of the sections? It’s possible to re-do any of the four parts, but you won’t be able to apply for your diploma until you receive all four certificates.

3- NT2 Exam Registration

You can register for the exams via the DUO departmental website. The examinations are held several times a year at seven different locations in the Netherlands: 

• Amsterdam
• Eindhoven
• Amersfoort (only on predetermined Saturdays)
• Oisterwijk
• Rotterdam
• Rijswijk
• Zwolle

To be able to participate, you’ll need to have a valid ID.

How much does it cost? The NT2 Dutch exam costs €45,00 per language skill. So for all four sections, it will cost you a total of €180,00.

2. A Test for Two Levels

1- The different levels of the NT2 Dutch State Exam

There are two NT2 exam levels that you can choose to take: 

• The NT2 program I – This exam is meant for people who want to work or study on a vocational education level (MBO). This is considered a Dutch B1 exam according to CEFR.
• The NT2 program II – This exam is intended for people who want to study or work on a hogeschool (“higher education,” HBO) or university level (WO). The language level of this program is B2 (CEFR).

2- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Before you can choose the best test for your level, you need to be familiar with the CEFR system (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This classification shows your proficiency level in a foreign language on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

Level	Description	You can:
A1	Beginner	Understand and use everyday expressions as well as simple statements about practical needs. Introduce yourself and others. Ask and answer questions about personal matters. Use the present tense and the right word order in simple affirmative sentences and questions. Have basic conversations if the other person is talking slowly and articulates clearly.
A2	Lower-Intermediate	Understand and communicate isolated sentences and common expressions or tasks about familiar daily situations (personal information, family, shop, or work interactions) Describe your current environment and express immediate needs. Correctly use present and past tenses.  Build correct sentences and use the subordinate clause. Understand and use standard pronunciation.
B1 Level of the NT2 program I	Intermediate	Understand and communicate in common everyday situations, such as work, school, or hobbies. Handle most daily interactions when traveling in the Netherlands or through Flanders. Write simple Dutch texts about familiar topics or subjects you are interested in. Talk about events, experiences, dreams, expectations, and desires. You’re also able to express your opinions, reasons, and plans.
B2 Level of the NT2 program II	Upper-Intermediate	Understand the general ideas of complex texts (both concrete and abstract), including technical discussions in your field of specialization. Talk Dutch spontaneously and quite easily with a native speaker. Write clear and detailed texts in Dutch about various topics. Express and explain your views, giving the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives of various options.
C1	Advanced	Understand long texts and their implicit meaning, humor, and wit. Speak spontaneously and fluently without searching for your words too much. Use the language flexibly and efficiently at home, work, or school. Express your opinion on complex topics in a clear and structured manner. Write clear, well-structured, and detailed texts about complex subjects.
C2	Proficient	Effortlessly understand anything you read or hear. Summarize verbal or written information, such as facts and arguments. Speak very fluently, argue coherently, and reconstruct explanations. Express yourself spontaneously, precisely, and subtly, even about more-complex topics.

3. How to Succeed on the NT2 Dutch State Exam

1- The Writing Test

Duration: 100 minutes

A- The Test

The Dutch writing exam (Program I and Program II) consists of completing sentences, as well as writing both short and medium texts. You can decide what order you want to do the assignments in.

• Write sentences – You must complete sentences or finish them.
• Write short text – This could be a note, a short letter, or a short description of a situation.
• Write medium text – This could be a description of a problem and a proposal for a solution. You may receive a table, graph, or images that you must use.

Most assignments are about work or education. A number of assignments are about daily life topics.

Program I	Program II
Write 10 sentences	Write 7-8 sentences
Complete 2 short texts	Write 1-2 short texts
Write 2 short texts	Write 1-2 medium texts

B- Tips on How to Practice for the Test

► Improve your grammar and vocabulary, and get familiar with the most common structures of Dutch texts by reading a lot. This way, you’ll get used to different Dutch writing styles, learn useful vocabulary, and discover connecting phrases.

