Introduction to the Inburgeringsexamen A2 (Taal)
The Inburgeringsexamen A2 (Taal) is the official Dutch language exam required for civic integration (inburgering) in the Netherlands. It is administered by the College voor Toetsen en Examens (CVTE) on behalf of DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). This exam certifies that your Dutch proficiency is at CEFR level A2, the second level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
If you are a non-EU immigrant settling in the Netherlands, passing this exam is a key step towards fulfilling your integration obligation. It is also widely accepted for university admission and professional recognition. The exam tests four skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. This comprehensive syllabus breakdown will help you understand exactly what to expect and how to prepare effectively.
Exam Structure and Timing
The Inburgeringsexamen A2 is divided into four separate components, each taken on a different day at a DUO examination centre. The total exam fee for all components in 2026 is €350 (subject to change; check the official DUO website). You can take the components in any order, and you have unlimited attempts until you pass all four.
| Component | Duration | Number of Questions/Tasks | Passing Score | |-----------|----------|---------------------------|---------------| | Reading (Lezen) | 65 minutes | 25 multiple-choice questions | 80% (20/25 correct) | | Listening (Luisteren) | 45 minutes | 25 multiple-choice questions | 80% (20/25 correct) | | Writing (Schrijven) | 50 minutes | 2 tasks (fill-in-the-blank + short letter) | 80% (based on scoring rubric) | | Speaking (Spreken) | 15 minutes | 12 items (short questions + picture descriptions) | 80% (based on scoring rubric) |
Important Dates for 2026:
- Exams are held year-round at DUO centres in the Netherlands.
- Results are typically issued within 2 weeks after each component.
- You can register online via the DUO website up to 4 weeks before your preferred date.
Reading Section (Lezen)
Skills Tested
- Understanding short, simple texts on everyday topics (announcements, advertisements, emails, forms).
- Identifying main ideas and specific information.
- Inferring meaning of unfamiliar words from context.
- Following simple instructions.
Topics Covered
- Personal information (name, address, family)
- Daily routines (work, school, shopping)
- Housing (rental ads, utility bills)
- Health (doctor’s appointments, medicine labels)
- Transportation (timetables, tickets)
- Public services (municipality letters, forms)
Vocabulary & Grammar Scope
- Vocabulary: High-frequency words and phrases from everyday life. You should know about 1,000-1,500 words.
- Grammar: Basic sentence structure, present tense, simple past tense (common irregular verbs), modal verbs (kunnen, moeten, mogen, willen), question words, prepositions of time and place, and basic conjunctions (en, maar, omdat, want).
Listening Section (Luisteren)
Skills Tested
- Understanding short, clear announcements and messages (e.g., at a train station, on the phone).
- Following simple conversations about familiar topics.
- Extracting key information from audio clips (names, times, prices).
- Recognising the speaker’s intention (e.g., request, invitation, apology).
Topics Covered
- Public announcements (arrivals, departures, delays)
- Telephone messages (appointments, cancellations)
- Conversations with neighbours, colleagues, or service providers
- Radio ads or short news items
Vocabulary & Grammar Scope
- Vocabulary: Everyday words related to travel, shopping, work, and leisure.
- Grammar: Understanding questions, imperatives, and sentences with common verb tenses. You should be able to distinguish between present and past tense. Numbers, times, and dates are crucial.
Writing Section (Schrijven)
Skills Tested
- Completing forms with personal details (name, address, date of birth).
- Writing a short, simple letter or email (e.g., to a friend, landlord, or service provider).
- Using basic grammar and vocabulary correctly.
- Organising content in a logical order.
Topics Covered
- Filling in a registration form (e.g., for a course, gym, or doctor).
- Writing a postcard or email to a friend about daily activities.
- Writing a short message to a neighbour (e.g., about a party, lost key).
- Writing a brief letter to a company (e.g., to complain, cancel, or order).
Vocabulary & Grammar Scope
- Vocabulary: Personal details, everyday activities, polite phrases (e.g., “Met vriendelijke groeten”).
- Grammar: Present tense, simple past (common verbs), word order in main clauses, basic conjunctions, and correct use of articles (de/het) and pronouns.
Speaking Section (Spreken)
Skills Tested
- Answering simple questions about yourself, your family, and your daily life.
- Describing pictures (people, objects, actions).
- Expressing opinions, preferences, and making simple requests.
- Asking and answering questions in a simulated conversation.
Topics Covered
- Introduction (name, nationality, residence)
- Family and friends
- Work and daily routine
- Hobbies and free time
- Housing and neighbourhood
- Health and appointments
Vocabulary & Grammar Scope
- Vocabulary: Common words for everyday situations, including numbers, days, months, and simple adjectives.
- Grammar: Formulating simple sentences, using present tense, modal verbs, and basic question forms. You should be able to use “ik wil”, “ik kan”, “ik moet”, and “mag ik?” appropriately.
Exam Registration and Logistics
To register for the Inburgeringsexamen A2, you must have a BSN (citizen service number) and a valid ID. Registration is done through the DUO website (www.inburgeren.nl). In 2026, the exam fee is €350 for the complete set of four components. You can also pay per component (€87.50 each).
Exam Locations: DUO has exam centres in various cities across the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. When registering, you can choose your preferred location and time slot.
Results: You will receive your results by email and post within 2 weeks. If you pass a component, the result is valid for an indefinite period. If you fail, you can retake that component as many times as needed.
How to Prepare for the Inburgeringsexamen A2
- 1Assess your level: Take a free online placement test to see how close you are to A2.
- 2Structured course: Enrol in a Dutch course at a language school or online platform that specialises in civic integration.
- 3Practice with mock tests: Use LanguageTest.in’s A2 mock tests to familiarise yourself with the format and timing.
- 4Daily practice: Spend at least 30 minutes a day on Dutch – reading news, listening to podcasts, writing a short diary, and speaking with native speakers.
- 5Focus on weak areas: Use the syllabus to identify your gaps and target your studies.
Why Choose LanguageTest.in for Your A2 Preparation?
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Last updated: January 2026. For official information, always refer to the DUO website.