Throughout history, the Dutch have encouraged innovation, development, and creativity in many arenas.

In fact, the Netherlands is world-renowned for being progressive! So, naturally, I’ve compiled a list of the most forward-thinking things Dutchies do.  

1. Ban single-use plastics

This is a big one! As of July 2021, The Netherlands banned the production, import, and sale of almost all single-use plastics in line with the EU’s Single-Use Plastics (SUP) guidelines. 

From cutlery and Q-tips to balloons, these items were all outlawed (although stores are allowed to sell their current stocks). Want to know what makes things even better?

There’s also a 90% collection target in sight for plastic bottles to be tackled next by 2029!

2. Power transport hubs with the sun

The Netherlands may not see a lot of sunny days — even in the summer — but the Dutch sure are fans of solar-powering their methods of transportation!

READ MORE | Lightyear One: Dutch solar-powered car can drive 710km on a single charge

Tilburg built a super slick solar-powered bus station while Delft Zuid and ProRail are building the Netherlands’ first fully solar-powered train station.

3. Rehabilitate criminals rather than imprisoning them

Ter beschikking stelling (TBS) which translates into “detention under hospital orders,” is a system that ensures criminals in the Netherlands are rehabilitated in order to reintegrate into society instead of being locked up for their entire sentence. 

READ MORE | How the Dutch deal with mentally-ill criminals: the TBS system

The Dutch prison system aims at resolving criminals’ psychiatric problems as part of the sentence, rather than focusing on punishment methods only.

The result? Far more forward-looking verdicts overall.

4. Lead the way for same-sex marriage

In the spirit of Dutch tolerance, let’s not forget that the biggest gesture of all! That’s when the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage on April 1, 2001.

This step has led to Amsterdam having the biggest share of same-sex marriages, with 45 in every 1,000 married couples being gay.

5. Offer an at-home nurse to new mothers

Kraamzorg is a postnatal benefit for mothers in the Netherlands, where a nurse will be available to new mothers for up to a week after their baby’s arrival.

READ MORE | Everything you need to know about maternity leave in the Netherlands in 2022

The nurse will offer help with baby-related tasks. This is a forward-thinking move on the Dutchies’ side to support new mothers and help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.

6. Tell people exactly what they think

Yup, it’s that infamous Dutch directness, where you can be asked, “Does that upset you?” on a whim if it seems like you’re unhappy.

The Dutch are mad efficient, so they don’t waste time beating around the bush.

Instead, they’ll tell you exactly what they’re thinking, no matter how rude or abrasive it might be.

7. Recognise how important bees are

Whether the Dutchies do this for the environmental impact or just to ultimately train the bees to sniff diseases, with their futuristic vision, the Dutch understood the bee’s crucial role in pollination and food supplies long before it was cool.

From building bee-friendly bus stops to upkeeping a bee census, Dutchies sure is buzzing with nothing but love for the little things.

8. Give people the right to die

The Netherlands pioneered being the first country to legalize euthanasia back in 2002.

Ever since, people with a terminal or imminently life-ending illness have the right to be able to die with dignity.

READ MORE | 8 weird things about dying in the Netherlands

Naturally, this is heavily regulated: patients will have to discuss their decision with their physician and the physician will have to follow a list of protocols before they honour the patient’s wish. ‍

9. Flip old buildings into new spaces

Dutchies are masters of DIY — their bigger projects involve giving old buildings a makeover into a modern shape!

In Utrecht, a 1924 post office was reconstructed into a modern library, and similarly, a thirteenth-century Maastricht cathedral was turned into a magical bookstore.

READ MORE | 10 bookstores you have to visit in the Netherlands

The previously old building of LocHal in Tilburg was also transformed into a spectacular new library which was recognised as World Building of the Year.

10. Be masters of 3D printing

Maybe it’s the DIY in Dutch blood, or maybe it’s just downright genius creativity — but to 3D print oxygen valves, steel bridges, and even houses is over-the-top forward-thinking by the Dutch.

READ MORE | Dutch Designer combating food wastage through awesome 3D printed food

11. Choose cycling and public transport over cars

There’s cycling and then there’s Dutch cycling — a skill that’s in a whole different league.

READ MORE | Car sharing in the Netherlands is on the rise: here’s why it should continue

But whether you’re a bicycle person or more of a pedestrian you’ll realise that the Dutch almost always weigh in favour of ANY transportation method that doesn’t involve moving in a personal car.

12. Ban diesel vehicles from city centres

What’s the best way to keep Dutch cities’ air clean? Get rid of anything diesel!

The Netherlands has introduced milieuzones, meaning that diesel cars, motorbikes, and trucks can’t enter designated areas — making the air cleaner and fresher to breathe.

13. Take work-life balance seriously

The data supports it The Netherlands ranks top in the world for its work-life balance according to the OECD Better Life Index.

In a fast-paced world, steering society away from workaholism isn’t an easy task to achieve!

But when a country enlists burnout, moving, or even taking an exam as pressing reasons for work leave, then you know the Dutch are looking ahead into the people’s future.

14. Work on making high-speed hyperloops a thing

Construction of the life-changing new “hyperloop” is currently underway at the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam. 

The invention of the 420-metre-long-test-tube is silent but violent.

The goal? To whoosh passengers in a capsule noiselessly through a high-speed hyperloop — without any emission — from Amsterdam to Paris.

Now that’s forward-thinking if you ask me!

As this list comes to an end, we give Dutchies a super 4.5 stars for their forward-thinking — but we left half a star out because there’s always room for improvement!

What other forward-thinking things do Dutch people do? Tell us in the comments below!

Whatever brings you to the Dutch capital, whether it’s an epic stag night or a romantic couple’s getaway, we’ve got the list of the best hotels in Amsterdam. 

If you’re looking for affordability, a luxury stay, or a unique experience, finding a hotel in Amsterdam can quite a task. With over 500 hotels in and near Amsterdam’s city centre, choosing the perfect one can be a challenge. 

Luckily, as Amsterdam locals, we’re here to spare you the time. Here are nine of the greatest hotels in Amsterdam! 

1. The Alfred: In Amsterdam’s ‘little Paris’

Located in the charming Oud Zuid district of Amsterdam, The Alfred offers you the perfect mix of city hustle and relaxation. Though located in a quiet area, everything your heart may desire is right at The Alfred’s doorstep: a gym, little shops, cafés and restaurants.

If you want to delve into some of Amsterdam’s tourist hotspots, the stunning Vondelpark and the big museum square are just a 12-minute walk away. Don’t feel like walking? Easy, just rent one of the hotel’s bikes, or opt for public transport.

READ MORE | 33 best things to do in Amsterdam in 2024 [UPDATED]

The Alfred Hotel was recently renovated, and now sports modern, clean, and spacious rooms in various sizes, from the classic double to big family rooms.

2. Zoku: For business and co-working

A hotel that functions like an office-away-from-home, Zoku is a relaxed place to live, work, and socialise while you work in the city (and do a little bit of exploring while you’re in the Dutch capital!). 

Zoku offers shared dorms, private rooms, and even personal lofts, so there’s sure to be a way to stay in comfort while getting that remote work done. 

Want to make it feel a bit more personal during your stay? Zoku offers to add a finishing touch to your room by choosing your preferred artwork from their art swap, making it really feel like home. 

3. Aparthotel Adagio Amsterdam South: Enjoy your own studio

If you’re staying in Amsterdam, but prefer to have more of your own space, then Aparthotel Adagio in Amsterdam South is just the place to go! 

With comfortable studios and one or two bedroom apartments on offer, these flexible living spaces just outside the city centre are perfect for longer stays. 

READ MORE | Aparthotel Adagio — have a long-stay in luxury (at an affordable price)

Each studio or apartment comes with an equipped kitchen, including an oven, hob, and counter space for meal prep, as well as a comfortable bed and free Wifi. They also have a private car park, a 24-hour reception, and an onsite gym.

4. ClinkNOORD: Affordability and fun

ClinkNOORD in Amsterdam is a youth hostel offering a budget-friendly solution to staying in the city, but with the added bonus of having built-in exploration buddies extra of easy socialisation. 

Stay in a shared dorm of up to ten people and make some new besties, or choose a private room and bond over dinner in the canteen.

Prefer the bottom bunk? At ClinkNOORD, you have to option to book ahead of time, and make sure you’ve got the right bed for your stay. 

READ MORE | 5 Reasons to try ClinkNOORD Hostel for a long stay in Amsterdam

Love unique experiences? Well, this hostel is located in a 1920’s converted laboratory in Amsterdam Noord, a gratis (free) five-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station.

5. Boat&Co: A hotel on the waterfront

Boat&Co is an apartment hotel right on the water of Amsterdam. Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, a living space, a dedicated work area, bathroom, and, of course, comfy beds! 

Want to hit the bike paths like a real Dutchie? An added perk of booking directly with Boat&Co is that you can get free use of a bike during your stay. 

READ MORE | Long-stays in Amsterdam: hotels you can call home

Even better, because popular Amsterdam areas like Westerpark and Jordaan are only a few minutes cycle away, you’ll be all the more grateful for your speedy wheels.

