Inburgering Oefenen
Guides

KNM: knowledge of Dutch society

The exam component that is not about language, but about how the Netherlands works day to day.

The guides

KNM

The KNM exam

What is the KNM exam, which eight themes does it cover and how do you prepare? Learn about the content, the duration, the cost and the result of the KNM exam.

KNM theme 1

Work and income

Finding work, understanding your contract and payslip, dealing with discrimination at work and starting your own business. The KNM theme Work and income.

KNM theme 2

Manners, values and norms

How do people in the Netherlands treat each other? About making appointments, directness, equality and making contact. The KNM theme Manners, values and norms.

KNM theme 3

Housing

Finding a home, renting or buying, connecting gas water and electricity, and sorting waste. The KNM theme Wonen explained in plain, simple English.

KNM theme 4

Health and healthcare

How the huisarts works as your first step, referral to hospital, calling 112 in an emergency, your health insurance and eigen risico. KNM theme 4 explained.

KNM theme 5

History and geography

The main lines of Dutch history and where the provinces, cities and water are. The KNM theme History and geography, explained in simple terms.

KNM theme 6

Instanties

Gemeente, Belastingdienst, DUO, UWV, the police and Het Juridisch Loket. Who handles what, and where do you go? The KNM theme Instanties explained.

KNM theme 7

Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat

How does Dutch democracy work? Learn about the government, parliament, elections, the Grondwet and the independent judge in the KNM theme Staatsinrichting.

KNM theme 8

Education and parenting

The Dutch school system, leerplicht, contact with the teacher, school costs and children's rights. The KNM theme Onderwijs en opvoeding explained.

What is KNM?

KNM asks about living in the Netherlands: housing, work, healthcare, education, money and dealing with other people. You watch short clips and look at photos, then choose the answer that fits. It is a separate exam component, alongside the four language ones.

What the questions cover

  1. Housing and your neighbourhood

    Renting, waste, noise and getting along with neighbours.

  2. Work and money

    Applying for jobs, contracts, tax and insurance.

  3. Healthcare

    The GP, the pharmacy and how Dutch healthcare is arranged.

  4. Education and raising children

    School, compulsory education and talking to your child’s teacher.

  5. Social customs

    Making appointments, being on time and how people talk to each other.

Start practising

Ten practice exams per component, built like DUO’s. The first exam of each component is free.

See where you stand

Ten questions per component, with an explanation after every answer. No account needed.

Start for free