Hi,

Since 4 months I learn Dutch with Babbel and Duolingo (i speak fr). I want to find a new job, and I would like to put my lvl of Dutch on my CV. Selor seems the way. But when I try to register for a test Idk what to pick.

**Type de test :** Administratives?
**Langue Diplôme :** It’s that the language i try to pass?
**Langue du test :** same?
**Article:** Which one should I pick
**Votre niveau d’études**: ???

I filled this from: https://www.selor.be/fr/proc%C3%A9dures/tests-linguistiques/ but that’s doesn’t help much.

What lvl should I acquire to show an employer that I can speak a little A1, B1 ?

THX

5 comments

  1. I did my tests on the Brulingua website (it also is a pretty good way to learn Dutch btw and it’s free).

    Realistically, B-level is the minimum if you apply for a job where Dutch is required (B2 in listening and reading)

  2. Can you participate in a conversation? Or have working proficiency in the sector that you want to apply in?

    I’m not trying to be harsh here, but if you don’t have either of the above your employer might not see it as an added value.

    I think you are better off adding “Dutch: currently studying” to your resume, instead of trying to add a level to it.

    The fact that you are trying, will (at least in my company) actually earn you more credibility than that you add some guessed level on it.

    You could also just leave it out of your resumé, and in your application letter or during your intake with HR/recruiter just tell them “en passant”. Something in the lines of “Oh BTW, I’m also studying Dutch right now, if you want we can do a part of the conversation in Dutch!”

    (this is what I did during my intake with a recruiter. I come from a family where 25% is French-speaking. Back in the day, I understood it quite well, but was too timid to actually do a conversation with someone. The recruiter appreciated that I tried, and evaluated my “level” of French based on the small conversation we had. If I remember correctly, he asked me to explain what my girlfriend was doing as a job (totally unrelated, but it gave him the opportunity to check how I would react to a conversation that I clearly didn’t prepare for).

    ​

    Good luck with the jobhunt! Good luck with the continuation of crawling through the Dutch expressions 🙂

  3. Hi,

    You’re looking for the levels in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) for languages. [Here](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadre_européen_commun_de_référence_pour_les_langues).

    * A1 = Novice / *Grand débutant*
    * A2 = Beginner / *Débutant*
    * B1 = Lower Intermediate / *Moyen*
    * B2 = Upper Intermediate / *Indépendant*
    * C1 = Advanced / *Autonome*
    * C2 = Mastery / *Maîtrise*

    For 4 months of self-study, I’d indicate A1, perhaps A2 if you’ve been dedicated.

    In Flanders, they sub-divide these large levels into sub-levels called “richtgraad”. Each richtgraad is a class you can take at an adult education centre, employment centre, etc.

    * A1 = 1.1
    * A2 = 1.2
    * B1 = 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
    * B2 = 3.1, 3.2
    * C1 = 4.1, 4.1
    * C2 = /

    You’ll need different CEFR levels depending on what you want to do. If you interact with Dutch-speaking people rarely, A2 is probably enough.

    If you interact more regularly and want to go beyond, “Hi, how are you?”, you should aim for B1.

    If you want to study in university, you need minimum B2, but C1 is preferred.

    Flanders currently does not offer any C2 classes (hypothetical Level 5) – but they do in the Netherlands, I think?

    Good luck!

  4. Langue diplome is the language of diploma you want it in. As a French speaker, you chose French here.
    Langue du teste is the language you want to take the test in. So, that’s Dutch for you.

    The rest is a bit hard as Selor is more of a tool for government jobs which may have specific levels or article requirements. So unless you are trying to apply for a government job that specifically states what article and level of comprehension you need, it seems a bit of a waste to me. You’ld be better off with what other redditors suggested here.

    Source: I have taken 1 Selor test already and doing another one soon for my job.

  5. I didn’t know you could actually pass these tests to prove your level… instead…

    I did both reading and listening tests at Selor a couple of weeks ago. I had to do the #8 according to what my employer told me because it would mean extra monthly money if I succeeded. Not sure which level it is (appears to be B1) but realistically if you don’t have any prior experience learning Dutch, you will definitely struggle a lot.

    If you want my advice: do not put a mark on your level (like A1 etc.) just word it differently on your CV and during the interview they will evaluate your level themselves.

    Also besides studying on those apps, practice and watch a lot of Flemish TV/series with subtitles. You can study a language all you want, practice is even more important 🙂

Leave a Reply