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KNM - Dutch Society Knowledge

Everything you need to pass the Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij exam.

40
Multiple Choice Questions
45
Minutes
26/40
To Pass (65%)
14
You Can Get Wrong
How the exam works: You watch short video clips of everyday Dutch situations, then answer multiple-choice questions. Questions test what you should do, not theory. All in simple Dutch (A2 level).

Golden Rules for Passing

Elimination Strategy

Spot the Wrong Answers

Wrong answers often describe another country's system, remove someone's rights, or skip the normal procedure (huisarts → specialist). Eliminate these first.

When Unsure, Pick the Nicest

The Netherlands values rights, equality, tolerance, and following procedures. The most "reasonable and fair" answer is usually correct.

Don't Overthink

Questions test practical common sense. If you live in NL, you probably already know 50% of answers from daily life. Trust your experience.

Time Management

45 min / 40 questions = ~1 min each. Don't get stuck. Mark unsure ones and come back. Answer everything — no penalty for guessing.

The 8 Topics

Click each topic to expand. Topics are ordered by exam importance.

MOST TESTED 1. Gezondheid & Gezondheidszorg ▶
Key Facts
Huisarts (GP) = ALWAYS your first contact. You CANNOT go directly to a specialist.
Zorgverzekering (health insurance) is VERPLICHT for everyone in NL.
Eigen risico = €385 (2026). You pay this before insurance kicks in. Does NOT apply to huisarts visits.
Apotheek = prescription medicine (need recept). Drogist = over-the-counter products (no prescription).
Basisverzekering = basic package, same at all insurers. Aanvullende verzekering = optional extras (dental, physio).
Zorgtoeslag = government subsidy for low-income people to pay insurance. Apply via Belastingdienst.
Tandarts (dentist): NOT covered by basisverzekering for adults. Kids under 18: covered.
GGD = public health: vaccinations, infectious diseases, consultatiebureau (child health clinic).
Zwangerschap: go to verloskundige (midwife) or huisarts. Only hospital if complications.
NEW Medisch beroepsgeheim: doctors cannot share your medical info without your permission (toestemming).
NEW You choose your own huisarts, tandarts, and apotheek yourself. Nobody does this for you.
NEW Tolkentelefoon: if you don't speak Dutch, the huisarts can call a telephone interpreter.
Emergency Numbers
112 = life-threatening emergencies ONLY
Huisartsenpost = after-hours/weekend care (not emergencies)
0900-8844 = politie non-emergency
Expected Questions
"Someone is sick, what should they do first?" → Huisarts
"Where do you get prescription medicine?" → Apotheek
"It's Saturday night, child has high fever" → Huisartsenpost
"What is the eigen risico?" → Amount you pay yourself first
"Is health insurance mandatory?" → Yes, for everyone
"What does the apotheek need for prescription medicine?" → A recept (prescription) from the doctor
"May the old huisarts share medical info with the new one?" → Only with patient's permission
"Eva sees a big fire — what number?" → 112
"New tandarts after moving — who arranges it?" → You do it yourself (patient chooses)
"Patient doesn't speak Dutch at huisarts — what to do?" → Use tolkentelefoon (interpreter)
"Headache for days — who to call first?" → Huisarts
Common Traps
Trap: "Go directly to the specialist" → WRONG (always huisarts first)
Trap: "112 for non-emergencies" → WRONG (use huisartsenpost)
Trap: "Health insurance is optional" → WRONG (verplicht)
MOST TESTED 2. Overheid & Wetten ▶
Key Facts
Gemeente = your main government contact: registration, passport, rijbewijs, births, marriages, divorce.
BSN (Burgerservicenummer) = personal citizen number. Get it when you register at gemeente.
DigiD = digital identity for government websites (Belastingdienst, DUO, toeslagen).
Koning Willem-Alexander = head of state, but NO political power. Ceremonial only.
Tweede Kamer = 150 members, makes/accepts new laws. Eerste Kamer = 75 members, approves/rejects laws.
Minister-president = head of government. Leads the ministerraad (cabinet).
Grondwet = Constitution. Article 1: everyone is equal, discrimination is verboden.
NEW Actief kiesrecht = right to vote. Passief kiesrecht = right to be elected.
Voting at 18: Tweede Kamer, gemeenteraad, provinciale staten, waterschap. EU citizens → only gemeenteraad.
Belastingdienst = taxes + toeslagen (zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, kinderopvangtoeslag).
Den Haag = seat of government. Amsterdam = hoofdstad (capital).
NEW Rechter (judge) = determines punishment/straf. NOT the police.
NEW EU: Dutch citizens travel freely within EU countries — NO visum needed.
NEW Identificatieplicht: everyone 14+ must carry a valid ID (paspoort, ID-kaart, rijbewijs). Show it when police ask.
NEW Vrouwen in NL have exactly the same rights as men: work, vote, choose, divorce.
Expected Questions
"Where do you register when you move?" → Gemeente
"What do you need for government websites?" → DigiD
"Who makes/accepts new laws?" → Tweede Kamer
"What is BSN?" → Personal citizen number
"Does the King have political power?" → No
