KNM Exam Explained: A Guide to the Dutch Society Test (2026)

The Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM) exam, or Knowledge of Dutch Society, is a mandatory component of the inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam). Unlike the language tests, KNM assesses your understanding of Dutch culture and how everyday life in the Netherlands works—from healthcare and education to government and social norms. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that you must complete in 45 minutes. Passing it demonstrates that you are ready to participate independently in Dutch society.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The KNM exam is taken on a computer at an official DUO location and lasts 45 minutes. You will see 40 questions, each consisting of an image depicting a real-life situation paired with a multiple-choice question. For example, you might see a picture of a doctor's waiting room and be asked what the correct procedure is for making an appointment. The questions are cultural in nature—they test your understanding of how things work in the Netherlands rather than your Dutch language skills.

Core Themes of the KNM Exam

The exam is structured around several key themes. While DUO does not publish an exhaustive list, the topics consistently revolve around:

Work and Income (Werk en Inkomen): Job searching, contracts, taxes, and benefits.
Housing (Wonen): Renting vs. buying, neighborhood rules, and utilities.
Health and Healthcare (Gezondheid en Gezondheidszorg): Making appointments, health insurance, and emergency services.
Education and Upbringing (Opleiding en Opvoeding): The Dutch school system, compulsory education, and childcare.
Government and Laws (Overheid en Wetten): Democracy, voting, municipalities, and basic rights.
Social Norms and Values (Normen en Waarden): Punctuality, direct communication, and cultural etiquette.

Scoring and Passing

Your final result is expressed as a grade from 1 to 10, and you need a 6 or higher to pass. In practice, this means you must answer at least 26 out of 40 questions correctly (roughly 65%). There is no negative marking, so you should always answer every question even if you are unsure. You will see your result immediately after finishing the exam on the computer screen.

How to Prepare Effectively

Success on the KNM exam depends less on memorizing facts and more on understanding situations. The best preparation involves combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Use a structured course: Our KNM course covers all the essential themes with clear explanations and practice questions.
Practice with image-based questions: Focus on questions that pair an image with a cultural scenario, as this mirrors the format of the real exam.
Read Dutch news: Websites like NOS.nl or Nu.nl can help you understand current events and societal issues.

Summary / Key Points

40 multiple-choice cultural questions, each with an image and a question.
45-minute computer-based exam at a DUO location.
Covers themes like work, housing, healthcare, education, and social norms.
You need at least 26 correct answers (~65%) to pass—graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 6+ required.
Preparation should focus on understanding everyday Dutch situations, not just memorizing facts.

Official Source

DUO - Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM)

How-to / Next Steps

Start preparing with our dedicated KNM practice exercises.
Read our guide on the complete Inburgeringsexamen to see how KNM fits in.

Source: DUO (2026 figures)

Inburgering.org