To be approved for Dutch citizenship or permanent residence, you need to show knowledge of Dutch society—beyond just speaking the language. That’s what the KNM exam tests.

KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij or "Knowledge of Dutch Society". It covers customs, systems, and social expectations in the Netherlands.

You’ll need to read and understand Dutch, since the test is entirely in the language. You also need solid knowledge about daily life in the Netherlands.

Topics include the education system, healthcare, housing, waste management, Dutch history and geography, public services, consumer rights, government institutions, and cultural customs.

The KNM exam is done on a computer and lasts 45 minutes. You’ll watch video clips on real-life topics and answer multiple choice questions.

The exam simulates everyday situations to test your familiarity with Dutch society.

A. Research Dutch society

Read up on the Dutch educational system, government services, political structure, housing policies, and even traditions like birthday celebrations or childbirth customs.

Use official websites, Dutch forums, and blogs to get reliable and up-to-date information.

B. Talk to Dutch people

Conversations with Dutch natives can give you insight into real experiences and practical advice that’s not always in textbooks.

Ask them to explain how things work and share their own experiences—this will give you both language practice and context.

C. Take practice exams

Testing yourself with practice exams is essential. They help you get familiar with the format, pace, and question types.

Try to simulate test conditions: no dictionaries, time yourself, and review the results critically.

D. Join a course

In our online courses, you learn Dutch alongside essential knowledge of Dutch society. Topics include healthcare, waste separation, Dutch birthdays, government departments, and much more.

Our native Dutch trainers can explain topics in depth and answer your questions to help you prepare thoroughly.

Click here to sign up or ask questions.

We offer structured courses that cover both the language and content required to pass the KNM exam. Contact us to get started.