This is the topic that shows what living together in the Netherlands is built on, and the answers are short because the principles are clear. Everyone is treated equally and discrimination is forbidden (Article 1 of the Constitution). Men and women have the same rights, a woman chooses whom she marries, and a man may not hit a woman. Marriage is open to a man and a woman, two men or two women, and homosexuality is not punishable. There is freedom of religion: people have many different faiths, and no faith is forced on anyone. The government does not control the newspapers and television, and there are many channels. You may not have a weapon without a permit, and female circumcision is forbidden and punishable. Read each answer as a rule of daily life, not as an opinion question.
Pictures you will see in the exam
Article 1 of the Constitution
Marriage
Many faiths
What you'll learn
- Equal treatment: discrimination is forbidden (Nee, je mag niet discrimineren)
- Equal rights for men and women, and who chooses whom to marry
- Freedom of religion and why there are many faiths (veel geloven)
- Free press: the government does not control newspapers and television
- What is forbidden or needs a permit: violence, weapons, female circumcision
Real KNS questions on this topic
Q: "Mag je in Nederland een wapen hebben?" (May you have a weapon in the Netherlands?) — A: "Normaal niet, alleen met een vergunning."
Q: "Hebben alle mensen in Nederland hetzelfde geloof?" (Do all people in the Netherlands have the same faith?) — A: "Nee, er is vrijheid van godsdienst. Er zijn veel geloven."
Frequently asked questions
Are these opinion questions?
No. Each one has a single correct answer that describes the law or a basic rule of Dutch society. The exam checks that you know the rule, not whether you agree with it.
Why does the exam ask about marriage and homosexuality?
Because they are part of the rules everyone living in the Netherlands is expected to know and respect: marriage between two men or two women is allowed, and homosexuality is not punishable.
Can I practise only this topic?
Yes. On Asagno's KNS study page choose the topic "Rights & freedoms" and mark the questions you want to repeat.