Inburgering A2: Check Your Route, Then Prepare for the Four Language Exams
Canonical Prep2Go path: free mock preview → timed AI reports on the mock pack → exam Anki deck. Guide URL: https://www.prep2go.study/inburgering-a2-guide.
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This guide covers everything you need to know:
1. Exam Structure & Scoring
The A2 language route has four separately reported exams. Before preparing, open Mijn Inburgering: A2 normally applies under Wet inburgering 2013. Under Wet inburgering 2021 the B1 route aims at B1, although a municipality can approve scale-down to A2 after the applicable conditions are met.
| DUO language exam | Official duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (Lezen) | 65 minutes | Read short texts and answer questions on a computer |
| Listening (Luisteren) | 45 minutes | Listen to texts and watch short films, then answer questions |
| Writing (Schrijven) | 40 minutes | Four pen-and-paper tasks, such as a short letter or form |
| Speaking (Spreken) | 35 minutes | Watch short films and give spoken answers on a computer |
DUO reports each component separately; there is no public single combined percentage to copy into a mock. KNM is a separate 45-minute knowledge exam, and your route may also require ONA, MAP or PVT.
Do not confuse Inburgering A2 with Staatsexamen Nt2: Nt2 Programme I is B1 and Programme II is B2.
2. Preparation Timeline
How long you need depends on your starting level:
- Complete beginner (A0): Allow several months of structured Dutch study before exam practice
- Basic Dutch (A1): 8–16 weeks to build A2 communication and exam routines
- Near A2: 4–8 weeks of targeted practice across all four components
- A2 with one weak component: 2–4 weeks of focused repair and timed sets
3. Vocabulary & High-Frequency Words
A2 tasks use practical Netherlands Dutch: appointments, work, housing, health, school, travel, shops and municipal services. The Prep2Go deck contains 2,000 existing cards with an image, Dutch example, English explanation and audio on every card.
- Personal details, family and daily routines
- Housing, neighbours and municipal letters
- Work, applications and schedules
- GP visits, pharmacy and insurance
- School, childcare and appointments
- Transport, shopping and public services
4. Speaking Section Tips
The A2 speaking exam is computer-based. You watch short films, understand the situation and record a relevant, comprehensible response in Dutch.
- Direct everyday questions: Give a short relevant answer without reading a script
- Practical situations: Respond to what happens in a short film
- Short connected answers: Use simple sentences with en, maar, want or omdat
Need solo speaking drills between Prep2Go sessions? Talkio runs AI conversation practice on your phone when you need extra speaking time.
5. Writing Section Tips
Schrijven contains four short pen-and-paper assignments. Train legibility, complete every requested detail and keep the register appropriate.
- Fill in forms exactly: names, dates, addresses and reasons
- Write short messages and letters with a clear purpose
- Answer every bullet in the task before adding detail
- Prefer accurate A2 sentences over ambitious error-prone language
6. Listening Section Tips
Luisteren tests key information in short films and spoken texts. Build recognition of ordinary Netherlands Dutch rather than translating every word.
- Dates, times, prices, addresses and phone numbers
- The speaker's purpose: request, change, complaint or invitation
- Public-service language used by a huisarts, school, gemeente and employer
- Distractors that repeat words but change the meaning
7. Exam Day Countdown
What to do in the final weeks:
- Before booking: Check your law, route and required components in Mijn Inburgering
- 1–2 weeks before: Run timed sets and review errors by component
- Day before: Check DUO appointment details, ID requirements and travel
- Exam day: Arrive at the stated time and follow the computer or paper instructions exactly
8. Mock Tests & Practice
Prep2Go mirrors the four language components and their official durations. Its percentages are readiness indicators, not official DUO marks.
- A separate readiness result for Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven and Spreken
- Netherlands Dutch audio and everyday A2 situations
- Feedback on short writing and recorded speaking responses
- A clear warning that KNM and other route requirements are separate
Take at least one full mock test every week in your final 4 weeks of preparation.
FAQ
- Does everyone under the current integration law take A2?
- No. Wet inburgering 2021 normally aims at B1 in the B1 route. A municipality can approve scale-down to A2 after the applicable requirements are met. People under Wet inburgering 2013 generally take the language exams at A2 or higher. Check Mijn Inburgering and your PIP.
- Does this course include KNM?
- No. KNM is a separate 45-minute knowledge exam. This course covers the four A2 language exams only.
- Is the mock score an official DUO result?
- No. DUO reports exam components separately. Prep2Go gives practice readiness indicators and feedback so you can target weak components.
- How much does Prep2Go cost?
- Prep2Go Pro is $27 one-time lifetime (includes 1 timed mock with AI report). Mock pack is $15.00 for 3 full AI reports. Anki decks are one-time per exam (see /shop). Free web tier — no card required.