TL;DR: B1 Writing Exam: Emails and Structured Texts
B1 Writing Exam: Emails and Structured Texts is mostly about helping you pass with clear, well-organized Dutch, not difficult grammar or long sentences.
• You should focus on task completion, tone, and structure: answer every point, use the right form of address (je or u), and build each text with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• The article shows how to write common exam texts such as formal emails, opinion texts, experience descriptions, and complaint messages with short reusable phrases.
• Trusted exam references mention 12 tasks in 100 minutes and pass marks around 25/47 or 26/48, so speed and clear writing matter a lot.
• Your best study plan is to practice a few repeating formats, learn linking words like omdat, daarom, ook, and review common mistakes such as missing task points or mixing formal and informal tone.
If you want help with text flow, start with this guide on Dutch paragraph structure.
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Prepare For The Dutch Inburgering Exam
If you are preparing for the Dutch B1 writing exam for the Inburgeringsexamen, this topic matters a lot. Many learners fear writing more than reading or listening, because writing shows your grammar, your word choice, your structure, and your ability to answer the task clearly. The good news is simple. The exam is learnable. If you know how to write emails, short practical texts, and well-organized answers, you can get many points without using difficult Dutch.
This guide is for A1-A2 learners, expats, and people who are moving toward B1. You will learn what the writing exam looks like, what trusted sources say about timing and pass marks, how to write better emails, how to organize paragraphs, when to use je and when to use u, how to explain your opinion, how to describe an experience, and how to write a complaint. You will also get a simple Dutch recap, so you can study the same ideas in easy Dutch.
Here is the fact many students miss: passing the B1 writing exam is often less about fancy language and more about CLEAR STRUCTURE. One trusted prep source that mirrors the exam format states that the B1 writing exam has 12 writing tasks in 100 minutes, usually 8 short sentence tasks and 4 larger practical texts, and that recent pass marks have been around 25/47 or 26/48. DUO also points learners to official B1 writing practice assignments and practice exams for B1 and B2 language exams. That means structure, speed, and task focus matter a lot. Source context: Inburgering.org for task format and recent scoring reference, and Inburgeren.nl/DUO for official B1 writing practice access.
What does the B1 writing exam usually test?
The B1 writing exam tests whether you can write in a way that real people can understand. You usually need to write about everyday situations such as work, study, housing, appointments, requests, invitations, problems, and opinions. The exam does not ask for literature or academic essays. It asks for practical communication.
Let’s break it down. At B1 level, examiners want to see that you can:
- answer the full task and not skip points
- write in a logical order
- connect ideas with simple linking words like en (and), maar (but), want (because), daarom (that is why), and ook (also)
- choose the right tone, such as formal or informal
- make meaning clear, even if the grammar is not perfect
- write short texts, emails, forms, or messages that feel real
A common mistake is thinking that B1 means long and difficult sentences. That is often false. A short, correct, direct answer can score better than a long answer full of mistakes. Many teachers repeat the same advice: keep it simple, but complete.
What do “emails” and “structured texts” mean here?
Email means an electronic message. In Dutch, e-mail is the same idea. You may need to email a teacher, a landlord, a manager, a school, a municipality office, or a friend. A structured text means a text with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It can be an email, but it can also be a note, short explanation, response, complaint, or opinion text.
- Beginning: why you are writing
- Middle: the main points, details, or questions
- End: request, solution, thanks, or greeting
That sounds simple, and that is exactly why many people underestimate it. In the exam, you have little time. If your writing has no order, the examiner must work hard to understand it. That usually costs points.
📚 Essential Dutch Terms
Useful words for this part
| Dutch term | English | Simple example |
|---|---|---|
| schrijven | to write / writing | Ik moet een e-mail schrijven. = I have to write an email. |
| opdracht | task / assignment | De opdracht is niet lang. = The task is not long. |
| Ik stuur een e-mail naar mijn docent. = I send an email to my teacher. | ||
| tekst | text | De tekst heeft drie alinea’s. = The text has three paragraphs. |
| alinea | paragraph | Elke alinea heeft één idee. = Each paragraph has one idea. |
| formeel | formal | Deze brief is formeel. = This letter is formal. |
| informeel | informal | Dit bericht aan een vriend is informeel. = This message to a friend is informal. |
| onderwerp | subject / topic | Het onderwerp is mijn werk. = The topic is my work. |
| groet | greeting | Met vriendelijke groet is a formal closing. |
How should you structure a B1 email or text?
