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KNM Exam: Themes, Questions & Practice (A2/B1)

A clear, friendly guide to the KNM exam: themes, updated focus for 2025, realistic practice questions with answers, and a short study plan to pass with confidence.

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KNM

KNM Exam: Themes, Questions & Practice (A2/B1)

Preparing for KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) can feel big at first. Good news: the KNM exam is practical, short (±45 minutes), and very passable with the right focus. In this guide you’ll learn what the exam looks like in 2025, what has changed, the main themes, and you’ll practice with realistic sample questions and answers. We’ll finish with a short study plan and a friendly checklist so you can book your exam with confidence.

Primary goal: Understand daily life in the Netherlands — work, housing, healthcare, rules, values — and make good choices in real situations.

Who is this for? Anyone preparing for the Inburgering exam at A2 (or doing language at B1 but still taking KNM). The language in this article is A2/B1-friendly.

Table of Contents

What the KNM exam is (and isn’t)

  • Computer-based exam taken at an official DUO location.
  • You answer questions by watching short situations or reading short texts, then choosing the best answer.
  • Time: about 45 minutes.
  • Focus: real life in the Netherlands — not hard grammar, not long texts.
  • No writing task. You choose options, sometimes after a short video.

The KNM exam is not a language level test like Reading/Listening/Writing/Speaking. It checks your knowledge of Dutch society in clear, everyday Dutch. If you’re comfortable at A2, you can absolutely pass.

Typical exam locations (DUO): Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Rijswijk, Eindhoven, Zwolle. When you register, you select the date and place.

What’s new in 2025

From 1 July 2025, DUO adjusted parts of the KNM exam to better reflect life in the Netherlands today. In practice this means more attention to social values, such as self‑determination, equal rights, and historical awareness (e.g., World War II/Holocaust), plus refreshed examples for themes like work, housing and government services.

What this means for you:

  • Expect the same length (±45 minutes) and the same exam style.
  • Expect updated scenarios and some new emphasis on values and history.
  • You can (and should!) use the latest official practice materials.

If your exam is after 1 July 2025, make sure you practice with the updated examples linked below.

All KNM themes, explained simply

Below are the core areas KNM can ask about. Learn the keywords and the “what do I do next?” logic for each.

1) Work & Income (Werk en inkomen)

  • Contracts (tijdelijk/vast), minimum wage, payslip (loonstrook), working hours, probation (proeftijd).
  • Rights & duties at work; who to contact if there is a problem (leidinggevende, HR, vakbond).
  • Applying for benefits if you lose your job (UWV), job seeking rules.

Quick tip: If you are ill, you must tell your employer the same day and follow company rules. Long-term illness → contact arboarts / company doctor.

2) Housing (Wonen)

  • Social housing (woningcorporatie) vs private rent (vrije sector), registration (inschrijven), service costs, deposit (borg), inspection and defects.
  • Basic tenants’ rights: written contract, notice period (opzegtermijn), rent increase rules.
  • Problems with the landlord? First contact the landlord; for legal help, Huurcommissie.

3) Education & Children (Onderwijs & opvoeding)

  • School types (basisschool, middelbare school, mbo/hbo/wo), compulsory education (leerplicht).
  • Contact with school: mentor/teacher, ouderavond, report cards.
  • Childcare (kinderopvang), allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag), responsibilities of parents.

4) Health & Care (Gezondheidszorg)

  • Family doctor (huisarts) is your first contact. For life-threatening emergencies → 112. For urgent but not life-threatening → huisartsenpost after hours.
  • Health insurance (zorgverzekering), deductible (eigen risico), GP referral (verwijzing) to hospital.

5) Government & Rules (Overheid & regels)

  • Municipal services (gemeente): registration (BRP), moving address, parking permits, birth/marriage certificates.
  • Digital government: DigiD, using Mijn portals (Mijn DUO, Mijn Belastingdienst).
  • Basic rights & duties: laws, fines, reporting crimes.

6) Money & Taxes (Geld & belastingen)

  • Allowances (toeslagen): rent (huurtoeslag), healthcare (zorgtoeslag), childcare (kinderopvangtoeslag). Keep details up to date.
  • Budgeting, debt help from gemeente if needed (schuldhulpverlening).

7) Transport & Safety (Vervoer & veiligheid)

  • Bikes (rules, lights), public transport (OV-chipkaart), driving (rijbewijs), traffic fines.
  • Emergencies: 112 (police, fire, ambulance). Non‑emergency police: 0900‑8844.

8) Society, Values & Participation (Omgangsvormen & waarden)

  • Equality, freedom, respect, consent, self‑determination.
  • How to handle differences at work/school respectfully.

9) Politics & Institutions (Staatsinrichting)

  • Municipality, province, national government; role of the King (koning) and ministers; elections; rule of law (rechtsstaat).

