When transferring to the Netherlands, there’s a bunch of issues you need to most undoubtedly do — like eat a stroopwafel, see a windmill, or experience a motorcycle. Nevertheless, there are additionally fairly just a few issues on the “no manner” record.
The great factor is that the Dutch are fairly direct, which makes it simple to know while you’ve misstepped — no want to consider ulterior motives or extrapolate detailed situations in your head. If they are saying it, they imply it, and in the event that they imply it, they are saying it. 😉
However there are particular issues which tick these tall individuals off and ought to be prevented in any respect prices…until you desire a piece of Dutch boosheid (anger).
1. Overlook flaunting (endlessly)
The Dutch are easy and modest individuals. Exorbitant shows of something from wealth and standing to enterprise and schooling are frowned upon.
This hyperlinks to their emphasis on conformity somewhat than standing out (and barely explains why most homes look the identical).
Don’t get me improper, they’re completely happy that you just achieved no matter you probably did or made a great deal of cash, however they only don’t perceive the necessity to brag about it. ‘Work arduous however keep humble’ appears to be the Dutch mantra.
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2. Don’t confuse the Dutch with the Danes (or the Germans)
The Dutch and Germans (Deutsche) are confused with one another loads. What just isn’t so well-liked (however occurs pretty usually nonetheless) is the mix-up between Dutch and Danes.
READ MORE | Dutch quirk #61: Joke brazenly about Germans
The Dutch come from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and communicate a language known as Dutch. The Danes come from the Kingdom of Denmark and communicate a language known as Danish.
On some ranges, the confusion is comprehensible. In any case, each the Dutch and the Danes come from tiny nations with tall, blonde individuals and lengthy seafaring histories.
Dutch are identified for his or her windmills and Danes for his or her wind generators. Each nations are additionally identified for his or her love of biking, consuming potato-based dishes, and cheering for his or her monarchs on TV.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t provide you with a motive to muddle up nationalities — particularly if you wish to be buddies with the Dutch.
3. You aren’t particular (it doesn’t matter what your mother says)
Don’t count on any superior remedy simply due to who you’re. The Netherlands is an egalitarian society the place respect and standing are earned and never demanded.
Each particular person is equal and ought to be handled accordingly. In the end, they don’t care if you’re the Prime Minister of X; when you’re a jerk, then you definately’ll be handled like one. 🤷♂️
The reverse can be true. For those who’re a great particular person, they’ll absolutely let !
4. Thou shall not steal bikes (…amen)
Everybody is aware of the Dutch and their love for biking. Each love story has a villain, and so does this one — bike thieves.
This bitter fact has its roots within the remaining phases of WWII when the Germans stole Dutch bikes.
It was the top of the conflict, and Germans had been retreating at full pace, utilizing the whole lot to get out of the Netherlands. They took the motorised autos first — vehicles, vehicles, bikes, and tractors.
When there have been no extra, they stole each bicycle within the Netherlands and rode them again to Germany. The Dutch haven’t forgotten.
Each time Dutch soccer groups play German groups, Dutch followers mock Germans with big-bold indicators that say ‘Convey Again Our Bikes’. So, until you need to be cursed 75 years on, you most likely don’t need to steal a motorcycle. (Additionally, it’s unlawful.)
5. Sidewalks are for strolling, and bike lanes are for bikes
Sounds easy sufficient, proper? Nevertheless it’s not. These crimson colored lanes are crimson for a motive, to separate them from the gray lanes (aka roads) and the brown/inexperienced lanes (aka pavements).
READ MORE | 7 issues that may get you fined whereas biking within the Netherlands
Plainly this distinction just isn’t too obvious to internationals. Most of the time, somebody unknowingly wanders into the bicycle lane and is met with an irritated Dutch bike owner (we’re responsible as effectively).
Don’t count on the bike owner to maneuver; bear in mind you’re of their manner, not the opposite manner round.
Belief me, you don’t need to be caught in such a scenario, particularly when you care about your security (among the cyclists go extraordinarily quick).
6. Keep away from discussions on Zwarte Piet (until you desire a lengthy and emotional debate)
Historically, yearly on the night of December 5, Sinterklaas and his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Piet) go to Dutch youngsters’s houses to deliver them presents.
To have fun this pageant, tons of of adults and youngsters impersonate Zwarte Piet by blackening their faces, placing on black curly wigs, portray giant crimson lips, and ending up with giant golden earrings.
