Short answer: KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, or Knowledge of Dutch Society. It is a computer-based multiple-choice exam, taken in Dutch at a DUO exam location, and it is part of the Dutch civic integration (inburgering) exam. Most applicants for Dutch naturalisation or permanent residence must pass it unless they are exempt.
KNM exam at a glance
| Full name | Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM) |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple-choice questions on a computer, often based on short videos or everyday situations |
| Time | About 45 minutes |
| Language | Dutch, at around A2 level |
| Where | A DUO exam location |
| How to book | Through your Mijn Inburgering account on inburgeren.nl |
Who needs to take the KNM exam?
The KNM exam is required for people who must integrate under the Civic Integration Act, and for most people who apply for naturalisation or permanent residence. Some people are exempt, for example if they hold certain Dutch diplomas or have a medical reason. DUO decides on exemptions.
What topics does the KNM exam cover?
The KNM exam tests practical knowledge of how life in the Netherlands works:
- Work and income: finding a job, contracts, taxes and benefits.
- Manners, values and norms: equality, appointments, neighbours and social customs.
- Housing: renting, buying, rent allowance and municipal registration.
- Health and healthcare: the GP (huisarts), insurance and emergencies.
- History and geography: key events, provinces and water management.
- Institutions: municipalities, government bodies and how to deal with them.
- Government and the rule of law: the constitutional monarchy, parliament, elections and the police.
- Education and upbringing: compulsory schooling, school types and parents’ responsibilities.
Why the KNM exam feels different
Many KNM questions describe a situation, sometimes in a short video, and ask what the person should do. The exam is less about memorising dates and more about knowing how Dutch society expects things to be done: who to contact, which rules apply and what is considered normal.
How to prepare for the KNM exam
- Use the official practice exams on inburgeren.nl to get used to the format and wording.
- Learn the content in a language you understand. Our Dutch KNM practice test explains each topic in English.
- Build your Dutch vocabulary for each topic: gemeente, huisarts, huurtoeslag, leerplicht and so on.
- Think practically. For situation questions, ask yourself what a sensible, law-abiding resident would do.
- Aim for at least 70% in practice before you book the real exam.
Tip: Rules for civic integration depend on when you started integrating and which law applies to you. Always check your own requirements in Mijn Inburgering before you book.
Questions, fee and results
The KNM exam has 40 multiple-choice questions and lasts about 45 minutes. It costs 50 euros per attempt in 2026; asylum status holders may have their first two attempts at each integration exam free, depending on their integration route. DUO does not publish a fixed pass mark; about 28 correct out of 40 is the figure most preparation providers quote, so we use 70% as a practice target. Results arrive by letter within about eight weeks and also appear in Mijn Inburgering. Waiting times for an exam slot can exceed six weeks, so book well before any deadline in your integration period.
KNM is one part of inburgering
Alongside KNM you need the Dutch language exams (B1 for most routes under the 2021 law, with an A2 route for some) and, depending on your route, the labour-market module and the participation statement. Naturalisation is applied for afterwards with the integration diploma or a recognised exemption. Learn the KNM content in English with our KNM questions and answers, then switch to DUO’s Dutch practice exam so the vocabulary is familiar.
Kort samengevat in het Nederlands
Het examen Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM) is een onderdeel van het inburgeringsexamen en wordt afgenomen door DUO. U maakt ongeveer 40 meerkeuzevragen op de computer, vaak aan de hand van korte filmpjes of situaties, in ongeveer 45 minuten; het taalniveau is A2 en het examen kost 50 euro. Het examen is verplicht voor de meeste inburgeringsplichtigen en voor wie naturalisatie of een verblijfsvergunning voor onbepaalde tijd aanvraagt; DUO beslist over vrijstellingen, bijvoorbeeld op grond van bepaalde Nederlandse diploma’s of medische redenen. Op deze pagina oefent u de inhoud in het Engels met uitleg; oefen daarna met het officiële oefenexamen op inburgeren.nl.
Official sources
Practise now with our free KNM practice quiz.
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