"How is Sam's right to vote called?" → Actief kiesrecht
"Need a visum within EU?" → No, free movement
"Who determines the straf?" → De rechter (the judge)
"Must a 15-year-old show ID to police?" → Yes (identificatieplicht from 14+)
"May women do the same work as men?" → Yes, equal rights
Common Traps
Trap: "The King governs the country" → WRONG (Tweede Kamer + ministers govern)
Trap: "Amsterdam is where the government sits" → WRONG (Den Haag)
MOST TESTED 3. Werk & Inkomen ▶
Key Facts
NEW Brutosalaris = salary before tax. Nettosalaris = what you get on your bank account (always LESS than bruto).
Vast contract = permanent (onbepaalde tijd, no end date). Tijdelijk = temporary (bepaalde tijd). Oproep = on-call.
UWV = unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering). Apply when your contract ends. Must actively job search.
Bijstand = social assistance via gemeente, when you have NO income at all.
Vakantiegeld = holiday allowance = 8% of annual salary, paid in May.
Minimumloon = minimum wage, set by government. Full rate from age 21+.
NEW Solliciteren = applying for a job. Send a CV (resume) and motivatiebrief (cover letter) to the employer.
NEW Deeltijdbaan (part-time work) = very common and fully legal in NL. Many people work part-time.
NEW Eigen bedrijf starten = register at KvK (Kamer van Koophandel / Chamber of Commerce). Required by law.
ZZP'er = self-employed. Must arrange own insurance + pension. Register at KvK.
Discrimination at work is illegal (gender, age, religion, origin, sexuality).
NEW A werkgever (employer) MAY require language skills if needed for the job.
NEW Kinderopvangtoeslag = childcare subsidy. Higher income → less toeslag. Income goes up → toeslag goes down.
Ondernemingsraad (OR) = employee council in companies with 50+ staff.
Belastingaangifte (tax return) = everyone must file annually, before 1 May.
Expected Questions
"Lost your job, where to go?" → UWV
"No income at all?" → Gemeente (bijstand)
"What is vakantiegeld?" → 8% holiday allowance, paid in May
"Bruto €2.900 — what lands on your account?" → Less than €2.900 (netto < bruto)
"What to send when applying for a job?" → CV + motivatiebrief
"Can you work part-time in NL?" → Yes, deeltijdbaan is legal and common
"Want to start own business?" → Register at KvK
"Contract without end date?" → Vast contract (onbepaalde tijd)
"When can Mark apply for uitkering?" → When his contract ends (31 mei)
"Income goes up, what happens to kinderopvangtoeslag?" → It decreases
"Can employer require good Dutch?" → Yes, if needed for the job
Common Traps
Trap: Confusing UWV (lost job) with gemeente (no income). Different situations!
Trap: "ZZP'ers get vakantiegeld" → WRONG (only employees)
Trap: "Netto is more than bruto" → WRONG (netto is always less)
MEDIUM 4. Wonen ▶
Key Facts
Move → register at new gemeente within 5 days.
Sociale huurwoning = social housing, income limit, long waiting lists via woningcorporatie. Vrije sector = private (no limit).
Huurtoeslag = rent subsidy from Belastingdienst for low-income renters.
Huurcommissie = independent body for rent disputes.
Woningcorporatie = manages social housing.
NEW Buying a house? → Use a makelaar (real estate agent) and/or hypotheekadviseur (mortgage advisor).
Afvalscheiding = mandatory waste separation: paper, plastic, glass, GFT (food/garden), restafval.
NEW Statiegeld = deposit on bottles and cans. Return them at the supermarket to get money back.
Energielabel: A (best) → G (worst).
Expected Questions
"Rent too high, where to complain?" → Huurcommissie
"Low income, need affordable housing?" → Sociale huurwoning
"What is afvalscheiding?" → Separating waste into categories
"Where to return a blikje met statiegeld?" → Supermarket
"Want to buy a house, who helps?" → Makelaar (real estate agent)
Quick Tip
Housing problems → first landlord. No solution? → Huurcommissie. Money help? → Huurtoeslag via Belastingdienst.
MOST TESTED NEW SECTION 5. Instanties (Government Agencies) ▶
Key Facts
DigiD = your digital identity for ALL government websites (taxes, toeslagen, DUO, healthcare declarations).
Gemeente = passport, ID, rijbewijs, birth registration, marriage, divorce, moving registration.
SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) = kinderbijslag (child benefit) and AOW (state pension).
Belastingdienst = file taxes + request toeslagen (zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, kinderopvangtoeslag).
Belastingaangifte = filing your tax return. Yes, it is VERPLICHT (mandatory) in NL.
Belastinggeld (tax money) pays for: roads, schools, police, healthcare, defense, public transport.
Belastinggeld does NOT pay for: your groceries, private purchases, your holiday.
UWV = unemployment benefits when you lose your job.
DUO = student finance (studiefinanciering) and inburgering administration.
Rijbewijs (driving license) = apply at gemeente after passing your rijexamen.
Divorced? → Register the divorce at the gemeente.
Expected Questions
"What can you do with DigiD?" → Access government websites online
"Where to register divorce?" → Gemeente
"What is NOT paid with tax money?" → Private purchases (groceries, holidays)
"Where to apply for kinderbijslag?" → SVB
"Where to get rijbewijs?" → Gemeente
