KNM: Knowledge of Dutch Society, explained in plain English
KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) is a separate exam part, not a language test. It checks whether you know how Dutch society and daily life actually work: government, healthcare, housing, work, and everyday norms and values. You answer computer-based multiple-choice questions in Dutch.
Where DutchLessonsOnline fits in, honestly
Our A1 and A2 courses teach the Dutch language, they do not cover KNM topics like Dutch government structure or healthcare insurance. This page is a starting overview so you know what KNM covers and can prepare with the right materials. We have a dedicated KNM practice pack: all eight topics in plain English, 40 exam-style questions, and an explanation for every answer. This page is a free overview to start with.
The topics KNM covers
Wonen (Housing)
Renting or buying a home, housing corporations, the waiting-list system, and who to contact for repairs or problems.
Werk & inkomen (Work & income)
Finding work, contracts, taxes, benefits like toeslagen, and the basics of the Dutch social safety net.
Gezondheid (Health)
The healthcare system, mandatory health insurance (zorgverzekering), the huisarts (GP) as first point of contact, and emergency numbers.
De Nederlandse staat (The Dutch state)
How government, parliament and elections work, the constitution, and the separation of church and state.
Onderwijs & opvoeding (Education & raising children)
How the Dutch school system is structured, from primary school through to university and vocational routes.
Waarden & normen (Values & norms)
Everyday social expectations: punctuality, directness, appointments, and how Dutch people generally expect to interact.
Geschiedenis & geografie (History & geography)
Key moments in Dutch history, the provinces and major cities, and why so much of the country lies below sea level.
Instanties (Official bodies)
Which organisation does what: gemeente, Belastingdienst, UWV, DUO, huisarts and politie.
Example style, not a real exam question
Sample question
"Bij welke persoon moet u eerst terecht als u ziek bent en een dokter nodig heeft?" (Which person should you go to first when you are sick and need a doctor?)
A) De specialist in het ziekenhuis B) De huisarts C) De apotheek
Answer: B, de huisarts (the GP). In the Netherlands, you almost always see your huisarts first, they refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is KNM the same as the language exams?
No. KNM tests knowledge about Dutch society, not your Dutch language level. It is a separate, required part of the civic integration exam alongside Lezen, Schrijven, Luisteren, and Spreken.
What language is the KNM exam in?
The questions and answers are in Dutch, though generally written simply. Having a basic Dutch reading level, such as A2, makes the exam much easier to get through.
Does DutchLessonsOnline offer a KNM course?
Not a full course, but we do have a KNM practice pack: all eight topics, 40 exam-style questions, every answer explained in English. This page stays free as an overview of what KNM covers.
Get the Dutch reading level KNM assumes
KNM questions are in Dutch. A solid A1 or A2 reading level makes them far easier to follow.
KNM practice pack
All eight topics with 40 exam-style questions, every answer explained in plain English, plus a reference table of which organisation handles what. 9 pages, PDF.
€ 4.99
One payment, lifetime access. Or take all four in the Complete Bundle for € 15.99.