A2 Speaking Exam Format Explained | Prepare for INBURGERING Exam

TL;DR: A2 Speaking Exam Format Explained

A2 Speaking Exam Format Explained: you need to know the current Dutch speaking test setup before you practice, because the exam is now a 35-minute computer test with 4 parts and 16 spoken questions. If you prepare for the right format, you can avoid losing points from silence, timing mistakes, or old study materials.

• You answer by speaking into a microphone, not by talking to a teacher, and the test now focuses on video prompts and picture description tasks rather than the old mixed multiple-choice format.
• Your score depends on whether your answer fits the question, plus your vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and pronunciation. Short, clear, relevant Dutch is enough at A2 level.
• You should practice with a timer, train common daily topics, and use short sentence starters like Ik zie…, Ik ga…, and Ik denk dat… so you can keep talking under pressure.

If you want to prepare the right way, start with the official DUO practice tests and review this guide on the speaking exam time limits so you know how fast you need to respond.

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When the A2 Dutch speaking exam asks how your weekend was and suddenly every bike ride, weather complaint, and cheese sandwich becomes exam material. Unsplash

If you are preparing for the Inburgeringsexamen A2 Speaking exam in the Netherlands, you need more than Dutch words. You need to know the FORMAT, the TIMING, the QUESTION TYPES, and the SCORING. Many people lose points because they do not understand the exam structure. They know some Dutch, but they do not know what happens on test day. This guide explains the full A2 speaking format in simple English, with a short Dutch part for practice too.

This article is for expats, newcomers, and A1 to A2 Dutch learners who must take the Dutch civic exam. You will learn what the speaking exam looks like, how the computer recording works, what examiners listen for, and how to train in a smart way. We also connect useful subtopics like can you skip and come back to questions?, time limits per question, how your responses are evaluated, recording into a computer microphone, video scenarios and how to respond, and the article about 16 questions total. One of those older topic pages reflects the old mixed format, so this guide also helps you separate old information from the NEWER SPEAKING FORMAT.

Here is why this matters. From trusted public and training sources, the current A2 speaking exam is described as a 35-minute exam with 4 parts and 16 questions. Sources discussing the 2025 update explain that the old multiple-choice part was removed, and the newer exam now focuses on spoken answers only. DUO also offers official practice exams on the Inburgeren website, which is one of the best places to get used to the exam screen and flow.

What is the A2 Speaking exam format?

Let’s break it down. The A2 Speaking exam, in Dutch Spreken, tests whether you can speak simple Dutch in everyday situations. A2 means a beginner to lower-intermediate level. You do not need perfect Dutch. You need Dutch that is clear enough, relevant, and understandable.

Level: A2 Dutch
Exam part: Speaking, in Dutch Spreken
Total time: about 35 minutes
Total questions: 16
Total sections: 4 parts
Answer style: spoken answers recorded by computer
Main task types: reply to video prompts and describe pictures

Trusted exam-preparation pages and reporting about the March 2025 change describe the format like this: in part 1, you respond to short video questions. In parts 2, 3, and 4, you see 1 picture, then 2 pictures, then 3 pictures, and you answer questions about them. That means the exam now checks your real speaking much more directly.

Very important: some older articles online still mention 12 open questions plus 12 multiple-choice questions. That was part of the older speaking format. If you read the linked sub-cluster article about 16 questions total, read it with care and compare it with newer official and updated explanations. Right now, the newer format is described by recent sources as 16 spoken questions in 4 parts, without the old multiple-choice gate.

Quick exam snapshot

Exam item	What it means
Spreken	Speaking exam
35 minuten	35 minutes total
4 onderdelen	4 sections or parts
16 vragen	16 questions
Video	You watch a short video and answer
Afbeeldingen	Pictures or images you describe
Opname	Your voice is recorded

📚 Essential Dutch Terms

Dutch Term	English	Example Sentence
spreken	speaking	Ik oefen spreken voor het examen.
vraag	question	Ik luister goed naar de vraag.
antwoord	answer	Mijn antwoord is kort maar duidelijk.
afbeelding	picture, image	Ik beschrijf de afbeelding in het Nederlands.
opnemen	to record	De computer neemt mijn stem op.
tijd	time	Ik heb weinig tijd per vraag.