This is where many scores are won. Good structure helps the reader fast. It also helps you stay calm during the exam. A practical way to think about structure is the same idea explained in Paragraph structure and text organization. One paragraph should usually do one job.
A strong B1 text often follows this pattern:
- Opening with greeting and purpose
- Paragraph 1 with the situation
- Paragraph 2 with details, explanation, or request
- Paragraph 3 with the next step or polite ending
- Closing with your name
A simple email model
Formal email example:
Geachte meneer De Vries,
Ik schrijf deze e-mail omdat ik een vraag heb over mijn afspraak van maandag.
Ik kan maandag helaas niet komen, omdat ik moet werken. Daarom wil ik graag een nieuwe afspraak maken. Is dinsdag of woensdag mogelijk?
Alvast bedankt voor uw antwoord.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Anna Kowalska
Why does this work?
- It starts with the reason: Ik schrijf deze e-mail omdat… = I am writing this email because…
- It gives one clear problem: cannot come on Monday.
- It gives a request: a new appointment.
- It gives options: Tuesday or Wednesday.
- It ends politely.
Useful linking words you should know
| Dutch word | English | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| en | and | adds information |
| maar | but | shows contrast |
| want | because | gives a reason |
| omdat | because | gives a reason, often in a subclause |
| daarom | that is why | shows result |
| ook | also | adds another point |
| eerst | first | shows order |
| daarna | after that | shows sequence |
| tot slot | finally | shows ending |
If you want to improve this part more deeply, study paragraph planning and text flow. That is exactly why the guide on paragraph structure and text organization matters so much for exam writing.
When should you use je and when should you use u?
This can change your whole tone. In Dutch, je means you in an informal way. You use it with friends, family, many classmates, and people you know well. U also means you, but in a formal or polite way. You use it with offices, teachers, unknown adults, some managers, doctors, and customer service.
This is explained in more detail in Formal vs informal writing (je vs u), and it is a very common exam point.
- Use je for a friend: Kun je mij helpen? = Can you help me?
- Use u for a school office: Kunt u mij helpen? = Can you help me?
- Stay consistent. Do not start with u and later switch to je.
Formal and informal openings and closings
| Situation | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Geachte mevrouw Jansen, | Met vriendelijke groet, |
| Informal | Beste Sara, or Hoi Sara, | Groetjes, or Tot snel, |
Word meanings:
- Geachte = dear, respected
- mevrouw = Mrs. / Ms.
- meneer = Mr.
- Beste = dear / best
- Hoi = hi
- Groetjes = greetings / best wishes
- Tot snel = see you soon
- Met vriendelijke groet = kind regards
A painful but common mistake is writing a polite complaint email that starts with Geachte meneer and ends with Doei. Doei means bye, very informal. That tone clash looks careless.
How do you express an opinion with reasons at B1 level?
At B1, you often need to say what you think and explain why. An opinion is what you think. In Dutch, mening means opinion. An argument is a reason. In Dutch, argument means argument or reason. This is one of the biggest differences between A2 and B1. You do not just say a sentence. You support it.
The related guide Expressing opinions with supporting arguments helps with this exact skill.
A simple B1 formula is:
- Opinion: Ik vind… = I think…
- Reason 1: omdat… = because…
- Reason 2: ook… = also…
- Small conclusion: Daarom… = that is why…
Example:
Ik vind online lessen handig, omdat ik thuis kan studeren. Ook bespaar ik tijd, want ik hoef niet te reizen. Daarom wil ik graag één dag per week online les.
Word by word:
- Ik vind = I think / I find
- online lessen = online lessons
- handig = useful / convenient
- thuis = at home
- studeren = to study
- bespaar = save
- tijd = time
- hoef niet = do not have to
- reizen = to travel
- één dag per week = one day per week
Notice the level here. The language is still simple, but the text has logic. That is what B1 wants.
