Yes, plenty of people pass the Dutch speaking exam (spreken) through self-study, without a formal course. The key is not just practicing with a partner, but building a routine that forces you to speak Dutch out loud regularly and get feedback on your mistakes. Your partner switching to English is a common problem, but you can work around it with structure and other resources.

First, change how you practice with your partner. Agree on a fixed 15-minute block where English is not allowed. If you get stuck, you must use Dutch circumlocution: describe the word you don't know. For example, if you forget "tandarts," say "de persoon die naar je tanden kijkt." This mirrors the exam, where you cannot switch languages. Alternatively, ask your partner to only give the Dutch word after you have tried twice to explain it yourself.

Second, use self-recording. The speaking exam is recorded, so get comfortable hearing your own voice. Pick a prompt from your mock exams, set a timer for 30-60 seconds, and record your answer on your phone. Then listen back. Check for three things: did you finish your thought, did you use full sentences, and did you pronounce the endings of words clearly? Do this three times a week. It is uncomfortable at first but it is one of the fastest ways to improve.

Third, find free or low-cost speaking partners. Language exchange apps and online conversation groups exist, but quality varies. Look for groups that focus on A2 or B1 Dutch and have a moderator. You can also hire a tutor for a few sessions just to practice speaking, not for a full course. That is often cheaper and more targeted. When evaluating any option, ask: does it give me at least 20 minutes of speaking time per session, and does the person correct my errors?

Fourth, use the official mock exams wisely. Do not just read them. Speak your answers out loud, record them, and compare your response to the model answer if one is provided. Pay attention to typical exam topics: giving directions, describing a picture, leaving a voicemail, and responding to a short question. Practice these until they feel automatic.

Honest tradeoff: self-study works, but it requires discipline and you may miss subtle pronunciation or grammar errors. If you can afford even a few sessions with a tutor, it can catch problems you cannot hear yourself. Dutch Fluency is one option among many, but the principle is the same: regular, corrected speaking practice.

Concrete next steps for the next two weeks:

  1. Set a daily 10-minute speaking slot. Use a timer and record yourself.
  2. Once a week, do a full mock speaking exam under timed conditions.
  3. Find one conversation partner or tutor for a weekly 30-minute session.
  4. Keep a list of words you had to circumlocute and review them.
  5. Two weeks before the exam, switch to full mock exams only, and simulate the real conditions: no pauses, no English, no help.