Preparing for the Dutch Inburgering Exam (het inburgeringsexamen) is a major step for newcomers who want to build a stable life in the Netherlands. Whether your goal is long-term residency, Dutch citizenship, or simply better integration into Dutch society, these exams are essential. But the cost of courses, textbooks, and exam fees can feel overwhelming for many students.

The good news?
You can prepare effectively for the Inburgering Exam 100% for free—and thousands of students do exactly that.

This comprehensive FREE guide walks you through the best free ways to prepare for the Dutch integration exam, including:

Free Dutch language resources
Free practice tests for speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Free KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) materials
Free ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt) support
Free apps, videos, PDFs, and websites
Free study strategies, schedules, and preparation frameworks
Tips to pass the A2/B1 exam without spending money

This is the most complete free study guide you’ll find online—optimized for Google SEO so learners can easily discover it and prepare with confidence.

1. Understanding the Inburgering Exam: What You Must Pass

Before diving into free resources, you need to know exactly what you are preparing for. The Dutch Inburgering Exam includes the following components:

1.1 The Dutch Language Exams (A2 or B1)

Depending on your integration law and start date, you must pass Dutch at A2 or B1 level:

Lezen (Reading)
Luisteren (Listening)
Schrijven (Writing)
Spreken (Speaking)

Each exam focuses on practical, everyday Dutch as used in daily life, work, and communication with schools, municipalities, and healthcare.

1.2 KNM – Knowledge of Dutch Society

This exam tests your understanding of:

Dutch laws
Social norms and values
Education system
Housing
Work environment
Healthcare
Finances and taxes
Cultural expectations

KNM is one of the easiest parts—if you use the right materials.

1.3 ONA – Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market

Some people must also complete:

A portfolio
An interview (depending on your situation)

This section focuses on Dutch work culture, CV building, job seeking, and professional expectations.

This guide will explain how to prepare for ALL of these parts for free.

2. Free Dutch Language Learning Resources: The Foundation of Exam Success

To pass the Inburgering Exam, you need strong Dutch skills. Fortunately, there are many free tools to help you build vocabulary, grammar, speaking ability, and listening comprehension. Below are the best free Dutch learning resources, organized by skill level and learning style.

3. Free Websites to Learn Dutch for the Inburgering Exam

3.1 Oefenen.nl – The #1 Free Dutch Platform

Best for: beginners and A2-level exam prep
Why it’s great: created for Dutch integration learners

Oefenen.nl includes several programs:

Klik & Tik – basic Dutch and computer skills
Lees en Schrijf – reading and writing for adults
Taalklas.nl – beginner and A2 Dutch
NT2 beginners modules

These modules follow simple videos, exercises, and quizzes that mirror Inburgering exam tasks.

3.2 Het Begint Met Taal (free practice via local taalhuizen)

Best for: speaking Dutch for free with real volunteers
How it works: Visit your local taalhuis in your municipality to be matched with a Dutch volunteer conversation partner.

This is one of the best free ways to practice speaking, which is essential for the Spreken exam.

3.3 DUO Practice Exams (Official and Free)

DUO provides official practice exams for all components:

Speaking practice examples
Listening sample tasks
Reading sample texts
Writing model assignments
KNM practice tests

These are the most accurate free practice materials.

3.4 Lezenvoorbeginners.nl and BeterSpellen.nl

These sites help with:

Dutch spelling
Sentence structure
Beginner reading
Daily vocabulary
Short grammar exercises

Perfect for writing exam preparation.

4. Free Apps to Prepare for the Inburgering Exam

Apps make studying easy and portable. Combine 2–3 apps a day to build consistent language skills.

4.1 Duolingo (Free Version)

Great for:

Basic vocabulary
A2 grammar foundation
Daily practice habits

Not perfect for exam format, but excellent as a foundation.

4.2 Memrise (Free User Courses)

Search for free Dutch courses:

“Dutch A1–A2 vocabulary”
“Inburgering KNM vocabulary”

Memrise uses spaced repetition, ideal for memorizing Dutch words quickly.

4.3 Quizlet (Free Flashcards)

Thousands of Inburgering-specific flashcard decks are available:

KNM questions
Dutch vocabulary A2
Oefenexamen word lists

Great for quick learning and revision.

