TL;DR: How Many Questions Are in Each Section?
The Dutch Inburgeringexamen has six sections with varied formats. It includes 40 questions for Reading, 25 for Listening, 24 Speaking tasks, 4 Writing assignments, 45 Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) questions, and Orientation on the Labour Market (ONA) assignments and an interview instead of standard questions. Prepare strategically based on difficulty levels and practice vocabulary for each section. Check out the Complete Structure of the Dutch Inburgering Exam to learn more effectively.
Check out Inburgering Exam guides that you might like:
Complete Guide to the Dutch Inburgering Exam
How to Pass the Dutch Language Exam: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) Exam: Everything You Need to Know
From Zero to Integration Diploma: Your Complete Roadmap
Living in the Netherlands: Cultural Integration Beyond the Exam
How Many Questions Are in Each Section of the Inburgeringexamen?
If you’re preparing for the Inburgeringexamen in the Netherlands, understanding the structure of the exam is key to achieving success. This exam is mandatory for many non-EU nationals and for those seeking Dutch citizenship or permanent residence. By knowing how many questions are in each section, you can create a solid study plan and approach your preparation with confidence.
In this guide, you’ll discover the breakdown of questions across all six sections of the Inburgeringexamen. You’ll also learn Dutch vocabulary to improve your exam readiness as well as practical tips for each section. Let’s dive in!
How Many Questions Are in Each Section?
The Inburgeringexamen consists of six sections, each assessing different skills or knowledge areas. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Reading: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Listening: 25 multiple-choice questions
- Writing: 4 assignments (e.g., forms, short messages, open writing exercises)
- Speaking: 24 questions (12 open and 12 multiple-choice)
- Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM): 45 multiple-choice questions
- Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA): This is not a typical question-based exam but involves completing assignments and an interview.
Each section is computer-based and timed, so being familiar with the structure is critical.
How Difficult Are These Sections?
Let’s look at the complexity of the exam sections, starting with the easiest and progressing to the hardest:
- Listening: Relatively straightforward; just identify key audio details.
- Reading: Mostly text comprehension and multiple-choice options.
- Speaking: Practice is essential since recorded responses are graded.
- Writing: Requires ability to construct sentences; simpler than speaking.
- KNM: Knowledge-based but includes challenging cultural norms.
- ONA: The process is highly practical yet time-consuming.
Preparation for each exam section should vary based on difficulty level. Utilize practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format.
Vocabulary for Success
Improving your Dutch vocabulary is essential for succeeding in the exams. Below are some terms that will help:
| 📚 Dutch Term | English Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| luisteren | listening | Ik luister naar de radio. |
| lezen | reading | Hij leest een boek. |
| schrijven | writing | Zij schrijft een e-mail. |
| spreken | speaking | Wij spreken Nederlands. |
| maatschappij | society | Ik leer over de Nederlandse maatschappij. |
How to Prepare for Each Section
Here’s a practical plan for tackling each exam section:
- Reading: Practice comprehension with short texts and multiple-choice questions. Schedule 30 minutes daily to build your skills.
- Listening: Use DUO sample exams and practice listening to Dutch radio. Focus on understanding specific details.
- Writing: Prepare templates for common writing tasks like emails and forms. Review sentence structure and grammar.
- Speaking: Record yourself answering typical exam questions. Engage in real conversations whenever possible.
- KNM: Memorize key concepts about Dutch society, laws, and culture. Use flashcards or apps to reinforce knowledge.
- ONA: Organize documents like CVs and prepare for the personal interview. Learn basic Dutch phrases related to work.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping practice exams. Familiarize yourself with the format early.
- Ignoring vocabulary building. Learn every word from the above table.
- Not timing your practice. Time management is key during the exam.
- Overthinking the KNM section. Some answers will require common sense rather than memorization.
Deel in het Nederlands
Hier is hoe je aan het examen kunt beginnen:
- Lezen: Oefen elke dag teksten van 30 minuten. Let op sleutelwoorden.
- Luisteren: Oefen met audiofragmenten en Nederlandstalige podcasts.
- Schrijven: Maak korte teksten en leer standaard e-mailformulieren.
- Spreken: Antwoord op vragen hardop en oefen gesprekken met vrienden.
- KNM: Studieer met Nederlandse flashcards over de cultuur en regels.
- ONA: Bereid je voor met je CV en Nederlandse zinnen over werk.
Succes met het examen!
Samenvatting
Het artikel gaat over het aantal vragen in elke sectie van het inburgeringsexamen. Het inburgeringsexamen bestaat uit verschillende onderdelen, bijvoorbeeld lezen, luisteren en spreken. Elk deel heeft een specifiek aantal vragen, afhankelijk van het examenonderdeel. Het artikel helpt je om je beter voor te bereiden op het examen.
Vertaling:
- Het inburgeringsexamen = The integration exam
- Voorbereiden = To prepare
- Leesvaardigheid = Reading skills
Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
❌ Mistake 1: Het vergeten oefenen van luistervaardigheidspatronen (Not practicing listening patterns).
✅ Instead: Oefen met echte audioclips van het examen en let op zinnen en woorden die vaak herhaald worden.
❌ Mistake 2: Alleen focussen op woordenschat zonder grammatica (Only focusing on vocabulary without grammar).
✅ Instead: Leer hoe je woorden goed gebruikt in korte zinnen en vragen.
❌ Mistake 3: Te weinig tijd nemen om proefexamens te maken (Not taking enough time to do practice exams).
✅ Instead: Maak een planning en doe ten minste één volledig proefexamen per week.
❌ Mistake 4: Zinnen letterlijk vertalen vanuit je moedertaal (Translating sentences literally from your native language).
