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!

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!

One innovative response to the housing crisis hitting students in Amsterdam was to convert a former prison into student living quarters.

Yes, you read that right. I was an inmate of the Bijlmerbajes as a first-year university student — and no, I did not commit a crime.

Unless you can count being a homeless international student in the Netherlands as a violation of Dutch law (some people seem to think it is).

Here’s my first-hand experience of living in a former Dutch prison. 

What are the Bijlmerbajes?

Built in 1978, Bijlmerbajes was a six-tower, 14-story prison complex that loomed high in east Amsterdam, close to the Amsterdam Amstel railway station.

In its heyday, Bijlmerbajes housed around 700 prisoners, including many psychiatric patients. 

The prison started out with a reputation of being a “humane” prison system with no bars on the windows or barbed wire on the fences — where the goal was rehabilitation rather than detention.

Except, the Bijlmerbajes had to scrap their plans of being a “humane” prison and ended up placing bars and barbed wires around the facility after prisoners kept trying to escape.

READ MORE | Dutch prisoners hold key to their own cell

Around the year 2016, the Dutch government began shutting down prisons due to the lack of prisoners in the country. In turn, the Bijmerbajes shut its doors to prisoners for the last time.

When one door shuts, another opens. After the inmates were removed, asylum seekers and international students took their place to aid them in adjusting to the Dutch way of life.

(What a funny way to do so, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers.)

How did I, an innocent international student, end up living in a former Dutch prison? 

The summer of 2017 rolled around and, alongside thousands of eager students who moved to Amsterdam ready to experience the “best days of their lives,” I began my search for a roof over my head. 

Like many international students, countless doors were shut firmly in my face. I always seemed to be about number 100 in the queue for rooms, and on top of that, I also didn’t fit the categorisation of “Dutch speaking only”.

When I was starting to lose all hope, feeling defeated and lost, out of the blue, an email popped up in my inbox.

I clicked it in desperation, crossing my fingers that I hadn’t left it too late, hoping that there was still a spot for me to fill. 

READ MORE | Why is there a housing shortage in the Netherlands? The Dutch housing crisis explained

“Now that sounds interesting,” I thought to myself. A hall of residence type accommodation, lots of students piled on top of each other, no privacy, but lots of fun. 

Little did we know just what was in store for us.

Sentenced to five months in prison

Upon signing my lease, I discovered I would be confined to a 10m2 cell with a doorless ensuite toilet and windows with bars on them. Yes, bars. 

For just €550 per month, including gas, water, and electricity, I would also share two showers and a kitchen with eight other innocent inmates — a bargain for Amsterdam prices.

What is it like living in a former prison? 

Upon arrival, I was confronted by the 14-storey taunting towers above me, a nervous wreck after moving 10,000 kilometres from my childhood bedroom.

Like inmates, the check-in staff had us line up to be given our keys and instructions for our stay. Thankfully, we could skip the strip search.

But nothing was going to put me off. I was determined living in prison would be an experience like no other I would have in my life, and I felt adrenalised by the prospect that I would be living like a con.

When I look back on the time I served within the walls of Bijlmerbajes, I have many memories that won’t leave me — even if I wanted them to. To name a few…

Daily fire alarms

Almost every other night, the fire alarms would begin to shriek at 2 AM. The smoke from someone’s joint or someone’s burnt leftovers (the former probably influencing the latter) would set them off.

Surely the smokers were able to open a window? Nope, those were all glued shut — they couldn’t be opened even an inch.

To begin with, for each alarm, we would all dutifully scramble around in the dark, bleary-eyed and head out of our cells to determine whether we should go downstairs in case of a fire.

READ MORE | 11 creative solutions to the Dutch student housing crisis that makes us say “Why didn’t we think of that?”

Eventually, we grew accustomed to the mind-numbing racket and dealt with it. It was an odd lullaby, but it was all part of living at the Bijlmerbajes.

Broken lifts

At least three times a week, the lifts taking us to our cells would mysteriously and suddenly halt, leaving us to ascend 12 flights of stairs by foot. 

This was actually for the best; each elevator trip up and down consisted of a nerve-wracking series of curious and frightening creaks. 

READ MORE | 5 things you didn’t know about the Dutch student housing crisis  

The fear created in our souls by each of these trips was only compounded by the etchings on the elevator’s walls, scratched mirrors, and flickering light.

