Reading
Understand everyday Dutch texts — letters, forms, signs, short articles.
Civic integration · A2–B1 · Updated July 2026
Dutch for your inburgering journey.
If you have to complete civic integration in the Netherlands, the language part of the inburgering exam tests four skills — reading, listening, writing and speaking — at level A2 or B1, depending on which law applies to you. There is also the KNM exam about Dutch society. NLern covers exactly the A2–B1 language range the exams span: practical vocabulary by chapter, dedicated Dutch verb libraries, pronunciation practice with feedback, and exam-style practice exercises — for €5.99/month after a 3-day free trial. NLern is an independent learning app, not an official exam provider, so always confirm your personal requirements with inburgeren.nl or your gemeente.
What the exam actually tests
Listening
Follow spoken Dutch in everyday situations and answer questions about it.
Writing
Write short practical texts such as messages, forms and emails.
Speaking
Respond to everyday situations in spoken Dutch.
KNM — Knowledge of Dutch Society
Questions about how life in the Netherlands works: work, healthcare, education, housing, rights.
A2 or B1 — which level do you need?
Wet inburgering 2013: If you became liable to integrate before 1 January 2022, the language exams are at level A2.
Wet inburgering 2021: If you became liable from 1 January 2022, the standard route (the B1 route) targets level B1 — your municipality (gemeente) can allow parts at A2 if B1 turns out not to be attainable for you.
Rules and exceptions change — check your personal situation on inburgeren.nl.
How NLern maps to the language exams
The right levels: the language exams sit at A2–B1, and NLern gives you direct access to A2 and B1 (plus B2 when you are ready to go beyond the requirement) — no placement flow, no fixed path.
Exam-style practice: alongside vocabulary chapters and verb libraries, NLern includes practice exercises in the style of exam questions, so the format feels familiar before you sit down for the real thing.
Speaking and listening: the pronunciation tool has you speak words and full sentences with focused feedback, and vocabulary comes with audio examples — the daily work that builds listening and speaking confidence.
KNM: a Knowledge of Dutch Society module is in development. Until it ships, NLern covers the language exams only — pair it with a KNM course or study materials for that part.
Frequently asked questions
What level of Dutch do I need for the inburgering exam?
It depends on which law applies to you. Under the Wet inburgering 2013 (liable before 1 January 2022) the language exams are at A2. Under the Wet inburgering 2021 (liable from 1 January 2022) the standard route targets B1, and your municipality can allow parts at A2. Always confirm your personal requirement with DUO or your gemeente.
Does NLern teach KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society)?
Not yet. A KNM module is in development. Today NLern covers the language side: vocabulary, verbs, pronunciation and practice at exactly the A2–B1 levels the language exams span, plus B2 if you want to go further.
Can an app alone get me to B1?
An app gives you the daily vocabulary, verb and listening work that builds the level — and NLern includes exam-style practice exercises. But B1 speaking and writing also benefit from real conversation and feedback from people. Many learners combine NLern with a course, a language café or a taalmaatje.
How does NLern help with the speaking part?
NLern's pronunciation tool has you speak Dutch words and sentences and gives focused feedback, so you build the confidence and clarity the speaking exam asks for. It works in your browser — no installation needed.
Can I try NLern free before the exam?
Yes. Every part of NLern is free for 3 days. If you cancel before the trial ends you are not charged; otherwise it is €5.99 per month and you can cancel online at any time.
Comparing apps first? Read our honest comparison of Dutch learning apps.
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