6. Marriot Leidseplein: For stunning views

If you’re a lover of high-rise views, the Marriot Leidseplein is the best choice to see across the city. A 5-star luxury hotel, your stay here will be nothing short of fabulous. 

Within walking distance of iconic museums such as the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum, it is in an ideal location. The Marriot also has a 24-hour fitness centre and a sauna for extra comfort. 

The hotel offers a range of different room types, from the classic double to the huge family room.

7. Hotel Wittenburg: Jet back to the 18th century 

With a grand 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Hotel Wittenburg is a modern hotel with contemporary Dutch interior design.

Situated in the Plantage district, a great area for tourists who like to be close to the city, and built into an 18th-century building, you’re sure to feel the rich history of Amsterdam during your stay.

READ MORE | At home (in a hotel): why we’re loving a long-stay at the Wittenberg

The hotel has a minimum stay of seven days, so if you’re planning on packing up and getting away for a week or more, it’s a perfect choice. Plus, the hotel has a 24-hour reception, a gym, a garden, courtyards — and is even dog-friendly!

8. Faralda Crane Hotel: Stay in a… crane?

When you started searching for hotels in Amsterdam, we’re sure staying in a renovated crane wasn’t the first idea that came to mind, but even so, the Faralda Crane Hotel has completely redefined the meaning of five-star accommodation. 

READ MORE | Amsterdam from a different perspective: Architectural hotspots

With three luxurious suites inside the crane, you’ll feel (quite literally) on top of the world during your stay. The hotel also offers a tonne of luxury experiences: private dining, private boat tours, and even a champagne breakfast!

9. SWEETS hotel: Discover Amsterdam’s bridge houses

At SWEETS hotel, you can actually stay inside Amsterdam’s bridges — another unique hotel concept in Amsterdam. 

These bridge homes once housed the city’s bridge keepers, who opened and closed the bridges for passing traffic. Today, 28 of the homes have been converted into short-term stays for tourists in Amsterdam, each one with its own quirks and design features. 

READ MORE | 10 hidden gems in the Netherlands: unique places you wouldn’t think to visit

The bridge houses are best suited for couples or stays for friend groups, as only those over the age of 21 are allowed to stay. Inside each house, you will find a comfortable bed and bathroom, alongside a mini-fridge and safe for security keeping. Some even have kitchenettes!

10. Kimpton DeWitt: Sleep in at a boutique hotel

Kimpton DeWitt is a luxury hotel in the centre of Amsterdam. The hotel has over 250 rooms, and as a five-star hotel, the amenities in their luxury rooms can’t be beaten. 

Each room comes with a Nespresso Coffee Machine, bathrobes, a smart TV, and even a Bluetooth speaker. 

READ MORE | 9 unique places to spend the night in the Netherlands

With a cocktail bar on site, you can end a night out with a few final drinks with friends, and collapse into a soft bed before you start all over again the next day. Or, if wine is more your style, check out one of their hosted wine evenings. Cheers!

Found your hotel in Amsterdam? Great! While you’re here, make sure you check out some of Amsterdam’s iconic sites, or even take a short day trip to one of the Netherlands’ many beautiful cities. 

Do you have a favourite hotel in Amsterdam? Tell us in the comments below!

The Netherlands is a land of art and museums. From the Frans Hals and Van Gogh Museums to the Rembrandt House, visitors come each year to admire their genius.

But how many of us ever pause to ask these questions: where are the works of female painters from the Dutch Renaissance and the Golden Age?

How come Dutch museums are only named after famous male painters, and why does nobody ever talk about these women?

An erased legacy displayed in today’s museums

The very first art critics in the (Dutch) Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age eras often made fun of female painters. “Women paint with their brushes between their toes,” one infamously said.

We are all often in awe of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Vermeer’s Milkmaid, but I’m sure that there aren’t many people who know the name of a single female painter from that era.

It’s almost as if their legacy has been completely erased from the history books.

Only 13% of art pieces displayed in today’s museums were made by a woman. Only 2% of the art market’s turnover is spent on artworks by female painters. And 10% of international galleries do not represent any women at all.

Alarming figures regularly crop up about the underrepresentation of women in art and not much has been done to change things.

For centuries, women were excluded from the art world in all kinds of ways, yet a number of them managed to become highly esteemed painters, despite the many obstacles they encountered.

Female invisibility in a patriarchal society

A comment you often hear is: “If there are no famous female painters, maybe it’s because they were just not good enough.”

But, the reason why there are so few female painters does not necessarily lie with women not being good enough, but with a patriarchal society that sought to shackle them with repressive social standards.

READ MORE | 11 kick-ass Dutch women you should know about this International Women’s Day

The difference between men and women was very clear in the Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age eras: men were allowed to get an education, chase careers, and be successful, while women were forced to stay at home.

This meant that women were actually not visible in society. They were mainly expected to stay indoors to take care of the household and the children.

Although male painters liked and regularly depicted women on their canvases, it was not socially acceptable for women to practice the profession themselves.

Everything was aimed at excluding them from painting as much as possible. They had less access to education, were not allowed to study nude models to gain knowledge of human anatomy, and were banned from art schools.

This made it extremely difficult for women to learn to paint at a high level.

Against all odds

Considering all these obstacles, it is truly a miracle that there have been women who succeeded in becoming quality painters. This often had to do with the fact that they received a lot of support from their families.

Although the purpose was not for them to make a career, especially in the eclectic world of art, there were still parents who supported their daughters in developing their artistic talent.

Many of the well-known female painters had fathers who were painters, so they were lucky to learn the tricks of the trade from childhood by observing them in their studios.

READ MORE | Hannie Schaft: the Dutch spy who was executed by the Nazis

Others came from well-to-do families and had the means to afford the costly affair of apprenticing to a painter.

As a result, women depended very much on the wealth and approval of their fathers or male guardians for their art education.

This explains why famous female painters in the Renaissance and Golden Age eras were so rare. The freedom and opportunity to develop as a painter belonged exclusively to privileged women.

Yet, their guts, talent, and perseverance must also be praised. By embarking on a career as painters, these women went against the prevailing norms of how a woman was supposed to behave.

By taking the plunge and going for their passion, they lifted painting to a higher level.

Dutch women painters of the 17th century

In the Netherlands, female painters played an important role in the development of art. Still-life painting, a genre typical of the Low Countries, was mostly mastered by women of this era.

Three women painters stood out.

Maria van Oosterwijck

Maria van Oosterwijck (1630-1693) came from a family of painters but did not become an apprentice until she was thirty.

In 1666, Maria moved to Amsterdam, where she became an assistant to still-life painter Willem van Aelst. At his studio, Maria developed into a painter of international repute.

She was best known for her highly detailed still-life flowers and often went to the Hortus Botanicus in search of rare flowers to immortalize.

Her works were highly sought after and sold to heads of state and noblemen, from King Louis XIV and Emperor Leopold I of Austria, to Cosimo de Medici and William III of England.

On December 28, 1667, the Florentine Prince, Cosimo III de Medici said that her still-lifes were just as good as those of the renowned Van Aelst.

When Cosimo III also bought two paintings from her after his second trip to Holland in 1669, Maria became a household name in the art world.

While many painters in Amsterdam and elsewhere struggled to keep their heads above water between 1680 and 1690, Maria’s reputation and the general appreciation for her work remained high, even in the highest European circles.

In 1684, Jan III Sobieski, King of Poland, bought three paintings from her for the capital sum of 2,400 guilders.

READ MORE | The Dutch East India Company was richer than Apple, Google, and Facebook combined

When Johann Georg III, Elector of Saxony, visited The Hague on a trip in 1688 and saw three of her paintings, he was so impressed he bought them for 1500 guilders.

Louis XIV (the Sun King) also had one of her paintings in his “art cabinet”.

Through Constantijn Huygens’ intervention, King-Stadtholder William III and his wife Maria Stuart acquired two paintings from Maria in 1689, one for the price of nine hundred guilders. Both paintings are still part of the English Royal Collection at Hampton Court in London.

Thanks to her art sales, Maria was able to buy a house on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht where she trained other female painters, including her former maid Geertje Pieters and another very talented pupil of Willem van Aelst: Rachel Ruysch.

Constantijn Huygens wrote a poem about Maria in 1677, saying: “Maria van Oosterwijck stands at a rare height and has no equal.”

In 1690, at sixty years of age, Maria withdrew from the painting world.

She moved to Uitdam to live with her nephew Jacobus van Assendelft, who had become a preacher in 1688. She died three years after the move.

In the past two centuries, interest in her paintings has declined somewhat, but presently, her works are attracting more attention again and are sold for high prices.

Rachel Ruysch

Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750) grew up in a rather interesting family.

Her father was a well-known anatomist who owned a large collection of rare flora and fauna. Her mother’s family consisted of many painters, as a result of which she came into contact with painting as well as with animals and plants from an early age.

She showed so much talent as a still-life painter that her parents decided to send her to become an apprentice to Willem van Aelst. It is quite possible that her training was largely carried out by Maria van Oosterwijck.