Een amdere cultuur leren kennen, alleen Zwarte Piet moet weg. Een schande voor de Nederlandse cultuur. https://t.co/xErOIaoEuQ
— BackupMyHerb #nooitmeerVVD (@BackupHerb) April 3, 2023
Translation: Attending to know a unique tradition, solely Zwarte Piet has to go. A shame to Dutch tradition.
Some sections of Dutch society imagine this to be extremely racist, given the nation’s colonial previous, whereas others contemplate it a innocent however vital custom.
READ MORE | Zwarte Piet: the complete information to the Netherlands’ most controversial custom
In some Dutch cities, the blackface aspect of Sint and Piet has been banned, and Fb has moved to ban photos of blackface not too long ago as effectively.
It is a advanced and emotionally charged debate that ought to undoubtedly be mentioned — however when you’re quick on time, we’d steer clear.
7. Don’t mess with their agendas
Agenda begins with an ‘a’ for a motive. Being the organised bunch that they’re, the Dutch have ‘appointments’ for the whole lot, starting from workplace conferences to film nights with buddies.
READ MORE | The Dutch agenda: plans to take over the world
Extremely environment friendly Dutchies strictly and religiously stick with their agendas. They’re synced and cross-referenced between companions and households so that each particular person is conscious of others’ schedules.
My mother taught me that being late is stealing different’s individuals time.
Probably the most disrespectful factor you are able to do to anyone.
At the least talk prematurely that you will be late and apologize.
Is perhaps my Dutch punctuality talking right here.
— Troy Sega (@TroySega) February 4, 2023
I as soon as made the error of asking a colleague if he wished to go for drinks. The error wasn’t within the invite, it was within the suddenness of the request. He agreed to let me know as soon as a slot opened up in his calendar. I’m nonetheless ready…
8. Anticipate antibiotics while you’re sick
Headache? Sleepless nights? Damaged limb? Don’t count on something quite a lot of paracetamol out of your native huisarts.
The Dutch have an notorious reluctance to prescribing antibiotics, out of affordable fears about mass resistance.
So, don’t head to your native physician with hopes for a week-long course of the capsules. You gained’t have a lot luck!
Each time a dialog about “important gadgets for transferring to the Netherlands” comes up, you would possibly hear antibiotics talked about on the record. However keep away from this too (it’s unlawful).
9. By no means arrive unannounced (no surprises)
Spontaneity and the Dutch don’t go hand-in-hand. They plan days, weeks, and even months forward. Accordingly, there’s little house for impulsiveness.
Wish to go meet your Dutch buddy? Ensure to present a heads-up by calling and asking when you can go to (thereby giving the opposite particular person the prospect to politely inform you that it’ll not be handy).
Oh, and when you do present up unannounced, don’t be shocked once they kick you out earlier than dinner.
Dutchies will all the time rely on you to make an appointment, irrespective of how insignificant or small the go to is. Their thought of a pleasant shock is one which doesn’t hinder their every day, weekly, or month-to-month agendas.
10. Don’t be late (time, tide and a Dutchie watch for none)
If there’s one factor that annoys the Dutch, it’s ready. That is intricately linked to their effectivity (did we point out they love an agenda?); the truth that they deal with their schedules as holy naturally implies that they worth time extremely.
For those who’ve agreed to a gathering or gathering at 9:00 AM, then meaning 9:00 AM. Nothing extra, nothing much less (though, when you’re early, you get brownie factors).
READ MORE | The Dutch and time: how the Dutch language reveals they’re planning maniacs
You’re going to be late? Greatest to allow them to know. Don’t be too shocked when you get some stern phrases about your tardiness (Dutch directness, bear in mind?).
Punctuality just isn’t one thing you attempt for; it’s a lifestyle.
11. Utilizing rain as an excuse? Assume once more
Rain, rain, go away… besides it gained’t. With a mean precipitation fee of 100 minutes per day, the Netherlands could be a fairly moist nation to stay in.
The Dutch agree. Ever really feel disregarded? Begin a dialog concerning the climate, and very quickly, you’ll be surrounded by Dutchies!
READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #117: Always verify Buienradar
Nevertheless, this additionally means you possibly can’t use rain as an excuse or deterrent for something. Have an appointment with a Dutchie, and it’s pouring cats and canine? Sorry, the climate doesn’t rely.
My Dutch colleagues as soon as requested me to return out for a stroll with them. “It’s raining”, I identified. I used to be awarded a genuinely harmless and puzzled, “So what?”
There you will have it! When you’re within the Netherlands, it’s finest to suppose twice earlier than doing these 11 issues until you’re prepared for some good ol’ Dutch beef. 😤
Have you learnt another “dont’s” within the Netherlands? Inform us within the feedback beneath!
