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) concerns 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.
Check Mijn Inburgering to see whether KNM is in your personal exam list. Use the linked DUO page for the current format, timing and rules; saved precise values are hidden while publication approval is pending.
Our free guides below organize practice about everyday Dutch society, with key Dutch vocabulary and practical context. They do not define the live exam scope. You can use this page for free KNM practice and study (KNM oefenen gratis): read the topics here, then test yourself with the free KNM oefenexamen — no account needed — 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? +
KNM means Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij. Whether you personally must take it can vary; check Mijn Inburgering and, where applicable, your PIP.
How many questions are on the KNM exam? +
This site does not publish a fixed live question count. Use the guide’s DUO link for current official mechanics and Mijn Inburgering for your personal exam list.
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? +
Use DUO’s current booking page for the applicable price and any payment or loan information.
What topics are covered on the KNM exam? +
The app has practice about everyday Dutch society. Use DUO’s official information for the current live exam scope; app topic groups are study organization, not an official component list.
How can I prepare for the KNM exam? +
Use the KNM study guides and app quizzes as practice. App scores are practice feedback, not an official result or pass prediction.
Official sources
- DUO — Inburgeren (book the KNM exam)↗
- Rijksoverheid — Inburgeren in Nederland↗
- Rijksoverheid — The Dutch government (English)↗
Information on this page is summarised for study purposes. Refer to the official sources above for binding rules and current details.
Start preparing for the KNM exam today
Practice all 8 topics with interactive exercises, vocabulary flashcards, and AI-powered writing feedback.