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Dutch Citizenship Test Practice (KNM Exam) 2026

To become Dutch by naturalisation, you normally need to pass the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen) at level A2 or higher. One part of it is Knowledge of Dutch Society (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, KNM), a 45-minute computer exam. These original questions in English cover the same ground: the Constitution, government, history, and daily life, plus the main naturalisation rules.

  • Citizenship
  • Netherlands
  • 80 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

Time limit: 45 minutes. It is run by DUO runs the civic integration exams; the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) decides on naturalisation. Practise here for free with 80 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Dutch Citizenship Test Study Guide (KNM): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Which part of the civic integration exam tests what you know about Dutch society?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM)

    KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) tests knowledge of Dutch society, such as work, housing and the system of government.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How is the KNM exam taken?
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    Answer: C. On a computer

    You take the Knowledge of Dutch Society exam on a computer.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    How long does the KNM exam last?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 45 minutes

    The KNM exam lasts 45 minutes.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Since 1 July 2025, the KNM exam pays extra attention to which topics?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Women's self-determination and the Holocaust

    The new exam goals give more attention to women's right to decide about their own lives and to knowledge of the Holocaust.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Which organisation runs the civic integration exams?
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    Answer: D. DUO

    You register for the exams with DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). The IND decides on naturalisation.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What is the minimum language level in the civic integration exam for naturalisation?
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    Answer: D. A2

    To naturalise you must pass the civic integration exam at least at level A2, unless you are exempt.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    What is the minimum age to apply for naturalisation on your own?
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    Answer: A. 18

    You must be 18 or older to apply for naturalisation yourself.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Normally, how long must you have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands before you can naturalise?
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    Answer: B. At least 5 years in a row

    The standard rule is 5 continuous years of lawful residence with a valid permit.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Which government service decides on naturalisation applications?
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    Answer: D. The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service)

    The IND handles naturalisation. Its decision period is 12 months.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    What must you normally do with your current nationality when you become Dutch by naturalisation?
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    Answer: C. Give it up, unless you are exempt

    In general you must renounce your current nationality. There are exemptions.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    What do you declare at the naturalisation ceremony?
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    Answer: B. The declaration of solidarity (verklaring van verbondenheid)

    At the ceremony you make the declaration of solidarity. It confirms that Dutch laws also apply to you.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Within what time after the positive decision must you attend the naturalisation ceremony?
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    Answer: A. Within 1 year

    If you do not attend the ceremony within 1 year, you must apply again.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Which civic integration part is about the Dutch job market under the 2013 Civic Integration Act?
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    Answer: A. ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market)

    ONA is the labour-market part. Under the 2021 Act, the Job Market and Participation Module (MAP) plays this role.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    You lived in the Netherlands for 8 years between the ages of 5 and 16. What does this mean for the integration requirement?
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    Answer: D. You are exempt from it

    Living in the Netherlands for at least 8 years between ages 5 and 16 is a full exemption.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Instead of the civic integration exam, which other Dutch exam can show the language level for naturalisation?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The NT2 state exam at B1 or B2

    The NT2 state exam (Dutch as a second language) at B1 or B2 is also accepted.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What does Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution say?
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    Answer: A. Everyone in the Netherlands must be treated equally in equal cases

    Article 1 guarantees equal treatment and forbids discrimination.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    What is the Dutch name for the Constitution?
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    Answer: D. Grondwet

    The Constitution is the Grondwet. Chapter 1 lists the fundamental rights of everyone in the Netherlands.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    Which right does Article 6 of the Constitution protect?
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    Answer: C. Freedom of religion and belief

    Everyone may freely practise their religion or belief, within the law.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Do you need permission from the government to publish your opinion in the press?
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    Answer: D. No, the Constitution forbids prior permission

    Article 7 says no one needs prior permission to publish thoughts or opinions through the press.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Which right is protected by Article 10 of the Constitution?
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    Answer: A. The right to privacy

    Article 10 gives everyone the right to respect for their privacy.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What does the Constitution say about the death penalty?
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    Answer: B. It may not be imposed

    Article 114 says capital punishment may not be imposed.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    May Dutch courts decide that an Act of Parliament is against the Constitution?
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    Answer: B. No, they may not review this

    Article 120 says courts do not review whether Acts of Parliament are constitutional.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    What is needed to change the Constitution?
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    Answer: D. Two readings, with a two-thirds majority at the second

    The Constitution is changed in two readings. At the second reading, two-thirds of both Houses must agree.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Which document ranks above the Dutch Constitution?
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    Answer: D. The Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Statuut)

    The Constitution is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Article 23 of the Constitution protects which freedom?
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    Answer: A. The freedom to provide education

    Everyone is free to provide education, so there are public schools and schools based on a religion or belief.

What to know before the test

  • To naturalise you must pass the civic integration exam at least at language level A2, unless you are exempt. Passing gives you a digital civic integration diploma.
  • In the Netherlands the exam covers reading, listening, writing and speaking Dutch, Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), a labour market part (ONA, or MAP under the 2021 Act) and the participation statement (PVT).
  • The KNM exam is taken on a computer and lasts 45 minutes.
  • Since 1 July 2025 the KNM exam follows new exam goals, with more attention to women's self-determination and knowledge of the Holocaust, and questions that test knowledge rather than behaviour.
  • Naturalisation also normally needs age 18 or older, 5 years in a row of lawful residence, and giving up your current nationality unless you are exempt.
  • At the naturalisation ceremony you make the declaration of solidarity. You must attend within 1 year of the positive decision, or apply again.
  • Instead of the civic integration exam, the NT2 state exam (Dutch as a second language) at B1 or B2 also meets the language requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a citizenship test in the Netherlands?

There is no separate citizenship test. Instead, you normally need the civic integration diploma at level A2 or higher. Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) is the part that tests what you know about the country.

How long is the KNM exam and how many questions does it have?

The KNM exam lasts 45 minutes on a computer. DUO's public pages do not state the number of questions or the pass mark, so our mock exam uses 30 questions in 45 minutes. Try DUO's free official practice exams as well.

Did the KNM exam change in 2025?

Yes. Since 1 July 2025 it uses new exam goals. There is more attention to women's self-determination and the Holocaust, and questions focus more on knowledge than on behaviour. Use the new official practice exams if you sit the exam now.

Are these the official exam questions?

No. These are original practice questions on the same kinds of topics. They are in English, and DUO's official practice exams are in Dutch, so also learn the Dutch words for key terms.

Who does not need the civic integration exam for naturalisation?

Some people are exempt, for example if they lived in the Netherlands for at least 8 years between ages 5 and 16, or have certain Dutch diplomas. The IND checks this when you apply.

What else do I need to become Dutch?

Normally you must be 18 or older, have lived in the Kingdom lawfully for 5 years in a row, hold a valid residence status, not be a danger to public order, and give up your current nationality unless an exemption applies.

Sources

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