"Is belastingaangifte mandatory?" → Yes
"Must a 15-year-old show ID to police?" → Yes (identificatieplicht from 14+)
MEDIUM 5. Onderwijs ▶
Key Facts
Leerplicht = compulsory education, age 5-16 (partial until 18).
Basisschool = primary (age 4-12, groups 1-8).
After basisschool: VMBO (4yr, practical) → HAVO (5yr) → VWO (6yr, university prep).
Cito-toets / eindtoets at end of basisschool → determines middelbare school level.
MBO = vocational. HBO = applied university. WO = research university.
NEW VMBO → MBO → HBO → (optional) WO. You CANNOT go directly from VMBO to university (WO).
DUO = handles studiefinanciering (student loans/grants) and inburgering.
Kinderopvang = daycare (0-4yr). BSO = after-school care. Kinderopvangtoeslag = childcare subsidy.
NEW Parents are aansprakelijk (liable) for damage caused by children under 14. Ages 14-16: shared liability.
Expected Questions
"At what age must children go to school?" → 5 years old (leerplicht)
"What are VMBO, HAVO, VWO?" → Levels of secondary education
"Parents refuse to send child to school" → Illegal, leerplicht
"Can you go from VMBO directly to university?" → No (VMBO → MBO → HBO → WO)
"Child (12) breaks something in a shop — who pays?" → The parents (aansprakelijk)
MEDIUM 6. Waarden & Normen ▶
Key Facts
Article 1 Grondwet: everyone equal. Discrimination forbidden.
Freedom of speech, religion, press — all protected.
Same-sex marriage legal since 2001 (first in the world!).
LGBTQ+ fully protected. Discrimination on sexual orientation = illegal.
Gender equality: men and women have identical rights.
Dutch directness: saying what you think is normal, not rude.
Your birthday → YOU bring cake/treats (not others for you).
Op tijd (on time) is very important. Being late = rude.
Handshake in business. Three kisses for close friends/family.
Gedogen = not officially allowed but tolerated in practice (e.g., coffeeshops).
NEW Samenwonen (living together) without being married = completely legal and very common in NL.
NEW Kerstmis (Christmas) = 25 & 26 december. National holidays.
NEW Oud en Nieuw (New Year's Eve) = 31 december. Traditional food: oliebollen and appelbeignets.
Expected Questions
"When is same-sex marriage legal?" → Since 2001
"It's your birthday at work. What do you do?" → You bring treats
"What is considered rude?" → Being late
"Which holiday is on 25 december?" → Kerstmis (Christmas)
"What food belongs to Oud en Nieuw?" → Oliebollen
"Can an unmarried couple live together?" → Yes, samenwonen is legal
Quick Tip
Values questions → the answer supporting more equality, freedom, and tolerance is correct.
MEDIUM 7. Geschiedenis & Geografie ▶
Key Facts
Constitutional monarchy. 12 provinces. Capital: Amsterdam. Government: Den Haag.
NEW Amsterdam lies in the province of Noord-Holland, in the west of the Netherlands (the Randstad).
Much of NL below sea level → dijken (dikes), polders, Deltawerken.
NEW Deltawerken were built after the Watersnoodramp (1953 flood disaster) to protect against flooding.
Waterschappen = oldest democratic institutions, manage water safety.
VOC = Dutch East India Company, 17th century Golden Age (Gouden Eeuw).
NEW Het Wilhelmus = the national anthem of the Netherlands (het volkslied).
NEW Holocaust: during WWII (1940-1945), ~102,000 Dutch Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany.
NEW Netherlands is a member of the EU (European Union) and the VN (Verenigde Naties / United Nations).
NEW VN = promotes world peace, human rights, and cooperation between countries.
NEW EU = free movement of people, goods, and services between member states. No visum needed within EU.
Know These Dates
27 aprilKoningsdag (King's Day)
4 meiDodenherdenking (Remembrance of the Dead, incl. Holocaust)
5 meiBevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day, end of WWII occupation)
5 decemberSinterklaas
25 decemberKerstmis (Christmas)
31 decemberOud en Nieuw (New Year's Eve) — oliebollen!
Expected Questions
"Why were the Deltawerken built?" → To protect against flooding after the 1953 disaster
"What is the Wilhelmus?" → The Dutch national anthem
"When was the Holocaust?" → During WWII (1940-1945)
"What is the goal of the VN?" → World peace and human rights
"Where is Amsterdam?" → In the west, province Noord-Holland
NEW SINCE JULY 2025 8. Holocaust & Vrouwenrechten ▶
Added July 2025. Expect 2-4 questions. These are easy points — the answers are straightforward.
Holocaust & Antisemitism
~102,000 Dutch Jews were murdered during WWII.
Antisemitism and all discrimination are forbidden in NL.
4 mei = Dodenherdenking, includes Holocaust remembrance.
Anne Frank = Jewish girl, hid in Amsterdam, wrote famous diary, died in Bergen-Belsen.
Women's Rights
Women have full right to zelfbeschikking (self-determination): work, choose partner, make own decisions.
Women's suffrage since 1919.
Forced marriage is illegal. Women can divorce independently.
Expected Questions
"Is antisemitism allowed?" → No, forbidden
"Can women work without husband's permission?" → Yes, full self-determination
"Is forced marriage legal?" → No, forbidden
"Who was Anne Frank?" → Jewish girl, diary, WWII
Every correct answer here = supports equal rights and awareness. No exceptions.

