Dutch language test

The Dutch Language Test gives an indication of the general Dutch language level of candidates. However, the test can also be used to get an indication of possible language deficiency in people who have learned Dutch as their mother tongue and whether candidates have sufficient Dutch language knowledge to be able to take a psychological test in the Dutch language.  

Click here for the brochure of the Dutch Language Test.

For more information, please contact NOA, 020-5040800 or mail to: info@noa-vu.nl.

Background

The NOA Dutch Language Test has been developed to obtain an indication of the general Dutch language level of candidates in a short time (15 minutes). The primary target group is formed by people who do not have Dutch as their mother tongue and for whom Dutch can be seen as a second or third language. However, the test can also be used to get an indication of possible language delays in people who have learned Dutch as their mother tongue.

The test can also be used to investigate whether a candidate has sufficient Dutch language skills to be able to take the Multicultural Capacities Test (MCT-M/MCT-H, Bleichrodt & Van den Berg). The test is then used as a pre-test prior to the MCT collection.

For a more in-depth diagnosis of the Dutch language level, for example to advise on the content of a language training programme, it is recommended to measure the four aspects of language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading and writing) separately. For this more advanced language diagnosis, specific language tests are on the market.

Contents

The test consists of a number of pieces of text from which parts of words have been omitted. In the text, every second word is omitted for half. The candidate must complete the words so that a logical story is created. The hyphenated words must be supplemented with the same number of letters or with one letter more than there already are.

In total, there are four pieces of text, each with twenty broken words. The difficulty of the words increases in the texts.

Below are two examples. Examples:

1. He lo... About the ...

2. Z… listens after...   the ra... .

The correct answer of example 1. is: 'He walks over the road ' and of example 2. is:'She listens naar de radio'.

Meaning and interpretation

To get an idea of the significance of the scores on the NOA Dutch Language Test for the NT2, CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) and F level, the following table can be used:

* The old level 0; Alphabetized

** The old NT2-2 level is slightly higher than A2

Levels 5/C1/4F are comparable to the level of native speakers.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) was developed by the Council of Europe and is intended to be able to use the same language level classification system in all European countries.

The F classification is a frame of reference for all education (from primary school to higher education).

1F : basic user

2F, 3F : independent user

4F : proficient user

Description of the CEFR levels

A1

You can have a simple conversation, on familiar topics, if the person you're talking to is willing to speak slowly, repeat things, and help you formulate what you're trying to say. You can ask and answer simple questions on very familiar topics.

A2

You can have simple dialogues, exchange simple and direct information on familiar topics and activities. You can have short social conversations about family and hobbies, but you usually don't understand enough to keep the conversation going yourself. You can tell in simple terms about your family, education, place of residence, current job.

B1

You can get by in the most common situations when you are in the country of the target language. You can participate unprepared in conversations about familiar topics and everyday life (family, hobbies, work, travel, current events). You can connect sentences in a simple way, so that you can describe experiences, events, your dreams, hopes and ambitions. You can briefly give reasons and explanations for your opinions and ideas. You can tell a story, the plot of a book or movie, and give your opinion about it.

B2

You can participate in conversations with native speakers in a fluent manner. You can take an active role in discussions on familiar topics and give your opinion. You can provide a clear, detailed description on a wide range of topics related to your areas of interest.

C1

You can express yourself fluently without having to search too much for expressions. You can use the language flexibly and effectively in social and professional areas. You can express ideas and opinions accurately and contribute to a conversation in a skillful way.

C2

You have no qualms about participating in any kind of conversation. You have mastered fixed expressions and sayings and can express yourself fluently. You can show nuance differences in opinions and can mask any problems in such a way that they are not noticeable. You can give a clear description or argumentation, appropriate to the context and use a logical structure to address new insights or points of attention.