Prison warden 

Smoking inside the prison was technically banned. Instead, the smokers were supposed to make their way to the bottom floor, where there was a courtyard surrounded by high concrete walls.

In the beginning, the smokers dutifully made their way downstairs. However, after a few months, laziness got the better of them, and they began smoking in the stairwell where the windows opened.

If the smokers were caught, the prison wardens, who called themselves resident assistants, would slap the smokers with a hefty €30 fine. 

It became a kind of cat-and-mouse chase between the two. The smokers had their ears pricked just quick enough to race away from the wardens, who would slink up the stairs silently.

Freezing showers

I know what you’re thinking: “I hope you didn’t drop the soap!”

Thankfully, the Bijlmerbajes showers were made into cubicles, so we weren’t welcomed by any sorry sights when we entered. 

On the other hand, the cubicle walls didn’t reach the floor — so you could tell which one of your fellow inmates was in there by the look of their feet.

And that didn’t stop some of them from striking up a conversation on the other side of the wall as you tried to bury your squeals caused by the freezing water gushing from the ceiling hole.

Finally freed

By the end of the five months, I felt sad to leave. I had formed lasting friendships made stronger by such a bizarre experience.

Although many things could’ve been improved, like the hot showers, for example, we made the most of our sentences. 

We all had to make the best out of a bad situation, and the fun we had together far outweighed having to walk up 12 flights of stairs daily. 

I’d probably do it once more — but that’d be it.

Like many, I definitely felt the wrath of the Dutch housing crisis in full force, but living in Bijlmerbajes was a humbling experience I hold dearly.

After all, who can say they spent time behind bars without having a criminal record to their name? 

The Bijlmerbajes today

In 2018, the Bijlmerbajes slid its gates shut for the final time before it was demolished completely.

After housing prisoners, asylum seekers, and international students, the former penitentiary is now being reborn into luscious, architecturally-designed gardens and condos.

The rubble from its demolition is transforming into a green, sustainable neighbourhood with around 1,350 homes, a fresh market, a health centre, and many more facilities. 

By 2026, the Bajeskwartier is expected to be up and running at full steam. But don’t worry — we former Bijlmerbajes residents will hold our memories under lock and key.

Would you spend a night in an abandoned former prison? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: ErikSW/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0 (Modified) and Eva Gabriella

From splitting the Friday borrel drinks with your coworkers to paying for your friend’s birthday present with friends, Tikkie is one of the most important aspects of life in the Netherlands.

Anyone who’s lived here knows that the Dutch are sticklers for accounting and finances, and the Tikkie app is one of those innovations that comes from their perceived stinginess.

The handy app lets you forward payment requests via WhatsApp and other forms of social media, making it extra easy for groups of people to split costs.

But why is it called a ‘Tikkie’?

Useful and friendly

According to Freek de Steenwinkel, director of Tikkie, the name ‘Tikkie’ is meant to be an onomatopoeic sound, similar to a “ka-ching” or a check sound that rings when someone is paying for something at a cash register.

Whilst it’s fun to imagine paying with “Kachings” or “Cheqs”, there’s a reason why Tikkie prevailed.

“‘Tikkie’ sounded friendly; besides being useful, it should also be fun”, says Steenwinkel to De Ondernemer. Useful and friendly, it is indeed.

A new set of etiquette

Since its creation, Tikkie has created a whole etiquette surrounding money transfers and finances.

@dutchreview €0,36 for “sip from my water bottle” ??? #netherlands #tikkie #nederlands #fyp #dutchtiktok #dutch #internationalstudent ♬ My Happy Song – Super Simple Songs

That includes when to pay someone’s request, when to send a Tikkie, and even the appropriate amount of money you can request from someone. (Hint: there’s no minimum! )

Call it stingy or call it cheap — the Dutch will call it innovative and considerate.

What are your experiences using Tikkie? Do you like using it? Tell us in the comments below.

Ever done a double-take when someone yells “kijk uit!”? Or do Dutch names still tickle you? Michelle Buteau knows the struggle. 

Dutch is a wonderful and diverse language, but when learning to speak it, it’s hard not to laugh sometimes.

Whether it’s the absurdly long words that you’ll never be able to pronounce no matter how many times you practice in the mirror, or you still stifle a chuckle when someone exclaims “helaas pindakaas”.

Michele Buteau expresses this perfectly in her Netflix special “Welcome to Buteaupia”. As she explains, she married a Dutchman and has found herself on the steep learning curve that we expats know all too well.