Quick Cheat Sheet: "Who Do I Go To?"

The single most useful thing to memorize. Covers ~40% of questions.

SituationGo To
Sick, health problemHuisarts
Emergency, life-threatening112
Sick at night/weekendHuisartsenpost
Prescription medicineApotheek (need recept from doctor)
Don't speak Dutch at doctorTolkentelefoon (interpreter)
New tandarts after movingYou arrange it yourself
Move to new cityGemeente
Passport, ID, rijbewijsGemeente
Marriage or divorceGemeente
Online government serviceDigiD
File taxes, get toeslagenBelastingdienst
Kinderbijslag (child benefit)SVB
Lost jobUWV
No income at allGemeente (bijstand)
Start own businessKvK (Kamer van Koophandel)
Rent too high / disputeHuurcommissie
Buy a houseMakelaar
Need affordable housingWoningcorporatie
Student loanDUO
Childcare subsidyBelastingdienst (kinderopvangtoeslag)
Workplace discriminationCollege voor de Rechten van de Mens
Police, non-urgent0900-8844
Who decides punishment?Rechter (judge)
Return blikje with statiegeldSupermarket

Numbers to Remember

WhatNumber
Eigen risico (2026)€385
Vakantiegeld8% of salary, paid May
Tweede Kamer members150
Eerste Kamer members75
Voting age18
Leerplicht startsAge 5
Full minimum wage age21+
Register after movingWithin 5 days
Same-sex marriage since2001
Women's suffrage since1919
Dutch Jews killed WWII~102,000
Provinces12

Minimum-Effort Study Plan

Week 1 (2 hrs)

Read all topics above. Focus 60% on Healthcare + Government. Memorize the "Who Do I Go To?" table.

Week 2 (2 hrs)

Do 2-3 practice exams on knmexamen.nl (free). Note which topics you get wrong.

Day Before (30 min)

Re-read this page. Focus on the cheat sheet table and numbers. One final practice exam.

Free Resources