KNM topic guide
The civic integration exam in the Netherlands (KNM)
The civic integration exam for people living in the Netherlands: the parts, the KNM society exam on a computer, the level, and free practice questions in Dutch with English and Arabic help.
The KNM is the Knowledge of Dutch Society part of the civic integration exam in the Netherlands. It is a computer test of about 45 minutes with multiple-choice questions in Dutch, and every question belongs to one of eight themes.
Below are the eight themes with a photo, what each guide covers and what to remember. Open a guide to read the whole theme, then study its questions. Which level (A2 or B1) and which parts you need depends on your own DUO letter.
All eight topic guides
Housing in the NetherlandsRenting a home, rent benefit, moving house, sorting your waste and getting along with the neighbours.Read the full guide
Work and income in the NetherlandsThe BSN and DigiD, employment contracts, paying tax, the UWV and the benefits you may be entitled to.Read the full guide
Health care in the NetherlandsThe family doctor, compulsory health insurance, the pharmacy, emergencies and care for children.Read the full guide
Education and parenting in the NetherlandsCompulsory education, the school types, childcare, working with the school and bringing up children in Dutch society.Read the full guide
Values and norms in the NetherlandsEquality, the freedoms in the Constitution, what the law forbids and how people behave towards each other.Read the full guide
Politics and the law in the NetherlandsThe king and the government, parliament, elections, the municipality, and the police and the courts.Read the full guide
History and geography of the NetherlandsThe country and its water, the provinces and cities, and the key events from the Eighty Years’ War to today.Read the full guide
Daily life, traffic and customs in the NetherlandsCycling and traffic rules, public transport, holidays and traditions, shopping, money and visiting people.Read the full guide
A sample question from the bank
Vraag: Naar wie gaat u eerst als u ziek bent en niet in gevaar? Antwoord: Naar de huisarts. (Whom do you go to first if you are sick but not in danger? The family doctor.)
Questions people ask
Are these the real KNM questions?
No. DUO does not publish its question bank. These are original Asagno questions on the same everyday themes, to learn the topics and the style.
Is the KNM in my own language?
The KNM is in Dutch, so your reading level matters. Practise with the Dutch text and use the English or Arabic help only to check.
Which level do I need?
It depends on the law and your plan (A2 or B1). Follow your DUO letter and ask your municipality.
How many themes are there and how are they weighted?
There are eight: housing, work and income, health care, education and parenting, values and norms, politics and the law, history and geography, and daily life and customs. DUO does not publish how many questions come from each, so prepare all eight evenly instead of betting on a few.
Where do I start?
Start with the guide of the theme you know least and finish it the same day with its questions. If everything is new, begin with housing and work, because they are the most practical, then continue in the order of this page.
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.