From July 1, newcomers to the Netherlands will face a refreshed Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) integration exam, updated to match today’s realities.
The Dutch government announced the changes in a press release, calling them significant and timely. Let’s take a look at what’s new and why it matters. 👇
A shift toward core values
The updated exam brings two major themes into sharper focus: women’s rights and the Holocaust.
From now on, newcomers will be expected to understand that in the Netherlands, women have the freedom to work, make their own choices, and live independently.
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As State Secretary for Participation and Integration, Jurgen Nobel, explains: ”It is essential that newcomers learn that in the Netherlands you are allowed to work as a woman and to organise your own life.”
Alongside this, there’s now greater emphasis on Holocaust education. It includes questions about what the Holocaust was, the loss of many Dutch Jewish lives, and the importance of rejecting anti-Semitism and discrimination.
What you’re expected to know
The KNM exam is based on a set of final objectives that lay out what newcomers should understand to find their way in Dutch society.
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These cover everyday topics such as work and income, social manners, values, housing, and the organisation of the government.
These objectives are updated every 5 to 10 years to stay in tune with changes in society and legislation.
It’s not just about learning the rules; it’s about building the kind of knowledge that helps people feel prepared, confident, and able to take part in daily life in the Netherlands.
What do you think of the new changes to the KNM exam? We’d love to hear your thoughts. 💬
Ik ben 71 en heb usa nationaliteit,door dat ik het niet wist verloor ik mijn nederlandse nationaliteit! Wat moet ik doen als ik terug naar nederland wil gaan wonen
Ik heb hetzelfde geval en vraag me dat ook af