Opinion phrases you can reuse
- Ik vind dat… = I think that…
- Volgens mij… = In my opinion…
- Ik denk dat… = I think that…
- Dat is belangrijk, omdat… = That is important because…
- Een voordeel is dat… = One advantage is that…
- Een nadeel is dat… = One disadvantage is that…
How can you describe experiences and events clearly?
Another common task is writing about something that happened. An experience is something you lived through. In Dutch, ervaring means experience. An event is something that happened. In Dutch, gebeurtenis means event or happening. This skill is covered well in Describing experiences and events.
When you describe an event, keep the order clear:
- When did it happen?
- Where did it happen?
- What happened?
- How did you feel?
- What happened next?
Example:
Vorige week had ik een gesprek op school. Ik was een beetje zenuwachtig, omdat mijn Nederlands nog niet perfect is. Het gesprek ging gelukkig goed en de docent was vriendelijk. Daarna voelde ik mij rustig en blij.
Word meanings:
- vorige week = last week
- gesprek = conversation / meeting
- school = school
- een beetje = a little
- zenuwachtig = nervous
- nog niet = not yet
- gelukkig = luckily
- vriendelijk = friendly
- daarna = after that
- rustig = calm
- blij = happy
This kind of writing works because it answers the natural reader questions. When? Where? What? Feeling? Result? If you skip these, the text feels empty.
How do you write a complaint in Dutch without sounding rude?
A complaint is a very practical exam topic. In Dutch, klacht means complaint. Een klacht indienen means to submit a complaint. You may complain about noise, a broken product, bad service, a wrong bill, or a housing problem. The smart thing is to stay calm and clear. Angry writing often becomes messy writing.
You can learn more in Resolving complaints in writing (klacht indienen), but here is a simple exam-ready structure.
- Say why you are writing.
- Explain the problem with facts.
- Say what you want as a solution.
- End politely.
Complaint email example:
Geachte meneer of mevrouw,
Ik schrijf u, omdat ik een klacht heb over mijn bestelling. Ik heb vorige week een tafel gekocht, maar de tafel is kapot aangekomen. Er zit een grote kras op het blad.
Ik wil graag een nieuwe tafel of mijn geld terug. Kunt u mij deze week een bericht sturen?
Met vriendelijke groet,
David Petrov
Word meanings:
- bestelling = order
- gekocht = bought
- kapot = broken
- aangekomen = arrived
- kras = scratch
- blad = top surface of a table
- geld terug = money back / refund
- bericht = message
Notice what is missing: drama, insults, and long stories. That is a good thing. In exam writing, clarity beats emotion.
What makes a professional Dutch email look strong?
Professional means suitable for work, school, a company, a doctor, a municipality office, or another formal setting. In Dutch, professioneel means professional. A professional email should look neat, polite, and easy to answer. The guide Writing professional emails in Dutch is very useful for this part.
A professional email usually has these parts:
- Greeting
- Reason for writing
- Main information
- Question or request
- Polite ending
- Name
A ready-to-use email frame
Geachte [naam],
Ik schrijf deze e-mail omdat…
Ik wil graag…
Ook heb ik een vraag over…
Kunt u mij laten weten of dit mogelijk is?
Alvast bedankt voor uw reactie.
Met vriendelijke groet,
[uw naam]
Word meanings:
- laten weten = let know / inform
- mogelijk = possible
- alvast = in advance
- reactie = response
- uw naam = your name, formal
If your exam task asks you to email a boss, landlord, school, or city office, this frame can save time and reduce mistakes.
Common email topics in B1 exam practice
- asking for information
- changing an appointment
- explaining an absence
- responding to a problem
- making a complaint
- giving your opinion
- thanking someone and asking a follow-up question
What do trusted sources say about scoring, timing, and practice?
Let’s stay factual. One exam-prep source built around the Inburgering B1 and Staatsexamen NT2 B1 format states that the writing exam contains 12 tasks in 100 minutes, split into short sentence tasks and larger practical texts, and mentions recent pass marks around 25 out of 47 or 26 out of 48. This gives a useful picture of pressure and pacing. It also matches the practical idea that you must not spend too long on one answer.