Rachel preferred to paint woodland grounds and compositions with flowers. Because flowers were an immensely popular motive in the Netherlands during the Golden Age, her lively, colourful works soon started to draw attention.

Her paintings sold for such high prices that she could live comfortably by making only a few works per year.

In the summer of 1695, Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatinate, visited Frederik Ruysch’s museum. On that occasion, he doubtlessly also saw the paintings of Rachel, who was now married to the painter Jurriaan Pool.

She had just given birth to her first child, but motherhood did not prevent her from continuing her career as a painter.

At this point in her career, she had become very famous and successful and in 1699 was offered membership into the Confrerie Pictura in The Hague as recognition for her contributions to art.

She was the first woman to receive this honour. As a mother of ten children, she must have had a very busy life, but nevertheless, she continued to paint until her death at the proud age of 86.

Judith Leyster

Although women like Maria van Oosterwijck and Rachel Ruysch had a great influence in the painting world, there is one woman who managed to make quite a big impression.

In 1633, Judith Leyster (1609-1660) was the first woman in the Western world to be recognized as a master painter.

It is quite a mystery how she developed into a painter since she did not come from an artistic family.

At the age of nineteen, she was already known in her hometown of Haarlem as a highly talented, young woman that could compete with the best male painters of her time.

In 1633, she was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke of Artisans, making her the first woman to be recognised as a master painter.

Her style is very similar to that of Frans Hals and some of her works were once wrongly assigned to him.

Since Judith signed her works with only the letter “J”, it was also rumoured that Frans Hals might have had an unknown brother by the name of Jan.

Leyster specialised in painting cheerful genre scenes. The people in her works often have vivid facial expressions and casual poses.

As far as is known, Judith Leyster is the only woman who made paintings of modern figures, instead of mythological and Biblical scenes.

Unfortunately, very few of her paintings have survived, probably because she only worked as a painter for a relatively short period of time.

In 1635, she married the painter Jan Molenaer, after which she left the art world. Eighteen paintings are attributed to her with certainty. These works largely date from the period 1628-1635.

In 2016, one of her self-portraits surfaced, probably dating from 1653. The painting was auctioned for half a million euros.

Leyster’s works can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Mauritshuis, the National Gallery in London, the Frans Hals Museum, and Museum Boerhaave.

Passion for art and revolution

These female painters were a rarity in a world that left little room for women to develop their talents. They were not supposed to have had the careers they carved out for themselves.

Yet, some of them dared to take the revolutionary step towards an “unconventional” life as professional painters.

These women often found themselves in an environment where they were encouraged to develop themselves, such as a progressive monastery or a family that offered support.

The vast majority of these female painters have long disappeared from our history books, but thanks to feminist historical research, they are increasingly being ‘rediscovered’ today.

READ MORE | The museum town of the Netherlands: 14 great museums to visit in Leiden

The growing attention provides for new exhibitions that demonstrate the importance of these women for painting.

More museums in the Netherlands, Europe, and the world need to have exhibitions showcasing their paintings and telling the story of how much they have contributed to the art world.

I hope we get to a point where little children can learn about these wonderful women just as much as they are taught about van Gogh or Rembrandt.

And that museums are opened and named after them, and their genius works of art are displayed with pride for all to see, enjoy, and admire. They deserve to be celebrated and not forgotten.

Which female Dutch painter is your favourite? Have you ever seen their work in a museum? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.

Feature Image: rijksmuseum.nl/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

In the Netherlands, both men and women are allowed to go to the ballot boxes — because they are equal in the eyes of the law. Seems normal right? Right, but the right to vote for women was only introduced in the Netherlands in 1919.

More than 90 years ago, women going to the ballots to cast their votes wasn’t seen as a very “normal” thing.

So let’s talk about the history of women’s suffrage in the Netherlands and see how far the country has come.

The early days of the women’s suffrage movement in the Netherlands

The Constitution of 1848 did not explicitly state that the right to vote applied exclusively to men.

According to the law, one had to pay a certain sum of taxes to vote and to be in possession of that right as a citizen — which women did not.

READ MORE | Hannie Schaft: the Dutch spy who was executed by the Nazis

Women were not allowed to vote and were taken for granted by the legislature. According to Dutch law, they were emotionally unreliable and quite incompetent and, therefore, had no civil rights.

Introducing Aletta Jacobs

In 1883, the physician Aletta Jacobs tried to make use of the lack of the explicit exclusion of women in the electoral law.

She tried to register herself as a candidate in Amsterdam but was blatantly refused.

This led to a constitutional revision in 1887, in which it was explicitly stated that the right to vote applied only to men.

Attendance protests

The ‘First Feminist Wave’ led to protests in the United States and Great Britain in the 70s of the 19th century.

This was mostly centred around the lack of suffrage for women. These protests also came to the Netherlands in the late 1980s, as various associations for women’s suffrage were established.

READ MORE | 11 kick-ass Dutch women you should know about this International Women’s Day

Some examples include:

• The Vrije Vrouwen Vereeniging (1889-1903, Free Women’s Association), started by Wilhelmina Drucker, and
• The Vereniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht (1894-1919, Association for Women’s Suffrage), started by Wilhelmina Drucker, Annette Versluys-Poelman and Aletta Jacobs.

The rise of the middle-class bourgeoisie

In the period after 1870, a certain feminist consciousness developed among the ‘well-to-do’ women in the Netherlands, under the influence of the international women’s suffrage movement in England and the United States.

This women’s movement fought against the deprived position of women in Dutch society.

The aim was access for women to all forms of education, the right to work in the public service under the same conditions as men, and the same right to management as well as sexual liberation for all women.

Which women’s organizations were involved in women’s suffrage?

Vrije Vrouwen Vereeniging (VVV) (1889-1903)

On October 2, 1889, the Vrije Vrouwen Vereeniging (VVV) was established.

The aim of the association was “to promote the social importance of women” as well as fight for their “mental and political development”.

Four years later, the VVV organized a public meeting with its main theme as ‘women’s suffrage’.

READ MORE | Activism in the Netherlands: International Women’s Day

They also got some support from socialist circles. Due to the fact that only rich men could vote, socialists who were fighting for general suffrage teamed up with the VVV to fight for the general right to vote.

The collaboration was short because prominent socialists of that time — such as Henri Polak and Frank van der Goes — thought the demands of women were over the top and that they had gone too far.

Vereeniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht (1894-1919):

On 5 February 1894, a number of women from various religious and political backgrounds set up the Vereeniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht in Amsterdam.

In the beginning, the society had great difficulty recruiting new members. In Amsterdam and other neighbouring cities, spouses, family and friends often exerted pressure on women not to become members of the society.

Men were allowed to join but not on the board. Due to the efforts of the association, an understanding of the struggle for women’s suffrage gradually became a reality.

By the year 1900, the society could count more than 1,089 members spread over 15 cities in the Netherlands.

Due to the huge success and the subsequent attention from the Congress of the World Women’s Suffrage Union in Amsterdam in 1908, the society saw a sharp increase in its number of members.

Nederlandse Bond voor Vrouwenkiesrecht:

A number of members who had left the Vereeniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht founded the Nederlandse Bond voor Vrouwenkiesrecht (Dutch bond for women’s suffrage) on 25 February 1907.

This association’s aim was to ‘fight for women’s suffrage’. They thought that women first had to learn how to lead and judge independently, and only then could they participate in political life.

READ MORE | Being a feminist in the Netherlands: surprisingly, it’s a challenge

Neutrality and impartiality were better guaranteed here. The difference between this Association and the other ones was that they allowed men in management positions, and as a result, succeeded in gaining wider support for women’s suffrage with the general public.

They believed that in order to achieve women’s suffrage, men also had to join the fight!

Members of this Association were generally of ‘better descent’ and gentler than the members of the Society for Women’s Suffrage.

The Constitution Revision of 1917

In 1917, the various protests and public speeches by women ultimately led to a constitutional amendment whereby women were given the right to be elected.

This meant that they were allowed to stand for election, but still were not allowed to vote for others. In 1918, Suze Groeneweg was elected as the first woman in the Lower House for the SDAP.

The right to vote in 1919

Passive women’s suffrage was followed in 1919 by a bill by Henri Marchant, which introduced general women’s suffrage.

This bill was accepted by the Lower House, and on 18 September, Queen Wilhelmina signed a law that gave women full suffrage.

In the first elections that followed, in 1922, seven women were voted into the Lower House.

Political contributions to the progress of women

After 1919, some futile attempts were made to establish a women’s party in the Netherlands. However, this idea did not appeal to many, as feminists and other women rather chose to organise women’s groups within existing political parties.

The 1922 elections showed that women did not vote that differently from men. The political atmosphere before the introduction of women’s suffrage was practically the same.

However, more and more women were voted into the Lower House in the 1920s.

Which women were active in the movement for women’s suffrage in the Netherlands?

Aletta Jacobs (1854-1929)

She was a radical feminist and a woman with a political acumen. Jacobs took up the electoral issue when she wanted to be the first woman to stand for election in Amsterdam in 1883.

