If you’re preparing for the inburgering A2 exam, the most important thing to understand is this:

Passing the exam is not just about knowing Dutch.

It’s about understanding the format, the types of questions, and what answers are expected.

This guide explains exactly how the A2 inburgering exam works and how to prepare for each part: reading, listening, writing, speaking, and KNM.

The inburgering A2 exam is part of the Dutch integration process.

It tests whether you can:

• understand basic Dutch in everyday situations
• communicate in simple conversations
• read and write short texts
• understand how Dutch society works (KNM)

The exam consists of five main parts:

• Reading (Lezen)
• Listening (Luisteren)
• Writing (Schrijven)
• Speaking (Spreken)
• KNM (Knowledge of Dutch society)

Most learners don’t fail because they don’t know Dutch.

They struggle because:

• they are not familiar with the exam format
• they don’t know what kind of answers are expected
• they underestimate speaking and writing
• they prepare with the wrong materials

Many people use apps or general courses that don’t match the exam.

That’s where problems start.

READING (LEZEN)

What to expect

• Short texts (emails, letters, ads, messages)
• Multiple-choice questions
• Focus on understanding key information

What a good answer looks like

You don’t need to understand every word.
You need to:

• scan for important details
• recognize keywords
• understand the main message

Common mistakes

• translating everything word by word
• spending too much time on one question
• missing simple clues in the text

What to expect

• Audio fragments (conversations, announcements, messages)
• Multiple-choice questions
• Real-life situations

What a good answer looks like

You should be able to:

• understand the situation quickly
• identify key words
• recognize what is being asked

Common mistakes

• trying to understand every sentence
• panicking when you miss a word
• not focusing on the question

What to expect

• Short writing tasks (emails, forms, messages)
• Practical situations

Example task

Write an email to your landlord about a problem in your house.

What a good answer looks like

A strong answer is:

• clear and simple
• structured (opening, message, closing)
• directly answers the task

Example answer

Beste meneer Jansen,

Ik heb een probleem in mijn woning. De verwarming werkt niet goed. Kunt u dit alstublieft controleren?

Met vriendelijke groet,
Ahmed

Common mistakes

• writing too complex sentences
• forgetting structure
• not answering the question directly

What to expect

• You listen to a question
• You record your answer
• Short, practical responses

What a good answer looks like

A strong answer is:

• simple
• relevant
• complete

Example

Question:
Wat doe je in het weekend?

Answer:
In het weekend ga ik naar de stad. Ik drink koffie met vrienden en ik doe boodschappen.

Common mistakes

• saying too little
• trying to be too perfect
• hesitating too much

What to expect

• Questions about Dutch society
• Topics like work, healthcare, housing, and rules

What you need to know

• how Dutch systems work
• what is expected in daily life
• basic knowledge of society

Common mistake

Memorizing without understanding.

You need to understand situations, not just facts.

This depends on your level.

If you are already at A2:

• 2–4 weeks of focused exam preparation is often enough

If you are below A2:

• you need to first complete A1 and A2

The most effective way to prepare is:

• practice full exam formats
• get feedback on your answers
• compare with good example answers
• repeat until you feel confident

This depends on when you started your inburgering process.

Before 1 January 2022 → usually A2

After 1 January 2022 → usually B1

Always check your personal situation with DUO.