KNM Sample Questions: Test Your Knowledge of Dutch Society (2026)
The KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) exam is a mandatory part of the Dutch civic integration (inburgering) process. It assesses your understanding of Dutch society, including norms, values, history, government, and daily life. To help you prepare, we've compiled sample questions that mirror the style and content of the real exam. Each question comes with a detailed answer and explanation.
Exam Overview
- Format: The KNM exam consists of multiple-choice questions (usually 43) based on short video or audio fragments and text. You'll answer questions about everyday situations.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Scoring: You need a score of at least 6.5 out of 10 to pass.
- Registration: You register via DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). The exam fee for 2026 is €57.00.
- Purpose: Required for civic integration (inburgering) and often for permanent residence or naturalization.
Sample Questions by Exam Section
The KNM exam covers five main themes. Below are sample questions for each.
#### 1. Work and Income
Question 1: You have a job interview. When should you arrive?
A) Exactly on time B) 5 minutes early C) 10 minutes late D) Whenever you want
Answer: B) 5 minutes early.
Explanation: In the Netherlands, punctuality is highly valued. Arriving 5 minutes early shows respect for the interviewer's time. Arriving exactly on time is acceptable, but being slightly early is safer. Being late is considered unprofessional unless you have a valid reason and have informed the interviewer.
#### 2. Housing and Daily Life
Question 2: You rent an apartment. Who is responsible for minor repairs like a leaking tap?
A) The landlord B) The tenant C) The municipality D) The housing association
Answer: B) The tenant.
Explanation: In Dutch rental contracts, tenants are typically responsible for minor maintenance and repairs (kleine reparaties), such as fixing a leaking tap or replacing light bulbs. Major repairs (grote reparaties) are the landlord's responsibility. Always check your rental contract for specific terms.
#### 3. Education and Upbringing
Question 3: In the Netherlands, children are required to attend school until they obtain a 'startkwalificatie' (basic qualification) or reach the age of:
A) 16 B) 18 C) 21 D) 23
Answer: B) 18.
Explanation: Dutch compulsory education (leerplicht) lasts until a child obtains a startkwalificatie (a HAVO, VWO, or MBO level 2 diploma) or until they turn 18. After age 16, they may leave school only if they have a startkwalificatie; otherwise, they must continue until 18.
#### 4. Health and Healthcare
Question 4: You feel sick and need to see a doctor. What should you do first?
A) Go directly to the hospital emergency room. B) Call 112 for an ambulance. C) Make an appointment with your general practitioner (huisarts). D) Visit a specialist directly.
Answer: C) Make an appointment with your general practitioner (huisarts).
Explanation: The GP (huisarts) is the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues. You must register with a local GP. For emergencies, call 112, but for routine illnesses, you call your GP's office to make an appointment. Specialists are only accessible via referral from your GP.
#### 5. Government and Law
Question 5: When is the Dutch national holiday (King's Day) celebrated?
A) 27 April B) 5 May C) 30 April D) 15 August
Answer: A) 27 April.
Explanation: King's Day (Koningsdag) is celebrated on 27 April to mark the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. If 27 April falls on a Sunday, the celebration moves to the 26th. 5 May is Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag), and 30 April was Queen's Day in the past.
#### 6. History and Geography
Question 6: Which of the following is a famous Dutch painter from the Dutch Golden Age?
A) Vincent van Gogh B) Rembrandt van Rijn C) Piet Mondriaan D) Hieronymus Bosch
Answer: B) Rembrandt van Rijn.
Explanation: Rembrandt (1606–1669) is one of the most renowned painters of the Dutch Golden Age, known for works like 'The Night Watch'. Vincent van Gogh was a post-impressionist from the 19th century, Piet Mondriaan was a 20th-century abstract artist, and Hieronymus Bosch was a late medieval painter.
#### 7. Norms and Values
Question 7: In a Dutch workplace, what is the common way to address a colleague?
A) Use their first name B) Use their surname with 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' C) Use their job title D) Always use 'u' (formal)
Answer: A) Use their first name.
Explanation: Dutch culture is egalitarian. In most workplaces, colleagues address each other by their first names, regardless of hierarchy. The formal 'u' is reserved for older people, officials, or in formal written communication. Using first names is a sign of friendliness and equality.
Tips for the KNM Exam
- Understand the structure: The exam uses video fragments, so pay attention to details like body language and conversation.
- Practice with mock tests: Familiarize yourself with question formats and time pressure.
- Study Dutch culture: Read about Dutch customs, history, and current affairs.
- Take a preparation course: Consider a KNM preparation course to deepen your knowledge.
Conclusion
These sample questions give you a taste of what to expect on the KNM exam. To further boost your confidence, take our KNM mock tests at LanguageTest.in. Our realistic practice tests will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you can pass the exam with ease.
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