According to the constitution on the right to vote, it didn’t say anywhere that she was not allowed to register and run for office.

Technically, women were allowed to run for office and could also be voted for, because the law spoke of every ‘Dutch’ citizen. The city council of Amsterdam interpreted the text differently and refused to allow Jacobs to run for office.

READ MORE | 11 kick-ass Dutch women you should know about on International Women’s Day

Jacobs appealed to the Supreme Court but was unsuccessful.

In 1893 she joined the Vrije Vrouwen Vereeniging (VVV) (Free Women Association) when they also started fighting for women’s suffrage.

From 1903-1919 she was president of the Vereeniging voor Association for Women’s Suffrage. She also played an important role in the international women’s suffrage movement.

Wilhelmina Drucker (1847-1925)

Wilhelmina Drucker was a radical feminist and co-founder of the Free Women’s Association (VVV) in 1889.

Wilhelmina grew up under difficult circumstances due to her father refusing to marry her mother and legally recognise her and her siblings as his children.

She and other Dutch women set up a weekly magazine for girls and women called De Vrouw (The Woman) in 1888. A year later, she founded the Free Women’s Association which would later become the Vereeniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht (Association for Women’s Suffrage).

She was a strong advocate for women’s rights, lectured around the Netherlands and was also known to have helped in founding several women’s trade unions.

Due to the difficult circumstances surrounding her upbringing, she also played a huge role in the fight for unmarried women and their children.

Rosa Manus (1881-1942)

Rosa Manus got into the women’s suffrage movement in 1908 at the Congress of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (IWSA).

At that conference, she met Wilhelmina Drucker and the American suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, who would become her partners and friends in the fight for women’s suffrage.

She was a member of the Vereeniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht and would later serve as the Society’s secretary.

READ MORE | Meet Mata Hari: the famous Dutch first World War spy

She was also very involved internationally in the work of the World Association for Women’s Suffrage and the International Women’s Union for Peace and Freedom.

Rosa Manus was also Jewish and, unfortunately, was deported by the Nazis in 1940 and transferred to Ravensbrück concentration camp in October 1941.

Although the circumstances around her death aren’t very clear, historians suggest that she was probably gassed at Bernburg in 1942.

Annette Versluys-Poelman (1853-1914)

Annette Versluys-Poelman was co-founder and president (1894-1902) of the Society for Women’s Suffrage.

Under her inspiring leadership, the association became an independent movement that gained influence in many cultural and political circles.

She also founded the Onderlinge Vrouwenbescherming (Women’s Mutual Protection Society) and fought for the rights of unmarried mothers and their “illegitimate” children.

Esther Welmoet Wijnaendts Francken-Dyserinck (1876-1956) and Lizzy van Dorp (1872-1945)

Esther Welmoet was a Dutch journalist and feminist and also co-founder of Dutch Girl Guiding and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

Lizzy van Dorp was a Dutch lawyer, politician and feminist. Van Dorp studied law at the University of Leiden and, in 1901, became the first woman to obtain a law degree in the Netherlands.

On 25 February 1907, they founded the Nederlandsche Bond voor Vrouwenkiesrecht (VVK). They had left the Society for Women’s Suffrage out of dissatisfaction with the Society’s direction.

They found that members with a more moderate way of thinking did not receive much attention or have a say on important issues within the association.

Clara Meijer-Wichmann (1885-1922)

Clara Meijer-Wichman was a German-Dutch lawyer, writer, anarchist and feminist.

She was involved in the establishment of the Utrecht section of the Nederlandse Bond voor Vrouwenkiesrecht in 1907, and was active as a board member until she left the league in 1911.

She was very active in the anarchist and feminist movements, and published many articles which were hugely critical of the Dutch criminal justice system.

On 21 March 1920, she gave a lecture on crime, punishment and society. In this lecture, she came up with a proposition that crime comes from social injustice and that she believed most ‘crime’ would disappear with equitable social relations.

Clara Meijer-Wichmann died aged 36, after giving birth to her daughter Hetty Clara (1922–2012). Jonas “Jo” Meijer, her husband, continued to publish her work after her death.

Today, we thank these women for their enormous efforts towards a more equal society.

What strikes you the most about the women’s suffrage movement in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments.

Feature Image: LSE Library/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

The Netherlands has had countless incredible, powerful, and strong women throughout history.

What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day, or as the Dutch say Internationale Vrouwendag, than by sharing the stories of a selection of Dutch women who championed feminism in their own way.

Here are 11 kick-ass Dutch women whose legacies live on.

1. Anna Maria van Schurman: first university student in Europe (1607-1678)

Anna Maria made waves as the first woman who attended university in the Netherlands — and potentially in Europe.

However, it wasn’t easy: at lectures, she had to be hidden behind a curtain because, lordy be, a female in the classroom may just distract the good male students.

All in all, it was worth it: Anna Maria became well-educated and could speak 14 languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac, Aramaic, and Ethiopic, as well as various contemporary European languages.

She was also renowned as a scholar, poet, and painter. What a legend!

2. Cornelia ‘Corrie’ ten Boom: weapon of the Dutch Resistance (1892-1983)

Corrie ten Boom is credited with saving around 800 Jews during World War II through her work in the Dutch Resistance. Corrie and her family opened their home to refugees, hiding them behind a secret wall.

“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” Corrie Ten Boom – Nazi Holocaust Survivor pic.twitter.com/bW52ygrvgH

— Stephen Uzzell (@StephenUzzell2) May 9, 2020

Corrie later worked to smuggle Jews to safety through underground networks. Unfortunately, Corrie and her family were caught, and she was arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp.

She was released in late December 1944 thanks to a clerical error — while the other women in her camp were sent to the gas chambers a year later.

3. Fanny Blankers-Koen: the flying housewife (1918-2004)

Fanny Blankers was a 30-year-old mother of two when she competed in the 1948 London Olympics.

She became the most successful athlete at the event when she won four gold medals for the 80 metre, 100m, and 200m hurdles, plus the 4 x 100m relay!

But Fanny, nicknamed “the flying housewife,” didn’t leave her success at the Olympics. She went on to win five European titles, set/tied for 12 world records and won a whopping 58 Dutch championships.

In 1999, she was awarded the title “athlete of the century” by the International Association of Athletics Federation — flying champion seems like a more accurate description! 

4. Elisabeth Wandscherer: the original “let them eat cake” (†1535)

A jump back in time takes us to Elisabeth Wandscherer, one of the 16 wives of the dictator Jan van Leiden.

Van Leiden chose Elisabeth as one of his many spouses in the German city of Münster after he made polygamy compulsory — his convenient response to the fact that the number of women in the city outnumbered the number of men.

But Elisabeth wasn’t a quiet wife: when the city was under siege during the Münster Rebellion, food shortages caused starvation. Elisabeth openly criticised Van Leiden for living a life of luxury while his people starved.

She returned the lavish gifts he had given her and requested to leave the city — but Van Leiden wasn’t a particularly reasonable man and had her publically beheaded instead.

5. Mata Hari: a sex symbol who owned it (1886-1917)

Born in Leeuwarden as Margaretha Zelle, Mata Hari is one of history’s best-known courtesans.

The Dutch dancer, who lived in the Netherlands, Indonesia, and France, began her career after leaving her husband, Dutch Colonial Army Captain Rudolf MacLeod, due to his alcoholism and abusive nature.

Along with a track record of infidelity, she cut the ties of married life and took to the stage. She believed her “flawless body” was a gift from God and that it was a crime not to flaunt it — so she did. You go, girl!

As a feminist ahead of her time, she pursued her dream unconventionally. But it was her travels between the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands that drew the attention of the Germans.

The Germans believed she was working as a double agent for both Germany and France during World War I.

On February 13, 1917, Mata was arrested by the French on the grounds of being a secret agent. She was found guilty of espionage and executed by a firing squad on October 15, 1917.

6. Sylvia Kristel: from a turbulent upbringing to silver screen star (1952-2012)

Born in Utrecht, Sylvia won Miss TV Europe in 1973 at just 21. Her linguistic talents opened doors for her into the film industry.

Best known for her roles in the five Emmanuelle films, she was famed for bringing “softcore” pornography to mainstream cinema.

Sylvia won critical acclaim for her title role — and Emmanuelle remains to this day the most iconic erotic French film ever made.

Clearly not averse to getting her kit off, Sylvia also starred in Lady Chatterley’s Lover (the first “Fifty Shades” of its time) and even played Mata Hari in the nudity-filled WWI biopic.

However, Kristel had a turbulent upbringing. She was abandoned by her father, abused as a child, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. It was no surprise that after 49 years of smoking, lung cancer finally took her life, aged just 60.

7. Hannie Schaft: red-haired badass of the Dutch resistance (1920-1945)

Jannetje Johanna Schaft, or Hannie Schaft, worked for the Dutch resistance during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

She acted as an assassin and saboteur for the resistance and became known to the Germans as “the girl with the red hair” — a description that was placed on the Nazi’s most-wanted list. 

