The inburgering speaking exam: how it works and tips

How the exam works

You take the Speaking exam on a computer. You see or hear a short situation and record your answer with a headset. People at DUO later listen to your answers and assess them, which is why results take longer than for Reading or Listening.

Check the current number of tasks and time on inburgeren.nl, and listen to the official example exam.

What examiners listen for

Perfect Dutch is not required. What matters is whether your answer fits the task and is understandable.

• You answer the actual question and complete every part of the task.
• Your sentences are understandable, even with some mistakes.
• At B1 you also explain or give a reason, for example with 'omdat' or 'want'.

Practical tips

Small habits help you stay calm under time pressure.

• Listen to the whole question first; note the key word (where, when, why).
• Answer in full sentences, not one word.
• Use a simple structure: answer, reason, example.
• If you forget a word, describe it with other words instead of stopping.
• Keep talking until the time is almost up, but do not repeat yourself.

How to practice

Practice out loud and record yourself. Listening back is uncomfortable but shows exactly what is unclear. On InburgeringPass you practice with exam-style situations, record your answer and get advisory feedback on content and language.