What happens in the 4 parts of the exam?

Each part tests a slightly different speaking skill. The exam is still at A2 level, so the language stays practical. Think about daily life, work, transport, family, shopping, health, school, or appointments. The exam does not want long academic speeches. It wants a simple spoken response that fits the situation.

Part 1: Video question and answer

In this section, you watch a short video. A person asks you something. Then you answer out loud. This is the part many learners worry about, because the video moves on and you must react. That is why the sub-cluster guide on video scenarios and how to respond is so useful.

You watch a short situation.
You listen to the question.
You speak into the microphone.
Your answer is recorded.

Example idea: a person asks, Hoe ga je naar je werk? That means How do you go to work? A good A2 answer can be: Ik ga met de trein naar mijn werk. Dat is snel en makkelijk. This is short, clear, and relevant.

Part 2: Describe 1 picture

Now you see one image. You may need to say what you see, what is happening, or what someone should do. A picture task checks whether you know daily vocabulary like man, vrouw, kind, fiets, winkel, dokter, bus, tafel, and action words like lopen, kopen, wachten, werken, or koken.

Example: You see a woman in a supermarket. A good answer can be: Ik zie een vrouw in de supermarkt. Ze koopt groente en fruit. Ze heeft een mand in haar hand. Every meaningful word matters here. Supermarkt means supermarket. Koopt means buys. Groente means vegetables. Fruit means fruit. Mand means basket. Hand means hand.

Part 3: Describe 2 pictures

Here you compare or explain two images. Maybe one image is correct and one is wrong. Maybe one image shows one choice and the other shows another choice. You need simple comparison language.

links = left
rechts = right
eerste = first
tweede = second
anders = different
zelfde = same

Sample answer: Op de eerste foto fietst een man naar zijn werk. Op de tweede foto gaat een vrouw met de bus. Ik ga meestal met de fiets. This answer is useful because it describes both pictures and adds one personal sentence.

Part 4: Describe 3 pictures

This part often feels harder because you must organize your speech fast. Still, the level stays simple. You do not need fancy grammar. You need a structure. Try this pattern: picture 1, picture 2, picture 3, then your choice or opinion.

Sample answer: Op foto één zie ik een dokter. Op foto twee zie ik een apotheek. Op foto drie zie ik een ziekenhuis. Bij een probleem ga ik eerst naar de dokter. Here, dokter means doctor, apotheek means pharmacy, and ziekenhuis means hospital.

One honest truth: many learners fail because they panic when they see more images. But the test is still checking simple communication. If your answer is short but fits the pictures, that is much better than silence.

How much time do you get, and can you skip questions?

Time pressure is one of the biggest problems in the speaking exam. The whole test lasts about 35 minutes, and each task gives you a limited moment to listen, think, and speak. This is why the sub-cluster article on time limits per question matters so much. If you talk too long, your answer may cut off. If you wait too long, you lose your chance.

Next, a very common question: can you skip a question and return later? Read the guide on skip and come back to questions. In speaking exams of this type, you should usually expect a fixed exam flow. Once the test moves on, you often cannot go back in the way you can on some reading tasks. That means you need a response strategy for every question, even when you are unsure.

Do not wait for perfect Dutch.
Say something relevant before the timer ends.
Use short sentence patterns you can trust.
Practice with a clock.

Good emergency sentence patterns:

Ik zie… = I see…
Dit is… = This is…
Hij gaat… = He goes…
Zij werkt… = She works…
Ik kies… = I choose…
Ik denk dat… = I think that…
Volgens mij… = In my opinion…

These sentence starters are powerful because they buy you time and keep your speech moving. At A2, that matters a lot.

