Academy
The Inburgering Speaking Exam Explained (Including 2025 Changes)
A complete guide to the Dutch Inburgering speaking exam, including the 2025 format changes. Learn the new structure, tasks, and tips to prepare effectively.
Inburgering ExamWhat Is the Inburgering Speaking Exam?
The Inburgering (civic integration) speaking exam assesses your ability to speak Dutch clearly and fluently. At both A2 and B1 levels, the exam is computer-based, and you record your spoken responses via a microphone headset for later evaluation by an examiner. Your performance is judged on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and coherence.
What Has Changed in 2025?
1. Removal of Multiple-Choice Questions (Effective March 1, 2025)
- Before 2025, the A2 speaking exam had two parts: spoken responses and multiple-choice questions.
- From March 1, 2025, the multiple-choice component is gone.
- The exam now consists only of spoken tasks.
Key changes:
- Total tasks reduced from 24 → 16
- Time remains 35 minutes, giving more space per answer
New Format Breakdown (A2 Level):
- Questions 1–4: Respond to a short video
- Questions 5–8: React to an image with a two-part response
- Questions 9–12: Choose between two images and respond
- Questions 13–16: Comment on three images in sequence
👉 This makes the exam more focused on real-life communication skills instead of test-taking strategies.
2. Why It’s a Positive Change
- Fairer for those who can speak well but struggle with multiple-choice tests
- Focuses on practical Dutch usage
- Aligns better with real-life situations
3. Practice Exams Available
- Until Feb 2025: Old-style practice versions available
- From Dec 1, 2024: New practice exams in the 2025 format available on the DUO website
How the Speaking Exam Works (A2 & B1 Levels)
A2 Level (New Format 2025)
- Duration: 35 minutes
- 16 spoken tasks
- Prompts via videos, images, and scenarios
B1 Level
- 8 short responses (~20 sec each)
- 8 longer responses (~30 sec each)
- More emphasis on coherent, structured answers
How to Prepare for the New Format
- Clarity over complexity → Use simple, correct sentences.
- Practice under real-life conditions → Since exams are taken in groups, expect background noise.
- Time management → Don’t waste time re-recording; answer confidently on the first try.
- Use basic grammar tools → Words like en (and), want (because) keep sentences clear.
- Don’t aim for perfection → Accent isn’t graded harshly; fluency and clarity matter more.
- Keep it short & direct → Example:
- ❌ “I like dogs because they are ridiculously friendly, however, they can lick too much.”
- ✅ “Ik hou van honden omdat ze vriendelijk zijn.”
Summary Table: Before & After March 1, 2025
| Feature | Before (Pre-2025) | After (Post-March 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple choice + spoken answers | Spoken answers only |
| Number of Tasks | 24 | 16 |
| Duration | 35 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Focus | Recognition + speaking | Speaking only |
| Practice Exams | Old format | New format (Dec 2024 onwards) |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 updates make the Inburgering speaking exam a fairer and more authentic test of your Dutch speaking ability. With fewer questions and no multiple choice, success now depends on speaking clearly, concisely, and confidently.
Key Takeaways:
- Expect 16 spoken tasks in 35 minutes
- Prepare with new DUO practice exams (from Dec 2024)
- Keep your answers short, simple, and clear