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English Words to Know for Nederlanders Vocabulary List B1-C1

This English-Dutch Vocabulary List B1-C1 presents 75 commonly used words at three CEFR levels (25 words per level): B1 Intermediate, B2 Upper Intermediate & C1 Advanced. Each word includes its part of speech, Dutch translation, and an example sentence to ensure clarity and usability.

How to use this English Words to Know for Nederlanders vocabulary list

  • Nederlanders can, of course, just use this list to learn these English words. Great!
  • Or English speakers can "flip the script" and use this list to learn these words in Dutch. I will definitely be doing that. 😉
  • Or you can use this list to check your vocabulary level.

Check your English vocabulary level

  1. Ask yourself if you know each word when you read/hear it
  2. Ask yourself if you would use this word in spoken/written English
  3. Based on your performance, you can focus on vocabulary at the right CEFR level for you

Table of Contents

  • B1 Level (Intermediate)
  • B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)
  • C1 Level (Advanced)

B1 Level (Intermediate) Vocabulary with Dutch Translations

  1. Accept (verb)accepterenShe accepted the job offer.
  2. Afraid (adjective)bangShe is afraid of spiders.
  3. Almost (adverb)bijnaIt's almost time to leave.
  4. Always (adverb)altijdHe always arrives early.
  5. Angry (adjective)boosShe was angry about the delay.
  6. Answer (noun/verb)antwoord/antwoordenHe didn't know the answer.
  7. Appear (verb)verschijnenA man suddenly appeared in the doorway.
  8. Arrive (verb)aankomenThey arrived at the station on time.
  9. Ask (verb)vragenCan I ask you a question?
  10. Beautiful (adjective)mooiThe sunset was beautiful.
  11. Because (conjunction)omdatI stayed home because it was raining.
  12. Before (preposition/conjunction)voor/voordatFinish your work before you leave.
  13. Believe (verb)gelovenI believe in honesty.
  14. Better (adjective/adverb)beterShe feels better today.
  15. Bring (verb)brengenPlease bring your ID to the meeting.
  16. Busy (adjective)drukHe is busy with work.
  17. Buy (verb)kopenShe plans to buy a new car.
  18. Change (verb/noun)veranderen/veranderingThey decided to change the schedule.
  19. Child (noun)kindThe child is playing outside.
  20. City (noun)stadAmsterdam is a beautiful city.

B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate) Vocabulary English-Dutch

  1. Achieve (verb)bereikenShe achieved her goal of becoming a doctor.
  2. Advantage (noun)voordeelSpeaking multiple languages is an advantage.
  3. Appropriate (adjective)geschiktThat outfit is not appropriate for work.
  4. Aware (adjective)bewustShe is aware of the risks.
  5. Challenge (noun/verb)uitdaging/uitdagenClimbing the mountain was a real challenge.
  6. Commitment (noun)toewijdingMarriage requires commitment.
  7. Convince (verb)overtuigenHe convinced me to take the job.
  8. Criticize (verb)bekritiserenShe criticized his decision.
  9. Determine (verb)bepalenWe need to determine the cause of the problem.
  10. Doubt (noun/verb)twijfel/twijfelenI have some doubts about his story.
  11. Explain (verb)uitleggenCan you explain this to me?
  12. Experience (noun/verb)ervaring/ervarenShe has a lot of experience in sales.
  13. Financial (adjective)financieelThe company is facing financial difficulties.
  14. Ignore (verb)negerenHe ignored my advice.
  15. Improve (verb)verbeterenShe wants to improve her English skills.
  16. Include (verb)inbegrepenThe package includes breakfast.
  17. Industry (noun)industrieThe tech industry is growing rapidly.
  18. Knowledge (noun)kennisHis knowledge of history is impressive.
  19. Necessary (adjective)nodigA passport is necessary for travel.
  20. Opinion (noun)meningWhat's your opinion on this topic?

C1 Level (Advanced) Vocabulary: English Words to Know for Nederlanders

  1. Undermine (verb)ondermijnenHis actions undermined their trust.
  2. Allegation (noun)beschuldigingThe company denied the allegations of fraud.
  3. Ambiguous (adjective)dubbelzinnigHis response was ambiguous and unclear.
  4. Compelling (adjective)overtuigendShe made a compelling argument.
  5. Controversial (adjective)omstredenThe new law is highly controversial.
  6. Credibility (noun)geloofwaardigheidThe journalist’s credibility is important.
  7. Deteriorate (verb)verslechterenHis health has deteriorated over the years.
  8. Discreet (adjective)discreetShe was discreet about the confidential information.
  9. Eloquent (adjective)welsprekendHe is an eloquent speaker.
  10. Exaggerate (verb)overdrijvenShe tends to exaggerate her stories.
  11. Vulnerable (adjective)kwetsbaarChildren are vulnerable to diseases.
  12. Explicit (adjective)explicietThe instructions were very explicit.
  13. Fluctuate (verb)schommelenThe stock market fluctuates daily.
  14. Implement (verb)implementerenThe company implemented a new strategy.
  15. Meticulous (adjective)nauwkeurigShe is very meticulous in her work.
  16. Notion (noun)opvattingShe has a clear notion of success.
  17. Subtle (adjective)subtielThere was a subtle difference in meaning.
  18. Sustainable (adjective)duurzaamWe need more sustainable energy sources.
  19. Tentative (adjective)voorlopigThey made a tentative plan for the trip.
  20. Transparent (adjective)transparantWe need a transparent decision-making process.


If you are looking for a vocabulary book, we recommend the Cambridge In Use Series.

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