Understanding the Dutch Culture

Many people who decide to stay and live in The Netherlands will come across funny, sometimes annoying or pleasant differences. Most people find it very pleasant that you can bike everywhere. As you invest more in your lock than on your bike, it’s a convenient and healthy way to get from A to B (and back). When you got more than 1 bike and catch yourself speeding up and ringing like crazy on the bike lanes, you’ll realise you became a ‘Dutchie’. 

Less visible but very important are the way Dutch like to plan and schedule their time very precise. This counts for opening times at supermarkets, the timetable for buses, but also for private occasions. You won’t find them often very spontaneous in inviting you for a dinner at their house and will ask ou politely to leave if it’s 18.00 o’clock and dinner time. It’s not that they don’t like you, but they simply didn’t plan for 1 extra plate.

We find one of the most important things is to understand how Dutch people (socially) interact. How does a circle birthday works and the way you should congratulate every person in the room with someone else his or her birthday? Make sure you don’t starve during lunchtime with just a cheese sandwich. And knowing that you need to share the (bargain) price of every new piece of wardrobe you’ll buy, with your listeners. Obtaining the freedom to mention your opinion and directly state what you think to everyone who does or doesn’t want to hear it. In this way you’ll be ready to mingle in discussions especially about politics.