READ MORE | Need a laugh? Watch this hilarious clip of John Cleese talking about the Dutch

From Jewish slurs being normal words in Dutch to having verbs to describe damaging your nether regions, in this clip she tells us the struggles of loving a Dutchie and learning their language.

We hope it gives you a giggle, it certainly brought a smile to our faces.

Are there any other Dutch words that you find side-splittingly funny? Let us know in the comments!

Being from the land of cheese, clogs, and windmills, the Dutch definitely have their stranger sides. Whether it relates to food or dating, who better to uncover them (apart from us, obviously) than an American expat TikTokker? 

Originally hailing from the United States, Claudio moved to Utrecht a few years ago.

His TikTok videos about life in the lowlands as an American have gone viral — attracting over 241K followers and 6.1 million likes. 

Whether he talks about the incomprehensible Dutch love of sandwiches for lunch, the struggles of finding true love, or just the dozens of different words the Dutch use for rain, nothing escapes his attention.

The weird Dutch language

Learning Dutch is not an easy task, as any international who moved to the Netherlands would know.

However, Claudio appears to have picked up the language fairly well and even makes educational Tik Toks to help his viewers expand their vocabulary.

The Dutch dating scene…

Have you been going out with a Dutch person for months and the word “relationship” has not once passed their lips?

Helaas pindakaas (literally “unfortunately peanut butter”) for you — but maybe you just haven’t got past the scharrel and prela.

If you have no idea what those mean (honestly, we don’t blame you), keep watching.

…can have weirdly vague expressions…

Dating a Dutchie can be quite the experience, especially considering their brutal honesty and stinginess that could put Ebeneezer Scrooge to shame.

Why they then have such a euphemistic expression for cheating is beyond our understanding.

…and being an expat can be an advantage

Fortunately for Claudio (and unfortunately for the Dutch girls he dates), he is very well integrated into Dutch society.

He can navigate the difficult waters of Dutch dating fairly easily — thanks to the advice of his friends Kees and Jan Pieter.

Claudio is not the first international to talk about things Dutchies don’t say or take some of their weird habits to TikTok.

However, we’re pretty sure his stuff will give you a good laugh!

What Dutch quirks have you come across as an international in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Meeting your partner’s parents can be nerve-racking at the best of times. However, meeting them in a foreign country where you don’t know the language and local customs is a whole other ball game. 

As an international, you might feel nervous about meeting your significant other’s Dutch parents. What will you say to them? Will you be able to communicate? Will they like you?

If you’re feeling a little lost and unsure, we’ve been there: so we gathered some tips to help you prepare!

The practicalities of meeting your Dutch partner’s parents

Introductions can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it concerns the (potential) love of your life. Here are the main things we think you should be prepared for: 

How to nail the Dutch greeting

First things first, the greeting. If your partner’s parents lurch forward and try to plant a kiss on your cheek upon arrival, never fear — this is a normal part of Dutch culture.

In the Netherlands, people typically greet each other with three kisses on the cheek (left-right-left). If you don’t get a kiss, you can expect a firm handshake.

Should you bring a gift?

A gesture is appreciated but isn’t mandatory. If you’d like to bring something, flowers, chocolates, or biscuits are always a good bet.

If you’re holding the meet-up in your own home make sure to provide everything — unlike in some cultures, it’s not a custom to bring a dish, dessert, or wine to lunch or dinner at someone’s house.

That’s not to say it never happens, but play on the safe side and don’t assume. 

What should you call your Dutch partner’s parents?

In most cases, Dutch people are quite casual. Therefore, you can expect to be addressing them by their first names pretty quickly. 

Married or not, the Dutch regularly refer to their partner’s parents as their “in-laws” — weird right? So your mother-in-law is your schoonmoeder, and your father-in-law is schoonvader.

To make things weirder, the Dutch translations are literally “clean-mother” (schoonmoeder) and “clean-father” (schoonvader).

What will you talk about with your Dutch parents-in-law?

You can be sure that your partner’s parents will be curious about their child’s international partner.

Dutch people are known for being pretty open-minded and tolerant, so if you’re concerned about your cultural background, it’s probably not necessary.

When you sit down for your meal or refreshments, prepare to be bombarded with questions: Where are you from? How long have you been in the Netherlands? What brought you here? What do your parents do? Have you learnt any Dutch yet?

