What's your Level in Spoken Dutch? Simple Self-Check! Take the A2/B1/B2 story test (5 min)

These videos illustrate A2, B1 and B2-level.

How to do this simple self-check:

1. Watch each video once without pausing

2. Retell the story in your own words (record yourself 🎙️)

3. Notice: which sentences come naturally?

4. DOWNLOAD texts HERE to re-read

DID YOU KNOW?

💡 levels are about using the same (and more) words in more ways.

💡 levels differ in sentence structures, sentence types and the use of different tenses.

💡 understanding Dutch is always ahead of speaking.

💡 reading works best after you already understand and spoke some Dutch.

Then reading becomes recognising, not struggling.

💡 reading actually prepares your brain for the next story. It strengthens what you already know.

💡 speaking first builds skills in the language before knowledge about the language.

💡 the sentences you use to re-tell tell you:

A2: simple, effective language

B1: language giving more detailed information in longer sentences

B2: easy switching between tenses and all kind of sentence structures

The order that works best

1. Understanding spoken language

2. Speaking in simple sentences

3. Reading a richer version

4. Speaking about the written text

This order feels easier and more relaxed, because your brain loves it. It’s effective, strategic learning.

It's how my books work.

You don’t need to wait until your Dutch is “good enough” to speak.

If you don’t do much speaking in class, try re-telling to yourself using familiar vocabulary only.

That already makes a difference.

Want to experience brain-friendly speaking with stories and images? Try my books!