KNM norms and values (normen en waarden): Dutch manners, explained

Manners, values and norms is one of the eight themes of the KNM exam. The questions are about what is normal and polite in daily life, and about values that the law protects. Here are the key facts, with real practice questions from Kora.

By the Kora team: Alex, Mariel and Abena, who did inburgering themselves. Written with help from AI. Every fact is checked against the official source. How we write our guides

Sources checked on 8 November 2026 (list at the bottom of this page). Kora is independent and not connected to DUO, CvTE or the IND. Plain text version to copy (.md)

What the KNM exam asks about manners, values and norms

Some questions are about manners: a birthday, a visit, a job interview, a neighbour. Others are about values that are also law, such as equal rights and the ban on violence against children.

Since 1 July 2025 the exam asks more about knowledge and less about behaviour. It also pays more attention to women's right to make their own choices.

Manners in daily life

Be on time. If you are going to be late, let people know in advance.
Visiting friends? Make an appointment first, by phone or message. Dropping by without warning is often seen as rude.
In a formal situation, like a job interview, you shake hands, look the person in the eye and say your name.
Many Dutch people are direct. A colleague who says they disagree is giving an opinion, not attacking you.
Birthdays: you congratulate the person, and also their family. At work, the person whose birthday it is often brings the cake.
Problems with neighbours? First talk to them yourself, calmly.

Values the law protects

Men and women have equal rights. In many homes, partners share tasks and decisions. A woman decides for herself whether she works or studies.
People of the same sex have equal rights and may marry.
Hitting children is not allowed. Violence against children is forbidden, also a light slap, also by parents.
You treat everyone with respect, also people with another religion or background, and also when you disagree.
Alcohol and tobacco: you may only buy them from 18.

Traditions

Sinterklaas, around 5 December: children put a shoe by the door, with a carrot for the horse.
Christmas and Easter are Christian holidays and national days off, for everyone.
Koningsdag on 27 April: orange clothes, parties and street markets.

Practice questions from Kora

These are real questions from Kora's KNM practice, in Dutch like the exam. In the app, each fact comes back in new words, so you learn the fact and not the sentence.

1. Niels is uitgenodigd voor een verjaardag om 20:00 uur. Wat is beleefd in Nederland?
Answer: Rond 20:00 komen, of even laten weten als hij later is.
Why: Be on time, or let people know in advance if you will be late.
2. Je wilt bij een Nederlandse vriend op bezoek. Wat is hier het meest gebruikelijk?
Answer: Eerst even bellen of appen om een afspraak te maken.
Why: In the Netherlands you usually make an appointment before a visit.
3. Hoe begroet je een onbekende in een formele situatie, zoals een sollicitatie?
Answer: Je geeft een hand, kijkt de ander aan en noemt je naam.
Why: Formal: a handshake, eye contact and your name.
4. Op het werk zegt een Nederlandse collega direct dat hij het niet met je eens is. Hoe kun je dit het beste zien?
Answer: Als normale Nederlandse directheid; je mening geven is niet persoonlijk bedoeld.
Why: Dutch directness is normal. Giving your opinion is not meant personally.
5. Hoe gaan man en vrouw in veel Nederlandse huishoudens met taken en beslissingen om?
Answer: Ze verdelen de taken en beslissingen vaak samen
Why: In many Dutch homes, partners share tasks and decisions.
6. Mogen twee mannen of twee vrouwen in Nederland met elkaar trouwen?
Answer: Ja, mensen van hetzelfde geslacht hebben gelijke rechten en mogen trouwen.
Why: People of the same sex have equal rights and may marry, since 2001.
7. Je nieuwe buurman heeft een ander geloof en een andere afkomst dan jij. Hoe ga je in Nederland met hem om?
Answer: Je behandelt hem met respect, ook als je het niet met hem eens bent.
Why: You treat everyone with respect, also when you disagree.

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Questions people ask

Is it rude to visit Dutch friends without an appointment?

Often, yes. Most people expect you to call or send a message first. Arriving around dinner time without warning is especially unusual.

Are Dutch people rude because they are direct?

Usually not. Saying openly what you think is normal in the Netherlands. It is not meant as a personal attack.

Does the KNM exam ask about women's rights?

Yes. Since the new exam standards of 1 July 2025, the exam pays more attention to women's right to make their own choices, for example about work and their own life.

Practice norms and values in your own language

Kora explains every KNM answer in your own language, and asks each fact again in new words. 7 days free, no card needed. It is practice, not a promise: nobody can tell you in advance that you will pass.

Practice all norms and values questions

Sources

Sources checked on 8 November 2026. The facts on this page come from these official pages and from Kora's own checked KNM questions. Rules change: if something here differs from an official page, the official page is right. This is general information, not legal advice.

Kora is independent, not DUO. It is not connected to DUO, CvTE or the IND, and it cannot book exams for you.