At first, the conversation might be a bit laboured. But as you each become more comfortable with each other, you’ll find common ground and be chatting away in no time.

READ MORE | Dating in the Netherlands: 6 things about dating the Dutch

As an international, being able to communicate effectively with your partner’s parents and family is a great incentive and reward for learning Dutch.

Speaking the language will also help you to feel more comfortable and integrated into the family, especially if you’re in it for the long term.

At the very least, you’ll all have something to laugh about when the family inevitably asks you to demonstrate what you’ve learnt so far at the dinner table.

There’s also a strong chance that your partner’s mom will offer you her kid’s old storybooks to help you practice your Dutch — Jip en Janneke here we come!

What to expect when meeting your new Dutch in-laws

The Dutch are very family-oriented. If you’re in a relationship with a Dutchie, you’re likely to spend quite a lot of time with their parents, and will probably be obliged to attend many family events — so you better get comfortable.

Truth be told, meeting your Dutchie’s parents may not all be smooth-sailing.

We’ve heard some horror stories of people struggling with cultural differences, awkward small talk, and being forced to eat food that they’re not comfortable with — like boterhammen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

READ MORE | Dating a Dutchman! 13 reasons why it’s a good choice

Nevertheless, we hear far more stories of great kindness and hospitality.

Besides, in all likelihood, you’ll get to see cute and/or embarrassing child and baby photos of your partner — and who doesn’t love that?

Overall, it’s good for both you and your partner’s parents to get to know each other and learn about your different cultures.

Our best advice is to be open-minded and make the most of the experience. And remember — your partner’s Dutch parents might just be nervous too!

If all goes well, they’ll be your schoonfamilie in no time. 

What was your experience of meeting your Dutch partner’s parents? Tell us in the comments below!

Dutchies do some pretty weird things sometimes — and no, I’m not talking about visiting the Red Light District. It takes an outsider to recognise such traits — but I still love them.

Grab your nearest and dearest Dutchie and read these quirks. Chances are they are guilty of doing these things — but they’ll never admit to it.

1. Odd Dutch quirk: Dutchsplaining

Dutch people are proud — but they won’t EVER say they are nationalists, and, among each other, they have lots of fun complaining about things that don’t work the way they should.

Even so, the pride they have for their little country and their (mostly well-functioning) systems is undeniable.

If you, as an international, try and question some of their rules and systems, you’ll almost certainly bang your head against a wall of “Yes, but…”.

Things here work better than in many other places, and as an outsider, you haven’t earned the right to criticize them (yet).

READ MORE | 14 signs you have successfully been Dutchified

Soon enough follows the “Dutchsplaining”, or why/how they do things that way and why this is the best of all possible worlds. This goes hand in hand with having an opinion on just about everything — so you can see why sometimes Dutchies can sound like a bit of know-it-all!

2. Odd Dutch quirk: food — just enough

Coming from a country where food is a religion, the Netherlands seems like a pretty frugal place. And I’m not talking about the fanciness of the food.

More simply, I’m talking about the amount of it. On many occasions, I’ve been invited to parties where the amount of food hasn’t been enough for the people attending.

While in Italy, the unspoken rule reigns that the refreshments should be enough to feed twice the expected attendees, an unannounced +1 in the Netherlands could cause awkward looks and whispers, “has he brought his drinks and snacks??”

This may be related to the fact that unexpected guests aren’t something Dutchies deal very well with. You either come or you don’t — bailing or showing up spontaneously aren’t options.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #32: Eat a lot of very questionable snack food

One upside of this eating attitude is that they don’t get offended if you say no to more food. It may sound silly, but in Italy, refusing extra serves can be seen as rude, or as being a picky eater.

It’s refreshing to be able to eat just the amount of food you want without having to blame some made-up allergy. On the other hand, eating more than your allotted quota will make you look greedy.

3. Odd Dutch quirk: efficiency

Dutch people love to plan, be on time, save money, and eat fast. What do all these things have in common? Easy! 

Most of the behaviours and quirks Dutch people have could be summarised and explained by “the pursuit of efficiency”. Why waste time and/or money by doing things spontaneously?

Everybody loves achieving the best results with minimal effort and minimal energy loss (that’s what efficiency boils down to).

However, Dutchies take this to the extreme, and I often get the feeling that their need for efficiency can result in a loss of chill or satisfaction.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #6: Live by their agendas when making plans

Take lunch, wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to have something more than a slice of bread and cheese? Yes, but then it’d take longer.

