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Updated 18 May 2026: DUO has announced that some inburgeraars may receive extra time to complete their integration because there are too few available places for the A2 Speaking and A2 Writing exams. See the full update below.
For many people completing civic integration in the Netherlands, the Inburgering Speaking Exam (Spreken) can feel stressful. The idea of sitting in a test room, wearing a headset, and answering questions while a digital timer runs can make candidates nervous.
You do not need to aim for perfect Dutch. Focus on answering the question clearly, staying relevant and communicating your meaning with the Dutch you can control. DUO does not publish a simple rule saying that one particular grammar mistake automatically means a pass or fail.
Whether you are completing integration under the 2013 or 2021 civic integration system, the required language level depends on your integration law, route and personal situation. Depending on your situation, you may need A2, B1 or B2. In this guide, we break down the 2026 exam information, practical preparation strategies and useful phrases for moments when your mind goes blank.
Table of Contents
- The Exam Format: What Exactly Happens?
- How the Speaking Exam Is Assessed
- 5 Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Part 1 Strategy: Speaking & Recording
- Part 2 Strategy: Multiple Choice
- Real Exam Scenarios & Sample Answers
- The “Cheat Sheet” (Memorize This!)
- NEW: DUO Update — Extra Time in 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Dutch Learning Corner
The Exam Format: What Exactly Happens?
The A2 Speaking exam is conducted on a computer at a DUO testing location. You watch short films and answer questions. DUO states that the A2 Speaking exam takes 35 minutes. The B1 and B2 Speaking exams take about 30 minutes. You should check your invitation and Mijn Inburgering for the exam and level that apply to you.
DUO’s current public information describes the A2 Speaking exam as a computer-based exam in which you watch short films and answer questions. DUO does not publish a fixed question count on its current public English exam page, so this guide does not present unofficial question numbers as official exam rules.
How the Speaking Exam Is Assessed
DUO confirms the format and requirements of the Speaking exam, but it does not publish a simple public rule saying that one specific grammar mistake automatically means a pass or fail. For that reason, avoid treating individual examples as guaranteed scoring rules.
The practical goal is to give an answer that is clear, relevant to the question and understandable. Minor mistakes do not automatically mean that you will fail, but you should answer the complete question and communicate your meaning as clearly as possible.
5 Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Before we look at what to do, let’s look at what not to do.
1. The “English” Panic Button
If you forget a Dutch word, try to explain what you mean in Dutch instead of immediately switching to English. This is a practical preparation tip, not a published DUO scoring rule.
Fix: Describe the word. If you forget “market,” say “de plek waar ik eten koop” (the place where I buy food).
2. The Long Silence
You have limited time to respond, so avoid unnecessary long pauses.
Fix: If you need a moment, use a natural Dutch phrase such as “Even denken…” (Let me think) and then continue with your answer.
3. Over-Complicating Answers
Don’t try to be a philosopher. If the question is “Do you like rain?”, the answer is “Nee, ik hou niet van regen.” Do not explain the hydrological cycle.
4. Speaking Too Softly
Testing centers can be noisy with other people talking. If you whisper, the recording will be bad. Speak loudly and clearly.
5. Not Answering the Full Question
If a question asks you to give a reason, try to include the reason rather than answering only the first part. This is a practical preparation strategy, not a published DUO rule that guarantees a pass or fail.
Fix: Useful connectors include “omdat” and “want”.
Part 1 Strategy: Speaking & Recording
In this section, you see a picture or video. You hear a voice ask a question. You have a few seconds to think, then a “beep” sounds, and you record.
Strategy: Subject + Verb + Rest.
Keep this structure in your head.
Question: “Wat doe je in het weekend?”
Structure: Ik (Subject) + ga (Verb) + naar het park (Rest).
Part 2 Strategy: Multiple Choice
This part tests your social awareness. You watch a video, e.g., a boss talking to an employee. The video freezes. You must choose the correct response from A, B, or C.
Tip: Look for the response that is relevant and appropriate to the situation. Do not treat “the most polite answer” as a universal official DUO scoring rule.
