If you’re preparing for inburgering in the Netherlands, understanding the exam structure is essential. The inburgering exam is designed to assess how well you’ve integrated into Dutch society, focusing on both language skills and cultural knowledge.
The exam has five main components:
- Reading (Lezen) – You’ll read short texts, signs, or instructions and answer questions. This tests your comprehension and vocabulary.
- Listening (Luisteren) – You’ll hear audio clips like conversations, announcements, or interviews and choose the correct response from multiple-choice options.
- Writing (Schrijven) – You’ll be asked to write short answers or fill in forms. Clarity, spelling, and grammar count.
- Speaking (Spreken) – This part is done on a computer with a headset. You’ll listen to a situation and respond verbally. It measures your pronunciation, fluency, and clarity.
- Knowledge of Dutch Society (Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving or KNM) – This covers cultural norms, history, politics, and practical life in the Netherlands.
There’s also an additional component called ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt), which focuses on your readiness for the Dutch job market.
💡 Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with past exam questions. Practicing under real exam conditions will boost your confidence.