At the same time, the official Dutch government exam page at Inburgeren.nl says that for B1 and B2 language exams, practice exams are available, and there are also practice assignments for Writing and Speaking at level B1. That matters because official practice gives the closest sense of real task style.
- Trusted source 1: Inburgering.org, for the reported exam format and recent score references.
- Trusted source 2: Inburgeren.nl / DUO, for official B1 writing practice availability.
What should you do with this information? Keep your answers complete but controlled. If you write too much, you raise the chance of grammar mistakes. If you write too little, you may miss task points. The sweet spot is clear, direct, and structured writing.
Fast pacing guide for 100 minutes
- Read each task carefully before writing.
- Underline or note the required points.
- Spend less time on very short tasks.
- Save more time for longer emails and practical texts.
- Check greeting, tone, and closing at the end.
- Leave 5 to 10 minutes for review if possible.
That review time can rescue points. A missing niet means not, and it can change the full meaning. A wrong pronoun like je instead of u can make the tone weak. Tiny details matter.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
Here is where many learners lose easy points. Not because they do not know Dutch, but because they do not answer the exam task in the right way.
- Missing task points
Read the prompt carefully. If the task asks for two questions and one reason, give all three. - Wrong tone
Do not mix je and u. Match the situation. - No paragraphing
Put separate ideas into separate paragraphs. - Too much text
Long texts often contain more mistakes. Write enough, not everything you know. - No clear request
If you want a reply, say what you want. - Weak endings
Always close the email properly. - Bad word order after connectors
With omdat, the verb often goes to the end. Example: omdat ik moet werken. - Copying one fixed template without thinking
Templates help, but you must still answer the real task.
Mini correction examples
- Weak: Hallo meneer, ik kom niet. doei
Better: Geachte meneer, ik kan morgen helaas niet komen. Kunt u een nieuwe afspraak plannen? Met vriendelijke groet, … - Weak: Ik vind school goed.
Better: Ik vind de school goed, omdat de lessen duidelijk zijn en de docenten vriendelijk zijn. - Weak: Mijn pakket is laat. Ik boos.
Better: Mijn pakket is nog niet aangekomen. Daarom wil ik graag weten wanneer ik het pakket kan verwachten.
Short correction work like this gives fast progress. You start to see patterns, and the exam is full of patterns.
How can you prepare step by step for the writing exam?
Next steps. If you want a clear study plan, use this.
- First: Learn 10 to 15 reusable email phrases.
Ik schrijf omdat…, Ik wil graag…, Kunt u…, Alvast bedankt… - Then: Practice tone.
Write one message to a friend with je, and one to an office with u. - Next: Train paragraph structure.
Write short texts with opening, detail, request, closing. - After that: Practice three task types again and again.
Opinion text, experience text, complaint email. - Then: Use official or exam-like B1 practice tasks.
Time yourself. - Finally: Review your own errors list.
Look for repeated mistakes in word order, articles, verbs, and closings.
Realistic timeline: If you already have strong A2 and are moving into B1, 4 to 8 weeks of focused writing practice can make a visible difference. If your Dutch is still early A1 or A2, give yourself more time and build sentence control first.
A weekly practice plan
- Day 1: formal email
- Day 2: informal email
- Day 3: opinion with 2 reasons
- Day 4: experience or event text
- Day 5: complaint email
- Day 6: timed mixed tasks
- Day 7: correction and vocabulary review
This works because repetition builds speed, and speed lowers stress.
Simple Dutch recap: wat moet je weten voor B1 schrijven?
Het B1-schrijfexamen vraagt om duidelijke teksten. Je schrijft vaak een e-mail, een bericht, een klacht of een korte tekst met je mening. Je hoeft geen moeilijke woorden te gebruiken. Je moet vooral duidelijk, netjes en logisch schrijven.
Een goede tekst heeft vaak drie delen:
- begin = waarom schrijf je?
- midden = wat is de situatie, vraag of klacht?
- einde = wat wil je nu, en hoe sluit je af?
Gebruik u in formele situaties. Gebruik je bij vrienden of mensen die je goed kent. Schrijf korte zinnen. Controleer ook je groet. Bij een formele e-mail kun je schrijven: Geachte mevrouw en Met vriendelijke groet. Bij een informele e-mail kun je schrijven: Hoi Anna en Groetjes.