Mini timing table

Problem	What many learners do	Better move
You do not know the perfect word	Stay silent	Use an easier word
You panic	Lose 5 to 10 seconds	Start with Ik zie…
You speak too much	Run out of time	Use 2 to 3 short sentences
You miss one detail	Stop answering	Describe what you do know

How are your answers evaluated?

Your speaking is not judged on one thing only. Recent exam descriptions say the scoring looks at adequacy, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and pronunciation. The linked sub-cluster page on grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary fits here very well, because these are exactly the areas learners worry about.

What do these scoring words mean?

Adequacy means your answer fits the question. If the question is about transport, talk about transport.
Vocabulary means the words you know and use. Fiets, bus, werk, dokter, winkel, and afspraak are common A2 words.
Grammar means sentence form. A2 grammar can still be simple: Ik ga naar mijn werk.
Fluency means how smoothly you speak. You can pause a little. You do not need to sound like a native speaker.
Pronunciation means how clearly you say the words. The examiner should understand you.

Let’s make this practical. If the question is Wat doe je in het weekend?, a weak answer is just Weekend. That is not enough. A better answer is: In het weekend ga ik naar de markt. Ik koop groente en brood. Soms drink ik koffie met vrienden. This answer has topic fit, useful words, simple grammar, and a clear flow.

A small mistake does not destroy your score. Many learners think one grammar error means failure. That is false. If your message is understandable and relevant, you still have a good chance. Silence is much more dangerous than a small grammar mistake.

Words the examiner wants to hear clearly

werk = work
huis = house, home
winkel = shop, store
school = school
ziek = sick
afspraak = appointment
familie = family
boodschappen = groceries
reizen = to travel
wachten = to wait

Make these words active. Do not just read them. Say them aloud. Record yourself. Listen back. That is how pronunciation gets better.

How does the recording work on exam day?

You do not speak to a teacher in the room. You speak into a computer microphone. Your answers are recorded and checked later. This is why the sub-cluster article on recording format: speaking into computer microphone is an important topic. Many people have enough Dutch, but they perform badly because they are not used to speaking to a screen.

You wear a headset or use exam audio equipment.
You hear instructions through the computer.
You see videos or images on the screen.
You answer into the microphone.
Your answer is saved as a recording.

This can feel strange at first. No human face is reacting to you. No one says goed zo, which means well done. No one helps you. That is why home practice should include real recording practice. Use your laptop, a headset, and a timer. Train the exact skill the exam wants.

Also, speak clearly into the microphone. Not too soft. Not too far away. Not too fast. If you whisper, your pronunciation score cannot help you. If you rush, your grammar may fall apart.

Fast microphone checklist

Sit still so the sound stays clear.
Start fast after the prompt.
Use normal volume.
Pronounce endings like -en and -t clearly enough.
Do not stop after one word if you can add one more sentence.

What mistakes make people fail the A2 speaking exam?

Many failures are not about hard Dutch grammar. They are about exam behavior. Here are the mistakes that hurt most.

Waiting too long to start speaking. Dead air is dangerous.
Trying to build perfect sentences. A2 rewards clear and relevant speech, not fancy language.
Ignoring the picture or video. Your answer must match what you see or hear.
Speaking too softly. If the recording is weak, the result can suffer.
Giving one-word answers. Usually too short.
Talking off-topic. If the question is about work, do not talk about your holiday.
Practicing only in your head. Speaking is physical. Your mouth needs training too.

Here is a blunt truth. Some learners spend weeks memorizing long model answers. Then they freeze when the actual picture is different. That is a bad strategy. Learn flexible sentence patterns, not one fixed speech.

Better sentence patterns for A2

Ik zie een… = I see a…
Hij/Zij is aan het… = He/She is busy …ing
Dit is in een… = This is in a…
Ik denk dat… = I think that…
Normaal ga ik… = Normally I go…
Meestal doe ik… = Usually I do…
Daarna… = After that…

These patterns help because they fit many topics: work, family, transport, shopping, health, school, food, and free time.

How should you prepare in the smartest way?

