The Dutch inburgering exam is a language and civic integration test required for most people who want to settle permanently in the Netherlands. It tests your Dutch language skills (at A2 level) and your knowledge of Dutch society. This guide explains what the exam involves and gives you a practical strategy to pass it.
What is the inburgering exam?
Since 2022, the new inburgering system (Wet Inburgering 2021) requires most newcomers to pass an integration exam within three years of receiving their residence permit. The exam has several components:
- Reading (Lezen) — understanding written Dutch at A2 level
- Listening (Luisteren) — understanding spoken Dutch in everyday situations
- Writing (Schrijven) — producing written Dutch at A2 level
- Speaking (Spreken) — spoken Dutch assessed via telephone
- Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNS) — civic knowledge test
- Participation Declaration (MAP) — a values statement about Dutch democratic society
- Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA) — job orientation module
The language components are tested at A2 level for the standard path, or B1 level for the Staatsexamen NT2 (typically required for higher-educated newcomers).
How to prepare for the language components
1. Build your vocabulary systematically
You need to recognise and produce approximately 1,200–2,000 Dutch words. Passive recognition (reading or listening) is not enough — you need to actively use words in speech and writing. Dictation practice trains active recall, not just recognition, making it significantly more effective than flashcard apps that only test whether you can recognise a word.
Use StartDutch's vocabulary list to practice 3,000+ Dutch words organised by topic and difficulty. Fifteen minutes of daily dictation practice builds measurably stronger vocabulary than an hour of passive reading.
2. Listen to Dutch every day
The listening component is often the hardest for newcomers. Expose yourself to natural Dutch by:
- Watching Dutch TV with Dutch subtitles (not your native language)
- Listening to Dutch radio (NPO Radio 1, Radio 2)
- Following Dutch-language YouTube channels aimed at learners
3. Practice speaking out loud
The speaking component is assessed by telephone. Practice by talking to native Dutch speakers whenever possible, using language exchange apps, or attending Dutch conversation groups (tafelgesprekken) at your local library or community centre.
What does A2 Dutch look like in practice?
At A2, you can understand simple sentences about everyday topics, ask for and give basic personal information, communicate in routine tasks, and describe your immediate environment simply. It is not fluency — it is functional communication. The exam tests whether you can manage daily life in the Netherlands independently.
Timeline and registration
You must pass the inburgering exam within three years of your residence permit start date. Registration is through DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). Practice exams (oefenexamens) are available free at NT2.nl. Subsidised language courses are available if you receive the intake via your municipality.
Start your vocabulary preparation now with a free StartDutch account. Daily practice of 15 minutes builds the vocabulary foundation you need to pass the exam confidently.