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Dutch Inburgeringsexamen Reading (Lezen): Complete Guide & Tips
07/16/2026
The Reading exam, also called Lezen, is one of the language components of the Dutch inburgeringsexamen. During this exam, you are tested on your ability to understand written Dutch in everyday situations.
Being able to read Dutch is an important skill when living in the Netherlands. You need it to understand official letters, communicate with organisations, read emails, and handle practical situations in daily life.
In this guide, we explain what you can expect from the Reading exam, which level of Dutch you need, and how you can prepare effectively.
If you need some more general information about the inburgeringsexamen, click here.
What level of Dutch do you need for the Reading exam?
The required level for the Reading exam depends on your integration route. Many candidates complete the exam at A2 or B1 level.
At this level, you should be able to understand the main information in everyday Dutch texts and understand the context, even if you do not know every single word.
You do not need to understand Dutch like a native speaker. The goal is to be able to find important information, understand the meaning of a text, and respond correctly to questions about it.
What can you expect during the Reading exam?
The Reading exam is completed on a computer and takes approximately 65 minutes. You will read different Dutch texts and answer multiple-choice questions about the information provided.
The texts are based on situations you may experience in daily life in the Netherlands, such as:
- Emails from an employer, school, or organisation
- User manuals for your banking app
- Letters from the municipality (gemeente)
- Information from healthcare providers
- Advertisements
- Instructions or practical information
- Short news articles
The exam tests whether you can understand the main message, find specific information, and understand important details in a text.
How can you prepare for the Reading exam?
The best way to improve your Dutch reading skills is to practise regularly and expose yourself to Dutch as much as possible.
1. Dutch newspapers
Sign up with Dutch publications and newspapers like De Telegraaf or AD. Read short articles about subjects of your interest and test your ability to comprehend what is written. Pay attention to words you do not understand and try to learn them in context. Over time, you will notice that you need to look up fewer and fewer words.
2. Official correspondence
Official letters and emails from your municipality, school, or workplace are excellent practice materials. These are similar to the types of texts you may encounter in daily life and during the exam. Read them carefully and pay attention to the words you don't know yet.
3. Get social
Join Dutch groups on Facebook and read the messages people are posting. They are often short-form content and will help you understand everyday topics a lot quicker. Also think about listening to Dutch music on Spotify; you can read the lyrics as the songs play; it's a great way to practice reading along with listening.
4. Practise with exam exercises
Practise exams help you become familiar with the format and improve your confidence. Try completing exercises within a limited amount of time and practise without using translation tools, just like during the real exam. Click here for the practise exams from DUO or read more here about the preparation courses we offer.
Help and advice from Learn Dutch Online
Preparing for the inburgeringsexamen requires more than memorising vocabulary. You need to develop practical Dutch skills that you can use in everyday life.
We notice that getting your Dutch to the required A2 or B1 level is often better than only studying for the specific exam questions. With our structured courses, we help you get to that level, while also building confidence and getting comfortable with the Dutch language.
We help you improve your Dutch reading, listening, speaking and writing skills, while covering subjects about Dutch society. Our native Dutch trainers help you build confidence and prepare step by step for your exam.
Start preparing for your Dutch exam today and improve your chances of passing the first time.