KNM: the 8 themes and what to know

The KNM exam

KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) is a computer exam of 40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. You see a photo or short film of a situation, then choose the best answer. Aim for at least 28 correct in practice. No dictionary.

Most questions test practical logic: who is in the situation, what is the problem, which organisation or rule applies, and what is the normal first step.

The law lists eight themes. Here is what to know for each.

1. Werk en inkomen (work and income)

• Looking for work: vacancies (vacatures), CV, application letter (sollicitatiebrief), job interview (sollicitatiegesprek), temp agencies (uitzendbureau).
• Contracts: fixed-term vs permanent (tijdelijk / vast contract), trial period (proeftijd), minimum wage (minimumloon), payslip (loonstrook).
• If you lose your job or get ill long-term: UWV. Starting a business: register with the KvK. Taxes: Belastingdienst.
• Discrimination at work is not allowed; you can report it.

Key words: werkgever, werknemer, salaris, uitkering, ziek melden, vakantiegeld

2. Omgangsvormen, waarden en normen (manners and values)

• Be on time and make appointments (een afspraak maken), also with friends.
• Direct communication is normal; saying no politely is fine.
• Equality between men and women, freedom of religion and of sexual orientation.
• Neighbours: introduce yourself, tell them in advance about a party, respect quiet hours.
• Birthdays: congratulating the family (gefeliciteerd!) is common.

Key words: afspraak, op tijd, gelijkwaardig, respect, buren, verjaardag

3. Wonen (housing)

• Social rental housing (sociale huurwoning) via a housing corporation (woningcorporatie); waiting lists are long.
• Huurtoeslag (rent allowance) via the Belastingdienst / Toeslagen if your income is low.
• Arrange gas, electricity and water (energieleverancier); register your address at the gemeente.
• Waste separation: paper, glass, plastic, food/garden waste (gft).
• Problems with the landlord: first contact the landlord; for disputes there is the Huurcommissie.

Key words: huur, huurcontract, verhuurder, borg, afval scheiden, inschrijven

4. Gezondheid en gezondheidszorg (health and healthcare)

• Health insurance (zorgverzekering) is compulsory. There is a yearly own risk (eigen risico). Zorgtoeslag can help with costs.
• The huisarts (GP) is your first point of contact; you need a referral (verwijzing) for a specialist.
• Outside office hours: the huisartsenpost. Life-threatening emergency: 112.
• Medicines on prescription via the apotheek. Dentist care for adults is often not in basic insurance.
• Pregnancy: verloskundige (midwife); babies are checked at the consultatiebureau.

Key words: huisarts, afspraak, verwijzing, recept, apotheek, spoed, eigen risico

5. Geschiedenis en geografie (history and geography)

• 12 provinces; capital Amsterdam, government seat The Hague. Much land is below sea level: dikes, water boards (waterschappen), Delta Works.
• Willem van Oranje and the Eighty Years' War; the Golden Age (17th century) and trade (VOC).
• Second World War: occupation 1940–1945. 4 May remembrance (Dodenherdenking), 5 May Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag).
• King's Day on 27 April. Migration history: guest workers, people from Suriname and the former colonies.

Key words: provincie, dijk, oorlog, bevrijding, herdenken, Koningsdag

6. Instanties (organisations)

Organisation	What for
Gemeente	Address registration, ID card/passport, social assistance, inburgering guidance
DUO	Inburgering exams, student finance
IND	Residence permits, naturalisation
UWV	Unemployment and disability benefits, job search help
Belastingdienst	Taxes and allowances (toeslagen)
SVB	Child benefit (kinderbijslag), state pension (AOW)
Politie	Safety, reporting a crime (aangifte doen)
Het Juridisch Loket	Free legal advice

7. Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat (government and rule of law)

• The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The King is head of state; ministers are responsible for government.
• Parliament: Tweede Kamer (150 members, elected) and Eerste Kamer. Elections also for municipality, province and water board.
• The Grondwet (constitution): equality (article 1), freedom of speech, religion and education. Separation of church and state.
• Judges are independent. The police investigate; a judge decides.

Key words: stemmen, verkiezingen, Grondwet, rechter, discriminatie, gelijke behandeling

8. Onderwijs en opvoeding (education and parenting)

• Compulsory education (leerplicht) from 5 to 16, then kwalificatieplicht to 18. Most children start primary school (basisschool) at 4.
• Secondary school: vmbo, havo, vwo; then mbo, hbo or university.
• Parents are expected to be involved: parents' evenings (ouderavond), reading school letters. Skipping school without permission is not allowed — the leerplichtambtenaar checks.
• Childcare (kinderopvang) and kinderopvangtoeslag. Hitting children is not allowed.

Key words: leerplicht, basisschool, ouderavond, juf/meester, kinderopvang, opvoeden

Exam tip

When you are unsure, ask yourself: "What would a sensible, polite Dutch person do first?" Usually: make an appointment, contact the right organisation, follow the rules, and talk to the person directly.