10) History & Memory (Geschiedenis)

  • Key moments (e.g., WWII, remembrance on 4 May, Liberation Day 5 May), colonial history awareness.
  • Why remembering history matters for living together respectfully today.

Practice questions with answers

Below are A2‑friendly practice items that feel like the real thing. Read each situation and choose A / B / C.

How to use this section: Read, choose an answer, then show the explanation. Repeat later without looking.

Work & Income

  1. You start a new job with a 2‑month proeftijd (probation). In week 1 you feel very ill. What should you do? A. Stay home and say nothing B. Call your employer the same day and follow the sick‑leave rules C. Go to work because it’s probation Why: Dutch employers expect you to report illness immediately and follow procedure.

  2. You get a loonstrook (payslip). What can you check there? A. Only your holiday hours B. Gross/net salary, hours, taxes, pension C. Your lease contract Why: Payslips show salary details and deductions.

Housing

  1. Your rental boiler stops working. What is the first step? A. Tell your landlord/housing association B. Call 112 C. Buy a new boiler Why: Report defects to the responsible owner.

  2. You want social housing (corporation). What do you usually do first? A. Wait for a phone call B. Register on the regional housing website (inschrijven) C. Ask your neighbour to transfer their contract Why: Many regions use waiting lists; you must register early.

Education & Children

  1. Your child is 5 and must go to school (leerplicht). You want a holiday during school weeks. What is correct? A. No problem, parents decide B. You must ask permission; usually school holidays only C. Tell the child to stay home Why: School attendance is compulsory; special permission is limited.

  2. Who do you talk to about your teenager’s grades and behaviour? A. The municipality B. The mentor or teacher at school C. The tax office Why: The mentor is your first contact for study/behaviour.

Health & Care

  1. It’s Saturday night and you have a bad ear infection. What do you do? A. Wait until Monday B. Call the huisartsenpost C. Call your employer Why: After hours, the GP service is the right place for urgent care.

  2. Emergency with danger to life. What number? A. 114 B. 112 C. 0900‑8844 Why: 112 is for life‑threatening emergencies.

Government & Rules

  1. You move to a new city. Within how long should you register your new address (BRP) at the gemeente? A. Usually within 5 days before or after moving (check local rules) B. After 1 year C. Never Why: Registration keeps your data and mail correct; municipalities set exact periods.

  2. You need to log in to a government website to see your exam details. What do you use? A. A random password B. DigiD C. Your bank card Why: DigiD is used to access Dutch government services online.

Money & Taxes

  1. Your income drops and rent is high. What can help? A. Lottery B. Apply for huurtoeslag if you qualify C. Ask the teacher Why: Rent allowance supports low incomes when conditions are met.

  2. You get a letter from Belastingdienst but you don’t understand. Best action? A. Throw it away B. Ask help (gemeente, family coach, language buddy) and respond on time C. Wait until next year Why: Ignoring tax letters can create problems; get support quickly.

Transport & Safety

  1. You cycle at night without lights. What can happen? A. Nothing B. You can get a fine and it’s unsafe C. Police will take your bike Why: Lights are required for safety.

  2. You see a small fire in your building’s hallway. What is the first step? A. Warn people and call 112 B. Write an email C. Go to sleep Why: Safety first, fast action.

Society, Values & Participation

  1. A colleague touches you without consent. What is correct? A. It’s normal B. It’s not acceptable; you can say no and report it C. Only a manager decides Why: Respect and consent are core values; workplaces must be safe.

  2. A classmate shares a different opinion about politics. What should you do? A. Listen respectfully, share your view, no insults B. Shout C. Stop talking to them Why: Respectful dialogue is expected.

Politics & Institutions

  1. Who leads the municipality? A. The King B. The mayor (burgemeester) and the aldermen (wethouders), with the municipal council C. The army Why: Local government manages city services and safety.

  2. What is the rule of law (rechtsstaat) about? A. People are above the law B. Government and citizens must follow the law; judges are independent C. Only police decide Why: Equal treatment and independent courts protect rights.

History & Memory

  1. On 4 May (Dodenherdenking) what do people do at 20:00? A. Two minutes of silence B. Fireworks C. Go to work Why: We remember the victims of war.

  2. Why does the Netherlands teach about the Holocaust? A. To make the exam harder B. To remember victims and protect human rights today C. Only for history fans Why: Historical awareness helps prevent discrimination and hate.

Want more? InburgeringExam.nl lets you practice KNM-style questions plus all language parts, with feedback and tracking.

Mini study plan (7 days)

Short on time? Follow this one‑week plan. Each day: 30–45 minutes.

Day 1 – Orientation

  • Read this guide. Make a list of topics you know well and topics to learn.
  • Create your logins: DigiD and Mijn Inburgering.
  • Do 15 KNM practice questions.