4.4 HelloTalk or Tandem

These apps connect you with real Dutch speakers for free conversation. This is one of the most effective free ways to prepare for the speaking exam.

5. Free YouTube Channels for Inburgering Exam Prep

YouTube is a goldmine for free Dutch study materials. Here are the best channels:

5.1 Dutchies to Be

Focused on:

Dutch grammar explained simply
A2 and B1 level Dutch
Practice for integration exams

Clear lessons and extremely student-friendly.

5.2 Learn Dutch with Niels

Best for:

Speaking tips
Pronunciation
Essential Dutch grammar

Perfect for exam preparation at beginner levels.

5.3 Bart de Pau – Learn Dutch

Offers:

Free A1–A2 lessons
Reading and listening practice
Vocabulary videos

A long-standing favorite among expats.

5.4 DutchPod101

Short videos covering:

Vocabulary
Daily Dutch expressions
Cultural lessons

Useful as supplementary study.

5.5 DUO Official Videos

DUO provides:

KNM explanations
Exam format explanations
Video examples of exam situations

These are essential for reducing exam anxiety and knowing exactly what to expect.

6. Free Resources for the Dutch Reading Exam (Lezen)

Passing the reading exam requires the ability to:

Understand short emails
Interpret signs and announcements
Read advertisements, forms, and letters
Make sense of Dutch vocabulary in context

Here are the best free reading practice sources.

6.1 NOS Youth News (Jeugdjournaal)

Use the website or app to read simplified Dutch news articles. The language level is perfect for A2/B1 learners.

6.2 NPO Start Subtitled Programs

Many Dutch programs include Dutch subtitles.

Watch and read simultaneously for fast improvement.

6.3 Oefenen.nl (Lees en Schrijf)

Builds basic reading skills step-by-step.

6.4 Free Dutch News Websites

Read articles slowly, using tools like Google Translate to check word meanings:

NU.nl
AD.nl
Metronieuws
RTL Nieuws

Focus on simple articles and headlines first.

6.5 Library Resources (Bibliotheek)

Your local library often offers:

Free graded readers
Simplified Dutch books
Inburgering preparation materials

Many libraries host free reading groups for Dutch learners.

7. Free Resources for the Listening Exam (Luisteren)

The listening exam uses realistic Dutch conversations. Here’s how to practice for free.

7.1 NPO Radio 1 and 5

Listen to Dutch talk radio for:

News
Interviews
Slow-paced discussions

Start with 5–10 minutes per day.

7.2 Jeugdjournaal Videos

These are perfect because:

They use simple Dutch
They include subtitles
They practice everyday vocabulary

A powerful free listening tool.

7.3 Dutch Podcasts for Beginners

Recommended:

Zeg Het in het Nederlands
Eenvoudig Nederlands
Alledaagse Dingen

These are short, slow, and clear.

7.4 YouTube Listening Practice

Search:

“Dutch listening practice A2”
“Dutch listening test for beginners”
“Inburgering luisteren oefenen”

Hundreds of free videos appear.

7.5 Public Transport Announcements

Take trams, buses, and trains and listen intentionally.

After hearing an announcement, repeat the phrase or write it down to reinforce memory.

8. Free Resources for the Dutch Speaking Exam (Spreken)

The speaking exam can be intimidating, but with the right free practice tools, you’ll improve quickly.

8.1 Taalhuis Conversation Groups (Free)

Municipal taalhuizen offer free:

Conversation groups
Language cafés
Volunteer partners

These are incredibly useful.

8.2 Practice Speaking with Dutch Volunteers

Het Begint Met Taal
Samenleren
Local community centers

You’ll meet Dutch volunteers who want to help you speak.

8.3 HelloTalk / Tandem / Speaky

Free language exchange apps where you can voice call Dutch speakers.

8.4 Practice Speaking with AI Tools

Examples:

Free AI chatbots
Text-to-speech apps
Pronunciation comparison tools

Speak Dutch daily—even 5 minutes makes a difference.

8.5 YouTube Speaking Prompts

Search for:

“Dutch speaking practice A2”
“Inburgering spreken oefenen”

Speak your answers out loud and repeat multiple times.

9. Free Resources for the Dutch Writing Exam (Schrijven)

Writing requires:

Basic grammar
Correct spelling
Sentence structure
Writing emails and forms

Here are the best free writing resources.

