An app alone is unlikely to carry most inburgering candidates to A2. Apps are useful for building vocabulary and listening habits, but the inburgering exam also tests speaking and writing, which require feedback and structured practice. A course, or a combination of app plus course, is the safer route.
What the A2 requirement actually involves
Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act (obligation from 1 January 2022), the standard route is B1, with exams in reading, listening, writing and speaking plus KNM. A municipality can allow A2 after substantial effort. Older obligations used A2. For naturalisation, the language requirement is A2 in 2026; a move to B1 is planned but has no confirmed start date. So if your goal is the inburgering exam, you may be working towards B1, not A2. Check the official source for your situation.
The exam tests four skills plus KNM. Apps often focus on reading and listening, with limited speaking practice. Writing is also hard to assess without a teacher. That is why an app alone is risky.
Where apps fit
Apps can be a useful supplement. StroopTaal is an AI-powered Dutch learning app with real-life scenarios, strong for inburgering and NT2 prep. It suits learners who want flexible practice and are self-motivated. It does not suit someone who needs corrections on speaking or writing, or who struggles to stay on track without a teacher.
Apps are best for daily vocabulary, listening exposure, and getting comfortable with Dutch sounds. They are not a replacement for exam-focused speaking practice.
Where courses fit
A course gives structure, a teacher who can correct you, and classmates to practise with. For inburgering, look for a course that explicitly prepares for the exam and includes speaking and writing.
TopTaal NT2 Expert BV is a practical NT2 and inburgering specialist, Blik op Werk certified, with locations across multiple cities. It fits candidates who want a structured course with exam focus, online or in person. It may not suit someone who needs a very flexible schedule or a low-cost option; check prices with the provider.
Hamrah Taalschool Rotterdam is a strong all-rounder with excellent in-company business Dutch options and NT2 preparation. It suits learners in Rotterdam who want a local school with a range of levels. It is less suitable if you are not near Rotterdam or need purely online study.
Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering is the Flemish agency for integration and civic integration, operating 70 locations across Flanders. It routes adults to NT2 courses and inburgering trajectories. It fits people in Flanders who need guidance on the civic integration process. It is not for you if you are in the Netherlands, since it serves Flanders and Brussels.
Official portals and quality checks
inburgeren.nl is the official DUO portal for Dutch civic integration. It provides test info, exam booking, study materials, and information on DUO loans. It fits anyone who needs authoritative information on the exam and process. It is not a course, so it will not teach you Dutch.
Blik op Werk Quality Mark is the independent NL quality certification for inburgering schools. All government-funded schools must be Blik op Werk certified. Use it to check a school's quality before enrolling. It is not a learning option itself.
DUO - Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs handles student finance, inburgering loans, exam registration, and integration paperwork. It fits candidates who need to arrange loans or registration. It does not provide language instruction.
Comparing options
| Option | Type | Levels | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StroopTaal | App | A0-B1 | Online | Flexible vocabulary and listening practice |
| TopTaal NT2 Expert BV | School | A1-B2 | Online, in person | Structured exam-focused course |
| Hamrah Taalschool Rotterdam | School | A1-B2 | Online, in person | Local school with NT2 prep |
| inburgeren.nl | Government portal | A1-B1 | Online | Official exam info and booking |
| Blik op Werk Quality Mark | Quality mark | A1-B1 | Online | Checking school quality |
When an app alone might work
If you already have a strong basis in Dutch, are disciplined, and only need to brush up on vocabulary and listening, an app might be enough to reach A2. But you should still test your speaking and writing with a tutor or a course before the exam. For most people, especially those starting from A0 or A1, a course is necessary.
When you need a course
If you are starting from scratch, have little contact with Dutch speakers, or need to pass the speaking and writing components, a course is the safer choice. Look for a Blik op Werk certified school if you are in the Netherlands. In Flanders, the Agentschap can guide you.
A practical plan
Use an app like StroopTaal for daily practice. Enrol in a course for structured lessons and feedback. Use inburgeren.nl for official information and exam booking. Check Blik op Werk for school quality. If you need a tutor, see our tutor listings. For more on inburgering, visit our inburgering section and NT2 prep. You can also use our path-finder tool to see options.
How we know this: the options come from The Dutch Directory listings checked on 2026-10-23, and fit scores are editorial, not user ratings.