Inburgering Writing Exam (Schrijven)
The Writing section (Schrijven) of the Inburgering exam tests whether you can produce clear, functional Dutch for everyday situations. Whether you are on the A2 or B1 route in the Netherlands, this computer-based DUO test evaluates your writing using criteria-based assessment — not multiple-choice. Below you will find the complete exam format, how scoring works, the most common mistakes candidates make, and a practical preparation strategy with AI-powered feedback.
A2 Writing — what the Inburgering exam includes
The A2 Writing exam is a 40-minute, computer-based DUO test consisting of several short functional writing tasks. You type your answers on a computer at the exam location. There is no multiple-choice — you produce your own written responses.
Typical A2 tasks include filling in a form with personal or practical information, writing a short message or note (such as notifying a school about an absence), and responding in writing to a simple everyday situation. Each task describes a context and tells you exactly what information to include.
The exam focuses on clarity and completeness. At A2 level in the Netherlands, you need to include all required information, use basic grammar and vocabulary correctly, and make your text understandable. There are no separate grammar exercises — grammar is assessed as part of every response you write.
B1 Writing — structured texts and formal correspondence
The B1 Writing exam is a 100-minute, computer-based DUO test with two to three writing tasks that require longer, more structured texts than A2. You type all responses on a computer, and each task provides a detailed scenario you must address.
Tasks may include writing a formal email or letter (for example, to an employer or municipality), composing an informal message, or providing a written explanation or argumentation related to work, daily life, or social situations in the Netherlands. At B1, you are expected to organise your text with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
The B1 Inburgering exam evaluates content, text structure, coherence, and language use. There are no separate grammar exercises and no multiple-choice questions. Grammar, vocabulary range, and the ability to connect ideas logically are all assessed within your written responses.
Timing and scoring
A2 level
- Duration
- 40 minutes
- Format
- Computer-based
- Tasks
- Several short writing tasks
- Focus
- Clarity and completeness
B1 level
- Duration
- 100 minutes
- Format
- Computer-based
- Tasks
- 2–3 structured texts
- Assessment
- Content, structure, language
How the DUO test is scored
The Inburgering Writing exam is assessed by DUO using criteria-based evaluation. Unlike reading or listening, there is no automatic scoring. Trained assessors evaluate each response against official criteria for the level.
At A2, assessors check whether you included all required information, whether your text is understandable, and whether you use basic grammar and vocabulary appropriately. At B1, the criteria expand to include text structure, coherence between sentences and paragraphs, and the range and accuracy of your language use.
You must meet the official pass threshold set by DUO. The exact scoring breakdown is not publicly disclosed, but the assessment is holistic: a response that clearly addresses the task, is well-organised, and uses correct Dutch will score well. Practising with structured feedback helps you understand what assessors look for.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common A2 mistake is missing required information. Each task tells you exactly what to include — a name, date, reason, or specific detail. Candidates who skip even one required element risk failing that task. Before submitting, re-read the prompt and verify that every requested piece of information appears in your response.
At both A2 and B1, many candidates write sentences that are too long and complex, leading to grammar errors. Short, clear sentences are safer and often score higher than ambitious ones with mistakes. At A2, two correct simple sentences are better than one incorrect compound sentence. At B1, aim for clear paragraphs with logical connectors (zoals, omdat, daarom, bovendien) but avoid overcomplicating your language.
At B1, a frequent mistake is writing without structure. Responses that jump between ideas without clear paragraphs score lower on coherence. Practise using a simple framework: introduction (state your purpose), body (address each point), conclusion (summarise or close). Familiarity with common task types — forms, emails, explanations — reduces stress and helps you manage time during the DUO test.
Your preparation strategy with DutchExam
DutchExam provides writing practice tasks based on the types of assignments that appear in the official Inburgering exam. You can practise form completion, short messages, formal emails, and structured explanations at both A2 and B1 level. After submitting each response, you receive AI-powered feedback highlighting specific areas for improvement in grammar, structure, vocabulary, and task completion.
This feedback loop is the fastest way to improve your writing for the Inburgering exam. You see exactly what to fix, rewrite your response, and submit again. For balanced preparation, combine writing practice with reading, listening, speaking, and KNM — covering all five sections gives you the best chance of passing the DUO test on your first attempt in the Netherlands.
FAQ
What does the Inburgering Writing exam test?
The Writing exam (Schrijven) tests your ability to produce written Dutch for practical, everyday situations. At A2, you complete short functional tasks such as filling in forms and writing brief messages. At B1, you write longer texts such as formal emails, explanations, and structured arguments. The DUO test assesses content, clarity, structure, and language use.
How is the DUO Writing test scored?
The Writing exam is assessed by DUO using criteria-based evaluation. There is no percentage score or multiple-choice scoring. Assessors evaluate your writing on content (did you address all task requirements), clarity, text structure, and language use (grammar and vocabulary). You must meet the official pass threshold set by DUO for A2 or B1.
What is the difference between A2 and B1 Writing in the Netherlands?
The A2 Writing exam lasts 40 minutes and includes several short functional tasks such as form completion and brief messages. The B1 exam lasts 100 minutes and includes two to three longer writing tasks requiring structured texts, formal correspondence, and argumentation. B1 assesses a wider range of language skills including text coherence and vocabulary range.
Are there separate grammar questions on the Inburgering exam?
No. There are no separate grammar exercises or multiple-choice grammar questions on the Writing exam. Grammar and language use are assessed entirely within your written responses. This means every sentence you write contributes to your grammar score, making it important to write clearly and check your work.
How long should my written answers be?
Focus on completing all task requirements rather than writing as much as possible. At A2, short and complete answers that include all required information are more effective than long, error-prone texts. At B1, aim for well-structured paragraphs that clearly address each part of the task. Quality and completeness matter more than length.
Can I use a dictionary during the Writing exam?
No. You cannot use a dictionary, spell-checker, or any reference material during the DUO test. You type your answers on a computer at the exam location using a basic text editor. This is why building your writing vocabulary through regular practice is essential preparation.
How does DutchExam help me prepare for the Writing exam?
DutchExam provides writing practice tasks based on the official Inburgering exam format at both A2 and B1 level. After submitting your response, you receive AI-powered feedback on grammar, structure, vocabulary, and task completion. This feedback loop helps you identify patterns in your mistakes and improve with each attempt.
Start preparing for the Writing exam today
Practise with exam-style writing tasks at A2 and B1 level. Get AI-powered feedback on every response and track your improvement toward passing the Inburgering exam.