KNM: rechten, plichten en burgerschap

In Nederland you choose your own partner. You may marry (trouwen) from 18, and only if you both want it. Nobody can choose for you. Two men or two women may marry too.

If you want to divorce (scheiden)… you may, also when your partner doesn't want it. You need a lawyer (de advocaat), and a judge arranges the divorce. Children normally keep contact with both parents.

Men and women are equal. Every person decides for themselves about their body, partner, study, work and money. So a woman doesn't need permission (toestemming) from her husband or family.

In the Netherlands you may believe what you want. You may have any religion (het geloof), or none, and you may show it. You may give your opinion (de mening). But threats are forbidden (verboden), and Dutch law is the same for everyone, also when a religious or family rule says something else.

If someone treats you differently because of your origin, religion, sex or who you love… that is discrimination, and it is forbidden. Report it to a meldpunt discriminatie or the police.

No violence (geweld). Not at home, not against your partner, not against children. Parents may not hit (slaan) their children. Worried about violence at home? Call Veilig Thuis. In danger right now? Call 112.

If something is stolen or someone threatens you… report it to the police (aangifte doen). From 14 years on you must show ID when the police ask.

Your duties (plichten). Obey the law, pay taxes, send your children to school, and have health insurance. If you must do the inburgering, you also sign the participatieverklaring at the gemeente: you say you know the laws of Dutch society and want to take part.

Component · KNM, official theme Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat (rights and duties) plus the citizenship content of the 2025 eindtermen.

• Task type · A short situation with a photo, then "Wat is waar?", "Mag dat?" or "Wat kan X het beste doen?" with three options.
• The real task · On the computer, 45 minutes. The language is about A2. Since July 2025 the exam stresses self-determination for women and the law above religious or family rules.

Most common mistakes

1. Thinking a husband, parents or family must give permission for marriage, divorce, study or work. An adult decides this alone.
2. Thinking what happens at home is private. Violence at home is forbidden, also against children.
3. Thinking a religious or family rule can come before Dutch law.
4. Thinking you can say anything. Threats are forbidden.