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inburgeringwijzer

The 3 learning routes: B1, education, and Z-route

By Redactie Inburgering — samengesteld op basis van officiële bronnenLast checked: 2026-06-28
The Wet inburgering 2021 has three learning routes: the B1-route (language + work), the education route (moving into further education), and the self-reliance route (functioning independently when B1 isn't yet achievable). Your municipality decides together with you which route fits, in your PIP.

B1-route

The most commonly chosen route. You work toward language level B1, and the municipality focuses on your chances of finding work. Along the way you also take KNM and the participation component (MAP/PVT).

Education route

For (often younger) people who want to move quickly into further education, such as vocational training, higher education, or university. This route combines language instruction with subjects that prepare you for mainstream education.

Self-reliance route (Z-route)

For people for whom language level B1 is not (yet) achievable, for example due to limited learning capacity. The Z-route focuses on a lower language level and on being able to function independently in daily life.

Who decides my route?

Your municipality does an intake (the "brede intake") and sets the route together with you in the Plan Inburgering en Participatie (PIP). This takes into account your learning capacity, background, and goals.

Read more about the Wet inburgering 2021 and the PIP

Frequently asked questions

Which learning route is most commonly chosen?

The B1-route. It focuses on language level B1 with work as the goal.

Can I choose my own learning route?

Your municipality decides the route together with you, based on an intake, recorded in your PIP. It's not a free choice, but it is a joint decision.

Is KNM mandatory in every route?

Yes, Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) is mandatory in all three learning routes.

Sources

Rijksoverheid — Wet inburgering 2021(official)(opens in new tab)
Next stepDo I have to integrate?Next stepThe Wet inburgering 2021