Als je je mening geeft, schrijf dan ook een reden. Ik vind deze cursus goed, omdat de uitleg duidelijk is. Als je over een ervaring schrijft, vertel dan wanneer, waar, wat en hoe je je voelde. Als je een klacht schrijft, blijf dan rustig en beleefd. Schrijf wat het probleem is en wat je wilt als oplossing.
Handige woorden: omdat = because, daarom = that is why, ook = also, maar = but, vraag = question, afspraak = appointment, antwoord = answer, oplossing = solution.
Final thoughts and next steps
The B1 writing exam rewards people who stay calm, answer the task, and organize their text well. Trusted exam-prep data points to 12 tasks in 100 minutes and recent pass references around 25/47 or 26/48, while the official government exam site confirms that B1 writing practice tasks are available. Those two facts tell you something very practical. You do not need perfect Dutch. You need clear Dutch under time pressure.
If you want the full skill set, make sure you also train the six connected areas covered in these focused guides: paragraph structure and text organization, formal vs informal writing, expressing opinions with supporting arguments, describing experiences and events, resolving complaints in writing, and writing professional emails in Dutch. Together, these cover almost everything that makes B1 writing feel manageable.
Start small today. Write one formal email, one informal email, and one short opinion text. Then check: Did you answer the task? Did you use the right tone? Did each paragraph have one job? That is how passable writing becomes strong writing.
Samenvatting (Article Summary in Dutch)
Practice your reading: This section covers the same information in simple Dutch. Explain how to find answers.
In het artikel leer je hoe je een goede e-mail en een korte tekst schrijft voor het B1 schrijfexamen. Je ziet wat vaak in de opdracht staat, zoals een klacht, een uitnodiging, een reactie of een aanvraag. Ook leer je hoe je een tekst logisch opbouwt met een begin, midden en eind. Kijk goed naar signaalwoorden, de vraag in de opdracht en de toon van de tekst. Zo vind je de juiste antwoorden sneller.
Vertaling (Translation):
- e-mail = email
- opbouw = structure
- uitnodiging = invitation
Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
❌ Mistake 1: Je vergeet alle punten uit de opdracht.
✅ Instead: Zet eerst de punten uit de opdracht op een rij en controleer ze aan het eind.
❌ Mistake 2: Je gebruikt een te informele toon in een formele e-mail.
✅ Instead: Schrijf netjes met woorden als “Geachte”, “Met vriendelijke groet” en “u”.
❌ Mistake 3: Je tekst heeft geen duidelijke volgorde.
✅ Instead: Maak een simpel plan: begin, reden, extra informatie, afsluiting.
❌ Mistake 4: Je zinnen zijn te kort of te los van elkaar.
✅ Instead: Gebruik makkelijke verbindingswoorden zoals “en”, “maar”, “want”, “daarna”.
❌ Mistake 5: Je antwoord is te kort.
✅ Instead: Geef op elk punt één of twee duidelijke zinnen.
❌ Mistake 6: Je schrijft zonder controle.
✅ Instead: Lees je tekst nog één keer en kijk naar naam, datum, werkwoorden en spelling.
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 B1 schrijfexamen schrijf je vaak een e-mail of een korte tekst. Je moet goed lezen wat de opdracht vraagt. Soms schrijf je formeel, en soms schrijf je informeel. Een goede tekst heeft een duidelijk begin, midden en eind. Controleer ook altijd je spelling en of alle punten in je tekst staan.
Vragen (Questions):
Bij het B1 schrijfexamen schrijf je nooit een e-mail.
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAARShow answer
❌ NIET WAAR – In de tekst staat juist dat je vaak een e-mail of een korte tekst schrijft.De tekst zegt dat je goed moet lezen wat de ________ vraagt.
Show answer
opdrachtWat hoort bij een goede tekst?
A) Alleen een begin
B) Alleen een eind
C) Een duidelijk begin, midden en eind
D) Alleen lange zinnenShow answer
C) Een duidelijk begin, midden en eindJe hoeft je spelling niet te controleren.