Let’s make this practical. A strong study plan has three parts: know the format, build active vocabulary, and practice timed speaking. Official DUO practice exams on Inburgeren.nl are very useful because they show you the exam style and screen flow. Recent exam-prep sources also stress that timed response practice is one of the biggest reasons people improve.

Learn the 4-part structure. Know what happens in each section.
Train common A2 themes. Work, family, shopping, doctor, travel, school, hobbies, housing.
Build small answer blocks. Two or three sentences per topic.
Record yourself daily. Listen for speed, clarity, and missing words.
Practice with pictures. Use one, two, and three image tasks.
Use a timer. This is where many learners lose control.
Do official practice exams. They prepare your brain for the test environment.

A good weekly plan can be very simple:

Day	Focus	Task
Monday	Vocabulary	20 daily-life words and 10 short sentences
Tuesday	Video prompts	Answer 10 spoken questions
Wednesday	Pictures	Describe 1, 2, and 3 pictures
Thursday	Pronunciation	Record and listen back
Friday	Timed practice	Mini mock test
Weekend	Review	Repeat weak topics and common errors

FOMO is real here. If you prepare with old materials only, you may walk into the exam with the wrong expectations. Check the date of every guide you read. If it talks a lot about multiple-choice questions in speaking, treat it as older format material unless it clearly says it has been updated.

Simple Dutch recap: hoe ziet het examen eruit?

Het A2-spreekexamen is een examen op de computer. Je hebt 35 minuten. Er zijn 16 vragen en 4 onderdelen. Je kijkt naar video’s en afbeeldingen. Daarna geef je antwoord met je stem. De computer neemt je antwoord op.

Je hoeft niet perfect Nederlands te spreken. Je moet duidelijk spreken. Duidelijk means clear. Je antwoord moet ook bij de vraag passen. Bij de vraag passen means fit the question. Gebruik makkelijke zinnen. Dat is goed op A2-niveau.

vraag = question
antwoord = answer
duidelijk = clear
afbeelding = picture
stem = voice
oefenen = practice

Goede voorbeeldzinnen:

Ik zie een man. = I see a man.
De vrouw werkt in een winkel. = The woman works in a shop.
Ik ga met de bus naar mijn werk. = I go to work by bus.
In het weekend bezoek ik mijn familie. = At the weekend I visit my family.

Als je een woord niet weet, stop dan niet. Zeg iets makkelijks. Een klein foutje is niet erg. Stil zijn is erger.

What are the trusted sources behind this format?

Good exam preparation needs trusted sources. Here are the most useful references behind the format explained in this article.

DUO / Inburgeren.nl practice page: official A2 practice exams for speaking and other exam parts. This confirms that official speaking practice exists and is the right place to train the exam style.
Recent reporting and exam-prep pages about the March 2025 change: these explain that the speaking exam moved to 16 spoken exercises in 4 sections over 35 minutes, with the old multiple-choice part removed.
Supporting exam explanation pages: these describe the speaking exam as recorded spoken responses to prompts and practical situations.
Government.nl: background on civic exam obligations and the Dutch system, including who needs to take the exam and the role of DUO.

Trusted source links mentioned in the source set:

When sources disagree, use the newest official or near-official information first. That is the safest approach for your exam plan.

What should you do next? A step-by-step action plan

Next steps. If your exam date is coming, do not just study random Dutch. Train the exact exam behavior the speaking test wants.

First: Learn the current format: 4 parts, 16 questions, 35 minutes.
Then: Practice with official DUO speaking exercises on a computer, not only on paper.
Next: Train short spoken answers for common A2 topics like work, shopping, health, family, and travel.
After that: Record yourself with a headset and timer so the exam feels normal.
Finally: Review your weak points in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, but always keep speaking under time pressure.

Timeline: Give yourself at least 2 to 4 weeks of focused speaking practice if your Dutch is already around A1 to A2. If you are still near early A1, give yourself longer and build daily-life vocabulary first.

