How to pass your Dutch Inburgering Exams

Dutch society, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, welcomes
individuals from all over the world. Yet, to truly integrate and become a
part of this vibrant community, there’s a rite of passage – the
Inburgering or Dutch Integration Exam. This test not only assesses one’s
proficiency in the Dutch language but also delves into one’s
understanding of the very fabric of Dutch society. For many, it may seem
a daunting task, but with the right resources, guidance, and
determination, the path to mastering the Inburgering becomes an
enlightening journey. Dive into this comprehensive guide, which unpacks
everything from the exam’s historical context to invaluable support
systems, ensuring you’re well-prepared to embrace the Dutch way of life.

A Deeper Dive into the History of the Inburgering Exam

The Netherlands has long been recognized for its inclusive and open society. Historically, it has been a hub for trade, commerce, and innovation, attracting a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. However, as globalization progressed and migration increased in the latter half of the 20th century, the Dutch government recognized the need to ensure smooth integration of newcomers into the social fabric.

In the early 1990s, a discourse began in the Netherlands around the need for a more structured approach to integration. There was a growing consensus that immigrants should actively participate in Dutch society, and this participation required a foundational understanding of Dutch language and culture.

This culminated in the introduction of the “Wet inburgering in het buitenland” (Integration Abroad Act) in 2006. The act made it mandatory for certain groups of non-EU immigrants, even before arriving in the Netherlands, to pass an exam demonstrating basic knowledge of the Dutch language and society. This policy aimed to ensure that those planning to settle in the Netherlands had a basic foundation to build upon.

By 2007, another significant change was made with the “Wet inburgering” (Integration Act), making integration a personal responsibility. Immigrants were now obligated to attend Dutch language courses and civic integration courses, culminating in the Inburgering exam.

DUO: More than Just Financing

DUO, or Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, plays a central role in the inburgering process. While they offer financial support, their responsibilities extend beyond just providing loans.

1. Information and Guidance: DUO is a comprehensive source of information on the inburgering exam. Their website provides detailed guidelines on the examination process, the requirements, and the various components of the exam.

2. Financial Support: As mentioned earlier, DUO offers loans to cover the cost of the inburgering exam and the preparatory courses. The terms of these loans are favorable, often being interest-free for the obligated integration period. More details about this can be found here.

3. Reimbursement and Rewards: For those proactive in their integration journey, DUO offers financial incentives. If you pass the inburgering exam in a shorter period than required, you might be eligible for a reimbursement of a part or the whole of the exam fee. More about these incentives can be found on the DUO website.

For those preparing for the inburgering exam, it’s highly recommended to familiarize oneself with the resources offered by DUO, as they can significantly ease the integration journey.

Preparation Resources for the Dutch Inburgering Exam

I do not get paid referral fees for the items here – these are what helped me pass my inburgering exams.

Official Materials:

1. Inburgeren.nl: The official resource for Dutch integration exams, offering sample questions and essential information.
2. IND Official Site: The official site for immigration and naturalization in the Netherlands.

Online Courses and Tutorials:

1. DutchPod101: Comprehensive Dutch learning platform with a variety of audio and video lessons.
2. LearnDutch.org: A complete online course offering Dutch lessons for all levels.
3. UvA Talen Class: The language centre of the University of Amsterdam, offering Dutch classes.
4. Udemy Courses:
• Dutch for Beginners: An introductory course for those starting their Dutch learning journey.
• Another Dutch Course for Beginners: Another beginner-friendly course focusing on fundamental Dutch skills.
5. Open Culture – Free Dutch Lessons: A collection of free Dutch learning resources.
6. Future Learn – Introduction to Dutch: A basic introduction to the Dutch language.

Memorization Tools:

1. Memrise: Use spaced repetition to learn and remember Dutch vocabulary.
2. Anki: A flashcard app that helps in memorizing Dutch words and phrases.
3. Brainscape Dutch Flashcards: Digital flashcards for efficient Dutch vocabulary learning.

Video Resources:

1. Dutch Sesame Street: Kid-friendly episodes that are great for understanding casual spoken Dutch.
2. Dutch with Niels: A YouTube channel dedicated to teaching Dutch.

Blogs and Personal Experiences:

1. DutchReview: Blog covering all things Dutch, including the language and culture.
2. Dutch Language Blog: Regular posts about Dutch language and culture.
3. Stuff Dutch People Like: A humorous take on Dutch culture and language.

Intensive and Immersive Courses:

1. Learn Dutch Fast: Intensive courses for rapid learning.
2. Language Institute Regina Coeli: Known as the “Nuns of Vught”, offering top-tier immersive Dutch courses.
3. Home Language International in Amsterdam: Learn Dutch in the home of a qualified teacher in Amsterdam.
4. Kickstart School: Range of Dutch courses, from beginner to advanced.
5. Language Corner Amsterdam: Fun and professional Dutch courses.

Online Tutor Platforms:

1. Tutoroo: Find local Dutch tutors for private lessons.
2. Preply: Connect with Dutch tutors online.
3. italki: Language learning platform with professional and community tutors.
4. Verbling: Learn Dutch with professional teachers online.
5. Language Transfer: Free audio courses.
6. Superprof: Find a private Dutch tutor near you.

Apps for On-the-Go Learning:

1. DuoLingo: Gamify your Dutch learning experience.
2. Babel: Another popular language learning app.
3. Drops: Visual-based learning for Dutch vocabulary.

Find Language Partners:

1. Gilde Amsterdam: Non-profit where retirees help expats and students with Dutch.
2. Tandem: Language exchange app to practice Dutch with native speakers.
3. ConversationExchange: Find a Dutch-speaking partner for language exchange.
4. Speaky: Language exchange community.
5. HiNative: Ask questions to native Dutch speakers.
6. Polyglot Club: Meet up and practice various languages, including Dutch.

Grammar Resources:

1. DutchGrammar.com: Comprehensive Dutch grammar guide.
2. Digital Dialects Dutch: Games and activities to practice Dutch grammar.

Preparation Classes:

1. TaalTaal: Preparation classes for Dutch exams.
2. Language Corner Amsterdam: Dutch exam preparation in a friendly environment.
3. NT2 Academy: Tailored courses to prepare for the Dutch NT2 exam.