✅ WAAR ❌ NIET WAARShow answer
❌ NIET WAAR – De tekst zegt dat je altijd je spelling moet controleren.Soms schrijf je formeel, en soms schrijf je ________.
Show answer
informeel
Dutch Vocabulary List (Woordenlijst)
Master these terms from this article:
Nouns (Zelfstandige naamwoorden)
- de e-mail – the email
- de tekst – the text
- de opdracht – the assignment
- de vraag – the question
- het antwoord – the answer
- de klacht – the complaint
- de uitnodiging – the invitation
- de reactie – the response
- de aanvraag – the request, application
- de opbouw – the structure
- het begin – the beginning
- het midden – the middle
- het eind – the end
- de toon – the tone
- de spelling – the spelling
Verbs (Werkwoorden)
- schrijven – to write
- lezen – to read
- vragen – to ask
- antwoorden – to answer
- beginnen – to begin
- eindigen – to end
- controleren – to check
- gebruiken – to use
- oefenen – to practise
- verbinden – to connect
Adjectives & Phrases (Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden & uitdrukkingen)
- formeel – formal
- informeel – informal
- duidelijk – clear
- logisch – logical
- netjes – neat, polite
- Met vriendelijke groet – kind regards
- Geachte heer/mevrouw – Dear sir/madam
- alle punten noemen – mention all points
Extra oefeningen voor taal leren
Hier is waarom. Met meer korte oefeningen leer je sneller schrijven voor een e-mail, brief of korte examentekst. Deze oefeningen gaan over grammatica, woordenschat, toon en cultuur in Nederland.
1. Orden de e-mail
Zet de delen in de goede volgorde.
A) Met vriendelijke groet,
B) Ik schrijf deze e-mail omdat ik een vraag heb over de cursus.
C) Geachte mevrouw Jansen,
D) Kunt u mij meer informatie sturen?
E) Anna de Vries
Juiste volgorde:Show answer
2. Kies formeel of informeel
Schrijf formeel of informeel.
Hoi Lisa, hoe gaat het?
Show answer
informeelGeachte meneer De Boer,
Show answer
formeelGroetjes, Sam
Show answer
informeelMet vriendelijke groet,
Show answer
formeel
3. Vul het juiste woord in
Kies uit: want, maar, en, daarna
Ik schrijf een e-mail, ________ ik heb een vraag.
Show answer
wantEerst lees ik de opdracht, ________ schrijf ik mijn tekst.
Show answer
daarnaDe e-mail is kort ________ duidelijk.
Show answer
enIk wil komen, ________ ik ben ziek.
Show answer
maar
4. Werkwoorden in de tegenwoordige tijd
Vul de goede vorm in van het werkwoord tussen haakjes.
Ik ________ een formele e-mail. (schrijven)
Show answer
schrijfU ________ morgen een antwoord. (krijgen)
Show answer
krijgtWij ________ de opdracht goed. (lezen)
Show answer
lezenHij ________ de tekst nog een keer. (controleren)
Show answer
controleert
5. Kies het juiste aanspreekwoord
________ mevrouw Bakker,
A) Hoi
B) Beste
C) GeachteShow answer
C) Geachte________ Tom,
A) Geachte
B) Hoi
C) Met vriendelijke groetShow answer
B) Hoi
6. Schrijf de afsluiting bij de juiste situatie
Formele e-mail aan de gemeente
Show answer
Met vriendelijke groet,Bericht aan een vriend
Show answer
Groetjes,
7. Culturele oefening: schrijven in Nederland
Lees de zinnen en kies wat vaak past in Nederland.
In een formele e-mail aan een school of gemeente gebruik je vaak:
A) je
B) uShow answer
B) uNederlanders schrijven in werk of school vaak:
A) direct en duidelijk
B) lang en vaagShow answer
A) direct en duidelijkEen formele e-mail begint vaak met:
A) Yo
B) Geachte heer/mevrouwShow answer
B) Geachte heer/mevrouw
8. Mini schrijfopdracht
Schrijf 4 korte zinnen voor deze situatie:
Situatie: Je kunt niet naar een afspraak met de docent komen. Schrijf een korte formele e-mail. Noem:
- waarom je niet komt
- een excuus
- een nieuwe dag
- een nette afsluiting
Voorbeeldantwoord:
Show answer
Ik kan morgen niet komen, want ik ben ziek.