The big takeaway is simple. The A2 Speaking exam is not about sounding advanced. It is about showing that you can respond in Dutch in normal situations. Know the format, respect the timer, speak clearly into the microphone, and keep your answers relevant. That is how many candidates move from panic to pass.

Samenvatting (Article Summary in Dutch)

Practice your reading: This section covers the same information in simple Dutch. Explain how to find answers.

Het artikel legt uit hoe het A2-spreekexamen werkt. Je doet vaak een gesprek, je geeft korte antwoorden en je praat over gewone situaties, zoals wonen, werk en boodschappen doen. Je moet goed luisteren naar de vraag en rustig antwoorden in simpele zinnen. Kijk bij het oefenen goed naar woorden zoals wie, waar, wanneer en waarom, want deze woorden helpen je het juiste antwoord te geven.

Vertaling (Translation):

spreekexamen = speaking exam
antwoord = answer
gesprek = conversation

Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them (H2)

❌ Mistake 1: Je antwoordt met maar één woord.
✅ Instead: Geef een korte hele zin. Zeg dus: “Ik woon in Utrecht” en niet alleen “Utrecht”.

❌ Mistake 2: Je luistert niet goed naar de vraag.
✅ Instead: Luister eerst rustig. Hoor je een vraag met waar, wanneer of met wie? Dan weet je beter wat je moet zeggen.

❌ Mistake 3: Je maakt je te veel zorgen over perfecte grammatica.
✅ Instead: Spreek rustig en duidelijk. Een simpele goede zin is vaak beter dan een moeilijke zin met fouten.

❌ Mistake 4: Je praat te snel.
✅ Instead: Neem je tijd. Spreek langzaam en duidelijk, zodat de examinator je goed kan begrijpen.

❌ Mistake 5: Je kent geen woorden voor gewone situaties.
✅ Instead: Oefen woorden over familie, werk, huis, reizen, eten en afspraken.

❌ Mistake 6: Je oefent alleen lezen en schrijven.
✅ Instead: Oefen ook hardop. Praat met een vriend, docent of taalmaatje.

Dutch Practice Exercise (Oefen je Nederlands)

Reading comprehension: Read this paragraph in Dutch and answer the questions below.

Note: Click “Show answer” immediately after each question to check your understanding.

Bij het A2-spreekexamen praat je over gewone dingen uit het dagelijks leven. Je krijgt vragen over jezelf, je familie, je werk of je huis. Het is slim om korte en duidelijke zinnen te maken. Je hoeft geen moeilijke woorden te gebruiken. Rustig praten en goed luisteren helpt veel.

Vragen (Questions):

Bij het A2-spreekexamen praat je over heel moeilijke politieke onderwerpen.
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAAR
Show answer
❌ NIET WAAR – Je praat meestal over gewone dingen uit het dagelijks leven.
De ________ helpt veel tijdens het examen.
Show answer
rust
Waarover kun je een vraag krijgen?
A) Alleen over sport
B) Over jezelf, familie, werk of huis
C) Alleen over geschiedenis
D) Alleen over de dokter
Show answer
B) Over jezelf, familie, werk of huis
Je moet moeilijke woorden gebruiken om een goed cijfer te krijgen.
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAAR
Show answer
❌ NIET WAAR – Simpele en duidelijke taal is goed.
Goed luisteren en rustig praten ________.
Show answer
helpt veel

Extra oefeningen voor het A2-spreekexamen

1. Grammar: maak hele zinnen

Schrijf een hele zin. Gebruik de woorden.

ik / woon / in Rotterdam
Show answer
Ik woon in Rotterdam.
mijn werk / begint / om acht uur
Show answer
Mijn werk begint om acht uur.
wij / spreken / Nederlands / op school
Show answer
Wij spreken Nederlands op school.
zij / gaat / morgen / naar de supermarkt
Show answer
Zij gaat morgen naar de supermarkt.
ik / heb / twee kinderen
Show answer
Ik heb twee kinderen.

