What is the KNM exam? Knowledge of Dutch Society explained
Last checked: 29 October 2026
The KNM exam (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, or Knowledge of Dutch Society) is the part of the Dutch inburgering exam that tests what you know about daily life here: work, housing, health care, school, history and how the state works. It is a 45-minute computer exam with 40 multiple-choice questions in Dutch. It costs €50.
| Fact | KNM exam |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (Knowledge of Dutch Society) |
| Part of | The inburgering (civic integration) exam, under the 2013 law and the 2021 law |
| Questions | 40, multiple choice (DUO practice exam) |
| Time | 45 minutes, on a computer (inburgeren.nl) |
| Language | Dutch, written at A2 level, with pictures (Staatscourant 2024, 15802) |
| Fee | €50 (inburgeren.nl) |
| Result | By letter within 8 weeks (inburgeren.nl) |
More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. The facts on this page come from the official sources linked next to them.
What KNM stands for
KNM is short for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij. In English, DUO calls it Knowledge of Dutch Society. You will also see the Dutch word inburgeringsexamen for the full set of exams. KNM is one of those exams, next to the language exams for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
DUO runs the exam and sends your result. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment decides what the exam must test, and Cito made the current exam (rijksoverheid.nl).
What the KNM exam covers
What KNM tests is written down in an official list of exam goals, the eindtermen. The current list has 8 themes (Staatscourant 2024, 15802). Here they are, with our free chapter guide for each:
| Official theme | In English | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Werk en inkomen | Work and income | Work and income |
| Omgangsvormen, waarden en normen | Manners, values and norms | Norms and values, Daily life and social contacts |
| Wonen | Housing | Housing |
| Gezondheid en gezondheidszorg | Health and health care | Health and healthcare |
| Geschiedenis en geografie | History and geography | Dutch history, The Netherlands and the Dutch |
| Instanties | Government bodies and services | Government services and money |
| Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat | The state and the rule of law | Politics and the state |
| Onderwijs en opvoeding | Education and raising children | Education and upbringing |
The same document says the exam has two aims. It should help you find your way in Dutch society, and it should make you familiar with common manners, norms and values, with a focus on democracy and the rule of law.
What the questions are like
The questions describe everyday situations. You get a letter from the tax office. Your child is about to start school. You want to rent a house. You choose the right answer from a few options. Many questions have a picture or a short audio clip (inburgeren.nl, DUO practice exam).
The Dutch in the questions is kept at A2 level, and pictures support the questions and answers (Staatscourant 2024, 15802). So you do not need advanced Dutch, but you do need to read basic Dutch quickly. See KNM exam questions for examples we wrote ourselves.
What changed in 2025
Since 1 July 2025 the exam follows new exam goals. The previous ones dated from 2015. The new version puts more weight on women's right to make their own choices and on knowledge of the Holocaust. The questions are also more about knowledge and less about behaviour (rijksoverheid.nl).
If your study book or app is from before July 2025, it may miss these subjects. Check them separately.
Who has to take KNM
- 2013 law: you take KNM next to the four A2 language exams (inburgeren.nl).
- 2021 law (since 1 January 2022): KNM is part of the B1 route and the education route. Your personal plan (PIP) and Mijn Inburgering list your exams (inburgeren.nl).
- Naturalisation: KNM is one of the exams you need for the integration diploma, also if you apply from abroad (inburgeren.nl). See the Dutch citizenship test.
KNM is one exam among several. The others (MAP, ONA and the participation statement) are explained in the inburgering exam guide.
How to get started
Read one theme at a time in our KNM chapter guides. Then test yourself. Try a free 15-question KNM drill to see where you stand. For a study method, read how to study for the KNM exam. For the exam day and a 4-week plan, read how to pass the KNM exam.
Want one practice question in your inbox every week? Sign up for one KNM question a week.
Frequently asked questions
What does KNM stand for?
Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij. In English: Knowledge of Dutch Society.
Is KNM part of the inburgering exam?
Yes. KNM is one of the exams in the inburgering exam, under both the 2013 law and the 2021 law.
Is the KNM exam in English?
No. The questions are in Dutch, written at A2 level and supported by pictures.
How much does the KNM exam cost?
€50 per attempt. If you fail, you pay again for the next attempt.
How many questions does the KNM exam have?
40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. See how many questions the KNM exam has.
Can I take KNM before my language exams?
Yes. You book each exam separately in Mijn Inburgering, so you can take KNM first.