# Filling in forms correctly

URL: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/learn/schrijven/filling-in-forms
Course: Schrijven: the writing exam, step by step (https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/learn/schrijven)
Level: A2 and B1
Publisher: Inburgeringklaar

> You will fill in Dutch forms with correct dates, addresses, postcodes and phone numbers, and write short reason fields.

## Goals
- Write dates, addresses, postcodes and phone numbers the Dutch way
- Understand the common field labels on Dutch forms
- Write a short, complete answer in a reason or remarks field

## Why forms are easy points

Almost every writing exam contains a form (*formulier*). It looks simple, so people rush it. But each field is checked, and a wrong date order or a missing reason costs points you could easily have had. The rule is: **write exactly what the field asks, in the Dutch format, and nothing else.**

## Common field labels

| Label | Meaning | Example answer |
|---|---|---|
| *Voornaam* | first name | Yusuf |
| *Achternaam* | surname | Demir |
| *Voorletter(s)* | initials | Y. |
| *Geboortedatum* | date of birth | 14-02-1991 |
| *Geboorteplaats* | place of birth | Izmir |
| *Straat en huisnummer* | street and number | Lindelaan 23 |
| *Postcode en woonplaats* | postcode and town | 3512 KT Utrecht |
| *Telefoonnummer* | phone number | 06-48217735 |
| *E-mailadres* | e-mail address | y.demir@mail.nl |
| *Handtekening* | signature | (sign) |
| *Toelichting / Opmerkingen* | explanation / remarks | short sentence(s) |

## Formats that must be right

**Dates.** Dutch order is **day-month-year**: *05-09-2026* or *5 september 2026*. Never *09/05/2026*. Months are written with a small letter: *maart*, not *Maart*.

**Addresses.** The street comes **first**, then the number: *Kerkstraat 8*, not *8 Kerkstraat*. An addition goes straight after the number: *Kerkstraat 8A* or *Kerkstraat 8-2*.

**Postcodes.** Four digits, a space, two capital letters: **2514 GL**. Then the town: *2514 GL Den Haag*.

**Phone numbers.** Mobile numbers start with **06** and have ten digits: *06-12345678*. If it says *telefoonnummer overdag*, give a number you can be reached on during the day.

**Choices.** For *ja/nee* or *man/vrouw* fields, follow the instruction: *kruis aan* (put a cross), *omcirkel* (circle) or *doorstrepen wat niet van toepassing is* (cross out what does not apply).

## Short answer or full sentence?

Data fields get **just the data**. Do not write *Mijn naam is Yusuf* in the *Voornaam* box.

Reason and remarks fields are different. Here the assessor wants to see a **clear, complete thought**. A single word often does not answer the question.

| Field | Too short | Good |
|---|---|---|
| *Reden van aanmelding* | *Sport* | *Ik wil meer bewegen en nieuwe mensen leren kennen.* |
| *Waarom wilt u een afspraak?* | *Pijn* | *Ik heb al een week pijn in mijn rug.* |
| *Opmerkingen* | *Nee* | *Ik kan alleen op dinsdag en donderdag.* |

If the field says *Opmerkingen* and the task tells you to add something there (for example: *vertel dat je allergisch bent*), you **must** write it. If the task says nothing, you may write *Geen* or leave it empty.

## Answer what the task says, not your real life

The exam task usually gives you a situation: *Je wilt je zoon aanmelden voor zwemles.* Use the details from the task. If the task says your son is seven, write seven. If it gives no detail (for example your own address), invent a realistic Dutch one. Do not leave it empty, and do not write *weet ik niet*.

## Checking a form in one minute

1. Is every field filled in that should be?
2. Dates in day-month-year?
3. Street before number, postcode with a space?
4. Reason fields: a full sentence with a verb?
5. Signature and date at the bottom, if asked?

This last step is often forgotten. If the form says *Datum* and *Handtekening*, fill in today's date and sign with your name.

## Useful Dutch
- **invullen**: to fill in
- **aankruisen**: to tick / put a cross next to
- **doorstrepen wat niet van toepassing is**: cross out what does not apply
- **de geboortedatum**: date of birth
- **de woonplaats**: town where you live
- **de toelichting**: explanation
- **de opmerkingen**: remarks
- **de reden**: the reason
- **de handtekening**: signature
- **het huisnummer**: house number
- **overdag**: during the day

## Worked example: A sign-up form for a Dutch conversation group

Je wilt meedoen aan een praatgroep in de bibliotheek. Vul het formulier in. Vertel bij 'Opmerkingen' dat je alleen 's avonds kunt.

Naam: ...
Adres: ...
Postcode en woonplaats: ...
Telefoon: ...
Waarom wilt u meedoen? ...
Opmerkingen: ...

Naam: Lina Haddad. Adres: Vondelstraat 41. Postcode en woonplaats: 6824 MJ Arnhem. Telefoon: 06-31284490. Waarom wilt u meedoen? 'Ik wil beter Nederlands spreken en nieuwe mensen ontmoeten.' Opmerkingen: 'Ik kan alleen 's avonds, want overdag werk ik.' The data fields contain only data. The two open fields have full sentences. The extra point from the task ('alleen 's avonds') is in the Opmerkingen field, where the task asked for it.

## Common mistakes
- Writing the date in English order (month first) or with a capital month.
- Putting the house number before the street name.
- Answering a reason field with one word instead of a short sentence.
- Forgetting the content point the task tells you to put in Opmerkingen.
- Leaving date and signature empty at the bottom of the form.

## Check yourself
1. Which postcode is written correctly?
   A) 1062hk
   B) 1062 HK
   C) HK 1062
   Answer: B. Dutch postcodes are four digits, a space and two capital letters.
2. The field says 'Reden van uw bezoek'. What is the best answer?
   A) Ik wil informatie over een cursus Nederlands.
   B) Cursus
   C) Mijn reden is dat.
   Answer: A. A reason field needs a clear, complete thought. One word is too thin, and the third option says nothing.
3. How do you write 3 April 2027 on a Dutch form?
   A) 04-03-2027
   B) 2027-04-03 April
   C) 03-04-2027
   Answer: C. Day first, then month, then year: 03-04-2027 (or 3 april 2027).