2. Grammar: kies het goede vraagwoord

Kies uit: wie, waar, wanneer, wat, waarom

______ woon je?
Show answer
waar
______ is jouw docent?
Show answer
wie
______ ga je naar je werk? Om 9 uur.
Show answer
wanneer
______ eet je vandaag? Pasta.
Show answer
wat
______ leer je Nederlands? Voor werk en voor het examen.
Show answer
waarom

3. Vocabulary: koppel het woord aan de betekenis

de afspraak
A) place
B) appointment
C) family
Show answer
B) appointment
de buurman
A) neighbor
B) doctor
C) colleague
Show answer
A) neighbor
de vraag
A) answer
B) question
C) lesson
Show answer
B) question
duidelijk
A) difficult
B) clear
C) late
Show answer
B) clear
luisteren
A) to listen
B) to write
C) to cook
Show answer
A) to listen

4. Speaking practice: geef een kort antwoord

Beantwoord de vraag in één korte zin.

Hoe heet je?
Show answer
Ik heet Anna.
Waar woon je?
Show answer
Ik woon in Den Haag.
Met wie woon je?
Show answer
Ik woon met mijn partner en mijn kind.
Wat doe je in het weekend?
Show answer
In het weekend bezoek ik vrienden en doe ik boodschappen.
Waarom leer je Nederlands?
Show answer
Ik leer Nederlands voor mijn werk en voor het examen.

5. Luisteren en reageren: wat past logisch?

Vraag: “Hoe laat begint je werk?”
Antwoord:
A) In Amsterdam
B) Om half negen
C) Met de bus
Show answer
B) Om half negen
Vraag: “Waar doe je boodschappen?”
Antwoord:
A) Bij de supermarkt
B) Morgenavond
C) Mijn zus
Show answer
A) Bij de supermarkt
Vraag: “Met wie ga je naar de dokter?”
Antwoord:
A) Om tien uur
B) Met mijn man
C) In de apotheek
Show answer
B) Met mijn man
Vraag: “Wanneer heb je Nederlandse les?”
Antwoord:
A) Op maandag en woensdag
B) In de klas
C) Met mijn docent
Show answer
A) Op maandag en woensdag

6. Culture: dagelijks leven in Nederland

Kies het goede antwoord.

Wat is normaal als je een afspraak hebt in Nederland?
A) Veel te laat komen
B) Op tijd komen
C) Helemaal niet komen
Show answer
B) Op tijd komen
Wat zeg je vaak als je een winkel binnenkomt?
A) Tot morgen
B) Hallo of goedemorgen
C) Slaap lekker
Show answer
B) Hallo of goedemorgen
Wat doe je vaak eerst bij de gemeente?
A) Je schrijft je in
B) Je koopt brood
C) Je neemt de trein
Show answer
A) Je schrijft je in
In Nederland maken veel mensen een afspraak bij de huisarts. WAAR of NIET WAAR?
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAAR
Show answer
✅ WAAR – Vaak bel je eerst voor een afspraak.

7. Mini rollenspel: wat kun je zeggen?

Situatie 1: Je bent nieuw in de buurt. Je praat met een buurvrouw.
Schrijf 2 korte zinnen.

Show answer

Hallo, ik ben Samira. Ik woon sinds kort hier.

Situatie 2: Je wilt een afspraak maken bij de dokter.
Schrijf 1 of 2 korte zinnen.

Show answer

Goedemorgen, ik wil graag een afspraak maken. Ik ben ziek.

Situatie 3: Iemand vraagt waarom je Nederlands leert.
Schrijf 1 korte zin.

Show answer

Ik leer Nederlands voor mijn werk en voor het examen.

8. Fouten verbeteren

Wat is goed?

Ik woont in Leiden.
Show answer
Ik woon in Leiden.
Waar jij werkt?
Show answer
Waar werk jij?
Ik ga naar werk met fiets.
Show answer
Ik ga met de fiets naar mijn werk.
Mijn vrouw werken in een winkel.
Show answer
Mijn vrouw werkt in een winkel.
Wij heeft een afspraak morgen.
Show answer
Wij hebben morgen een afspraak.