Sorry voor het probleem.
Kan ik op vrijdag komen?
Met vriendelijke groet,
Sara
9. Fouten verbeteren
Verbeter de zin.
hoi meneer ik heb een vraag
Show answer
Hoi meneer, ik heb een vraag.Geachte Anna, hoe gaat het met je?
Show answer
Beste Anna, hoe gaat het met je?Met vriendelijk groet
Show answer
Met vriendelijke groetIk schrijft een email naar school.
Show answer
Ik schrijf een e-mail naar school.
10. Welke punten staan in de opdracht
Opdracht: Je schrijft een e-mail naar een sportclub. Je wilt lid worden. Vraag:
- de prijs
- de lestijden
- of je eerst een proefles mag doen
Welke drie punten moet je in je tekst zetten?
Show answer
Korte schrijftips voor het examen
Let’s break it down.
- Lees de opdracht twee keer.
- Onderstreep de punten die je moet noemen.
- Kies formeel of informeel.
- Maak eerst een klein plan.
- Schrijf korte, duidelijke zinnen.
- Gebruik woorden als en, maar, want, daarna.
- Controleer je tekst aan het eind.
Handig voorbeeld: formele e-mail
Situatie: Je wilt informatie over een Nederlandse cursus.
Voorbeeld:
Geachte heer/mevrouw,
Ik wil graag informatie over de cursus Nederlands.
Wat kost de cursus?
En op welke dagen is de les?
Met vriendelijke groet,
Ali Kaya
Handig voorbeeld: informele e-mail
Situatie: Je nodigt een vriend uit.
Voorbeeld:
Hoi Noor,
Wil je zaterdag bij mij komen eten?
We eten om zes uur.
Laat je het even weten?
Groetjes,
Mina
Next steps
Oefen nu met één formele en één informele e-mail. Kijk daarna of je:
- alle punten uit de opdracht hebt
- de goede toon gebruikt
- een duidelijk begin en eind hebt
- geen kleine fouten hebt in spelling en werkwoorden
Als je wilt, kan ik ook een tweede set oefeningen maken met:
- meer B1 examenopdrachten
- voorbeeldmails
- invuloefeningen
- oefening met correcte volgorde van zinnen
People Also Ask:
How is the B1 writing exam format for Inburgering in the Netherlands?
The B1 writing exam usually focuses on practical writing tasks such as emails, forms, short messages, and longer structured texts. Search results point to B1 writing tasks that include sentence-level tasks plus larger practical texts, with a total writing time of about 100 minutes for B1-level writing. You are usually judged on whether you answer the task clearly, use correct grammar and spelling, and organize your text in a logical way.
How can I prepare for the Inburgering B1 writing exam?
A good way to prepare is to practice writing real-life texts in Dutch every day, such as emails, complaints, requests, and short formal messages. Related search results also suggest reading simple Dutch news, building a vocabulary list, and practicing with old exam tasks. It also helps to learn standard openings and closings for formal emails and to check your grammar, sentence order, and spelling after each practice text.
What kinds of texts do you write in the B1 writing exam?
At B1 level, you may need to write emails, formal letters, short reports, messages, or other structured practical texts. The tasks are meant to reflect everyday situations in the Netherlands, such as contacting a school, landlord, employer, or municipality. Your answer should stay on topic and include all the points mentioned in the question.
How long is the B1 writing exam?
Search results show that B1 writing can last 100 minutes. This gives you time to complete both shorter sentence tasks and longer writing tasks. Because the exam is timed, it is smart to practice planning quickly, writing clearly, and leaving a few minutes at the end to correct mistakes.
How is the Inburgering writing exam graded?
The writing exam is usually graded on content and language quality. That means examiners look at whether you answered the question properly, included the needed information, and used understandable Dutch with acceptable grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Clear organization also matters, especially in emails and longer structured texts.
What is the passing score for the Inburgering exam?
