Egzamin Inburgering: Mowienie (Spreken)
The Speaking section (Spreken) of the Inburgering exam tests whether you can communicate clearly in spoken Dutch for everyday situations. Whether you are on the A2 or B1 route in the Netherlands, this computer-based DUO test records your spoken responses for assessment. 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 pronunciation feedback.
A2 Speaking — what the Inburgering exam includes
The A2 Speaking exam is a computer-based DUO test lasting approximately 35 minutes. You wear headphones, listen to prompts, and record short spoken responses using a microphone. There is no live conversation with an examiner — your recordings are submitted for assessment.
A2 tasks include giving short answers to direct questions, responding to everyday dialogue situations (such as calling a doctor's office or speaking to a neighbour), and briefly describing familiar topics. You have limited preparation time before each response. The focus is on communicating clearly and including the information the prompt asks for.
You do not need a native accent to pass the A2 Inburgering exam in the Netherlands. The DUO test assesses whether your spoken Dutch is understandable and whether you complete the task requirements. Clear pronunciation, correct basic grammar, and appropriate vocabulary are what matter most.
B1 Speaking — structured responses and broader vocabulary
The B1 Speaking exam is a computer-based DUO test also lasting approximately 35 minutes. The format is the same as A2 — headphones, microphone, recorded responses — but the tasks require significantly more depth and structure.
At B1, you may need to explain a situation in detail, give and support your opinion, describe a process step by step, or respond to a more complex social or work-related scenario. The Inburgering exam expects you to organise your thoughts clearly, use a broader range of vocabulary, and connect ideas with appropriate linking words.
Preparation time for each task is limited. Candidates who practise structured responses — with a clear opening, supporting points, and a conclusion — make the best use of the available time. At B1 in the Netherlands, fluency and coherence carry more weight alongside pronunciation and grammar.
Timing and scoring
A2 level
- Duration
- ~35 minutes
- Format
- Computer-based recording
- Tasks
- Short answers and dialogues
- Focus
- Clarity and task completion
B1 level
- Duration
- ~35 minutes
- Format
- Computer-based recording
- Tasks
- Detailed structured responses
- Focus
- Structure, vocabulary, fluency
How the DUO test is scored
The Inburgering Speaking exam is assessed by DUO using criteria-based evaluation. Trained assessors listen to your recorded responses and evaluate them on task completion, clarity, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
At A2, assessors focus primarily on whether you communicated the required information clearly and understandably. At B1, they also assess the structure and coherence of your responses, your range of vocabulary, and how smoothly you express your ideas.
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 addresses the task fully, is easy to understand, and uses appropriate Dutch will score well. Regular practice with structured feedback helps you understand what assessors prioritise.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Speaking too fast is the most common mistake on the DUO test. When nervous, candidates rush through their responses, which leads to unclear pronunciation, grammar errors, and missed details. A steady, moderate pace produces clearer speech and gives you time to think. Short, well-formed sentences are more effective than long, tangled ones.
Many candidates miss required information because they do not identify the key points in the prompt before speaking. Before recording, quickly note the who, what, where, and when that the prompt asks for. Include these explicitly in your response. Missing even one required element can significantly affect your score on the Inburgering exam.
At B1, a frequent mistake is giving an unstructured response — jumping between ideas without a clear flow. Practise organising your responses with a simple framework: state your main point, give supporting details or examples, then close. Recording yourself and listening back is one of the most effective preparation techniques because it reveals pronunciation habits and unclear phrasing you do not notice while speaking.
Your preparation strategy with DutchExam
DutchExam provides speaking practice tasks based on the types of prompts that appear in the official Inburgering exam. You record your responses at A2 or B1 level and receive AI-powered feedback on pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and task completion. This immediate feedback loop helps you identify exactly what to improve and track your progress over time.
For the most effective preparation, combine speaking practice with the other Inburgering exam sections: reading, listening, writing, and KNM. A balanced study plan across all five sections gives you the best chance of passing the DUO test on your first attempt in the Netherlands. Start with a free speaking practice today to hear how your Dutch sounds.
FAQ
What happens during the Inburgering Speaking exam?
You sit at a computer, listen to prompts through headphones, and record your spoken responses using a microphone. Tasks include giving short answers, responding to everyday situations, and describing familiar topics. Your recordings are submitted to DUO for assessment. There is no live conversation with an examiner.
Do I speak to a person or a computer during the DUO test?
The Speaking exam is entirely computer-based. You listen to pre-recorded prompts and instructions, then speak into a microphone. Your responses are recorded and later assessed by DUO. You do not interact with a live examiner during the test.
How is the DUO Speaking test scored?
The Speaking exam is assessed by DUO using official criteria including task completion, clarity, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. There is no single percentage score. Assessors evaluate whether your spoken Dutch meets the required standard for A2 or B1. You must reach the official pass threshold set by DUO.
Do I need perfect pronunciation to pass the Inburgering exam?
No. The goal is clear, understandable Dutch — not a native accent. You are assessed on whether your pronunciation allows the listener to understand your message without difficulty. A foreign accent is completely acceptable as long as your speech is clear and comprehensible.
What is the difference between A2 and B1 Speaking in the Netherlands?
Both exams last approximately 35 minutes and are computer-based. At A2, tasks involve short answers and simple dialogue responses about familiar everyday situations. At B1, tasks require more detailed and structured responses: explaining a situation, giving your opinion, or describing a process with clear organisation.
How long should my spoken responses be?
Most A2 responses are a few sentences long — enough to address the prompt requirements clearly. At B1, some tasks require more detailed responses with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Focus on completing the task and including all requested information rather than speaking for as long as possible.
How does DutchExam help me prepare for the Speaking exam?
DutchExam provides speaking practice tasks based on the official Inburgering exam format at A2 and B1 level. You record your responses and receive AI-powered feedback on pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and task completion. This allows you to identify weak areas and improve through repeated practice.
Zacznij przygotowania do egzaminu z mowienia juz dzis
Practise with exam-style prompts at A2 and B1 level. Record your responses, get AI feedback on pronunciation and fluency, and build confidence for the Inburgering exam.