► Write, write, and write even more. For the best results, try to get personal feedback from a native Dutch speaker. For example, this can be your own private DutchPod101 teacher, through our MyTeacher services.

► Take an old NT2 Dutch test and practice writing texts within a short period of time. Or study NT2 Dutch test reviews.

C- Tips on How to Take the Test

► First, read the Dutch test instructions very carefully to understand them fully.

► Remember that you’ll probably not be asked for your opinion, and will sometimes be asked to take a stand following some specific guidelines. Follow these guidelines and write accordingly.

► Adapt your text for the target audience. The style, writing, and structure must match the type of text that you’re writing.

► Make a quick outline of your text before you begin writing. This way, you can write a better-organized text.

► Re-read your text several times, focusing on grammar, conjugation, and punctuation.

► Use a dictionary, it’s allowed! You may use a maximum of three dictionaries during the writing exam (except for the Van Dale Synonyms dictionary, the Van Dale Proverb dictionary, a digital dictionary, or a digital spell checker). Your dictionaries should not contain any notes.

2- The Speaking Test

Duration: around 25 minutes

A- The Test

For this Dutch speaking exam, you’ll wear headphones and speak through your microphone to the computer. You’ll read the commands and answers on the computer screen. The Program I exam consists of two parts; The Program II exam consists of three parts. There are both short and long speaking assignments:

• Short speaking assignment – You’ll receive questions, to which you’ll give a short answer. You’ll have twenty seconds to speak per assignment.
• Medium-length speaking assignment – You’ll receive questions, to which you’ll have to give a longer answer (a few sentences or more). You’ll have thirty seconds to speak per assignment.
• Long speaking assignment – You’ll speak for two minutes on a specific topic, and will receive preparation time for this.

	Program I	Program II
Part 1	8 short speaking assignments	4 short speaking assignments
Part 2	8 medium speaking assignments	8 medium speaking assignments
Part 3	–	1 long speaking assignment

→ You can’t use a dictionary for the speaking test!

B- Tips on How to Practice for the Test

► Take some old NT2 tests and practice the short, medium, and (if you plan on taking the Program II) long speaking assignments. This is the best way to get familiar with the “real” test conditions.

► Practice your speaking skills with Dutch natives as often as you can. Practice with your Dutch friends or colleagues. Don’t have any yet? Talking to strangers also helps a lot; it gets you out of your comfort zone and exposes you to different ways of speaking.

► Don’t have any natives around to talk with? Try to practice with other Dutch learners, or even alone. If practicing alone, record yourself and try to correct your own mistakes. 

► Would you like to improve your pronunciation? Then have a look at Our Ultimate Dutch Pronunciation Guide.

► Are you just learning Dutch? Have a look at this page on Conversational Dutch for Absolute Beginners.

► Use MyTeacher and send your recordings to your private teacher. He or she will give you some great feedback on your grammar and pronunciation!

C- Tips on How to Do the Test

► Read the Dutch test instructions carefully, as many times as necessary to understand them perfectly.

► Try to use examples to illustrate your ideas or opinions. You can use examples from your own experiences, current events, or texts that you’ve read.

► Try to articulate your thoughts clearly, and don’t scatter your ideas too much.

3- The Reading Test 

Duration: 110 minutes in Program I and 100 minutes in Program II

A- The Test

For the Dutch reading exam, you’ll receive a booklet containing texts. The questions and answer options are on the computer. For the seven texts, you must answer 35-38 multiple-choice questions. 

There are different types of assignments:

• There are assignments where you have to choose the subject of the text, the source, or the audience.
• There are assignments where you have to choose the meaning of a text, the relationship between two pieces of text, or the conclusion of the text.
• There are questions where you need to look something up in the text.

B- Tips on How to Practice for the Test

► Practice by reading a wide variety of materials, from newspaper articles, books, and essays to short stories.

► Practice the reading test from a past NT2 Dutch test. This way, you’ll get a good idea of what to expect in terms of length and difficulty. You can also have a look at NT2 Dutch test reviews.

