Comparison between basisexamen inburgering and inburgeringsexamen

Basisexamen inburgering vs inburgeringsexamen: what's the difference?

You're looking for the difference between the basisexamen inburgering and the inburgeringsexamen. That's a smart question, because many people confuse these two. The short answer: the basisexamen you do before you come to the Netherlands, the inburgeringsexamen you do after you live here. But there's more to it, and we'll explain that calmly here.

Imagine: you're still in your home country and you want to move to the Netherlands to live with your partner. Then you first have to do the basisexamen. Only when you pass that, you get a visa. Once in the Netherlands, you'll deal with the inburgeringsexamen. That's mandatory to complete your integration. Both exams test your Dutch language skills, but they differ in level, components, and planning.

In this guide, we'll explain step by step what each exam involves, how to prepare, and what to watch out for. We'll also give many example sentences and practical tips. So you'll know exactly where you stand and you can get started with confidence. No panic: with the right preparation, it's definitely doable.

What exactly is the basisexamen inburgering?

The basisexamen inburgering is the exam you have to take if you come from a non-EU country and want to move to the Netherlands, for example for a partner or work. It's also called the 'exam abroad'. You take this exam at a Dutch embassy or consulate in your own country. The goal is to prove that you can already speak and understand a bit of Dutch, and that you know how Dutch society works.

The basisexamen consists of three parts: speaking, listening, and knowledge of Dutch society (KNM). The level is A1, which is the very first level. So you don't have to speak perfect Dutch yet, but you must be able to make and understand simple sentences. Think of sentences like 'I live in Ankara' or 'The bus comes at three o'clock'.

Important: you have to pass this exam before you come to the Netherlands. So it's a condition for your visa. If you don't pass, you can't move to the Netherlands. That's why it's smart to prepare well, for example with a language course or online exercises.

What is the inburgeringsexamen (in the Netherlands)?

The inburgeringsexamen is the exam you take when you already live in the Netherlands. This exam is mandatory for many newcomers from outside the EU. You have to pass it within three years after arrival. The level is A2, which is slightly higher than A1. So you need to be able to read, write, speak, and listen to a bit more Dutch.

The inburgeringsexamen has four parts: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. In addition, there's the KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) part and sometimes also the participation statement. You can take these parts separately, so you don't have to do everything at once. That's nice, because then you can prepare per part.

If you pass the inburgeringsexamen, you get a diploma. That diploma is important for your future in the Netherlands: it can help with finding work, applying for a residence permit, or obtaining Dutch nationality. So it's worth taking seriously.

Reading: you read short texts, like a letter from the municipality or a message from the doctor.
Listening: you listen to conversations, for example at the doctor's or at work.
Writing: you fill in a form or write a short message.
Speaking: you have a conversation, for example in the shop or at school.
KNM: you learn about Dutch customs, like cycling, Sinterklaas, and how healthcare works.
Participation statement: you sign that you respect Dutch norms and values.

The main differences at a glance

Now that you know what both exams are, it's handy to put the differences clearly side by side. The biggest difference is the timing: the basisexamen you do before you come to the Netherlands, the inburgeringsexamen you do after. In addition, the level is different: basisexamen is A1, inburgeringsexamen is A2. Also the components differ: the basisexamen has no reading or writing, the inburgeringsexamen does.

Another difference is the time pressure. With the basisexamen, you have to pass to get your visa, so that pressure is high. With the inburgeringsexamen, you have three years, but it is mandatory. If you don't do the inburgeringsexamen on time, you can get a fine or even lose your residence permit. You naturally want to avoid that.

The preparation is also different. For the basisexamen, you can practice at home with books or online material. For the inburgeringsexamen, you can go to a language school or use free practice material from the government. It's important to know which requirements apply to you, because they can vary per situation. So always check with DUO or Mijn Inburgering what applies to you.

Basisexamen: before you come to the Netherlands, level A1, three components.
Inburgeringsexamen: after you live in the Netherlands, level A2, four components plus KNM.
Basisexamen: only speaking, listening, and KNM components.
Inburgeringsexamen: reading, listening, writing, speaking, and KNM.
Basisexamen: mandatory for visa application.
Inburgeringsexamen: mandatory within three years after arrival.

Practical example sentences for the basisexamen

During the basisexamen, you have to be able to say and understand short sentences. It helps to practice a lot with simple sentences that you use in daily life. Below you'll find example sentences you can practice. Read them out loud, so you get used to the sounds of Dutch.

These sentences are about introducing yourself, asking for directions, doing groceries, and making appointments. Practice them with a partner or record yourself with your phone. That way you hear how you sound and you can improve.