Or a vacation: I like to keep my plans open and adjust to changing circumstances.

However, travelling with Dutchies has taught me that there is no such thing as changing circumstances — such as pouring rain when you’re out camping — but just a lack of courage or will. Pull through the storm and stick to the plan.

Have you observed any other odd Dutch quirks while living in or visiting the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

After living in a certain place for long enough, you often start catching yourself becoming one with the people and the culture. 

How do I know this? Because I’ve come to the point where I started considering plain bread with a slice of cheese a decent meal — a lekker broodje met kaas!

Okay, let me paraphrase: after living in the Netherlands for almost four years, I’ve become a little Dutch — maybe even more Dutch than some Dutchies themselves.

Or, as my roommate likes to call it, I’ve been “Dutchified”. 

Many things have changed over the years, including me, but my soft spot for this charming country has stayed the same (despite its questionable food culture, extremely moody weather and high taxes). 

How do I know that I have been Dutchified? There are some telltale signs, and today, we’ll be going through them all.

How to tell if you’ve been Dutchified

Living in the Netherlands is an adventure on its own, and sometimes, without even realising it, you start embracing the Dutch way of life.

I have been collecting these 14 signs of Dutchness for some time now, to ensure that both quality and accuracy are on point — and whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned expat, I am sure this article will make you giggle. 

You can thank me later. 

1. You’ve given up on umbrellas

It’s no secret that the Netherlands is a wet country — so naturally, how you handle rain is a dead giveaway on your degree of Dutchness.

If you’ve successfully been Dutchified, you have ditched the umbrella and started accepting the defeat by wind and rain.

READ MORE | Why does it rain so much in the Netherlands?

You’re now rocking the natural look, with raindrops gently (and sometimes not so gently) rolling down your face and taking care of your daily hairstyle. 

Does it look good? Not really. But do you care? Nah.

2. You’re zen with Dutch directness

Okay, let’s be real: we have all faced the infamous Dutch directness at some point in the Netherlands. 

But as you become Dutchified, you just get used to it at some point, and you stop taking everything your Dutch friends say personally. It’s not just liberating, but it also marks the exact moment you unlock a new level of Dutchness. Gefeliciteerd!

READ MORE | We asked readers about their experiences with the infamous Dutch directness

Coming from Bulgaria, where people tend to be quite upfront too, yet in a more polite way — I also needed some time to get used to the direct ways of the Dutch. 

That being said, I still agree that sometimes Dutch directness is quite unfiltered and lacks some general social manners. But, to my lovely Dutchies, I still like you — alles goed.

3. You’ve become used to the fact that churches and prisons don’t always serve their intended purpose

For whatever reason, the Dutch just seem to love doing some not-so-holy things in holy places. 

If you have lived in the Netherlands long enough, you might have noticed that churches are used in some creative ways here. 

READ MORE | 11 creative solutions to the Dutch student housing crisis that makes us say “Why didn’t we think of that?”

From student halls to gyms, party places and art galleries: you name it, the Dutch have done it. Fun fact: my current workplace is actually located inside a church.

Oh, and let’s not forget the prisons turned into escape rooms and student dorms! 

READ MORE | I lived in a former Dutch prison: here’s what it was like

Those are the moments in which you get reminded about the ingenuity and practicality of Dutch people.

4. You’re lost without your planner

Another rite of passage in your Dutchification is buying your first physical planner or agenda. (Bonus points if you got it from HEMA.)

Once you notice yourself falling into a routine, be it at work or home, you’ll find yourself sticking to a strict schedule and noting everything down in your handy-dandy agenda. 

Catchups with friends? You now plan it a week or two in advance. Spontaneity? It’s dead. 

5. You know (and secretly love) your Dutch music 

This one is quite specific, but it’s certainly true. You might even have a dedicated playlist with your favourite Dutch songs on your Spotify.

And yes, your knowledge of Nederlandse muziek goes beyond the basics like Drank and Drugs. 

READ MORE | 11 Dutch songs to learn the language (and culture!) 

Instead, your playlist features questionable (but catchy!) Dutch bops like Broodje van Kootje and Guus Meeuwis’ Het is Een Nacht. And, not to forget, you can sing along to all of them. 

6. You would sell your soul for a 1+1 deal

I may have gone too far with this one, but let me put it another way: you get heel excited when you see signs that say actie, korting, or op = op.