The passing score can differ by exam section and level, so it is best to check the official DUO or Inburgeren.nl information for the 2026 rules. In general, you need to meet the passing standard for each separate exam part rather than getting one single overall score for everything. For writing, that means your text must be good enough in both task completion and language use.
How hard is the Dutch Inburgering writing exam at B1 level?
Many learners find the B1 writing exam harder than A2 because the texts must be longer, clearer, and better organized. You need more vocabulary, better grammar control, and a stronger sense of formal writing. Still, the exam becomes much easier if you practice common task types and learn fixed phrases for introductions, requests, explanations, and endings.
Do I need to write formal emails in the B1 writing exam?
Yes, formal emails are a common type of B1 writing task. You may be asked to write to a school, company, local office, or housing provider. You should know how to greet the reader politely, explain the reason for writing, ask or answer questions, and end the email in a polite and suitable way.
What should a good B1 exam email include?
A good B1 exam email should include a clear subject or purpose, a polite greeting, the main points from the task, and a proper closing. It should be easy to follow and divided into short paragraphs when needed. Good exam emails also use simple but correct Dutch rather than long complicated sentences that may lead to mistakes.
What is the best way to practice structured texts for the B1 exam?
The best way is to practice with model tasks that look like real exam questions and then compare your answer with a sample response. Focus on structure: opening, reason for writing, details, request or conclusion, and closing. Rewriting the same task after correcting mistakes is also very useful because it helps you remember the right sentence patterns for the 2026 exam.
FAQ
How many words should I write for a B1 writing task?
There is usually no fixed word count that matters more than task completion, clarity, and tone. For shorter tasks, write only what is needed. For longer emails or practical texts, aim for enough detail to answer every point clearly without adding extra information that increases mistakes.
Is handwriting important in the Dutch B1 writing exam?
For current computer-based practice and exam preparation, typing speed and accuracy matter more than handwriting. You should practice writing on a keyboard, including Dutch punctuation and capitals. If typing is slow, you may lose valuable minutes, especially when reviewing and correcting grammar or tone errors.
How can I quickly check whether I answered the full prompt?
Use a simple checklist before you start and again before you submit. Mark the required points: reason, question, opinion, complaint, request, date, or solution. If the prompt asks for three things, your text should clearly include all three. This avoids losing easy points on content.
What grammar mistakes are most tolerated at B1 level?
Small grammar mistakes are often less serious if the message stays clear and complete. Examiners usually care more about whether the reader understands your purpose, request, and structure. Errors become a bigger problem when they confuse meaning, damage tone, or make important information unclear.
Should I use fixed templates for Dutch email writing practice?
Templates are useful for speed, but they should be flexible, not copied blindly. Memorize openings, request phrases, and closings, then adapt them to the situation. For better structure practice, review professional Dutch email examples and rewrite them for different exam topics.
What is the best way to practice B1 writing if I am still at A2?
Start by building sentence control first. Practice short emails, requests, and simple opinion sentences with one reason. Then expand into fuller texts. A good bridge from A2 to B1 is studying Dutch paragraph structure so your ideas become easier to organize.
How should I divide my time during the 100-minute writing exam?
A practical method is to move quickly through short sentence tasks and protect more time for the four larger texts. Do not try to perfect early answers. Trusted prep sources describe the exam as 12 tasks in 100 minutes, so pacing matters almost as much as grammar.
Can I still pass if my Dutch vocabulary is basic?
Yes. Many candidates pass with simple vocabulary if they write complete, relevant, and well-organized answers. Common everyday words are enough for many B1 tasks about work, school, appointments, housing, or complaints. Clear structure, correct tone, and logical linking often help more than advanced vocabulary.
What should I do if I do not understand one word in the prompt?
Do not panic. First, use the surrounding context to guess the meaning. Look at who you are writing to, what the situation is, and what action is requested. Then focus on the parts you do understand and answer them clearly. Missing one word should not destroy your whole response.
Are official practice materials better than unofficial ones?
Official materials are best for understanding task style and exam expectations. The Dutch government exam page says B1 and B2 practice exams are available, with separate B1 writing and speaking assignments as well. Unofficial sources can still help, especially for feedback, timing drills, and extra email-writing repetition.