9.1 BeterSpellen.nl

Practice daily spelling quizzes.

9.2 Taalhuis Writing Groups

Some libraries offer free writing workshops.

9.3 Oefenen.nl Writing Modules

Perfect for beginners.

9.4 Google Docs + Spell Check in Dutch

Free and excellent for practice.

Write emails such as:

Requesting information
Making an appointment
Explaining a problem

Then use built-in Dutch spell check to correct your mistakes.

9.5 Dutch Facebook Groups

Many groups offer free writing correction if you post practice texts. Search:

“Nederlands leren groep”
“Dutch language learners”

You’ll often receive helpful advice.

10. Free KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) Resources

KNM is one of the easiest exams if you use the right materials.

10.1 Free KNM Videos on YouTube

Search:

“KNM oefenen gratis”
“KNM video A2/B1”
“Kennis Nederlandse Maatschappij uitleg”

These include practice questions with explanations.

10.2 Free KNM PDFs

Many websites and Facebook groups share:

KNM summaries
Practice questions
Topic lists

Just search “KNM PDF gratis”.

10.3 DUO KNM Practice Questions

These official materials are the most accurate source.

10.4 Government Websites

Dutch government sites often contain simple articles on:

Housing
Education
Healthcare
Rights and duties

These topics appear in the KNM exam.

10.5 Jeugdjournaal

Great for cultural understanding and simple explanations of Dutch systems.

11. Free ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market) Resources

ONA can feel overwhelming, but you can prepare for free using these tools.

11.1 Free CV Templates and Tools

Google “gratis CV template Nederlands”.

11.2 LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial)

Use the trial to take job search courses.

11.3 UWV Website

Contains free:

Career tools
Job market information
Dutch work culture explanations
Free career tests

11.4 Volunteer Organizations

Ask:

Taalhuis
Community centers
Local job assistance clubs

They often run free ONA workshops.

11.5 Watch Dutch Job Interview Videos

Search “sollicitatiegesprek Nederlands voorbeelden”.

These are extremely helpful for ONA interview preparation.

12. Create a Completely Free Study Plan (Example Included)

Here is a fully free 12-week plan to prepare for the Inburgering Exam.

Weeks 1–4: Build Dutch Foundation

Duolingo 20 minutes daily
Oefenen.nl modules 4 days per week
Jeugdjournaal videos daily
Dutch reading 10 minutes daily

Weeks 5–8: Exam-Specific Practice

DUO practice exams twice weekly
Speaking practice with volunteers
KNM videos and PDFs
Writing emails in Dutch every day

Weeks 9–12: Final Preparation

Take all official sample tests
Practice writing under time limits
Daily listening practice
KNM revisions
Create ONA portfolio (if required)

13. Tips for Studying Free Without Getting Overwhelmed

Learning Dutch for free can be chaotic. Here’s how to stay focused:

Choose 3 main resources, not 20
Study at the same time daily
Track your progress
Speak aloud every day
Don’t wait to start KNM
Review mistakes repeatedly
Use Dutch in daily life (shops, emails, neighbors)

Consistency is more important than perfection.

14. Free Daily Study Routine (15 Minutes or 1 Hour Versions)

15-Minute Version

5 min Dutch app
5 min reading
5 min listening/video

1-Hour Version

20 min Dutch grammar
15 min listening
10 min reading
10 min writing
5 min speaking

15. How to Know When You’re Ready for the Exam (Free Self-Assessment)

You’re ready when:

You pass DUO practice tests 80% or higher
You can write simple Dutch emails without translation
You can understand slow Dutch news
You can speak for 30 seconds about everyday topics
You can explain KNM topics in simple Dutch

If you meet these benchmarks, you’re likely prepared.

Conclusion: You Can Prepare for the Dutch Inburgering Exam 100% for Free

You do not need expensive language schools, paid textbooks, or costly tutors to pass the Inburgering Exam. With commitment and the right approach, you can prepare completely for free using:

Websites
Apps
YouTube channels
Volunteer language partners
DUO practice exams
KNM summaries
Public library resources
Conversation groups

The most important factors are:

Consistency
Daily Dutch exposure
Real speaking practice
Understanding the exam formats

Thousands of students pass every year without spending money—and you can too. If you are looking for accountability during your Dutch language journey, feel free to sign up for a failsafe inburgering course in Amsterdam here now!