► Are you still a Dutch language beginner? Then have a look at this Extensive Reading in Dutch for Absolute Beginners page or this Reading Comprehension for Absolute Beginners page.

C- Tips on How to Do the Test

► Read the text carefully before you read the questions. This way, you won’t be biased and you’ll be able to better understand the text.

► Then, read the Dutch test instructions and questions attentively and make sure you understand them perfectly. After that, you can read the text one more time in this new light.

► Stay alert and prepare yourself for word play and traps. 

► You can use up to three dictionaries for the reading test, as long as they are free of any notes. You can’t use the Van Dale Synonyms dictionary, the Van Dale Proverb dictionary, a digital dictionary, or a digital spell checker.

4- The Listening Test

Duration: 90 minutes

A- The Test

The Dutch listening exam consists of about 40 different assignments. There are five or more audio texts and 1-3 videos, each with questions. All questions are multiple-choice.

You’ll hear speakers talk about daily life situations, in addition to recordings of “normal life conversations.” These will feature different voices, repetitions, accents, and noises in the background.

For each question, you get twenty-five seconds to read the question and the three possible answers. 

You can’t use a dictionary for the listening test.

B- Tips on How to Practice for the Test

► Listen to Dutch radio or watch Dutch TV, movies, or series every day. A Dutch podcast may also be useful.

► Do you have some Dutch native speakers close by? Listen to them speak by asking them many questions.

► Any listening exercise on DutchPod101.com can be a great way to practice your listening skills. We also have a page on Listening Comprehension for Absolute Beginners.

► Practice an NT2 test with listening assignments; this way, you’ll know what to expect. You can find old NT2 Dutch State Exams on the official website, where you can also have a look at their recommended study materials.

C- Tips on How to Do the Test

► Read the test instructions attentively.

► Make the best of the short time you’re given to read the questions.

► Stay alert and don’t jump to conclusions too fast—appearances may be deceiving. Don’t choose your answer until you’ve heard the entire text. 

4. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

In this guide, you’ve learned everything you need to know about the NT2 Dutch State Exam. We’ve shown you some useful information on the structure and the different levels of the test. You’ve also received some useful tips on the writing, speaking, reading, and listening sections of this Dutch language proficiency test.

Do you feel ready to start practicing for the NT2 Dutch Exam? A good exercise is to practice an official NT2 test, from the beginning to the end. It will take some time, but it’s the only way to learn what to expect.

Would you like to practice your Dutch? DutchPod101.com has many free resources, such as vocabulary lists with audio recordings which are great for practicing your listening and speaking skills.

Or do you prefer some private teaching? DutchPod101 also offers personal one-on-one coaching with our premium MyTeacher service. Through interactive exercises, personalized feedback, and useful tips, you can really master this Dutch language proficiency test!

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing’s for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us.” The older I get, the more I agree with him!

Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person’s journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you’re planning to stay in Netherlands for more than a quick visit, you’re sure to need at least a few ‘life events’ phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it’s generally expected that we will show up with good manners and warm wishes.

Table of Contents

1. Life Events
2. Marriage Proposal Lines
3. Talking About Age
4. Conclusion

1. Life Events

Do you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Dutch? Well, the New Year is a pretty big deal that the whole world is in on! We celebrate until midnight, make mindful resolutions, and fill the night sky with the same happy words in hundreds of languages. No doubt, then, that you’ll want to know how to say it like a local!

Big life events are not all about fun times, though. Real life happens even when you’re traveling, and certain terminology will be very helpful to know. From talking about your new job to wishing your neighbors “Merry Christmas” in Dutch, here at DutchPod101, we’ve put together just the right vocabulary and phrases for you.

1- Birthday – verjaardag

If you’re like me, any excuse to bring out a pen and scribble a note is a good one. When there’s a birthday, even better: hello, handwriting!