My name is Maria and I come from Syria.
I live in an apartment with my husband and two children.
How do I get to the station?
The bus leaves at half past eight.
I would like a loaf of bread and a liter of milk.
Do you also have fresh vegetables?
Can you repeat that more slowly?
I have an appointment with the doctor at three o'clock.

Step-by-step plan: what you do this week

Whether you're going for the basisexamen or the inburgeringsexamen, a clear plan helps. Here's a step-by-step plan for this week. Adjust it to your situation and pace. The most important thing is that you do something every day, even if it's just fifteen minutes.

Start by checking your exam requirements. Log in to Mijn Inburgering or look at the DUO website. That way you know for sure which parts you have to do and when. Write the date of your exam in your agenda.

Then schedule fixed moments to practice. Choose a time when you're calm, for example early in the morning or after dinner. Set a timer for twenty minutes and practice with an app or book. Repetition is the key to success.

Step 1: Log in to Mijn Inburgering and check your exam components and deadlines.
Step 2: Register for an exam with DUO or the CvTE (for the basisexamen via the embassy).
Step 3: Buy a practice book or download free practice material from the government.
Step 4: Practice every day for 20 minutes: speak out loud, listen to Dutch audio, read short texts.
Step 5: Do a practice exam once a week to see where you stand.
Step 6: Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to practice Dutch with you.

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Many people make the same mistakes when preparing for these exams. A common mistake is that they only read, but don't practice speaking. Speaking is actually an important part of both exams. Make sure you talk out loud every day, even if it's just to yourself.

Another mistake is that people wait too long to plan their exam. They think they still have enough time, but before you know it, the deadline has passed. Make an appointment right away and work toward that date. That keeps you motivated.

We also often see that people only focus on language and forget the KNM parts. That knowledge of Dutch society is just as important. Read about Dutch customs, holidays, and rules. That helps not only for the exam, but also to feel at home in the Netherlands.

Mistake: only reading, not speaking. Fix: talk out loud every day, even if it's just one sentence.
Mistake: planning the exam too late. Fix: register immediately and plan your preparation backwards.
Mistake: skipping KNM. Fix: read an article about the Netherlands every week on nu.nl or in a newspaper.
Mistake: practicing texts that are too difficult. Fix: choose material at your level (A1 or A2).
Mistake: not asking for feedback. Fix: ask someone to correct you, or record yourself and listen back.

Mini checklist for your exam day

On the day of your exam, you don't want any surprises. This checklist helps you arrange everything well. Print it out or put it in your phone. That way you know for sure you won't forget anything.

Take some quiet time the evening before to prepare. Lay out your ID and invitation. Make sure you know how to get to the exam location and how long it takes. Plan plenty of time, because you don't want to be late.

Check 1: Do you have your ID (passport or ID card) with you?
Check 2: Do you have the invitation or confirmation for your exam?
Check 3: Do you know how to get to the exam location?
Check 4: Have you brought a pen and a bottle of water (if allowed)?
Check 5: Have you left on time, so you're there at least 15 minutes early?

How to practice this (Dutch Fluency + more)

At Dutch Fluency, we understand that exam preparation can be stressful. That's why we have practice material that aligns exactly with the exams. Our mock exams and exercises are made in the style of the real exams. So you know exactly what to expect and you get used to the question format.

You can come to us for all components: reading, listening, writing, speaking, and KNM. We also have special exercises for the basisexamen inburgering, so you can prepare at home. Start practicing today and build your confidence step by step. You can do this!

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Frequently asked questions

What is the level of the basisexamen inburgering?

The basisexamen inburgering is at level A1. That's the lowest language level. You need to be able to understand and speak simple sentences about everyday topics, like introducing yourself, asking for directions, and doing groceries.

Can I take the basisexamen inburgering in the Netherlands?

No, the basisexamen inburgering must be taken in your home country, at a Dutch embassy or consulate. You have to pass this exam before you come to the Netherlands. It's a condition for your visa application.

How much does the basisexamen inburgering cost?

The costs for the basisexamen inburgering can vary per country and per year. It's important to check the current rates at the Dutch embassy or on the website of the national government. Expect an amount around 150 to 200 euros, but this can change.

What is the difference between the basisexamen and the inburgeringsexamen?

The basisexamen you do before you come to the Netherlands and is at level A1. The inburgeringsexamen you do after you live in the Netherlands and is at level A2. The inburgeringsexamen also has extra components like reading and writing.

How long is the basisexamen inburgering valid?

The basisexamen inburgering is valid indefinitely. Once you've passed the exam, you don't have to do it again. Note: this applies only to the basisexamen, not to other integration components.

What happens if I don't pass the basisexamen inburgering?

If you don't pass the basisexamen, you can't get a visa and thus can't move to the Netherlands. You can retake the exam. It's wise to practice extra and take a language course before you try again.

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