✅ Instead: Denk in het Nederlands en probeer korte, eenvoudige zinnen te maken.
Dutch Practice Exercise (Oefen je Nederlands)
Read this short paragraph and answer the questions:
Het inburgeringsexamen heeft zes onderdelen. Voor elk onderdeel is het belangrijk om goed te oefenen. Bijvoorbeeld, bij leesvaardigheid moet je teksten begrijpen. Bij luisteren hoor je korte gesprekken of verhalen. Zo weet je wat je kunt verwachten.
Vragen (Questions):
Het inburgeringsexamen heeft slechts drie onderdelen.
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAARShow answer
❌ NIET WAAR – Het examen heeft zes onderdelen.Vul in: Tijdens het examen luister je naar korte ________.
Show answer
gesprekkenWelke vaardigheid oefen je bij lezen?
A) Spreekvaardigheid
B) Teksten begrijpen
C) Korte gesprekken luisteren
D) Zinnen vertalenShow answer
B) Teksten begrijpenJe kunt oefenen om te weten wat je kunt verwachten.
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAARShow answer
✅ WAAR – Oefenen helpt je met het examen.Vul in: Het examen heeft ________ onderdelen.
Show answer
zes
Dutch Vocabulary List (Woordenlijst)
Nouns (Zelfstandige naamwoorden)
- het inburgeringsexamen – the integration exam
- de leesvaardigheid – the reading skill
- het onderdeel – the section
- het gesprek – the conversation
- het verhaal – the story
- de vaardigheid – the skill
- het proefexamen – the mock test
Verbs (Werkwoorden)
- oefenen – to practice
- lezen – to read
- begrijpen – to understand
- luisteren – to listen
- spreken – to speak
- verwachten – to expect
Adjectives & Phrases (Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden & uitdrukkingen)
- kort – short
- belangrijk – important
- zo weet je wat je kunt verwachten – this way you know what to expect
- te weinig tijd nemen – to take too little time
- goed voorbereiden – to prepare well
People Also Ask:
What happens if I fail the inburgeringsexamen?
If you fail a section of the inburgering exam, you can retake it as many times as needed. However, you are required to register again with DUO and pay separately for each retake.
What is the inburgering exam structure?
The inburgering exam includes six sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing, Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), and Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA). The exam is conducted at designated locations in the Netherlands.
What is the difficulty of the inburgeringsexamen?
Most people find the speaking test to be the most challenging part of the inburgering exam. It involves answering questions from a recorded speaker by using a voice-recording headset.
Is inburgering A2 or B1?
In 2026, the required level for permanent residence and naturalization is A2. However, under the 2021 Dutch Civic Integration Act, B1 is the target level for recognized refugees and their family members required to integrate.
Are the inburgering sections timed?
Yes, the inburgering exams have time limits. For example, the Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) section includes 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
How many questions are there in the speaking section?
The A2-level speaking test has 24 short questions to answer within 35 minutes. Half of these questions involve recording your own response.
How many sub-questions are there in the speaking section?
The speaking exam often contains sub-questions. For instance, in a format of 16 main questions, there can be additional sub-questions related to each main question.
What are the passing requirements for KNM?
To pass the Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) test, you must answer 26 out of 40 multiple-choice questions correctly.
How is the new speaking exam format structured?
The updated speaking exam format contains prompts such as answering questions based on a video (Questions 1-4) and answering two-part questions based on images (Questions 5-8).
How does the inburgering exam prepare you for life in the Netherlands?
The exam helps candidates understand Dutch language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), Dutch society, and the labor market, providing essential knowledge for integration into daily life.
FAQ on the Inburgeringexamen Structure and Tips
Is the number of questions the same for all exam levels?
No, the number of questions can differ based on the level you select. The A2 level typically features fewer or simpler questions compared to B1. For a clear comparison, consult this overview of all exam components.
Can I retake a failed section of the Inburgeringexamen?
Yes, you can retake a specific section if you don’t pass it initially. There’s no limit to how many times you can retake, but you’ll need to pay a fee for each attempt. Regular practice will enhance your chances of passing.
How should I approach the KNM section without prior Dutch experience?
Focus on learning key facts about Dutch society, culture, and governance. Flashcards and interactive apps work well for memorization. Check the duration of each exam component to allocate ample study time.
Does timing vary for each exam section?
Yes, each section has its own set time limit. For example, Reading allows more time than Listening due to the text length. Familiarize yourself with these timings in advance to practice accordingly using sample exams.
What percentage do I need to pass each section?
You generally need to answer at least 65% of questions correctly to pass a section of the exam. For specifics, refer to the passing score: what percentage do you need?.
Is the ONA component mandatory for all test-takers?
Under the Inburgeringswet 2021, the Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA) may not be required for everyone. If unsure, verify your personal requirements with DUO or your integration advisor.
What makes Listening easier than other sections?
The Listening section focuses on understanding key details, like announcements or conversations, which can be practiced by listening to Dutch radio or podcasts. Its relatively straightforward format is why many test-takers find it more manageable.
How can I improve my vocabulary efficiently?
Integrate flashcards, apps like Duolingo, and daily vocabulary lists into your study routine. Learning words linked directly to exam topics, such as ‘maatschappij’ (society), enhances your ability to process exam questions quickly.
Can I mix A2 and B1 levels in one exam attempt?
Yes, candidates can take different sections at varying levels (e.g., B1 Reading but A2 Writing), depending on their skills and preparation level. This flexibility allows customized pathways to meet the exam’s requirements.
Are practice exams accurate reflections of the real test?
Yes, official DUO practice exams closely mirror the layout, type of questions, and difficulty of the actual exam. Use these regularly to simulate test conditions and improve performance.