Your Dutch friend will love hearing you wish them a “Happy birthday” in Dutch, but how much more will they appreciate a thoughtful written message? Whether you write it on their Facebook wall or buy a cute card, your effort in Dutch is sure to get them smiling! Write it like this:

Fijne verjaardag

Now that you know the words, I challenge you to put them to music and sing your own “Happy birthday” song in Dutch! It’s not impossible to figure out even more lyrics, once you start discovering the language from scratch.

2- Buy – kopen

If there’s a special occasion, you might want to buy somebody a gift. As long as you’ve checked out Dutch etiquette on gift-giving (do a Google search for this!), it will be a lovely gesture. If you’re not sure what to buy, how about the awesome and universally-appealing gift of language? That’s a gift that won’t stop giving!

3- Retire – pensioneren

If you’re planning to expand your mind and retire in Netherlands, you can use this word to tell people why you seem to be on a perpetual vacation!

Retirement is also a great time to learn a new language, don’t you think? And you don’t have to do it alone! These days it’s possible to connect to a vibrant learning community at the click of a button. The added benefit of a Daily Dose of Language is that it keeps your brain cells alive and curious about the world. After all, it’s never too late to realize those long-ignored dreams of traveling the globe…

4- Graduation – afstuderen

When attending a graduation ceremony in Netherlands, be prepared for a lot of formal language! It will be a great opportunity to listen carefully and see if you can pick up differences from the everyday Dutch you hear.

5- Promotion – promotie

Next to vacation time, receiving a promotion is the one career highlight almost everyone looks forward to. And why wouldn’t you? Sure, it means more responsibility, but it also means more money and benefits and – the part I love most – a change of scenery! Even something as simple as looking out a new office window would boost my mood.

6- Anniversary – gedenkdag

Some anniversaries we anticipate with excitement, others with apprehension. They are days marking significant events in our lives that can be shared with just one person, or with a whole nation. Whether it’s a special day for you and a loved one, or for someone else you know, this word is crucial to know if you want to wish them a happy anniversary in Dutch.

7- Funeral – begrafenis

We tend to be uncomfortable talking about funerals in the west, but it’s an important conversation for families to have. Around the world, there are many different customs and rituals for saying goodbye to deceased loved ones – some vastly different to our own. When traveling in Netherlands, if you happen to find yourself the unwitting observer of a funeral, take a quiet moment to appreciate the cultural ethos; even this can be an enriching experience for you.

8- Travel – reizen

Travel – my favorite thing to do! Everything about the experience is thrilling and the best cure for boredom, depression, and uncertainty about your future. You will surely be forever changed, fellow traveler! But you already know this, don’t you? Well, now that you’re on the road to total Dutch immersion, I hope you’ve downloaded our IOS apps and have your Nook Book handy to keep yourself entertained on those long bus rides.

9- Graduate – afstuderen

If you have yet to graduate from university, will you be job-hunting in Netherlands afterward? Forward-looking companies sometimes recruit talented students who are still in their final year. Of course, you could also do your final year abroad as an international student – an amazing experience if you’d love to be intellectually challenged and make a rainbow of foreign friends!

10- Wedding – trouwerij

One of the most-loved traditions that humans have thought up, which you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, is a wedding. With all that romance in the air and months spent on preparations, a wedding is typically a feel-good affair. Two people pledge their eternal love to each other, ladies cry, single men look around for potential partners, and everybody has a happy day of merrymaking.

Ah, but how diverse we are in our expression of love! You will find more wedding traditions around the world than you can possibly imagine. From reciting love quotes to marrying a tree, the options leave no excuse to be boring!

11- Move – verhuizen

I love Netherlands, but I’m a nomad and tend to move around a lot, even within one country. What are the biggest emotions you typically feel when moving house? The experts say moving is a highly stressful event, but I think that depends on the circumstances. Transitional periods in our lives are physically and mentally demanding, but changing your environment is also an exciting adventure that promises new tomorrows!

12- Be born – geboren

I was not born in 1993, nor was I born in Asia. I was born in the same year as Aishwarya Rai, Akon, and Monica Lewinsky, and on the same continent as Freddy Mercury. When and where were you born? More importantly – can you say it in Dutch?

