Quick Answer
For Dutch integration vocabulary, Use Dutch (~€20/month) is strongest for exercises; Open KNM is best for free society content; a one-time Anki deck (~$25) wins if you only need 30–60 days of themed word review before NT2/Inburgering language exams. Always match your legal pathway: Wi2013 obligations use A2 exams; Wi2021 (from 1 Jan 2022) uses B1 (Staatsexamen NT2 Programme I).
The inburgeringsexamen is not one test — it is a bundle of language and knowledge components. Candidates often buy the wrong product: a KNM app when listening is weak, or a subscription when they only need 1,000 high-frequency words in the last month.
Below: the tools Dutch learners actually use in 2026, with official structure from inburgeren.nl and realistic cost math so you do not pay for six months of apps when your exam is in five weeks.
What you are actually preparing for (2026)
Under the standard integration route (obligations from 1 October 2017 onward), most candidates sit six components (source: Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs / inburgeren.nl):
- Reading, listening, writing, speaking (language)
- KNM — Knowledge of Dutch Society (computer-based, themed questions)
- ONA — Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (portfolio + course hours or interview; Wi2021 routes may use MAP instead)
Vocabulary apps only fix the language slice. KNM needs society knowledge (housing, work, norms). If your mock or practice shows KNM gaps, no flashcard deck replaces reading the official themes — but you still need ~1,000 everyday words for listening scripts about appointments, housing, and gemeente letters.
Structured vocabulary review: themed Dutch cards plus a calendar works better than random word lists in the final month.
Comparison table: apps vs one-time decks
| Tool | Best for | Typical cost | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Dutch | Daily exercises + flashcards | ~€20/month | Recurring cost; less exam-themed grouping |
| Inburgering.org | Structured prep + community | Subscription | Breadth over last-mile frequency lists |
| Open KNM | Free KNM / society content | Free (donations) | Not a full NT2 vocabulary course |
| Prep2Go Inburgering Anki | 1,000 exam-frequency words + audio | One-time (~$24.99) | Vocabulary only — not KNM or speaking tutors |
| Free Anki lists | Budget learners who self-organize | Free | No native audio pack; you build themes yourself |
Example: four months on a €20/month app ≈ €80 before exam fees. A one-time deck near $25 plus a sample-card preview can be cheaper when you already have grammar from a course and only need frequency + audio.
4-week vocabulary plan (if your exam is soon)
- Week 1 — review sample cards, then import the full deck; 25–30 new cards/day; tag weak themes (housing, health, work).
- Week 2 — Unlock FULL deck; add 15 min/day listening on Prep2Go or your course.
- Week 3 — Mock preview; if vocabulary OK but KNM fails, shift time to society content, not more cards.
- Week 4 — Reviews only (50+ cards/day); one more mock; stop buying new tools.
Exam registration fees are separate (language components are commonly around €50 each on official channels — confirm current tariffs on inburgeren.nl before you book). Budget €250–290 total for all components is a realistic planning range cited by integration prep sites; always verify on the official portal.
Read next
KNM is not a vocabulary list — it tests whether you understand Dutch norms, institutions, and daily life scenarios. Budget at least 2–3 hours per week on official KNM themes in your final month, separate from NT2 word drills.
Compare EU exams: CIPLE vs DELE vs DELF vs CELI. German pathway: DTZ B1 overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an A2 vocabulary deck enough for Wi2021 (B1)? No. If your obligation follows Wi2021, you need B1-level preparation (Programme I). Use A2 decks only if your official route is A2 — confirm on inburgeren.nl.
Can I pass with apps alone? Unlikely. You need component-specific practice: KNM themes, speaking tasks, and timed listening. Apps help vocabulary; they do not replace exam-format training.
Use Dutch or Anki? Use Dutch if you want guided exercises for months. Choose Anki + the sample-card preview if you have 30–60 days left and already understand basic grammar.
Does Prep2Go replace KNM? No. Our deck targets high-frequency exam vocabulary and pairs with our mock preview for readiness; pair it with official KNM materials.