Schaft carried out many brave acts of resistance but sadly did not survive the German occupation. She was arrested at a military checkpoint in Haarlem on March 21, 1945, and was executed by Nazi officials on April 17, 1945.

She was shot at close range by two German soldiers. However, their first attempt only wounded her. She is said to have told them “Ik schiet beter,” meaning “I shoot better,” before receiving one last fatal shot. 

8. Freddie Oversteegen: the teen Dutch resistance fighter (1925-2018)

Freddie Oversteegen was just 14-years-old when she became an assassin for the Dutch resistance during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

She belonged to a group of three young women (including her sister, Truus, and Hannie Schaft) who would sabotage and assassinate German soldiers and traitors.

Freddie was quite small and wore her hair in two braids which made her look innocent and enabled her to get away easily. Her method of attack was often a drive-by — Truus would cycle a bike whilst Freddie sat on the back and shot.

However, Freddie is most famed for her second assassination technique. She would meet soldiers and collaborators in the taverns and ask them if they would like to “go for a stroll.” Upon accepting the offer, the targets would be led to the woods and shot in a surprise attack.

9. Aletta Jacobs: suffragette and the first female Dutch doctor (1854-1929)

Aletta was a Dutch suffrage activist born in Sappemeer. As the daughter of a doctor, she knew from an early age the future she wanted for herself. Aletta was taught many languages along with history and mathematics (all subjects typically saved for the boys).

Thanks to her father’s encouragement after being denied access to secondary education in 1867, she fought for her rights, later qualifying against the odds to become an assistant chemist.

Aletta obtained permission from the then-First Minister of the Netherlands to attend a university where she became the first Dutch female to complete a degree in medicine and become a doctor.

Her work and championing of feminism filled her entire life. Aletta worked to protect women from trafficking and the impunity of prostitution.

She helped to protect women from STIs, provided contraception, and offered free consultations to prostitutes, poor people, and children.

In 1903, Aletta became the leader of the International Women Suffrage Alliance — truly championing women’s rights — and helped lead women to obtain the right to vote in 1919.

10. Corry Tendeloo: champion for equality (1897-1956)

Born in Indonesia, Cornélie Tendeloo moved to Leiden before becoming a lawyer in Amsterdam. It was a love for parity, social movements, and justice that led her into a life of public service and, ultimately, politics.

Beginning her political career as a councillor, she then obtained her seat in the Dutch House of Representatives after the war. Corry is the one women have to thank when it comes to having the right to work.

It was her efforts that helped to abolish the law that insisted only married women had the right to work.

Sadly, Corry died before seeing this emancipation for women, which allowed them to obtain gainful employment legally.

Her work in seeking equality between husband and wife and men and women is still referenced today — she, after all, helped to squash sexist rules that prevented women from thriving.

11. Anne Frank: a writer’s glimpse into WWII (1929-1945)

We couldn’t possibly finish this post without a nod to arguably the most well-known woman in the Netherlands, Anne Frank. World-renowned woman and a story everyone knows, Anne provided the only real insight we have into the life of a Jewish person during World War II to date.

Anne’s diary provided a window into the life of a family fearful for their lives and innocently caught up in Hitler’s Nazi Germany.

The story of Anne Frank humanised WWII in a way that nothing else could.

Who is your Dutch heroine, and where do you seek inspiration from this International Women’s Day?

Allegedly, when the first shot aimed at Hannie Schaft’s head only grazed her temple, she taunted the firing line: “Ouch! I shoot better!”

Hannie Schaft is arguably the most famous resistance fighter in modern Dutch history. During World War 2, the young woman fought against the German occupiers and was later wanted for treason, espionage, and murder.

The Nazis, who had no idea who Hannie was, described her as ‘the girl with the red hair’ on their most-wanted list.  

So who was this revolutionary Dutch resistance fighter? How did she get catapulted into a life of espionage? And what do we know about this 100% verified badass?

Schaft’s younger years

Hannie Schaft was born as Jannetje Johanna Schaft in Haarlem, on 16 December 1920. Her parents were Peter Schaft and Aafje Talea Vrijer. 

Hannie had an older sister who tragically died from diphtheria at the age of seven. In part because of that, her parents raised Hannie with great caution and kept a close eye on her.  

It is said that Hannie developed a political consciousness from a young age. Both parents were avid followers of world affairs and discussed these openly at the dinner table, also with Hannie.

Peter Schaft, in particular, was an active supporter of the socialist-democratic party SDAP and conveyed his leftist tendencies to his daughter.

The young Johanna was also an excellent student at school. But while she was open and talkative at home, in class, she remained rather quiet and withdrawn. Her bright red hair also made her the target of teasing and mockery. 

This experience of social exclusion could have contributed to the strong sense of justice that would later draw Hannie into the resistance movement. It also found expression in her wish to study law at university.

Later, Hannie dreamed she could specialise in human rights and work for the League of Nations (the predecessor of the United Nations). 

University: first steps into the resistance 

Hannie started attending the University of Amsterdam in 1938 to pursue a law degree. Only a year later, in 1939, German troops invaded Poland under Adolf Hitler’s command, and World War II took hold of Europe.

Already in these early stages of the war, Hannie’s spirit of resistance began to show. Through the Red Cross, she started sending packages with food supplies and other necessities to imprisoned Polish soldiers. 

While Hannie had trouble making friends at school, she had an easier time at university. Two connections, in particular, would last Hannie until the end of her life: the sisters Truus and Freddie Oversteegen.

Hanni also founded the all-girls debate group ‘Gemma’. Critiques against the German Nazi occupation and anti-semitism were frequent topics of discussion.

By the end of their time at university, the girls were protesting on the streets more than they were studying.

Germany occupies the Netherlands

Despite attempts by the Netherlands to stay neutral during the war, German occupiers took control of the country on May 10, 1940.

During this time, Hannie started writing articles in the university paper criticising the segregation of Jewish students and teachers, who were later banned from campus. 

She also joined the 80% of non-Jewish students who refused to sign a declaration of loyalty to the German Reich. As a consequence, Hannie had to stop her studies early.

Responding to the concerns of her parents, she left Amsterdam and moved back home to Haarlem. 

Joining the Council of Resistance

The Raad van Verzet (Council of Resistance) (RvV) was founded in Haarlem in 1943.

Under the occupation, there were different, disconnected resistance groups popping up all over the Netherlands, and the RvV wanted to create a unified movement across the country.

Both the Oversteegen sisters and Hannie were determined to keep up their fight against the German occupiers, so they joined the RvV.

Hannie made a point of emphasizing that she wanted to do more than distribute flyers or steal passports. Instead, she wanted to step fully into the role of an active resistance fighter. 

So, Hannie was ordered to assassinate a member of the German Security Service (Sicherheitsdienst or SD). 

Thinking about Dutch N*zi hunter Hannie Schaft today, who always carried a gun and a makeup kit with her.

The makeup kit not only helped her look attractive to N*zi targets, but also camouflaged her appearance when escaping these assassinations. pic.twitter.com/4ree9onxWg

— Ann Oh 애니 (@Minsooky) March 4, 2023

The girl with the red hair fronted up to the challenge and pulled the trigger while aiming at her target — unknowingly shooting a rubber bullet at a fellow RvV member instead. She passed the test and became entrusted with a larger role in the resistance movement from then on. 

This was also when Jannetje Johanna Schaft took on Hannie Schaft as her permanent code name — and Hannie Schaft, the legendary Dutch resistance fighter, was born. 

Beginning her career as an assassin 

Under the guidance of experienced RvV members, Hannie was instructed in the use of weapons and espionage. Because she spoke excellent German, Hannie was considered to be an especially valuable asset to the movement. 

Some people even confused her for a moffenmeid — a derogatory Dutch slang term used for German women. Whilst it made some Dutch people distrust her, Hannie could easily listen in on German officers and develop friendly relations with them if she had to. 

Together with her friends Truus and Freddie Oversteegen, Hannie carried out attacks against high-ranking German officers, stole important documents, and was also ordered to kill. 

Freddie Oversteegen was only 14 when she joined the Dutch resistance during World War II, and only a couple of years older when she became one of its armed assassins. Together with her sister—and later, a young woman named Hannie Schaft—the trio lured, ambushed and killed German… pic.twitter.com/vDDx4DZaY7

— Ozil (@iconicjuddy) November 8, 2023

However, Hannie did not blindly follow orders and was aware of her moral boundaries. At one point, she declined an assignment that required the abduction of children whose parents were Nazi officials. It’s a thin line to walk, but she did it gracefully!

Schaft and Bonekamp 

Hannie also worked closely with one of the founders of the RvV, Jan Bonekamp, whom she admired greatly. Bonekamp was described as charismatic, fearless, and good-looking. He was also older than Hannie and seemingly made quite an impression on her.

However, even within the resistance movement, he was known as an extremist who took especially great risks. While it is uncertain whether or not the two were romantically involved, Hannie was notably influenced by his unwavering commitment to the cause. 

