A Dutch CV and cover letter: headings, phrases and a model letter
The Dutch for your CV (cv) and cover letter (sollicitatiebrief or motivatiebrief): section headings, phrases for experience and skills, how to describe your Dutch level, and a short model letter.
Updated · 2 min read
CV headings
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Personalia | Personal details |
| Profiel | Profile |
| Werkervaring | Work experience |
| Opleiding | Education |
| Cursussen | Courses |
| Vaardigheden | Skills |
| Talen | Languages |
| Hobby’s | Hobbies |
Your Dutch level
Name the level and the proof: Nederlands: B1 (Staatsexamen NT2, programma I) or A2 (inburgeringsexamen). Levels are explained in A2 or B1, the NT2 in programme I or II.
Phrases for experience
- Ik heb drie jaar ervaring als… — I have three years’ experience as…
- Ik was verantwoordelijk voor… — I was responsible for…
- Ik werk graag in een team. — I like working in a team. (werken)
- Ik ben flexibel en stressbestendig. — I am flexible and resilient under stress.
A short cover letter
Geachte mevrouw Visser, met veel interesse heb ik uw vacature voor logistiek medewerker gelezen. Ik heb vier jaar in een magazijn gewerkt en ik spreek Nederlands op niveau B1. Graag vertel ik u in een gesprek meer over mijn ervaring. Met vriendelijke groet, Samir Benali
Literally: Dear Ms Visser, I read your vacancy for a logistics employee with great interest. I have worked in a warehouse for four years and I speak Dutch at B1. I would be glad to tell you more about my experience in an interview. Kind regards, Samir Benali
Meaning: why — what you offer — next step; Graag vertel ik — verb second after graag. lezen, spreken, vertellen
Then prepare the job interview. Formal openings and closings: email phrases.
Write it from memory
16Word makes you type Dutch sentences from memory — the fastest way to write a letter without a dictionary. Free to start.
Keep learning
- The job interview
- Email phrases
- Staatsexamen NT2: programme I or II
- Dutch at work
- Verb tables: zijn, hebben, gaan, komen, kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen, zullen, worden, wonen, leren, schrijven, luisteren, begrijpen, zeggen, vragen, maken, doen, geven, nemen, zien, kijken, denken, vinden, weten
More guides like this
Frequently asked questions
What is a sollicitatiebrief?
A cover letter for a job application; motivatiebrief is also used.
How do I write my Dutch level on a CV?
Name the level and the proof: Nederlands: B1 (Staatsexamen NT2, programma I).
How do you say work experience in Dutch?
Werkervaring — and education is opleiding.
How do I start a Dutch cover letter?
Geachte mevrouw Visser, met veel interesse heb ik uw vacature gelezen…
Was this guide useful?
Official sources
Keep going
- Learn Dutch 16 words a day
- /resources/dutch
- Dutch workplace words: overleg, borrel, rooster and more
- Working for the Dutch government: nationality, the Dutch level you need and screening
- Working for the Belgian government: nationality, language roles and certificates
- Dutch at work: phrases for meetings, colleagues and the workday
- The Dutch job interview: questions, answers and phrases
- Dutch email phrases: Beste or Geachte, Met vriendelijke groet
- Working for the Luxembourg government: nationality, the three languages and the 2026 rules
- Dutch vs Flemish: one language, two accents
- All guides