The KNM exam: topics, question types and common traps

What KNM is

KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij: Knowledge of Dutch Society. It is one of the exam parts in both the 2013 and 2021 integration acts. The exam is taken on a computer and the questions are in Dutch.

Many questions show a short situation, sometimes with a picture, and ask what the best or most normal action is.

Topics you should know

DUO describes the themes on inburgeren.nl. In practice they cover everyday life:

• Work and income: contracts, payslips, unemployment benefits.
• Health care: the GP (huisarts) as first contact, health insurance.
• Housing: renting, rent allowance, neighbours, waste separation.
• Education and parenting: compulsory schooling, childcare.
• Government and rules: municipality, elections, basic rights, the police.
• Dutch norms and history: equality, punctuality, making appointments.

The most common traps

Most wrong answers are not about missing facts. They come from how the question is read.

• Answering what is common in your home country instead of in the Netherlands.
• Missing small words like 'niet', 'altijd' or 'eerst' in the question.
• Choosing the most dramatic option (call the police) when a calmer one fits (talk to the neighbour first).
• Skipping the first step: for health questions the GP usually comes before the hospital.

A simple study plan

Study one theme at a time, then practice questions on that theme straight away. Read every explanation, also for the questions you got right: it shows why the other options are wrong.

In the last week, do mixed practice and at least one timed mock exam, because on the real exam the themes are mixed.

Reading skill matters too

Because KNM questions are in Dutch, practicing Reading also helps your KNM score. Pay attention to words for instances (gemeente, Belastingdienst, UWV) so you recognise them quickly.