13- Get a job – een baan vinden

The thought of looking for a job in a new country can be daunting, but English speakers are in great demand in Netherlands – you just have to do some research, make a few friends and get out there! Also, arming yourself with a few Dutch introductions that you can both say and write will give you a confidence boost. For example, can you write your name in Dutch?

14- Die – sterven

Death is a universal experience and the final curtain on all other life events. How important is it, then, to fully live before we die? If all you have is a passport, a bucket list, and a willingness to learn some lingo, you can manifest those dreams!

15- Home – huis

If home is where the heart is, then my home is on a jungle island completely surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Right now, though, home is an isolation room with a view of half a dry palm tree and a tangle of telephone wires.

If you’re traveling to Netherlands for an extended stay, you’ll soon be moving into a new home quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

16- Job – baan

What job do you do? Does it allow you much time for travel, or for working on this fascinating language that has (so rightfully) grabbed your attention? Whatever your job, you are no doubt contributing to society in a unique way. If you’re doing what you love, you’re already on the road to your dream. If not, just remember that every single task is one more skill to add to your arsenal. With that attitude, your dream job is coming!

17- Birth – geboorte

Random question: do you know the birth rate of Netherlands?

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to see a friend’s baby just after they are born, you’ll have all my respect and all my envy. There is nothing cuter! Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you may find yourself bearing witness to some pretty unexpected birth customs. Enjoy this privilege!

18- Engaged – verloven

EE Cummings said, “Lovers alone wear sunlight,” and I think that’s most true at the moment she says “yes.” Getting engaged is something young girls dream of with stars in their eyes, and it truly is a magical experience – from the proposal, to wearing an engagement ring, to the big reveal!

In the world of Instagram, there’s no end to the antics as imaginative couples try more and more outrageous ways to share their engagement with the world. I love an airport flashmob, myself, but I’d rather be proposed to on a secluded beach – salt, sand, and all!

Engagement customs around the world vary greatly, and Netherlands is no exception when it comes to interesting traditions. Learning their unique romantic ways will inspire you for when your turn comes.

Speaking of romance, do you know how to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Dutch?

19- Marry – trouwen

The one you marry will be the gem on a shore full of pebbles. They will be the one who truly mirrors your affection, shares your visions for the future, and wants all of you – the good, the bad and the inexplicable.

From thinking up a one-of-a-kind wedding, to having children, to growing old together, finding a twin flame to share life with is quite an accomplishment! Speaking of which…

2. Marriage Proposal Lines

Ah, that heart-stopping moment when your true love gets down on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage, breathlessly hoping that you’ll say “Yes!” If you haven’t experienced that – well, it feels pretty darn good, is all I can say! If you’re the one doing the asking, though, you’ve probably had weeks of insomnia agonizing over the perfect time, location and words to use.

How much more care should be taken if your love is from a different culture to yours? Well, by now you know her so well, that most of it should be easy to figure out. As long as you’ve considered her personal commitment to tradition, all you really need is a few words from the heart. Are you brave enough to say them in Dutch?

3. Talking About Age

Part of the wonder of learning a new language is having the ability to strike up simple conversations with strangers. Asking about age in this context feels natural, as your intention is to practice friendly phrases – just be mindful of their point of view!

When I was 22, I loved being asked my age. Nowadays, if someone asks, I say, “Well, I’ve just started my fifth cat life.” Let them ponder that for a while.

In Netherlands, it’s generally not desirable to ask an older woman her age for no good reason, but chatting about age with your peers is perfectly normal. Besides, you have to mention your birthday if you want to be thrown a birthday party!

4. Conclusion

Well, there you have it! With so many great new Dutch phrases to wish people with, can you think of someone who has a big event coming up? If you want to get even more creative, DutchPod101 has much to inspire you with – come and check it out! Here’s just some of what we have on offer at DutchPod101:

• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Dutch with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Dutch dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about DutchPod101…!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Dutch teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Dutch word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Dutch level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in DutchPod101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Dutch.