What does the inburgering writing exam test?

The inburgering writing exam (schrijven) tests whether you can write simple, correct Dutch for everyday situations. You complete practical tasks such as writing a short message or letter, filling in a form, and replying to a message. At A2 the goal is clear, correct communication, not long or complex writing.

How can I practise for the writing exam at home?

Practise the exact task types: write a short sick note, make an appointment by message, fill in a simple form, and reply to an advertisement. Learn a set of standard greetings and sign-offs, keep your sentences short and correct, and check your spelling and word order. Reviewing your writing with a teacher speeds this up a lot.

Is writing or speaking harder in the inburgering?

Writing gives you time to plan and correct, which speaking does not, so many people find writing more forgiving. The two skills use very similar building blocks, though, so practising them together is efficient: the sentences you prepare for writing also help you in the speaking exam.

What level is the inburgering writing exam?

Under the old law the writing exam is at A2. Under the Wet inburgering 2021, learners on the B1-route write at B1, which expects longer and more detailed texts. Check whether you need A2 or B1 before you prepare, because it changes what the exam asks of you.

How to Pass the Inburgering Writing Exam (Schrijven)

Q: How is the inburgering writing exam structured?

At A2 level the writing exam has around four tasks and lasts about 40 minutes. You typically write a short message or letter, fill in a form, and respond to a note or advertisement. The format has traditionally used pen and paper, so always confirm the current method and structure with DUO before your exam.

Writing is the part where preparation pays off most: the tasks are predictable, and a handful of ready-made building blocks can carry you through. Here is how.

The writing exam has a quiet reputation as the one you can prepare your way through. Unlike the speaking exam, you get time to think, plan, and correct before you hand anything in. And unlike a conversation, the tasks are predictable: you know roughly what you will be asked to write before you walk in. That is a huge advantage, if you use it.

This guide covers the format of the writing exam (schrijven), the building blocks that make it far easier, and the small mistakes that cost people otherwise easy points.

Inburgering writing exam format (schrijven)

At A2 level, the writing exam is short and practical. In broad terms you can expect:

Around four writing tasks
A time limit of about 40 minutes
Everyday tasks such as writing a short message or letter, filling in a form, and replying to a note or advertisement
Simple, real-life situations: calling in sick, making an appointment, or answering an invitation

The writing exam has traditionally been done with pen and paper, and the exact tasks and method are updated from time to time. Confirm the current format on the official DUO inburgeren website before your exam date, so there are no surprises on the day.

What the writing exam actually tests

At A2, the writing exam is not looking for elegant, complex Dutch. It rewards clear, correct, simple communication. Can you write a message that a Dutch reader understands immediately, with the right opening, the right information, and a polite close? That is the whole game.

Short and correct beats long and tangled. Three clean sentences that answer the task will always score better than a paragraph full of ambitious grammar and mistakes. Give the task exactly what it asks for, no more.

Writing is easy to practise, but hard to correct alone. A teacher spots the spelling and word-order habits you cannot see yourself. Book a free intake call and we will review a sample of your Dutch writing together.

The building blocks that carry you through

Because the tasks are predictable, you can walk in with a small toolkit of phrases already prepared. Learn these until they are automatic:

Greetings: "Beste ..." for a slightly formal message, "Hallo ..." or "Hoi ..." for an informal one.
Openers: "Ik schrijf u omdat ...", "Bedankt voor uw bericht", "Ik wil graag ...".
Connectors: "want", "omdat", "maar", "en", "daarom", to link your sentences.
Sign-offs: "Met vriendelijke groet" for formal, "Groetjes" for informal, followed by your name.
Form-filling basics: know the Dutch labels, such as voornaam, achternaam, geboortedatum, adres, postcode, and handtekening.

Common mistakes in the writing exam

Most lost points are avoidable. Watch out for these:

Not answering the full task. If the message asks three things, answer all three. Missing one is a guaranteed loss of points.
Reaching for complex grammar. Fancy sentences invite mistakes. Stay within Dutch you fully control.
Wrong register. Match "u" or "je" to the situation, and keep it consistent through the whole message.
Spelling and word order slips, especially the verb in second position and forgetting capital letters or the correct verb ending.
No greeting or sign-off. These are easy points. Never skip them.

How to practise for the writing exam at home

Make your practice look exactly like the exam:

Write the real task types: a short sick note to work, a message to make a doctor's appointment, a reply to an advertisement, and a filled-in form.
Use the official DUO practice material to learn what a good answer looks like.
Reuse your building blocks so your greetings, connectors, and sign-offs become second nature.
Get your writing corrected. This is where progress speeds up, because you stop repeating the same invisible mistakes.

Here is the efficient part: writing and speaking use almost the same building blocks. The sentences you prepare for the writing exam also serve you in the speaking exam, so training them together is a shortcut, not double work. For the full picture of every exam part, start with our guide to the Dutch integration exam and how to pass it faster, and check whether you need A2 or B1.

Frequently asked questions about the writing exam

What does the writing exam test? Whether you can write simple, correct Dutch for everyday situations, such as a short message, a form, or a reply. At A2, clarity and correctness matter more than length or complexity.

How is the writing exam structured? At A2, around four tasks in about 40 minutes, traditionally with pen and paper. You usually write a short message or letter, fill in a form, and respond to a note or advertisement. Confirm the current format with DUO.

How do I practise at home? Write the exact task types, learn standard greetings and sign-offs, keep sentences short and correct, and have your writing checked so you stop repeating the same mistakes.

Is writing or speaking harder? Writing gives you time to plan and correct, so many find it more forgiving. The two share building blocks, so practising them together is efficient.

What level is the writing exam? A2 under the old law, or B1 for learners on the B1-route under the Wet inburgering 2021. Check which applies to you before you start.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Exam formats and rules can change. Always confirm the current writing exam structure and your obligations with DUO.