Day 2 – Work & Income + Money

  • Learn words: contract, minimumloon, loonstrook, proeftijd, UWV, toeslagen.
  • Watch short videos about work rules; do 15 practice items.

Day 3 – Housing + Transport

  • Learn: huurcontract, borg, Huurcommissie, inschrijven.
  • Review bike rules and public transport basics. Do 15 practice items.

Day 4 – Health & Care

  • Learn: huisarts, huisartsenpost, eigen risico, verwijzing.
  • Practice calling the GP (what to say). Do 15 items.

Day 5 – Government & Digital

  • Learn: gemeente, BRP, uittreksel, DigiD, Mijn‑portals.
  • Log in to Mijn Inburgering and explore the interface (no booking needed yet).
  • Do 15 items.

Day 6 – Education & Children

  • Learn: leerplicht, ouderavond, mentor, basisschool/middelbare school, mbo/hbo/wo.
  • Do 15 items.

Day 7 – Values, Politics, History

  • Read about respect, consent, equal treatment; basics of government structure; WWII remembrance days.
  • Do a full KNM mock (45 minutes). Review mistakes.

Bonus: If your score is low in one area, repeat that day and do more targeted practice.

Common mistakes & easy fixes

1) Treating KNM like a memory test Fix: Think “What would I do in real life here?” Many questions test practical decisions, not facts.

2) Skipping Dutch keywords Fix: Make a mini‑glossary: huisarts, Huurcommissie, loonstrook, leerplicht, toeslag, DigiD. Learn what each does.

3) Not using official practice Fix: Always try the latest DUO practice for KNM, especially after the 2025 update.

4) Waiting too long to book Fix: Exam slots can be busy. After a week of practice and one good mock, book your date. You can retake parts later if needed.

5) Panic about language Fix: KNM uses clear A2 Dutch. Read slowly, underline keywords, and use logical thinking.

Do & Don’t checklist

Do

  • Bring valid ID to the exam.
  • Arrive early (15–30 minutes) to relax and follow instructions.
  • Read every question twice; look for the everyday, safe, legal answer.
  • Use official practice and InburgeringExam.nl for extra realistic exercises.

Don’t

  • Don’t guess wildly — eliminate obviously wrong options first.
  • Don’t ignore letters or emails about your exam; reply on time.
  • Don’t rely only on friends’ stories — always check an official page.

How results & retakes work

  • For KNM (and A2 language parts), you usually get the result within a few weeks; official maximum is up to 8 weeks. Results appear in Mijn Inburgering and also by letter.
  • If you fail KNM, you retake only KNM — not the other parts.
  • Keep your contact details up to date so you receive the result without delay.

Registering for KNM Create your DigiD, log in to Mijn Inburgering, then choose date and location. Pick the city and time that works for you.

Resources

  • Official KNM info & themes – see the DUO guide on knowledge exams (English & Dutch versions).
  • Register for the exam – DUO’s page to sign up (select KNM and your city/date).
  • Official practice – DUO’s KNM practice page has up‑to‑date sample items for exams after 1 July 2025.
  • Government overview of inburgering – Rijksoverheid’s clear page about signing up and special arrangements.
  • Integration & naturalisation – IND explains how the inburgering diploma fits into residence and naturalisation.

Best place to practice: InburgeringExam.nl — real exam‑format training for KNM and all language parts, with AI‑powered feedback, progress tracking, and smart review of your weak areas.

Links mentioned above (for easy copy/paste into your notes):

FAQ

1) Is KNM at A2 or B1? KNM checks knowledge of society in clear, simple Dutch. If you study at A2, the language in KNM is designed for you. If you do your language exams at B1, you still take KNM as part of inburgering.

2) How long is the exam and how many questions are there? Plan for about 45 minutes. The number of questions can vary; focus on careful reading and everyday logic.

3) When will I get my result? Results for KNM are usually ready within a few weeks; officially it can take up to 8 weeks. You see the result in Mijn Inburgering and also receive a letter.

4) Where do I take the exam? At one of the DUO locations (e.g., Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Rijswijk, Eindhoven, Zwolle). You choose a date and location when you register.

5) Can I retake only KNM if I fail? Yes. You can retake just KNM and keep your other passed parts.

6) What changed after 1 July 2025? DUO updated examples and emphasis (more on values, self‑determination, and history). Make sure you use the latest practice materials.

7) I have a disability or need extra support. What can I do? On the Rijksoverheid page you’ll find info about special arrangements. Contact DUO early if you need adjustments.

Summary & next step

  • KNM is short, practical, and passable with focused practice.
  • Learn the themes and how to act in real situations.
  • Practice with official examples and with InburgeringExam.nl to build speed and confidence.
  • When a mock feels good, book your date and go pass it.

Ready to practice? Start KNM and all other parts on InburgeringExam.nl and see your progress grow — every day.

Last updated: 2025-11-04

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