Exam orientation: Grammar where it counts
In this course, we do not teach grammar so you can sound like a native Dutch speaker.
We teach grammar because the DUO rubric requires it for passing the Schrijven exam.
The A2 Schrijven exam is pen-and-paper: you write in a printed booklet with a blue pen. Your writing is then assessed by human examiners using a strict rubric. Grammar is not just “extra practice.” It directly affects your score.
How Grammar Impacts Your Score
1. The “Hele Zinnen” Rule
Rubric area: Adequaatheid
In the Schrijven booklet, you will often see this instruction printed above the task:
Schrijf in hele zinnen.
Write in complete sentences.
This is a hard requirement.
If DUO asks why you are late and you write Morgen 10 uur., you may receive zero points for that task because it is not a complete sentence.
You need a sentence with a subject and a verb: Ik kom morgen om 10 uur.
2. V2 Word Order
Rubric area: Grammaticale correctheid
One frequent reason A2 students lose grammar points is incorrect word order.
In a normal Dutch main clause, the conjugated verb must be in the second position. This is called V2 word order.
Example: Ik ga morgen naar school.
If the sentence starts with a time word, such as morgen, the verb still comes in the second position: Morgen ga ik naar school.
Not: Morgen ik ga naar school.
3. Formal or Informal Language
Rubric area: Spelling & Register
You must choose the correct register for the person you are writing to.
Use u in formal messages, for example to:
- de gemeente
- een school
- een werkgever
- een onbekende persoon
Use je in informal messages, for example to:
- een vriend
- een familielid
- een collega you know well
Example of incorrect register: Beste meneer, kan je mij bellen?
This mixes formal and informal language.
A better formal version is: Beste meneer, kunt u mij bellen?
4. Coherence
Rubric area: Coherentie
Short sentences are acceptable at A2 level, but your text should not feel like a list of disconnected ideas.
Simple linking words help your writing sound clearer and more complete.
Useful A2 connectors include:
- en — and
- maar — but
- want — because
Basic example: Ik ben ziek. Ik kom niet naar school.
Better example: Ik ben ziek, want ik heb koorts. Daarom kom ik niet naar school.
Also remember the basics: start each sentence with a capital letter and end each sentence with a period.
Key Message
Good grammar in the A2 writing exam is not about sounding perfect.
It is about showing the examiner that you can write clear, complete, and appropriate Dutch sentences.