Writing

1. Steal from the question

Every prompt hands you 60–80% of your answer already written. Swap u → ik and uw → mijn, and copy the rest as-is.

Don’t copy “U schrijft…” — that’s the instruction talking to you, not content to reuse.

2. One sentence per bullet — never more

Every task lists 2–3 bullet points. Answer each with exactly one short sentence. Missing a bullet costs far more than a grammar mistake ever will — a blank bullet is close to a guaranteed loss on that task.

3. Shorter is safer

3–8 words is enough for full marks on almost any line. The exact reusable sentences to memorize are in Templates below — reach for one of those instead of inventing new Dutch under time pressure.

4. “want”, not “omdat”

Both mean “because”. Want keeps normal word order. Omdat pushes the verb to the end — one slip there and you lose the point. If you’re unsure, skip both and just write two short sentences.

5. One excuse, reused every time

“Bedenk zelf” (think of a reason yourself) shows up in most tasks. Don’t improvise — pick one of the three universal excuses from the sentence bank below and reuse it in every task, every exam.

6. Forms are free points

Your own personal details are identical on every form — memorize them once and write them by muscle memory. For open questions on a form, one sentence is a full-marks answer: “Ik heb 1 jaar gewerkt in een supermarkt.” is a real official answer.

7. Don’t decide tone — copy it

The exam pre-fills “Geachte…” or “Hoi/Beste…” for you. Match what’s already there instead of deciding formal or informal yourself.

8. Free-writing tasks follow a fixed formula

The wijkkrant/notice task always asks three things. Answer with exactly three sentences, one per question — the formula and a full official example are in Templates below.

9. Write legibly

This is scored on paper, in blue pen. If it can’t be read, it can’t be marked correct. Write slower than feels natural and leave real space between words — practice your handwriting, not just your Dutch.

Informal note / briefje Every exam

A short note to a colleague, neighbour, or friend. 2–4 sentences, informal tone.

Formal email skeleton Frequent

Almost every formal task — company, school, landlord, municipality — fits this one shape.

Complaint / klacht Very common

Something you ordered is broken, wrong, or late — write to the company.

Sick note / ziekmelding Common

Two versions: to your employer, or on behalf of a sick child, to school.

Appointment / afspraak Common

Two versions: booking a new appointment, or cancelling/rescheduling one.

Email to school / oudergesprek Common

Requesting a parent–teacher meeting.

Invitation / uitnodiging Occasional

Always include: what, when, where, and an RSVP request.

Landlord letter / verhuurder Common

Reporting a problem with your home.

Thank-you / reply Occasional

Free writing / wijkkrant formula Every exam

Task 2 always asks three things about the same topic. Answer with exactly three sentences — done.

Real official example (vakantie): Ik wil op vakantie naar Brazilië. Ik wil zwemmen in de zee. Ik ga alleen op vakantie. — 3 sentences, 18 words, full marks.

More official practice

Ad Appel Taaltrainingen’s five practice sets, each with an official answer key. Copyright-cleared for reuse with attribution.

Before you submit

• Answered ALL parts of every question, not just some
• Opening matches what was pre-filled (Geachte… or Hoi…)
• Closing matches too (Met vriendelijke groet, / Groetjes,)
• Name written at the end
• No “omdat” left with the verb in the wrong place — or avoided it entirely
• Handwriting is legible — read it back as if you were the examiner