A Dictionary of Dutchness

Inburgeren

Inburgeren is the process of integrating into Dutch society. Most people from outside the European Union now have to pass an inburgering exam and a language test to get a residence permit. The aim is to make sure immigrants understand Holland’s customs and culture as well as the language. This may be why the official information film for new immigrants includes topless women and men kissing. The immigration service website www.inburgering.net gives enormous amounts of information as to how to go about becoming integrated – all of which is in Dutch.