During that time, her parents even asked her to move out because they were scared and apprehensive of her “dark work.”

A killing that went horribly wrong 

In 1944, Hannie and Bonekamp received an order from the RvV which would change everything. They were instructed to kill a Dutch police chief and collaborator in Zaandam called Willem Ragut. The plan was for Hannie to shoot first, and then for Bonekamp to follow up in case their target would not die immediately.

It was a good call because this is exactly what happened. Hannie’s first shot hit the collaborator in the back but did not kill him. Bonekamp, wanting to finalise the kill, followed up — but was shot in the stomach in return. 

Willem Ragut died nevertheless, and the two resistance fighters fled in different directions. But while Hannie managed to get away, the fatally hurt Bonekamp was arrested and taken to the hospital. 

Once there, he confessed to the murder, and under the influence of heavy medication and psychological manipulation, he also gave away Schaft’s address. 

Soon after, Jan Bonekamp died from his injuries. A week later, officials raided Hannie’s parent’s house in Haarlem. 

Underground and arrest

Efforts to make Hannie confess were fruitless but severe. To put pressure on her, the Nazis forced her parents into a Dutch concentration camp, which pushed Hannie to stop working for the resistance temporarily.  

After two months, Hannie’s parents were released, and the young woman decided that she had to go underground. The girl with the red hair dyed her ginger mane black and started wearing thick-rimmed glasses.

But it was not only her looks that had changed. The death of Jan Bonekamp had shaken Hanni deeply.

In letters that she wrote to friends and family at the time, the young woman expressed feelings of all-consuming desperation and sadness.

Her emotional turmoil might have contributed to the even greater risks Hannie took for the resistance in the months that followed.

But her dedication was short-lived. In 1945, Hannie Schaft was caught during a police control carrying two resistance-friendly newspapers and a pistol.

She was arrested, and when forced to wash her hair, the Nazis knew they had finally found the red-haired assassin they’d been searching for for over two years.

Execution

On 17 April 1945, Jannetje Johanna Schaft — alias Hannie Schaft — was brought to the beach of Overveen and executed with a shot to the head. She was buried right then and there between the dunes.

The Netherlands was liberated from Nazi occupation only 18 days later.

Legacy

After the war, Hannie’s remains were uncovered amongst the bodies of 421 members of the resistance — all of them men.

She was officially laid to rest in the Honorary Cemetery in Bloemendaal the same year. 

Following her death, Hannie became known as one of the bravest resistance fighters of World War II, both in the Netherlands and abroad. US President Eisenhower decorated her with the Medal of Freedom.

Meanwhile, in the German Democratic Republic, a post stamp adorned with her image celebrated her as an anti-fascist heroine. 

Today, two books, one movie, and a short film have attempted to tell her story. A bronze statue titled ‘Woman in Resistance’, designed by her friend Truus Oversteegen pays tribute to her legacy in Kenaupark, Haarlem. 

Hannie’s bravery and her unflinching sense of justice in the face of fascism, atrocity, and death make her one of the most important heroines of modern Dutch history.

She takes her rightful place next to incredible women in the resistance movement, such as Truus Wijsmuller and the sisters Oversteegen.

What do you think of Hannie Schaft’s story? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Unknown Photographer/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain (Modified)

There are many things about life in the Netherlands that you’re going to have to embrace if you truly want to integrate. We’d recommend skipping on the herring, but you should really get into Dutch humour. 

Unlike a slimy fish, the Dutch sense of humour is super dry. This can make it a bit difficult to understand at first — so grab a notebook and a very open understanding of what constitutes as “funny”.  

Let’s walk you through some jokes that will get the Dutchies chortling. 

1. Out for drinks? We’ve got one for you

Let’s set the scene. You’re in a beautiful brown café, the pilsner is flowing, and you’ve gathered the courage to try out your Dutch skills. 

Specifically, you want to see if you can get that handsome Dutchie to laugh (with you, not at you.) Here’s one grapje (joke) for you to try out. 

You may be saying, “huh?” but what makes this joke funny is the double meaning of the Dutch word “kater.” In Dutch, “kater” is the word for both a male cat and a hangover. 

Get it? While this joke will not only prove that you are absolutely hilarious, it will also show your audience that you have a good understanding of Dutch vocabulary — you’re funny and intelligent. What’s sexier than that? 

2. Really want to make the Dutch laugh? Play around with the language!

Another great joke to show off your vast knowledge of Nederlands is this one: 

Before you throw your arms up in the air and declare this joke not funny, let us remind you of the Dutch word for letterbox: brievenbus! 

This translates directly to “letter bus.” Get the joke now? He’s throwing the letter in the bu — ok, forget it.

3. Looking to impress a Dutch dad? Try this out

While you may think the above joke was Dad-level funny, you can actually take it a step further when it comes to Dutch dad humour. Looking to impress your father-in-law? Try this on for size.

Womp, womp, wooooomp. There’s no specific play on words here, just a Dutch twist on the classic dad jokes that you likely grew up with. 

READ MORE | How to order in Dutch: from getting a ‘tafeltje’ to paying the ‘rekening’

While this hilarious retort may have the in-laws chortling, let’s just say a waiter would be less impressed.

4. Impress a date by dropping a hot joke — or not

Let’s say you get that handsome Dutchie to take you out on a date, you want to continue to amaze them with your intelligence, toch? 

Nothing says intelligence like a good ol’ riddle. Try this brainteaser out: 

Is it a riddle? Technically! Is it silly? Very! Is it a good icebreaker? Inderdaad (indeed). 

READ MORE | Dutch courses in the daytime, evening, or weekend? UvA Talen offers them all online AND in-class

This is also a good way to get a feel for your date. If they don’t find you absolutely hilarious, then why are you even sitting with them? Time to take your brains, beauty, and humour elsewhere.  

5. How about a good ol’ Dutch pun? Say no more

Nothing says humour like a classic pun every now and then. Let’s start with a simple yet effective example. 

Now, don’t let the English translation fool you. This actually has the power to induce a snort or two. 

In order to get the pun, you should know that in Dutch, “niks aan” means “nothing to it.” However, it can be more directly translated to “nothing on.”

Yes, you see, it’s funny. Nothing on. At a nudist beach. Hahahahaha. 

6. Another pun? *feigns shock*

Okay, now, refresh yourself and activate that Dutch mindset. Chug some milk, eat a broodje kaas. We’re about to take our Dutch pun game to the next level with this: 

This pun requires some knowledge of Dutch grammar and vocab, which, again, will show off that you have both beauty and brains. 

READ MORE | Dutch at the workplace: your essential phrases for working in the NL

The Dutch word, “las” is the past tense imperfect form of “lezen” (reading) — see the play on words here? Look at you, so smart.

7. How about another classic dad joke?

You know what makes a Dutch riddle even better? When you add a dad-joke vibe to it.

If you happen to find yourself sitting across from a Dutch man in his 50s on the train, try this beauty out on him: 

Oh, the dryness, the sheer dryness. 

8. Need more? Here’s one to tickle your punny bone

Listen, there’s no escaping puns when you’re talking about Dutch humour. 

In order to get this joke, it’s important to know that in Dutch ‘sleutel’ means key. See how it works? Sleutelbeen? To open the door?… 

We find this one particularly “humerus.” (The author chugs some coffee and throws herself off her chair.)

9. Someone, please stop us 

As we progress through this article, we’re really going from ridiculous to downright silly — which is why we need to tell you this joke. 

To understand just how silly-billy this joke is, you need to know that in Dutch, the word “pony” has, you guessed it, two meanings. 

“Pony” can mean both a cute little horse that gallops around. Orrrrr, in the context of the hairdresser’s chair, it can mean “bangs”, y’know, a cute little fringe. 

So when the cowboy comes out of the hairdresser, his “pony” is gone, get it? GET IT? 

10. We can’t leave the windmills out of it 

In need of a Dutch joke that will leave you with a hand-shaped red mark on your forehead? Look no further. 

A breakdown of the mechanisms behind this joke isn’t really needed — it’s silly. Plain and simple. 

11. Finally, a joke about Dutchies

Listen, we can’t talk about Dutch humour without dishing out a joke at the expense of Dutchies. Our go-to dig at the Dutch has to be this one. 

This one hits the Dutch in their stomachs, poking fun at Dutch cuisine and its lack of, shall we say, flavour. 

Make sure to bring this one out under the right circumstances — not at the dinner table, for example. 

Ready to induce some chuckles? Or, at the very least, prove yourself to be quite the wordsmith in Dutch. Go forth and conquer! 

Do you have any jokes that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! 

First time celebrating someone’s birthday in the Netherlands? Gefeliciteerd! Birthdays are a special event in every culture and have their own little quirks — and the Netherlands is no exception. 

Naturally, it’s important to know about some common (but entirely weird to foreigners) traditions from the Netherlands that just make Dutch birthdays…different!

1. Congratulate everyone in sight

In most cultures, you just wish the birthday celebrant a happy birthday.

In the Netherlands, regardless of whose birthday it is, everyone is congratulated for celebrating a birthday with one simple word: gefeliciteerd (congratulations).