Dutch Vocabulary List (Woordenlijst)

Master these terms from this article:

Nouns (Zelfstandige naamwoorden)

het inburgeringsexamen – the civic integration exam
het spreekexamen – the speaking exam
het gesprek – the conversation
de vraag – the question
het antwoord – the answer
de examinator – the examiner
de familie – the family
het werk – the work
het huis – the house
de afspraak – the appointment
de supermarkt – the supermarket
de gemeente – the municipality
de huisarts – the general practitioner
de buurman / de buurvrouw – the neighbor
de zin – the sentence

Verbs (Werkwoorden)

aanmelden – to register
boeken – to book
luisteren – to listen
spreken – to speak
antwoorden – to answer
oefenen – to practise
wonen – to live
werken – to work
vragen – to ask
begrijpen – to understand

Adjectives & Phrases (Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden & uitdrukkingen)

verplicht – mandatory
duidelijk – clear
rustig – calm
dagelijks leven – daily life
op tijd – on time
korte zinnen – short sentences
goede voorbereiding – good preparation
hardop oefenen – practise out loud

Korte studietips

Hier is waarom dit helpt. Als je voor het A2-spreekexamen leert, is elke dag 10 minuten spreken vaak beter dan één keer per week lang oefenen. Oefen met vaste onderwerpen, zoals jezelf voorstellen, je werk, je gezin, boodschappen en een afspraak maken. Neem jezelf op met je telefoon en luister terug. Dan hoor je beter wat al goed gaat en wat nog moeilijk is.

Handige oefenvragen voor thuis

Lees de vraag hardop en geef dan antwoord.

Hoe heet je en waar kom je vandaan?
Show answer
Ik heet Diego en ik kom uit Spanje.
Waar woon je nu?
Show answer
Ik woon nu in Eindhoven.
Wat doe je voor werk?
Show answer
Ik werk in een restaurant.
Heb je kinderen?
Show answer
Ja, ik heb één dochter.
Wat doe je vanavond?
Show answer
Vanavond kook ik en daarna kijk ik televisie.
Hoe ga je naar je werk of naar school?
Show answer
Ik ga met de trein naar mijn werk.
Wat koop je vaak in de supermarkt?
Show answer
Ik koop vaak brood, melk en groente.
Wanneer heb je Nederlandse les?
Show answer
Ik heb op dinsdag Nederlandse les.

Next steps

Oefen deze zinnen een paar keer hardop. Vraag ook iemand om je vragen te stellen, zodat je snel leert luisteren en reageren. Wil je nog meer hulp, dan kan ik ook een mini proefexamen A2 spreken, flashcards met woorden, of extra oefeningen over vraagwoorden en woordvolgorde maken.

FAQ

Is the A2 Speaking exam the same for everyone taking inburgering in the Netherlands?

Not always. The exam format may be the same for candidates who take the A2 speaking test, but not everyone in the Dutch integration system is required to take A2. Your route depends on your personal situation, municipality, and which inburgering law applies to you.

What score do you need to “pass” the speaking exam?

Speaking is usually not presented as a simple “get X out of 16 correct” test. Instead, your recorded answers are assessed on criteria such as adequacy, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and pronunciation. That means one weak answer does not automatically mean failure if your overall spoken Dutch is understandable.

Are accents allowed in the Dutch A2 speaking exam?

Yes. You do not need a native Dutch accent. Examiners mainly need to understand you clearly. A foreign accent is fine if your words are understandable and your message matches the question. Focus more on clarity, pace, and correct key words than on sounding perfectly Dutch.

What should you do if you do not understand a video prompt?

Do not freeze. Use the parts you did understand and give a short, relevant answer. In many Dutch A2 speaking exam situations, partial understanding can still produce a useful response. Practise this skill with the DUO speaking practice exams so uncertainty feels less scary.

Can memorizing model answers help you pass faster?

