Secrets to passing the Dutch speaking integration exam

Dutch can be a tricky language, so it’s completely normal to be a bit nervous about the speaking exam. But with the right preparation and mindset, you can walk into it with confidence. Here’s what you need to know and some tips to get you ready.

What to expect from the speaking exam

The A2 speaking exam takes 35 minutes and is divided into two parts:

1. 12 spoken-response questions: You’ll be presented with different scenarios and asked to respond by speaking your answer.
2. 12 multiple-choice questions: Here, you’ll choose the correct response between the given options.

The exam is held on location, where you’ll take the exam on a computer in a room with other students. Students often feel extra pressure or become easily distracted by having others around them during the exam. That’s why it’s important to prepare yourself for this situation. How can you do that?

Tips for the speaking exam

Here are some handy tips to help you prepare for the speaking exam:

1. Work with what you know

You don’t need to know advanced vocabulary or grammar to pass. Just focus on responding with the words you’re familiar with. Working with what you know will make you feel much more comfortable and confident. Keeping your answers simple and direct is the best approach at this level.

2. Focus on verbs and sentence structure

You’ll be primarily assessed on how well you use verbs and form sentences. Don’t worry about overly complicated grammar. Focus on getting your verbs right and maintaining correct sentence structure.

3. Immerse yourself in Dutch and speak to yourself!

In the weeks leading up to your exam, regularly watch Dutch news and listen to the radio or music on Spotify. This way the language will become much more familiar to you, thereby making you feel more relaxed in the exam.

Also speak to yourself out loud in Dutch when nobody is around. Say out loud what you are thinking or doing. With nobody around, there is absolutely no pressure, so it’s a very comfortable and effective way to practise and build confidence.

Another great way to improve your speaking is by imitating exactly what a Dutch person is saying - for example on the news or radio. Trying to sound exactly like the Dutch person makes you better at producing the Dutch sounds and accent. This exercise will make you more familiar with speaking the language.

4. Practise speaking in a noisy environment

The exam room will have other students taking the test at the same time, so it might be distracting. To prepare, practise speaking Dutch in environments with background noise, like with the TV or radio on. This will help you stay focused during the exam.

Take a moment

Remember that they don't expect perfection during the exam. You’re not being judged on how fast you speak or whether you have an accent. It’s more important to focus on speaking without taking too many pauses and re-formulations in between. Take a moment to think before you start answering to prevent too many “uhms” and hesitations.