Person writing a form in Dutch at a table

Civic integration writing: how to practice for the exam

You're looking for information about the writing section of the civic integration exam. I get that, because writing is the most nerve-wracking part for many people. In this article, you'll read exactly what you need to be able to do, what the exam looks like, and how to practice step by step. No vague tips, but concrete example sentences and a clear step-by-step plan.

In the Netherlands, you need to pass the civic integration exam to complete your integration. The writing section is mandatory and counts toward your overall result. You need to show that you can write simple texts, like a short note to your child's teacher, an email to your employer, or a form at the municipality. These are situations you really encounter in daily life, so it's worth practicing well.

In this guide, we explain what you can expect, how to practice with example sentences, and which mistakes to avoid. You'll also get a step-by-step plan for this week and a mini checklist for the day of the exam. That way, you'll go to the exam with confidence. And remember: you don't need to write perfect Dutch, you just need to show that you can manage in practice.

What is the writing section of the civic integration exam?

The writing section is one of the four exam parts of the civic integration exam. You have to type sentences and short texts on the computer. The goal is to prove that you can communicate in writing at A2 level. That means: making simple sentences about everyday topics, like your family, your work, your home, or your health.

The exam takes about an hour, but the exact time and number of questions can vary. Check the current information at DUO or on My Integration. What you do know: you have to complete sentences, write sentences about a picture, and type a short message. You don't have to write long stories, but you do have to be clear. A simple sentence like 'I went to the doctor yesterday' is already good.

It's important to know that the exam is on the computer. You type your answers, so you don't have to write neatly by hand. That's one less worry. But you do need to be able to type on a Dutch keyboard. Practice typing at home if you're not used to it.

What do you need to be able to do for the writing exam?

For the writing section, you need to be able to do a few things. First: make simple sentences with the correct word order. In Dutch, the word order is different than in many other languages. For example, in a subordinate clause, the verb goes to the end. That's tricky, but with practice it gets better.

Second: you need to be able to write about yourself and your daily life. Think of sentences like 'I live in Utrecht', 'My son goes to school', or 'I work in a supermarket'. These are sentences you often have to make. Third: you need to be able to write a short message, like an email or a note. For example, to your landlord: 'The heating isn't working. Can you come and look?'

You don't need perfect grammar, but your sentences need to be understandable. The examiner wants to see that you can manage in daily life. So don't make it too difficult. Short, clear sentences are better than long, complicated ones with mistakes.

I have lived in the Netherlands since 2022.
My husband works at a bakery.
I did groceries at Albert Heijn yesterday.
Can you help me with this form?
I have moved to a new house.
My child didn't go to school today because he is sick.

What does the exam look like?

The exam has different types of assignments. For example, you get a sentence that you have to complete. It says: 'I'm going to the market this afternoon, because...' and you have to finish the sentence. Or you see a picture of a man walking a dog, and you have to write a sentence about the picture. You also get assignments where you have to type a short message, like an email to a friend or a note for the neighbors.

It's handy to know that you don't have to spell like in a dictation. You can make mistakes, as long as the message is clear. The computer doesn't grade spelling, but a real assessor looks at your text. So just write what you want to say, in simple words.

A common mistake is that people think too long and therefore type too little. You have limited time, so write quickly but neatly. Practice at home with a timer, so you know how fast you need to type. And always read your answer back before you click 'next'.

Practical example sentences for the exam

Below you'll find example sentences you can use when practicing. They are divided into different situations you might encounter on the exam. Read them out loud, type them over, and adapt them to your own situation. That way, you learn to recognize the sentences and also to make them yourself.

You don't have to memorize these sentences, but it helps to practice them. If you type them often, they become easier automatically. And if you get a similar assignment on the exam, you'll know exactly what to do.

I would like to make an appointment with the doctor.
My train was delayed, that's why I'm coming later.
Can you open the door? My hands are full.
I have a question about my rental contract.
Can you tell me where the supermarket is?
I moved yesterday, so my address has changed.
My child has a party at school tomorrow.
I want to order a cake for my birthday.

Step-by-step plan: how to practice this week

You naturally want to be well prepared. With this step-by-step plan, you'll know exactly what you can do this week to practice for the writing section. Plan half an hour each day, then it's not too much and still effective.