The birthday celebrant’s parents? Gefeliciteerd! Their siblings? Gefeliciteerd! Their grandparents, their aunts and uncles, cousins, and even their pet guinea pig? Gefeliciteerd! 

Why? Who knows?! Perhaps it was invented by the same people who invented the three-kisses greeting. Prepare for incoming slobbery lips and wet cheeks.

2. Text someone’s parents instead of the birthday person

This is a bit cute but mostly impressively organised. Alright, so there’s a lot of congratulations in person. But did you know many parents of children having a birthday will receive a flood of texts?

Let’s say your dad’s colleague at work may know it’s your birthday today. They’ll message your dad to congratulate him, buuut (since they probably don’t know you directly), you’ll get — you guessed it — nothing.

But, nice for your Dad, we guess.  

3. Sit in the circle of death during birthday parties

Usually, at a party, you would expect people to walk around and mingle with other guests. Instead, the Dutch LOVE to sit in one massive circle. 

No matter how many people there are at a birthday party, you wouldn’t catch them standing up. Why? Who knows.

However, we’ll give them this: sitting in a circle is essential for gezelligheid. This essential Dutch concept embodies all things comfy, warm, and happy.

You can’t have a Dutch birthday party without feeling cosy. And how do you do this? A circle layout!

A little circle (or maybe a large circle) is a great way to get a good look at everyone who’s at this party, and it makes sure that no one gets left out — talk about gezellig, indeed! 

But Dutch people do have their pet peeves with this tradition. The circle is known for being unbearably boring.

After all, there’s not much to sitting in a circle and talking to whoever you’re sitting next to.

4. Serve birthday tart instead of cake

If you’re wondering why anyone would bother serving something that isn’t a rich chocolate cake or a flawlessly decorated vanilla cake, your guess is better than ours. But, such is Dutch life.

Although they’re equally common, Dutchies, like to serve pies or local tarts, called vlaai instead of cake. Vlaai is a traditional dessert to have on your birthday, so it’s only natural to serve something so unequivocally Dutch. 

These delightful treats are made of pastry and all kinds of fillings, from fruits like cherries and strawberries to a crumbled butter and sugar mix. 

The Netherlands isn’t known for being culinary innovators or for having an inventory of delicious recipes, but we have to say they nailed it when they invented vlaai. 

You’re also likely to find appeltaart at birthdays, the Netherlands’ iconic rendition of apple piece — and once you have a taste of these, you’ll never want to go back. 

5. Open birthday gifts in front of all their guests

Buying someone a birthday present is always appreciated!

But if you expect the celebrant to thank you for the gift and stash it away for later — think again. 

People will open your gifts in front of EVERYONE, and there is no stopping them.

So maybe take that as a warning to not buy any gifts that could be embarrassing or inflammatory in front of their parents and oma en opa (grandma and grandpa). 

Not to mention, it feels extremely awkward having everyone watch one person open their presents one by one — often in silence to achieve peak awkwardness.

6. Let all their friends roast them on their 21st birthday

The legal age in the Netherlands is 18, but for some reason, doing a big celebration for your 21st birthday has become a big thing in the Netherlands. But if it’s an excuse for another party, how can we refuse?

Celebrating your 21st birthday is a pretty big event — some people go all out with caterers and seating arrangements, and guests come over for a huge celebration.

But it all boils down to a big birthday roast for the celebrant — and no, we don’t mean the dinner kind. Birthday celebrants must be prepared to have all their embarrassing night-out stories and middle school blunders revealed to friends and family. 

This is on the newer side of Dutch birthday traditions, so don’t be surprised if you’re met with blank stares when asking an older person about the 21st birthday dinner. 

7. Call you Abraham or Sarah when you turn 50 years old

Are you turning 50? Well, hello, Abraham! It’s nice to meet you, Sarah! 

You might be wondering, “Who the heck is Abraham and Sarah?”

These oddly specific nicknames are a biblical reference that honours gaining wisdom from experience.

You are old enough to be “visited” by Abraham or Sarah by the time you’ve reached age 50, and so they impart you with some wisdom because they’re very old themselves. 

Along with turning 50, it’s very common that friends and family of the celebrant will set up funky inflatable Abrahams and Sarahs around their home or workplace, as well as funny posters so people can congratulate them. 

8. Bring your own celebratory birthday treats to the workplace

Sorry to break it to you — if you expect to be the one getting treated for your birthday, you might be in for some disappointment and culture shock.

In many cultures, your workplace will buy you a cake and maybe even a present for your birthday. In the Netherlands, birthday celebrants have to bring their own treats to share with their colleagues. 

Of course, it is your special day, but you’re expected to be generous towards other people. 

Generosity applies to other parts of celebrating your birthday, like serving everyone beer and cake at your birthday party (no, no one else is allowed to help you) and sometimes even paying for everyone’s meals if you invited them out for dinner. 

It seems a little counterintuitive, but a Dutch person’s birthday is the only day you will not find them being overwhelmingly stingy — as many stereotypes say. 

9. Keep birthday calendars in the toilet 

Okay, normally, a birthday calendar wouldn’t be so strange to keep. It’s just the fact that it’s in Dutchies’ toilets specifically that makes it just plain weird.

Do Dutchies expect to memorise birthdays when Mother Nature calls? Well, it seems like a pretty decent place to do so.

If you like to keep busy while doing your thing, browsing the birthday calendar is a convenient and casual read.

While it is very strange to internationals, we can’t help but feel like it’s kind of sentimental that they’re doing their business and thinking about all the birthdays that are coming up. How sweet!

And there you have it! Birthdays are indeed a special celebration, and hopefully, you will know more about how Dutch people like to spend their birthdays (so you can be prepared for your next Dutch birthday party!)

Is there a Dutch birthday tradition we missed? What’s your favourite tradition listed here? Tell us what you think!

Ahhh, the infamous Dutch directness: is it a stereotype, or is it accurate? Should it even be called “directness” or simply, “honesty”?

Straightforwardness is so valued in Dutch society that there’s even a Dutch word for it: bespreekbaarheid. This translates to “speakability” and means that no topic should be taboo.

Having lived in New Zealand throughout my teenage and early adult years, I got used to politeness interfering with honesty. Kiwis pride themselves on being kind and pleasant. 

One of the first comments I heard when I moved to the Netherlands was from someone I had just met an hour earlier.

As I sat in a bar, sipping a Heineken Pilsner, a person announced: “Your hair looks terrible, and your hands are big for a girl”. I laughed and felt lucky I was confident enough to brush this off.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk 42: Be overwhelmingly direct and never beat around the bush

I personally find Dutch directness extremely refreshing as it creates authenticity and builds good rapport. However, not everyone values it, as it sometimes can just be downright rude.

We asked our loyal readers, “What is the bluntest thing a Dutchie has ever said to you?”. Here are some of your stand-out responses.

Appearances

1. I was at a festival when one Dutchie came up to me and exclaimed: “Your outfit is nice, but your bag is hideous…can I throw it away?” — Holly, Amsterdam.

2. I ran into a Dutchie I used to date, and one of the first things I said to him was: “Well, you’ve lost some muscle, haven’t you?” — Layla, Leiden.

3. Someone once yelled at me: “Watch where you are going, b*tch!”. When I turned around, they quickly followed with, “Oh, sorry, dude. I thought you were a woman”. — Levi, Leiden.

Sore points

4. My neighbour in Haarlem told me off for having a barbecue and exclaimed it was the worst smell she had ever encountered and that my daughters’ voice gave her a headache. — Shireen, Haarlem.

5. When I had friends visiting my place, my neighbour said, “Oh, I hear the girl who laughs like a seal is back” — Kavana, Rotterdam.

6. It was at a bar in Amsterdam, and we had been waiting to be served for over 30 minutes despite the bar being almost empty. We eventually approached the waiter, who was chatting with someone, and asked if he was going to take our orders or if we should just go up to the bar. He replied very rudely and bluntly that if we were there to enjoy friends’ company, then we should just shut up and enjoy the conversation and that he would eventually come by. He added that if we were in a ‘hurry’ we could always go get fast food — Ana, Amsterdam.

Dutch directness in a single piece of paper. # pic.twitter.com/OtUiOvWpA3

— Joaquín (@JoaquinRQ) October 18, 2022

Offending people’s nationalities

7. I was accused of being a “mail-order bride” just because I am Hungarian — Hanga, Leiden.

READ MORE | Discrimination in the Netherlands: it’s not just nationality

8. A cashier told me the other day, “I don’t like French people” after I had just told her I was from France — Kimberley.

Rejected and dejected

9. When I offered my homemade cake around, a Dutchie said outright: “No thanks, that looks disgusting” — Aurora.

10. Someone rudely once told me: “Just because you have my WhatsApp doesn’t mean we are friends” — Renan.

Dutchies self-reflect and self-defend

“I will just say that my Dutch directness has not served me well at all in my many years outside of the Netherlands, and I recommend tempering one’s honesty a bit. After all, the fine art of diplomacy is to state one’s opinion in such a way that no one takes offence and even agrees with it.” — Norma, The United States.

