Inburgering examen Lezen
The Reading section (Lezen) of the Inburgering exam tests whether you can understand written Dutch in practical, everyday situations. Whether you are following the A2 route or the B1 route in the Netherlands, this computer-based DUO test uses multiple-choice questions to assess your reading comprehension. Below you will find the complete exam format, how scoring works, the most common mistakes candidates make, and a step-by-step preparation strategy.
A2 Reading — what the Inburgering exam includes
The A2 Reading exam is a 65-minute, computer-based DUO test with approximately 25 multiple-choice questions. You read short practical texts and select the correct answer for each question. The texts reflect real-life situations you encounter when living in the Netherlands.
Typical A2 texts include emails from a school or employer, appointment confirmations, public notices, simple forms, letters from the municipality, and short instructions. The focus is on retrieving specific information — such as a date, time, address, or instruction — rather than understanding every single word.
The vocabulary centres on daily life in the Netherlands: housing, healthcare, work, education, transport, and local services. Building familiarity with these topic areas is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the A2 Inburgering exam.
B1 Reading — a deeper level of comprehension
The B1 Reading exam is a 110-minute, computer-based DUO test with approximately 40 multiple-choice questions. The texts are significantly longer and more detailed than at A2 level, requiring a broader vocabulary and stronger analytical reading skills.
At B1, you are expected to understand how a text is structured, identify the writer's main argument, locate supporting details, and draw conclusions. Texts may include news articles, workplace reports, formal correspondence, and informational documents related to daily life or social issues in the Netherlands.
The B1 Inburgering exam tests not only whether you can find a specific fact but also whether you understand the purpose of a text and how different parts relate to each other. Candidates who practise with longer texts and focus on identifying paragraph roles perform better in this section.
Timing and scoring
A2 level
- Duration
- 65 minutes
- Questions
- ~25 MCQ
- Format
- Computer-based
- Texts
- Short practical texts
B1 level
- Duration
- 110 minutes
- Questions
- ~40 MCQ
- Format
- Computer-based
- Texts
- Longer detailed texts
How the DUO test is scored
The Inburgering Reading exam is scored by DUO using official pass/fail criteria. There is no publicly available percentage threshold. Each correct answer contributes to your total score, and DUO determines whether you meet the required standard for A2 or B1. Results are sent to you after the exam period closes.
At A2, questions primarily test whether you can locate specific information — a name, date, instruction, or condition — within a short text. At B1, questions also assess higher-order comprehension: understanding the structure of a text, the writer's intention, and the relationship between different paragraphs or ideas.
Because the exact pass threshold is not public, the best preparation strategy is to aim for the highest possible accuracy. Regular practice with exam-style questions helps you build both speed and precision.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Reading the text before the question is the most common time-wasting mistake. Instead, read the question first, then scan the text for the relevant information. This approach is faster and keeps you focused on what the DUO test is actually asking.
Many candidates lose marks by confusing similar answer options. Inburgering exam questions often include options that are nearly identical except for one key detail — a different date, a subtle condition, or an opposite instruction. Slow down when comparing options and look for the specific word or phrase that distinguishes the correct answer.
At B1, a frequent mistake is answering based on one sentence rather than the full paragraph. B1 questions about text purpose or structure require you to consider how multiple sentences work together. Practise summarising paragraphs in one sentence to build this skill. Finally, always manage your time — mark difficult questions and return to them rather than spending too long on a single item.
Your preparation strategy with DutchExam
DutchExam provides reading practice sets built around the types of texts and questions that appear in the official Inburgering exam. Each set is available at A2 and B1 level, so you can train at exactly the right difficulty. After completing a practice set, you review detailed explanations for every question — learning not just the correct answer but why the other options are wrong.
For the most effective preparation, combine reading practice with the other Inburgering exam sections: listening, writing, speaking, and KNM. A balanced study plan across all five sections gives you the best chance of passing the DUO test on your first attempt. Start with a free practice set today to see where you stand.
FAQ
What does the Inburgering Reading exam test?
The Reading exam (Lezen) tests your ability to understand written Dutch in everyday situations. At A2, you read short practical texts such as emails, notices, and forms. At B1, the texts are longer and may include articles, reports, and formal correspondence. The DUO test assesses whether you can locate specific information and, at B1, understand text structure and argumentation.
How is the DUO Reading test scored?
The Reading exam is scored by DUO using official pass/fail criteria. There is no publicly disclosed percentage threshold. Each correct multiple-choice answer contributes to your total score, and DUO determines whether you meet the required standard for A2 or B1 level. Results are typically available within eight weeks.
What is the difference between A2 and B1 Reading in the Netherlands?
The A2 Reading exam has approximately 25 questions in 65 minutes with short, practical texts. The B1 exam has approximately 40 questions in 110 minutes with longer, more complex texts. A2 focuses on finding specific information, while B1 also requires understanding text organisation, the writer's purpose, and relationships between ideas.
How many questions are on the Inburgering Reading exam?
The A2 Reading exam has approximately 25 multiple-choice questions. The B1 Reading exam has approximately 40 multiple-choice questions. Both are computer-based and taken at a DUO test location.
What types of texts appear in the Inburgering exam?
At A2, texts include everyday materials such as emails, notices, forms, short letters, and simple instructions. At B1, texts are longer and may include news articles, reports, job-related correspondence, and informational documents. All texts relate to practical life in the Netherlands.
Can I use a dictionary during the Reading exam?
No. You cannot use a dictionary, phone, or any reference material during the DUO test. You must rely on your own vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. This is why building everyday Dutch vocabulary through regular practice is essential.
How does DutchExam help me prepare for the Reading exam?
DutchExam provides exam-style reading practice at both A2 and B1 level. Each practice set includes texts and multiple-choice questions based on the official Inburgering exam format. After completing a set, you can review explanations for every question to understand why an answer is correct or incorrect.
Begin vandaag nog met de voorbereiding op het examen Lezen
Practise with exam-style texts and questions at A2 and B1 level. Review explanations for every answer and track your progress toward passing the Inburgering exam.