Many expats ask: How long does it take to prepare for the Inburgering exam? The answer depends on your starting level and study habits. For most learners, 6 months of structured practice is enough to reach A2 or B1 level Dutch and pass the exam.

This guide gives you a step-by-step 6-month study plan with clear goals, daily practice ideas, and trusted resources.

Table of Contents

• Why 6 Months Works
• Month 1: Build Your Foundation
• Month 2: Strengthen Listening and Reading
• Month 3: Start Writing and Speaking Practice
• Month 4: Real Exam Practice
• Month 5: Focus on Weak Areas
• Month 6: Mock Exams and Confidence Building
• Resources
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Why 6 Months Works

Language learning takes time. Studying every day for a short time is more effective than long, irregular sessions. 6 months = about 180 days, enough to:

• Build basic grammar and vocabulary
• Improve listening and reading fluency
• Gain confidence in speaking and writing
• Practice in the real exam format

Month 1: Build Your Foundation

Focus: Basic vocabulary, grammar, and everyday Dutch.

• Learn 100–150 essential words (shopping, transport, work, family)
• Practice greetings and short conversations
• Study 20 minutes a day using apps, flashcards, or beginner books
• Listen to simple Dutch audio daily (children’s TV, slow news)

✅ Goal: Understand simple Dutch sentences and introduce yourself confidently.

Month 2: Strengthen Listening and Reading

Focus: Understanding Dutch input.

• Read short Dutch texts (signs, emails, news snippets)
• Practice listening with subtitles on Dutch TV or YouTube
• Start practicing with InburgeringExam.nl for Reading and Listening
• Review vocabulary daily

✅ Goal: Read and understand short everyday texts and follow basic conversations.

Month 3: Start Writing and Speaking Practice

Focus: Producing Dutch actively.

• Write 3–4 short texts each week (emails, invitations, daily routines)
• Practice Speaking tasks on InburgeringExam.nl with AI feedback
• Record yourself and compare with native speakers
• Continue Listening/Reading daily

✅ Goal: Express yourself in short sentences, both spoken and written.

Month 4: Real Exam Practice

Focus: Exam simulation and KNM preparation.

• Do full practice sets on InburgeringExam.nl (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking)
• Study KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) using practice questions
• Review mistakes carefully

✅ Goal: Be familiar with exam format and timing.

Month 5: Focus on Weak Areas

Focus: Personal improvement.

• Identify weakest skill (e.g., Speaking) and practice more hours here
• Continue strong skills but spend 60% of study time on weak points
• Ask Dutch friends or colleagues to practice conversations

✅ Goal: Balance your skills and build confidence.

Month 6: Mock Exams and Confidence Building

Focus: Final preparation.

• Take at least 3 full mock exams on InburgeringExam.nl
• Review all vocabulary lists (A2/B1 level)
• Practice speaking in daily life as much as possible
• Reduce stress by practicing relaxation before exam day

✅ Goal: Be ready to pass the exam at A2 or B1 level with confidence.

Resources

• InburgeringExam.nl: Best platform to practice in real exam style with AI feedback and progress tracking.
• DUO: Official information about registration, rules, and exam dates.
• Rijksoverheid: Official government rules on inburgering.

FAQ

1. Can I reach B1 in 6 months? If you study daily and already know some Dutch, B1 is possible. Beginners may need more than 6 months.

2. How many hours should I study per day? At least 20–30 minutes daily, or 2–3 hours spread across the week.

3. Is self-study enough, or do I need classes? Many pass with self-study and InburgeringExam.nl practice. Classes help if you want extra guidance.

4. What if I fail one part of the exam? You only retake the failed part. You don’t need to redo the whole exam.

5. Do I need to study KNM separately? Yes, KNM requires knowledge of Dutch society. Use official guides and practice tests.

Conclusion

With a 6-month structured plan, daily short study sessions, and real exam practice, you can reach A2 or even B1 level Dutch and pass the Inburgering exam. The secret is consistency, balance, and practicing in exam format.

✅ Start today with InburgeringExam.nl, the most effective way to prepare with real exam-style tasks.