… Maybe a bit too excited, but hey, that just means you’re being smart with your money. 

Shoutout to the Dutchies for that!

7. Sun’s up, and so is your mood 

Have you ever seen a Dutch person sit on a park bench, head tilted back up, and soaking up the sun rays? Yup, if you’ve been Dutchified, you’ve caught yourself doing that too.

It doesn’t matter if it’s only 14 degrees Celsius outside; the sun is out, and you know that means: buns out. 

Okay, not literally, but you put on a T-shirt and tend to forget about the existence of a jacket. Oh, and you feel happy for the first time in weeks.

8. You want your bike to look as ugly as possible

I’m speaking from experience on this one. 

As someone whose bike has been stolen multiple times — which may or may not have had to do with the fact that it was parked in front of a student house — I have quickly learned that the less appealing to the eye, the better the bike.

9. You get used to seeing people carrying fridges on their bikes

I will leave this as it is. 

The first time you see a Dutchie transport outrageously big things on their bike you’re impressed. After a few years, you’re still very impressed — but also used to it.

READ MORE | 8 marvellous things about the Dutch and their bikes

They could certainly find an easier way of transporting furniture and large appliances, yet I’m fascinated by their creativity.

10. You have acquired some questionable but decent Dutch language proficiency 

Once you’ve been in the Netherlands long enough, you’ll find that you have reached that Dutch level that can’t be labelled with a particular proficiency level. 

It’s good enough to jump into conversations and make people nervous, but not quite enough to be considered fluent.

That being said, it’s a great way to soften Dutchies’ hearts (a very hard task)! Just spill some Dutch phrases into the conversation, greet them, wish them a nice day, complain about the weather, add -je to the end of words — you know the drill. 

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

Another thing you find yourself doing is including random Dutch words in your sentences, just like the Dutchies tend to do with English. 

And last but not least, you have acquired enough curse words to be able to tell when a stranger is, well, mad. I may or may not have crossed a motorbike’s path some time ago, and I definitely got to expand my curse word dictionary, so um, thank you, random guy. 

11. You know how to scare a Dutchie

Alright, now we’re entering the spicy area.

From my experience, there are few ways to freak out a Dutch person. I’m not sure when or how you will need to know about them, but see it as a friendly gesture that I’m telling you. 

For example, you could tell them you like Brinta (a brand of porridge) with feta cheese, or better, yoghurt with hagelslag. Dutchies will be shocked, but let me tell you: both taste great and have even been approved by my Dutch friends!

Some other ways to scare a Dutch person include:

• Using a credit card
• Being as direct as they are
• Closing your curtains
• Mentioning the existence of mountains
• Jumping into a conversation that you only half-understand
• Paying them a surprise visit 

12. You have written a poem for Sinterklaas at least once

As a Dutchified international, you now get excited about pepernoten and Sinterklaas, even more than the Dutch themselves sometimes (apparently, they think it’s not that cool if you’re not a kid?). 

You have written a poem for Sinterklaas once or twice, and yes, you know the debate around Zwarte Piet.

13. You start to differentiate between provinces’ accents

You know you have been Dutchified when you start being able to tell the difference between different Dutch accents. 

You can tell by the softness or the lack thereof, the emphasis on the ‘g’ sound and more.  

From Limburg to Friesland, even Noord Brabant, you always know who you’re talking to. The first time I noticed this, I felt that weird feeling of accomplishment, accompanied by an odd sense of power.

14. Your food choices become questionable

Coming from a family with an appreciation for international cuisine and a (dare I say) exquisite taste in food, I have now earned my family’s medal of the black sheep. 

Somehow in between plain boterhammen and bitterballen, salt and pepper became the go-to spices in my menu. Is that bad? Not necessarily, but it’s bland — especially considering the Dutch’s trading history. 

READ MORE | What your favourite Dutch FEBO snack says about you

Also, bread with cheese and nothing else doesn’t sound too bad to me any more. Lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise? Ah, who needs those? Not me, apparently — not anymore. 

Oh, and the fried snacks culture! There was a time when I was already familiar with bitterballen, yet never did I expect noodles in my fried ball — and that, ladies and gentlemen, is a bamischijf.

So those were just a few moments that have shown me I have been Dutchified, all taken from my modest experience. Thank me later when (or if) they come into practice in your life. 

So, what’s the verdict: have you successfully been Dutchified? Let us know in the comments!