Are you planning to take the B1 Dutch integration exam (Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I) soon? Moving from A2 to B1 is a massive milestone, and the exam format requires a completely different strategy.
As a Dutch coach, I didn’t just want to teach the theory—I wanted to understand exactly what my students face on exam day. That is why I went through the entire process myself!
If you want to know what the testing centers look like, how to manage your stress, and what the computer interface actually feels like, I recorded my full breakdown here:
While preparing my students for the B1 modules at letsdutchify.nl, I noticed that most test-takers completely overlook the best legal “cheat code” allowed in the exam hall. Let’s talk about how to use it to secure your pass.
The Secret Weapon: The Only Allowed B1 Exam Dictionary
Did you know that DUO officially allows you to use a physical dictionary during the Reading (Lezen) and Writing (Schrijven) components of the B1 exam?
However, you cannot just bring any standard translation dictionary from home. DUO has incredibly strict regulations. If you bring the wrong book, the exam invigilators will confiscate it at the door.
- The Only Legal Book: You are strictly allowed to use the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2).
- The Rules: It must be a clean, physical copy. Absolutely no handwritten notes, sticky tabs, or loose papers can be inside it, or you risk disqualification.
How to Use It Professionally Without Running Out of Time
Having this dictionary is a lifesaver for double-checking spelling during your writing tasks or looking up that one confusing keyword that shifts the entire meaning of a reading paragraph.
But beware: the B1 reading exam gives you 110 minutes for a massive amount of text. If you try to look up every single unknown word, you will run out of time. In our letsdutchify.nl B1 courses, we don’t just use our Coutinho B1 textbooks to learn vocabulary—we actively practice speed-searching tricks so you can find a word in under 10 seconds flat.
Get Your Official Exam Copy Early
Do not wait until the week of your exam to buy this. You need to practice flipping through it during your homework hours so it feels natural on test day.
You can order the exact DUO-approved version directly via bol here:
Need a Guided Roadmap to B1 Fluency?
Passing B1 takes structure, consistent writing feedback, and conversational practice. If you want to jump from basic survival Dutch to professional fluency, check out our intermediate tracks over at letsdutchify.nl. Let’s get you prepped, confident, and Dutchified!