Someone fills out a form in Dutch at the kitchen table

Civic Integration Writing: How to Practice for the A2 Exam

When you go through civic integration, you have to do the writing section at A2 level. That sounds exciting, but it is very concrete: you have to be able to write a short message, fill out a form, or leave a note. In this guide, you will read what you need to be able to do, what the exam looks like, and how to practice step by step. That way, you know exactly where you stand.

In the Netherlands, you write more than you think. A message to your child's teacher, an email to the doctor, a letter to the municipality, or a message to your colleague. If you can do this at A2 level, you will feel much more confident in daily life. The exam is not a separate exercise; it is a skill you use every day.

In this guide, you will find example sentences, a step-by-step plan, and common mistakes. You will also learn how to practice at home without expensive books. Rest assured: A2 writing is doable. With a few weeks of focused practice, you can already make a lot of progress. And remember: you don't have to be perfect, you have to be clear.

What do you need to be able to do for civic integration writing?

The writing section of the civic integration exam tests whether you can write short, simple texts about everyday topics. Think of a message to a friend, a note for the neighbors, or a short form. You don't have to write long stories, but you do have to make clear what you mean.

The exam consists of two parts: filling out a form and writing a short text. For the form, you have to fill in your name, address, and date of birth, for example. For the text, you get an assignment like 'Write a note to your neighbor that you are going on vacation next week and ask if she can water the plants.' You then have to write a clear story in a few sentences.

You are assessed on three things: did you do the assignment, is the text understandable, and is the grammar and spelling good enough? You don't have to write perfect sentences, but the reader has to understand what you mean. So it is more important that you write simple, correct sentences than that you use difficult words.

What does the exam look like?

The exam takes about 40 minutes and you take it on the computer. You get a number of assignments on the screen and type your answers in. You cannot take a break in between, so it is good to practice typing in Dutch.

The assignments are always practical. For example, you have to write an email to your employer that you are sick, or respond to an advertisement. Sometimes you also have to fill out a form with your personal details. It is handy to know that you are not allowed to use a dictionary.

It is important to know that the exam is not always the same. The topics can differ, but the level is always A2. So you can practice with example assignments, but the real assignment will be slightly different. Still, it is good to get used to the format and the time.

Always read the assignment twice before you start.
First write a draft on paper if that is allowed.
Check whether you have covered all the points from the assignment.
Use short sentences: subject, verb, rest.
Pay attention to capital letters at the beginning of a sentence and periods at the end.
Practice typing on a Dutch keyboard (with the correct characters).

Common mistakes in writing (and what works instead)

Many people make the same mistakes when writing. A common mistake is that they try to use too difficult words. As a result, they make more grammar mistakes. It is better to use simple words that you know. Another mistake is that they don't read the assignment completely and therefore forget part of it.

People also often forget the salutation and closing in a letter. In a formal letter, you write 'Dear sir/madam' and end with 'Sincerely'. In an informal message, you can start with 'Hi' and end with 'Greetings'. It is important to know which register to use.

What works well is to write a short message in Dutch every day. That can be a message to a friend or a note for yourself. That way, you automatically practice sentence structure and vocabulary. Also read a lot of Dutch texts, such as news articles or short stories, to see how sentences are put together.

Wrong: 'I went to the store and I bought bread and I bought milk.' Better: 'I went to the store. I bought bread and milk.'
Wrong: 'My name is Ahmed and I live in Utrecht and I work at a company.' Better: 'My name is Ahmed. I live in Utrecht. I work at a company.'
Wrong: 'I would like to ask if you can help me with my form.' Better: 'Can you help me with my form?'
Wrong: 'I made an appointment yesterday, but I can't come.' Better: 'I made an appointment yesterday, but I can't come. Can we make a new appointment?'
Wrong: 'I forgot to take my medicine.' Better: 'I forgot to take my medicine.'
Wrong: 'I live in the Netherlands for two years.' Better: 'I have lived in the Netherlands for two years.'

Practical example sentences for every situation

Below you will find sentences that you can use directly in daily life. Practice them out loud and write them down. That way, your hands and your brain get used to Dutch sentence structure.

These sentences are at A2 level: short and clear. You can adapt them to your own situation. Replace the words in parentheses with your own details.

I am sick and cannot come to work today.
Can you make a new appointment? Tuesday at 10 o'clock suits me fine.
I would like to make an appointment with the doctor.
My address is [street name] [number], [postal code] in [city].
I have a question about my rental contract. Can you call me?
We are on vacation next week. Can you water the plants?
I want to register for the Dutch course. Where can I do that?
Thank you for your help. Sincerely, [your name].

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

You don't have to wait months to start. With this step-by-step plan, you can start practicing this week. Plan half an hour every day, for example in the morning before work or in the evening after dinner.

The most important thing is that you practice regularly. Short moments every day work better than one long session per week. That way, it stays in your head and you make quick progress.

Day 1: Write a short message to a friend about your day. Use 5 sentences.
Day 2: Fill out a form on paper (for example, a registration form from a gym).
Day 3: Write an email to your employer that you want a day off.
Day 4: Make a shopping list in Dutch and write sentences with it, like 'I need to buy bread'.
Day 5: Read a short article on nu.nl and write three sentences about what you read.
Day 6: Do a practice assignment from the DUO website or from Dutch Fluency.
Day 7: Write a note to your neighbors about a party you are going to have.

Mini checklist for your exam

Use this checklist right before your exam to check whether you have done everything. Print it out and check off the points while you practice.

It helps to go through this checklist in your head during the real exam too. That way, you don't forget important steps.

Have I read and understood the assignment completely?
Have I covered all the requested parts (for example, salutation, body, closing)?
Are my sentences short and clear?
Have I used capital letters and periods?
Have I checked the time and do I have enough time left for checking?

How to practice with Dutch Fluency and other materials

At Dutch Fluency, you will find practice exams and exercises that resemble the real exam. For example, you can do the mock exam to get used to the time pressure and the assignment format. It is important to also practice reading and listening, because those skills help you with writing. If you read a lot, you learn how Dutch sentences are structured.

You can also practice for free on the DUO website. There you will find example assignments and old exams. You can also practice with Dutch friends or neighbors: ask them to check your messages. That way, you get feedback and learn from your mistakes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the level of civic integration writing?

The level is A2. That means you can write simple sentences about everyday topics. You don't have to write long or complicated texts. The point is that you are clear.

How long does the writing section of the civic integration exam take?

The section takes about 40 minutes. You take it on the computer. It is important to watch the time, because you cannot take a break.

Can I use a dictionary during the exam?

No, you are not allowed to use a dictionary or other aids. You have to do the exam yourself. That is why it is important to practice a lot and learn words.

What if I make a mistake in my text?

Making mistakes is not a problem, as long as the text is understandable. You are not judged on small mistakes. It is more important that you did the assignment well.

How can I practice for civic integration writing at home?

You can practice by writing a short message in Dutch every day. You can also make practice exams from DUO or Dutch Fluency. Ask a Dutch person to check your texts.

Do I need to be able to type for the exam?

Yes, you type your answers on the computer. It is handy to practice typing so that you don't spend too much time looking for letters. You can practice with free typing courses.

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