The most important thing is that you write a lot. Write about your own life, because you already know those words. And ask someone to check your sentences, or use an app like Dutch Fluency to practice with exam questions.

Monday: Write 5 sentences about yourself. For example: 'My name is...', 'I come from...', 'I live in...'.
Tuesday: Practice completing sentences. Complete sentences like 'I'm going to the market, because...'.
Wednesday: Write a short message to a friend. Invite him or her for a cup of coffee.
Thursday: Practice writing about a picture. Find a photo on the internet and write 3 sentences about what you see.
Friday: Type an email to your landlord about a problem in the house. For example: 'The faucet is leaking. Can you fix it?'.
Saturday: Do a practice exam on the Dutch Fluency website or at DUO. Pretend you're really taking the exam.
Sunday: Read all your sentences from the week back. Correct the mistakes you see and write them again.

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Everyone makes mistakes, but some mistakes are easy to avoid. Below you'll see the most common mistakes in the writing section and how to do it better. Read them carefully and pay attention while practicing.

A common mistake is that people write too long sentences. Long sentences are harder to get right. Short sentences are clearer and lead to fewer mistakes. So write 'I'm tired. I'm going to bed.' rather than 'I'm tired, so I'm going to bed because I have to get up early.'

Wrong: 'I live in the Netherlands for five years.' → Better: 'I have lived in the Netherlands for five years.' Pay attention to the word order.
Wrong: 'Yesterday I did groceries.' → Better: 'Yesterday I did groceries.' Inversion after a time word.
Wrong: 'My child went to school, but he is home now.' → Better: 'My child went to school. Now he is home.' Make two sentences.
Wrong: 'I want to make an appointment for the doctor.' → Better: 'I want to make an appointment with the doctor.' Use 'with' for people.
Wrong: 'I have a question about my rental contract, because I want to move.' → Better: 'I have a question about my rental contract. I want to move.' Don't use 'because' too often.
Wrong: 'The heating doesn't work, so I am cold.' → Better: 'The heating doesn't work. I am cold.' Pay attention to 'it' in 'I am cold'.

Mini checklist for the day of the exam

On the day of the exam, you don't want any surprises. This checklist helps you arrange everything properly. Print it out or put it in your phone, and go through it the evening before.

Make sure you know where the exam is and how to get there. Bring your ID and your invitation. And make sure you're on time, because you don't want to start stressed.

Do you have your ID and invitation with you?
Do you know how to get to the exam center?
Have you slept and eaten enough?
Have you practiced typing on a computer?
Do you know the basic vocabulary for everyday situations?
Do you have a plan if you don't understand a question? (Read the question again, or guess the best answer.)

How to practice with Dutch Fluency for the exam

At Dutch Fluency, you can practice the writing section in a way that resembles the real exam. You get assignments like completing sentences, writing sentences about a picture, and typing short messages. The app gives you direct feedback on your answers, so you know what you're doing well and what you can improve.

You can also practice the other sections, like reading, listening, speaking, and KNM. That way, you prepare for the whole exam. The exercises are made at A2 level and align with the topics you really encounter in daily life. Start practicing today, and you'll go to the exam with confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the writing section of the civic integration exam?

The writing section is one of the four exam parts. You have to type simple sentences and short texts on the computer at A2 level. It's about everyday situations, like a note to the teacher or an email to your employer.

How long does the writing section take?

The exam takes about an hour, but the exact time can vary. Check the current information at DUO or on My Integration. It's smart to practice at home with a timer, so you know how fast you need to type.

Can I make mistakes in the writing section?

Yes, you can make mistakes. It's more important that your message is clear than that you use perfect grammar. An assessor looks at whether you can manage in practice. So make short, clear sentences.

What kind of assignments do I get in the writing section?

You get assignments like completing sentences, writing sentences about a picture, and typing a short message. For example, an email to your landlord or a note for the neighbors. Practice these types of assignments on Dutch Fluency.

How can I best practice for the writing section?

Practice half an hour every day. Write about your own life, make short sentences, and have them checked by someone or by the Dutch Fluency app. Also do a practice exam to get used to the time pressure.

Do I need to be able to type for the writing section?

Yes, the exam is on the computer, so you need to be able to type. Practice typing on a Dutch keyboard at home. You don't need to type fast, but you do need to be able to type your answers within the time.

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