Writing in Dutch can feel difficult, but with the right structure and practice, you can succeed in the Inburgering Writing Exam (A2) or the Staatsexamen NT2 Writing Exam (B1). This guide explains step by step how to write different exam tasks, with clear examples and the differences between levels (A0, A1, A2, B1).

Table of Contents

• Overview of Writing Exam Levels
• Step-by-Step Method
• Examples of Writing Tasks
• Differences Between A2 and B1 Writing Tasks
• Study Plan
• Checklist
• Resources
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Overview of Writing Exam Levels

The writing tasks change depending on your Dutch level:

• A0–A1 (beginner):
  You can write only single words or very short sentences (name, address, filling in forms).

• A2 (Inburgering exam):
  You can write short messages, notes, and letters. You must show basic grammar, spelling, and ability to communicate in daily life situations.

• B1 (Staatsexamen NT2, Program I):
  You must write longer texts like emails, formal letters, reports, or descriptions. You need more vocabulary, variety, and correct sentence structures.

Step-by-Step Method

Follow these steps for any writing task:

Step 1: Read the task carefully

• Who are you writing to?
• What is the purpose (informal, formal)?
• What details are required?

Step 2: Plan quickly

• Note 2–3 key points you must include.
• Decide if it is formal or informal.

Step 3: Structure your text

• Start (opening): greeting or introduction.
• Middle: the main message (details, reasons, information).
• End: polite closing.

Step 4: Write simple, correct sentences

• Keep sentences short.
• Use basic connectors like en, maar, want, omdat.

Step 5: Check your work

• Spelling: verb endings (-t, -d).
• Structure: greeting and ending included.
• Did you answer all parts of the task?

Examples of Writing Tasks

Here are examples for A2 and B1:

Example 1: A2 Informal Message

Task: Write a note to your friend that you cannot come to the party.

Answer (A2):

Hoi Fatima, Ik kan niet naar je feest komen op zaterdag. Ik moet werken. Ik hoop dat je een fijne dag hebt! Groeten, Ahmed

Why this works: Short, clear, informal, all details included.

Example 2: A2 Formal Letter

Task: Write to your landlord that the heating is broken.

Answer (A2):

Geachte heer, Mijn verwarming doet het niet. Het is erg koud in mijn huis. Kunt u alstublieft snel iemand sturen om dit te repareren? Met vriendelijke groet, Maria Lopez

Why this works: Formal style, clear structure, polite ending.

Example 3: B1 Formal Email

Task: You want to stop your gym subscription.

Answer (B1):

Geachte mevrouw, Hierbij wil ik mijn abonnement bij uw sportschool opzeggen. De reden is dat ik binnenkort ga verhuizen naar een andere stad. Graag ontvang ik een bevestiging van de beëindiging en de laatste betaling.

Alvast bedankt voor uw hulp.

Met vriendelijke groet, Jamal Hassan

Why this works: More complex, includes reason, request for confirmation, formal style.

Example 4: B1 Short Report

Task: Write a short report about a meeting at school.

Answer (B1):

Verslag van de ouderavond – 20 mei Tijdens de ouderavond hebben we gesproken over het nieuwe schoolrooster. Veel ouders waren blij met de verandering, omdat de kinderen nu eerder naar huis gaan. Er waren ook vragen over de lunchpauze. De schoolleiding heeft beloofd dit verder te bespreken.

Why this works: Structured like a report, clear sentences, no unnecessary details.

Differences Between A2 and B1 Writing Tasks

Study Plan

Week 1: Learn structure (greeting, middle, ending). Write 1 short message per day.
Week 2: Practice A2 exam-style tasks. Get feedback.
Week 3: Try B1-style writing if you aim higher. Focus on longer texts and reasons.
Week 4: Do timed practice (40 minutes for A2, 60 minutes for B1).

Checklist

✅ Do:

• Use correct greeting (Hoi vs Geachte).
• Keep sentences clear.
• Answer all parts of the task.
• Check spelling and verbs.

❌ Don’t:

• Write too short.
• Mix formal and informal.
• Forget to sign your name.
• Panic if you forget a word—use a simpler one.

Resources

• InburgeringExam.nl: Best platform to practice real exam-style writing tasks for A2 and B1. Includes AI feedback and progress tracking.
• DUO: Official information about exams and requirements. Remember, DUO does not offer practice tasks.
• Rijksoverheid: Useful for official rules about integration.

FAQ

1. Do I need long sentences to pass?
No, short and correct is better than long with mistakes.

2. Is handwriting important?
Yes, examiners must be able to read your text. Write clearly.

3. Can I use bullet points?
No, you should write full sentences.

4. What if I don’t know a word?
Use a simple synonym or describe it in another way.

5. Can I use a dictionary in the exam?
No, dictionaries are not allowed.

Conclusion

Writing for the Dutch exams (A2 or B1) is not about perfection, but about clear and correct communication. A2 requires short, simple messages, while B1 asks for longer, structured texts. With step-by-step practice, you can move from A1 beginner sentences to confident A2 and even B1 writing.

Start practicing today with InburgeringExam.nl for real examples, feedback, and progress tracking.