Scenario: Your boss says you are late.
Option A: “Nou en?” (So what?) – Not an appropriate response in this example.
Option B: “Sorry, de trein was te laat.” (Sorry, the train was late.) – A relevant response.
Option C: “Ik ga naar huis.” (I am going home.) – Not relevant to the situation.
Note: These are practice examples, not official DUO answer keys.
Real Exam Scenarios & Sample Answers
Here are three common scenarios that appear frequently in the Inburgering Speaking Exam.
Scenario 1: The Doctor (De Huisarts)
Question: “Je bent ziek. Bel de huisarts en maak een afspraak.” (You are sick. Call the GP and make an appointment.)
Weak Answer: “Hallo doctor. Ik ben ziek. Afspraak?” (Too broken).
Strong Answer: “Goedemorgen. Ik voel me niet goed en ik heb koorts. Kan ik vandaag langskomen voor een afspraak?” (Good morning. I don’t feel well and I have a fever. Can I come by today for an appointment?)
Scenario 2: The School (De School)
Question: “Je kind is ziek. Bel de school.” (Your child is sick. Call the school.)
Strong Answer: “Hallo, met [Name]. Mijn zoon is vandaag ziek. Hij komt niet naar school.”
Scenario 3: The Job (Het Werk)
Question: “Waarom wil je deze baan?” (Why do you want this job?)
Strong Answer: “Ik wil deze baan want ik vind werken met mensen leuk.” (I want this job because I like working with people.)
The “Cheat Sheet” (Memorize This!)
Want to sound fluent instantly? Memorize these connector words. They allow you to build longer sentences without advanced grammar.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Omdat | Because | Ik ga niet naar buiten, omdat het regent. (Verb to the end!) |
| Want | Because | Ik ga niet naar buiten, want het regent. (Easier, no word order change!) |
| Maar | But | Ik wil werken, maar ik ben ziek. |
| Dus | So | Het is koud, dus ik draag een jas. |
NEW: DUO Update — Extra Time for Some Candidates in 2026
18 May 2026: DUO announced that there are too few available places for the A2 Speaking and A2 Writing exams. As a result, some inburgeraars may receive extra time to complete their integration.
You only qualify for this extra time if you meet all relevant conditions. DUO says you must be an asylum status holder, family migrant or other migrant; you must have only the A2 Speaking exam, the A2 Writing exam, or both remaining; and your integration period must be close to ending.
Important: DUO sends a letter to people who qualify. The letter explains whether extra time is granted and how much extra time the person receives. The amount can differ from one person to another.
If you have not received a letter from DUO, you should not assume that you have been granted this specific extra time.
DUO also confirms that the possibility of extra time for certain candidates taking the B1 Speaking exam, announced in December 2025, remains in place under conditions.
Official source: DUO — 18 May 2026: Possibly extra time for Speaking and Writing A2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replay the question?
The exact options depend on the exam. Follow the instructions shown on the screen and use any available replay option as instructed.
What if I make a mistake while recording?
If you make a mistake, stay calm and continue. If appropriate, you can correct yourself with a phrase such as “Sorry, ik bedoel…” rather than abandoning your answer.
Is the exam A2, B1 or B2?
The required level depends on your integration law, route and personal situation. Depending on your route and PIP, you may need A2, B1 or B2. Check Mijn Inburgering to see which exams and level you need.
Dutch Learning Corner
| Word (Dutch) | Pronunciation | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎧 De Koptelefoon | De Kop-te-le-foon | Headphones | Zet je koptelefoon op. (Put your headphones on.) |
| 🎙️ Opnemen | Op-nay-men | To record | De computer neemt je antwoord op. (The computer records your answer.) |
| 🗣️ Duidelijk | Doy-de-lik | Clear / Clearly | Spreek rustig en duidelijk. (Speak calmly and clearly.) |
TDD Community Question
Are you practicing for the A2 or B1 exam? What is the hardest Dutch sound for you to pronounce (is it the ‘G’ or the ‘UI’)? Share your struggles in the comments!
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