KNM Exam Study Guide
KNM exam explained in English. Everything you need for the Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij exam. Free KNM practice and study guides — no sign-up required to read.
KNM Exam Explained in English
The KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) is a mandatory part of the Dutch inburgering exam. It tests your practical knowledge of how Dutch society works — from visiting the doctor to understanding your rights as a worker, from registering at the gemeente to knowing which holidays are celebrated.
The exam consists of 40 video-based questions. You'll watch short scenarios showing everyday situations in the Netherlands and answer multiple-choice questions about what the person should do. You need at least 28 correct answers (70%) to pass.
Our free guides below cover all 8 topics in detail, with key Dutch vocabulary, practical tips, and the exact information you'll need for the exam. You can use this page for free KNM practice and study (KNM oefenen gratis): read all topics here, then test yourself in the app or with DUO's practice exam.
All 8 KNM Topics
Healthcare in the Netherlands
Most tested topicHow the Dutch healthcare system works — from your huisarts (GP) to emergency services, pharmacies, health insurance, and the consultatiebureau.
Work and Income
Employment contracts, salary (bruto vs netto), job applications, unemployment benefits (UWV), starting a business, and workers' rights.
Government and Institutions
DigiD, BSN, gemeente services, Belastingdienst, UWV, SVB, and all the key organizations you need to know for living in the Netherlands.
Housing in the Netherlands
Social housing, private rentals, buying a home, woningcorporaties, utilities, energy contracts, and practical tips for renting.
The Dutch Education System
Compulsory education, VMBO/HAVO/VWO pathways, MBO/HBO/WO, student finance (DUO), and Dutch school traditions.
Politics and Democracy
Voting rights, the Dutch parliament, government structure, fundamental rights, EU membership, and how laws are made.
History and Geography
World War II and Dodenherkenking, the Delta Works, Dutch colonies, provinces, and key historical events for the KNM exam.
Dutch Culture and Traditions
Holidays like Koningsdag and Sinterklaas, traditional foods, marriage and relationships, and daily customs in the Netherlands.
Quick Reference: Who Does What in the Netherlands?
This is one of the most useful things to memorize for the KNM exam. When the video asks "where should this person go?", this table has the answer.
| What You Need | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Health problem (non-emergency) | Huisarts |
| Emergency | 112 |
| Prescription medicine | Apotheek (with recept) |
| Passport / ID / Driver's license | Gemeente |
| Marriage / Divorce | Gemeente |
| Report moving address | Gemeente |
| Unemployment benefits | UWV |
| Child benefits (kinderbijslag) | SVB |
| Rent/childcare/healthcare allowance | Belastingdienst |
| Tax return | Belastingdienst |
| Student finance | DUO |
| Start a business | KvK |
| Foreign diploma recognition | IDW |
| Free legal advice | Juridisch Loket |
| Buy a house | Makelaar |
| Social housing | Woningcorporatie |
| Gas/electricity problems | Nationaal Storingsnummer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KNM exam? +
The KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) exam tests your knowledge of Dutch society. It covers topics like healthcare, government, education, work, housing, politics, history, and culture. It is a required part of the Dutch inburgering (civic integration) exam.
How many questions are on the KNM exam? +
The KNM exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You watch short video scenarios and answer questions about what the person in the video should do. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly (70%) to pass.
Is the KNM exam in Dutch or English? +
The KNM exam is in Dutch. The videos and questions are all in Dutch. This is why it's important to study the key Dutch vocabulary for each topic alongside the content itself.
How much does the KNM exam cost? +
The KNM exam costs around €50. You can book it through DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). You may be eligible for a loan to cover exam costs through DUO as well.
What topics are covered on the KNM exam? +
The KNM exam covers 8 main topics: Healthcare (Gezondheid en Zorg), Work and Income (Werk en Inkomen), Government and Institutions (Overheid en Instanties), Housing (Wonen), Education (Onderwijs), Politics and Democracy (Politiek en Democratie), History and Geography (Geschiedenis en Geografie), and Dutch Culture and Traditions (Nederlandse Cultuur en Tradities).
How can I prepare for the KNM exam? +
You can use our KNM study guides on this page to learn all 8 topics for free. For practice and interactive study, try the Inburgering Coach app — it helps you prepare for both the KNM and A2 language exams.
Start preparing for the KNM exam today
Practice all 8 topics with interactive exercises, vocabulary flashcards, and AI-powered writing feedback.