Inburgering Reading Practice (A2)
Build confidence for the Reading (Lezen) exam with realistic texts, clear strategies, and timed practice. Learn exactly what the exam looks like and how to score higher.
What the Reading exam measures
The Inburgering Reading exam checks if you can understand written Dutch used in daily life. Expect short letters, emails, notices, flyers, and instructions. The questions are multiple-choice, so the key skill is quickly identifying the main idea and finding details that match the question. The exam rewards accuracy and speed, so practicing with real-style texts is essential.
Most candidates need A2 level reading, which focuses on familiar vocabulary and simple sentence structures. The content reflects daily needs: finding information from a municipality letter, reading workplace messages, or understanding public service announcements. If you can read clear, simple texts, you are already on the right path.
How the Reading exam works
The exam is computer-based with a fixed time limit. Each question shows a text and several answer options. Some texts are short, while others are longer and require you to scan for specific information. You can move through questions in order, but you must manage your time carefully so you can complete the entire exam without rushing at the end.
A good plan is to read the question first, then scan the text for the answer. This prevents you from reading every word and losing time. If a question feels hard, mark the best answer and continue—staying calm is part of the test.
Timing and scoring
A2 level
- Duration
- 65 min
- Questions
- 25
- Pass score
- 18/25 (72%)
- Format
- Computer-based MCQ
B1 level
- Duration
- 110 min
- Questions
- About 40
- Pass score
- ~65%
- Texts
- Longer passages
How to practice reading effectively
Practice should be short and consistent. Aim for small daily reading sets (5–10 questions) and one longer weekly session that matches exam timing. Focus on vocabulary that appears in public services, work, housing, and healthcare. This helps you recognize words quickly without translating in your head.
When you review mistakes, look for patterns: did you misread a date, ignore a key detail, or misunderstand a word? Keep a simple list of recurring errors and review it before each practice session. This feedback loop helps you improve faster than simply doing more questions.
Common reading mistakes
Many learners read too slowly, trying to understand every word. The exam does not require perfect translation; it requires finding the correct information quickly. Another common mistake is ignoring context—often the correct answer depends on a specific time, location, or instruction hidden in a longer paragraph.
It is also easy to fall for “almost correct” answers. Pay attention to small differences in meaning, such as “always” versus “sometimes” or “free” versus “discounted.” Practicing with realistic questions trains you to spot these traps.
How DutchExam helps
DutchExam offers reading practice that mirrors the official format. You can work through structured reading sets, review explanations, and track which question types slow you down. This gives you a clear improvement plan instead of guessing.
Combine reading practice with listening, writing, speaking, and KNM to stay balanced. The more you practice in realistic conditions, the easier the official exam will feel.
FAQ
What does the Reading exam test?
It measures how well you understand written Dutch in everyday situations such as letters, emails, signs, and short articles.
Is the Reading exam computer-based?
Yes. The Inburgering Reading exam is taken on a computer with multiple-choice questions and a strict time limit.
How can I improve reading speed?
Practice skimming for the main idea, then scan for specific details. Timed practice helps you build speed without losing accuracy.
What vocabulary level is needed?
Most questions use A2-level vocabulary focused on daily life: housing, healthcare, work, education, and local services.
How many questions should I practice?
Aim for short daily sets plus at least one full-length reading practice each week to build stamina and timing.
Does DutchExam include reading explanations?
Yes. DutchExam provides explanations and feedback so you can understand why an answer is correct and learn faster.
Ready to practice Reading?
Start with realistic questions and build your confidence step by step.