Inburgering Exam Guide
Everything you need to know about the Dutch inburgering exam. Free guides for all 5 components — schrijven, lezen, luisteren, spreken, and KNM.
What Is the Inburgering Exam?
The inburgering exam (civic integration exam) is required for most non-EU immigrants settling in the Netherlands. It proves you can function in Dutch society — both linguistically and culturally.
The exam has 5 components: four test your Dutch language skills at A2 level (writing, reading, listening, and speaking), and one tests your knowledge of Dutch society (KNM). You must pass all five to complete your inburgering.
Each component is a separate exam that you book and take individually through DUO. Our free guides below explain the format, scoring, and preparation strategies for each one.
All 5 Exam Components
Schrijven (Writing)
AI practice availableWrite short texts like emails, messages, and forms. Learn the format, timing, and strategies for the A2 writing exam.
Lezen (Reading)
Read and understand short Dutch texts — signs, emails, advertisements, and letters. Learn what to expect and how to prepare.
Luisteren (Listening)
Listen to short conversations and announcements in Dutch. Understand the format and build your listening skills.
Spreken (Speaking)
Speak Dutch in everyday situations — introductions, appointments, and short conversations. Know what the exam expects.
KNM (Dutch Society)
Separate guideTest your knowledge of Dutch society — healthcare, government, education, work, housing, politics, history, and culture.
Quick Reference: Exam Overview
Here's a quick overview of all five exam components, including duration and format.
| Component | Duration | Format | Pass Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schrijven (Writing) | ~35 min | 4 writing tasks on computer | Assessed by DUO |
| Lezen (Reading) | ~65 min | ~25 multiple-choice questions | ~70% |
| Luisteren (Listening) | ~45 min | ~25 multiple-choice questions | ~70% |
| Spreken (Speaking) | ~35 min | Spoken responses to prompts | Assessed by DUO |
| KNM (Dutch Society) | ~45 min | 40 multiple-choice questions | 70% (28/40) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inburgering exam? +
The inburgering exam (civic integration exam) is required for most non-EU immigrants to the Netherlands. It tests your Dutch language skills at A2 level (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and your knowledge of Dutch society (KNM). You must pass all components to complete your civic integration.
How much does the inburgering exam cost? +
Each exam component costs around €50, so the full exam (schrijven, lezen, luisteren, spreken, and KNM) costs approximately €250 in total. You can book each component separately through DUO. You may be eligible for a loan from DUO to cover exam and course costs.
What level is the inburgering exam? +
The language components (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are at A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). A2 is a basic level — you need to understand and use simple, everyday Dutch. The KNM exam tests practical knowledge of Dutch society, not language level.
How do I book the inburgering exam? +
You book the inburgering exam through DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) at inburgeren.nl. You can schedule each component separately and choose a date and location. Make sure to book well in advance as popular dates fill up quickly.
How many times can I take the inburgering exam? +
You can retake each exam component as many times as needed. Each retake costs the regular exam fee (around €50 per component). There is no limit on the number of attempts, but keep in mind your inburgering deadline.
What happens if I fail the inburgering exam? +
If you fail one or more components, you can retake just the failed parts — you don't need to redo the entire exam. Your passed components remain valid. You'll need to book and pay for each retake separately through DUO.
Start preparing for the inburgering exam today
Practice vocabulary, writing, and KNM topics with interactive exercises and AI-powered feedback.