READ MORE | 14 signs you have successfully been Dutchified

“I am Dutch, and from my point of view, the directness does not come from being honest but from being efficient and pragmatic … we don’t like to lose time and effort in making the situation more pretty than it is.” — Marie, The Hague.

A question for those struggling with Dutch directness

Yes, Dutch directness can be harsh — but here’s something to consider: When you’re looking for true friendship, what do you prefer?

A. Honesty and directness.
B. Sugar-coated sentiments.

If you choose A, then go find some more Dutch friends.

What has been your experience with Dutch directness? Share it in the comments!

Long before they were all tulips, windmills, bikes, and happy children, the Dutch were seafarers, explorers and conquerors. So, naturally, they named a lot of places along the way. 

The Dutch sailing expeditions led to many results, some of which were horrific, but also successful for finding new trade routes or discovering new lands. And, of course, being the first Europeans to set foot somewhere, the Dutch gave it a name.

READ MORE | How the fate of 17 Dutch sailors changed history

So, here are seven well-known places in the world whose names are actually Dutch, and their stories.

1. Tasmania and New Zealand: Searching for gold

Abel Tasman was a Dutch explorer and merchant who worked for the VOC in the 17th century. His voyages took him to places much warmer than those of Barentsz and eventually led him to “discover” four of the lands we today know as Tasmania, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji.

In August of 1642, the Council of the Indies sent Abel Tasman and Franchoijs Visscher to explore the area known as Beach — a toponym appearing on maps as the northernmost part of Australia.

Beach, which in fact is a mistranslation of Locach, was mentioned on many maps and by many travellers prior to Tasman, but what’s more — it was a land described by Marco Polo as one plentiful with gold.

READ MORE | New Zealand’s namesake: how the Dutch named NZ

At the end of November 1642, after a stop at Mauritius Island and a storm, which directed the ship to the northeast, Tasman saw the coast of a new piece of land.

In the good old tradition of the time, he named it after his sponsor — Van Diemen’s Land, after Antony van Diemen, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. On January 1, 1856, the land was renamed Tasmania in honour of the first European who set foot there.

Just 13 days after “finding” Tasmania, Abel Tasman also saw the shores of New Zealand. Unfortunately, he was not aware of that — he thought this was a land connected to Isla de los Estados in Argentina, hence he charted it as Staten Landt (both names given in honour of the States-General).

A few years later, in 1645, Dutch cartographers corrected Tasman’s mistake and named the land Nova Zeelandia, after the Dutch province of Zeeland.

Upon his return voyage, Tasman and his ships passed through the Tongan archipelago, spotting the Fiji islands, which the explorer named Prince William’s Islands.

2. Easter Island: A troubled journey

In August of 1721, the Dutch West India Company decided to commission a search for the mythical Terra Australis, also hoping to open a western trade route to the Spice Islands (The Maluku).

Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen was sent to complete the task. He sailed to the South Atlantic Ocean, entered the Pacific Ocean, and continued further south.

Much like many before him, Roggeveen looked for one thing to find another. He, however, skipped the largely observed tradition of naming newly found lands after royalties or sponsors of the trip and decided to honour the day he spotted the land — Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722.

Perhaps, he followed the example of British captain William Mynors, who saw an island in the Indian Ocean on Christmas Day of 1643 and named it… Christmas Island.

Jacob Roggeveen explored 12 islands, but his trip was far from trouble-free. He lost his flagship and had a violent, deathly encounter with the inhabitants of some of the islands.

READ MORE | Islands of the Netherlands: a guide to the Wadden Islands

Upon returning to the Netherlands, the Dutch East-India Company VOC had him arrested for violating their monopoly and confiscated the remaining two ships. Only after a long lawsuit, Jacob Roggeveen was acquitted and compensated for his losses.

3. Robben Island: The political prison

Most people know about the Dutch colonial ties to South Africa, including Cape Town, which was founded by the Dutch in 1652 as a trading post for the VOC.

READ MORE | The Dutch and South Africa: more than just Apartheid and Boers

But less than seven kilometres west of Cape Town, the Dutch also found a small island and gave it a name that might not immediately strike you as Dutch. Robben Island was not named after a person or a bird, but after the many seals that the Dutch saw there, robben being Dutch for seals.

Robben Island is perhaps most famous for the political prisoners that were detained there during the nation’s era of Apartheid.

Nelson Mandela, among others, was imprisoned on the island for 18 years before helping dissolve the Apartheid state and winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But Robben Island has been holding political prisoners for much longer than most people realise. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the VOC used the island to incarcerate political leaders from other Dutch colonies.

4. Bluefields, Nicaragua: The Dutch pirate

Bluefields is a municipality in the Central American nation of Nicaragua and was named after the notorious Dutch pirate, Abraham Blauvelt. The area is located at the mouth of the Escondido River, and it was here that Blauvelt hid during the 17th century.

But this thieving seaman began not as a pirate, but as a very respectable employee of the Dutch East India Company.

He was the first European to explore what are now Honduras and Nicaragua, and even travelled to England trying to gain support to establish a colony here. When these efforts failed, Blauvelt became a privateer and started raiding Spanish ships off the coast of Jamaica.

Blauvelt would then trade his spoils with the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam (now New York), but when the colony feared tainting their reputation by trading with pirates, they banished him from the area. Thus, Blauvelt fled to what is now Bluefields, and the rest is history.

5. Barents Sea: The unbearable cold

The sea located on the northern coasts of Norway and Russia, used to be called Murmanskoye morye (Murman Sea) and appeared on maps for the first time in the 16th and 17th centuries under this name. In the 19th century, it renamed after the Dutch navigator, cartographer, and explorer, Willem Barentsz, in honour of his heroic expeditions in the far North.

READ MORE | Australia and the Netherlands: adventures at sea and shared history

Barentsz took three expeditions in search of a Northeast Passage which, he believed, opened north of Siberia in June every year because of the sun melting the ice and snow. The passage would also mean a new trade route to the Indies.

During the voyages, Barentsz and his crew members were often victims of the local fauna (attacked by polar bears) and the extreme weather conditions — the first two expeditions ended due to large icebergs and frozen waters. Because of this failure, the States-General refused to subsidize any further trips of this sort.

Instead, they offered a generous reward to anyone who could successfully navigate the route to its end. The Town Council of Amsterdam provided two ships, captained by Jan Rijp and Jacob van Heemskerk, under the command of Barentsz.

READ MORE | Best beaches in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch beaches

The third expedition started rather well. Barentsz and company discovered Bear Island, Spitsbergen and named a few fjords. Unfortunately, a disagreement led them to part — Heemskerk with Barentsz continued northeast, and Rijp headed north.

In July, Barentsz reached the icy Novaya Zemlya archipelago, but because of the many icebergs around, he and his crew remained trapped there for a whole year fighting the extreme cold.

In June of the following year, those still alive decided to sail away. Barentsz died at sea only seven days after their journey back home began. After seven more weeks, the boats were finally rescued by a Russian ship.

In 2011, the Dutch director Reinout Oerlemans released “Nova Zembla”, a historical drama, based on the incredible story of Barentsz and his crew trapped on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.

6. Mauritius: The abandoned prince

Today’s independent state of Mauritius has a very long colonial history with the Dutch, the French, and the British. There is strong evidence that the island was known already to Arab sailors even before the European expeditions.

In the 14th century, Portuguese sailors visited the then uninhabited land, and their cartographers gave it a name — Mascarenes — but took no interest in it.

At the end of the 16th century (1598), bad weather whilst passing the Cape of Good Hope changed the route of five Dutch ships which wound up sailing to the shores of Mauritius.

Under the command of Wybrand van Warwijck, they anchored and named the island Prins Maurits van Nassaueiland, after Prince Maurits of the House of Nassau.

The Dutch made a settlement on Mauritius for their ships passing through this sea route and had it for 20 years. Eventually, they abandoned it.

The island was taken over by the French, who changed its name to Isle de France and used it, among other things, to raid British commercial ships. That lasted up until 1810, when the British took control over the island and returned its Dutch name.

7. In and around New York

A fair amount of today’s American toponyms came from the Dutch language on the account of the first settlers there. The Dutch heritage is particularly visible in and around New York (previously known as New Amsterdam).

READ MORE | Did the Dutch really buy New York for 24 dollars? 

Here are just a tiny fraction of examples:

Rhode Island

One of the theories says that it was named by the Dutch trader Adriaen Block, who, when passing by it, described it as “een rodlich Eylande“ (a reddish Island), perhaps due to red clay.

Staten Island

Named after the States-General, Staaten Eylandt, from Staten-Generaal.

Harlem

Named after the Dutch city, Haarlem.

Wall Street

Located in what was then known as Nieuw Amsterdam, a 17th-century Dutch settlement on the tip of Manhattan, the street was then known as de Waalstraat, on the account of a wooden palisade, that was protecting the settlement from the natives and the British.

Did you know any of these places were named by the Dutch? If so, tell us which in the comments below!