KNM exam practice
The KNM exam is about life in the Netherlands: work, housing, healthcare, school, DigiD and the rule of law. The easiest way to pass is to practise a little every day with questions like the ones on the exam. Below you can read how, and try three example questions.
What do you need to know for the KNM exam?
KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij: knowledge of Dutch society. You take the exam on a computer and it lasts 45 minutes. You get questions on different themes, such as housing or work and income.
Since 1 July 2025 there are new exam objectives. They are built around four everyday situations, and new topics were added, such as the Holocaust, the right of women to make their own choices, and digital skills like DigiD. Our questions are written for these new objectives.
How to practise
- Practise a little every day. Ten questions a day works better than a hundred questions the night before.
- Read the explanation, even when you were right. Then you know why the answer is correct.
- Practise your mistakes again. KNMexam brings them back after 1, 3 and 7 days.
- Take a timed mock exam when you think you are ready. You will see how you do per theme.
Practise in English, learn the Dutch words
The real exam is in Dutch. On KNMexam you can practise in English, Dutch, Arabic, Turkish or Ukrainian. When you practise in English, every question shows the Dutch key word that appears on the exam, and you can have it read aloud. That way you first understand the rule, and then learn the words.
Three example questions
You are starting a new job. What do you agree with your employer in writing?
An employment contract sets out what you do, how much you work and what you earn. Without a written contract it is hard to prove later what was agreed.
You fall ill and cannot work. What do you do first?
You report sick to your employer as soon as possible, following the rules that apply there. Someone who does not report sick counts as absent without leave.
You move to another municipality. What must you do?
You register with the municipality where you are going to live. That is compulsory and it is the basis for almost everything: your post, your allowances, your right to vote and your health insurance.
Questions about KNM exam practice
Can I practise for the KNM exam for free?
Yes. On KNMexam you practise for free with 10 questions every day, and you can take one full mock exam for free. All you need is an email address.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. The real DUO exam questions are secret. We write our own questions, based on the exam objectives that DUO publishes. They are similar to the exam, but they are not the exam.
Is the KNM exam in English?
No, the exam is in Dutch. You can practise here in English, and every question shows the Dutch key word you will see on the exam.
Start today
Choose your language, fill in your exam date and take a short placement test of six questions. Then you know where you stand.
Start practising for freeThe themes we practise
Work and income
Rights and duties at work
Housing and your neighbourhood
Health and healthcare
Education and raising children
Institutions, DigiD and money matters
Government and the rule of law
History, freedom and equality
All questions on this site are written by us. DUO's official exam questions are confidential and are not included here.