Only partly. Memorizing a few flexible sentence starters is smart, but memorizing complete speeches is risky because the real question or picture may be different. Train with reusable patterns like “Ik zie…”, “Ik ga…”, and “Volgens mij…” so you can adapt under time pressure.

How early should you start preparing for the A2 speaking exam format?

If you are already around A1/A2, two to four weeks of focused daily speaking practice can help a lot. If your Dutch is still basic, start earlier. The best preparation combines timed answers, topic vocabulary, and regular microphone practice instead of only reading grammar rules.

What topics are most likely to appear in the speaking test?

Expect everyday Dutch situations, not abstract topics. Common themes include work, transport, shopping, family, health, school, appointments, and housing. Build mini answers for these themes so you can respond faster. You can also review broader context on Dutch civic integration rules.

Is it better to speak more or to speak more accurately?

For this exam, relevant and understandable is better than long and complicated. Two or three clear sentences usually score better than a long answer full of mistakes, hesitations, or off-topic content. Aim for short, complete responses that directly answer the question you heard or the image shown.

How can you practise for the new 2025 A2 speaking format at home?

Use a laptop, headset, timer, and random daily-life pictures or short scenario prompts. Record yourself answering quickly, then listen back for unclear pronunciation, missing verbs, or weak structure. Home practice works best when it feels like the real exam: timed, spoken, and slightly stressful.

What is the biggest hidden reason candidates underperform on the speaking exam?

A common hidden problem is not exam knowledge but exam behavior. People know enough Dutch, yet they speak too softly, start too late, or panic when the prompt changes. Training confidence, speed, and microphone habits can improve results almost as much as learning new vocabulary.

Violetta Bonenkamp

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as Mean CEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

A2 Speaking Exam Format Explained | Prepare for INBURGERING Exam | Learn Dutch with AI FREE

TL;DR: A2 Speaking Exam Format Explained

Check out our FREE Inburgering Exam e-book:

What is the A2 Speaking exam format?

Quick exam snapshot

📚 Essential Dutch Terms

What happens in the 4 parts of the exam?

Part 1: Video question and answer

Part 2: Describe 1 picture

Part 3: Describe 2 pictures

Part 4: Describe 3 pictures

How much time do you get, and can you skip questions?

Mini timing table

How are your answers evaluated?

What do these scoring words mean?

Words the examiner wants to hear clearly

How does the recording work on exam day?

Fast microphone checklist

What mistakes make people fail the A2 speaking exam?

Better sentence patterns for A2

How should you prepare in the smartest way?

Simple Dutch recap: hoe ziet het examen eruit?

What are the trusted sources behind this format?

What should you do next? A step-by-step action plan

Samenvatting (Article Summary in Dutch)

Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them (H2)

Dutch Practice Exercise (Oefen je Nederlands)

Extra oefeningen voor het A2-spreekexamen

1. Grammar: maak hele zinnen

2. Grammar: kies het goede vraagwoord

3. Vocabulary: koppel het woord aan de betekenis

4. Speaking practice: geef een kort antwoord

5. Luisteren en reageren: wat past logisch?

6. Culture: dagelijks leven in Nederland

7. Mini rollenspel: wat kun je zeggen?

8. Fouten verbeteren

Dutch Vocabulary List (Woordenlijst)

Nouns (Zelfstandige naamwoorden)

Verbs (Werkwoorden)

Adjectives & Phrases (Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden & uitdrukkingen)

Korte studietips

Handige oefenvragen voor thuis

Next steps

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FAQ

Is the A2 Speaking exam the same for everyone taking inburgering in the Netherlands?

What score do you need to “pass” the speaking exam?

Are accents allowed in the Dutch A2 speaking exam?

What should you do if you do not understand a video prompt?

Can memorizing model answers help you pass faster?

How early should you start preparing for the A2 speaking exam format?

What topics are most likely to appear in the speaking test?

Is it better to speak more or to speak more accurately?

How can you practise for the new 2025 A2 speaking format at home?

What is the biggest hidden reason candidates underperform on the speaking exam?

Violetta Bonenkamp

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