Living in Holland

Dutch culture may be totally different from your own, so it is good to know something about Dutch culture. The experience of cultural differences can be strange, but also enriching.


Social space and interaction

Introducing yourself
One of the first things that you will notice, is that people do not always introduce themselves very well. On other hand, it is generally appreciated if you take the initiative to introduce yourself.

The three times kissing ritual
When you meet a person whom you do not know that well, you can just shake hands, and next time a simple "goeiedag" or "hallo" will do. But for good friends and family, there is the kissing-ritual. Ladies first give each other three kisses on the cheek (right-left-right). Then the men follow, kissing a lady three times on the cheek and shaking hands with the men. The same ritual starts all over again when you leave.

However, beware that not everyone likes to be kissed. When in doubt, don't!

Talking and social space
The Dutch have a very direct manner of speaking, especially when expressing their opinions. Also, they tend to talk with very short pauses, so that you hardly have time to interrupt. This can sound very rude when you are not used to it.

You will also notice that Dutch people have a tendency to stand rather close to each other when standing in line. When this makes you feel unconfortable, just keep in mind that many Dutch people don't appreciate this either.

On the other hand, their personal social space is much wider and less intimate. Dutch people are rather reserved at first about their private life. But, once you get to know them better and they do discuss their personal lives, there are not many non-discussable subjects.

Phone calls
In Holland it is considered rude not to say your name when answering the phone, or when making a phone call.

Liberated women
In Holland women do not have to be accompanied by a man to go somewhere. Therefore, men can not assume that girls are interested when they are alone. Their casual style of dress and interaction are considered normal in Dutch culture and they should be treated with respect.


Social Visits

Appointments
Dutch people in general do not like unexpected visits. Beware that they may want time to prepare themselves for the occasion. When you want to visit them at home, it may be a good idea not drop by just like that, but to call first.

You will notice that Dutch people, use their "agendas" (diaries) quite a lot. In general it is not necessary to re-confirm appointments. Moreover, as long you haven't cancelled, Dutch people will assume that the appoinment still stands, even if it was made long ago. So, they will expect your visit at the time and date agreed.

Wait to be served
When you visit them at their homes, it is polite to wait to be served. After the first serving, they will probably encourage you to help yourself, and then it is OK to do so, but it may not be appreciated if you are too forward.

Even most of the time at parties like birthdays, it is customary that the host serves the guests. So, when Dutch people visit you, do not forget to offer a second round of drinks, because they may not help themselves.

Gifts
When you come for a visit at someone's house it is appreciated if you bring a gift, e.g. wine, flowers or chocolates. This is also appreciated on other occasions such as parties and birthdays. Gifts are generally small and not lavish, except for family or good friends. The receiver opens the gift immediately.

Gezellig & Gezelligheid
A typical Dutch word indicating a warm atmosphere is the word gezellig. Translating the Dutch words gezellig en gezelligheid could be done with the words 'cozy' and 'coziness'. But the meaning is more intense than the word 'cozy' expresses. To the Dutch the word refers to a warm and amicable atmosphere in which everybody is cheerful and happy.


Sport events

There are some typical Dutch events, where the Dutch people celebrate or commemorate events. Also, there are some events and festivities that will make Holland and the normally reserved Dutch people go crazy.

Soccer
Sports are very important to us, especially soccer. Every major city has its own team: Ajax (Amsterdam), PSV (Eindhoven) and Feyenoord (Rotterdam) have gained international fame. Dutch society virtually shuts down during World Cup events, while the population literally paint themselves and their surroundings orange (the colour of the Royal House).

Skating
Another favourite sport is skating. Not only are we proud of our famous skaters. During a cold winter, all Dutch people will go crazy. That is because during a really cold winter, everyone looks forward to The Elfstedentocht, if it takes place.

The Elfstedentocht
An 11-city marathon on ice, covers a course of almost 200 kilometres. From town to town huge numbers of spectators brave the cold to cheer the thousands of skaters. Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, has always been the start and finish.

For the 11-city marathon to actually happen, the ice needs to be at least 15 centimetres thick, covering virtually the whole route! From 1909 this has only happened 15 times. The last Elfstedentocht took place in 1997.

Only those skaters finishing within the maximum excess time of 20% of the time posted by the male/female winner are eligible for an 11-city cross. Non-competitive skaters must arrive in Leeuwarden before midnight.


Festivities

Carnival
Carnival is an annual celebration. This is done predominantly in the south because of the large Catholic population there. Usually, it is somewhere in February and preludes Lent. The festivities last from the Friday until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Nowadays, it is a feast of funny costumes and a lot of boozing, thus the link with the Catholic tradition is practically zero.

Queen's day (Koninginnedag)
On April 30 the Queen's birthday is celebrated. On that day all kinds of festivities take place like markets and concerts. Many streets are coloured orange (the colour and the family-name of the Dutch Royal Family) and flags are put up. The night before Queen's day is called Koninginnenacht (Queen's night). That night there are big parties in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Remembrance Day & Liberation Day (Dodenherdenking & Bevrijdingsdag)
On May 4 (Dodenherdenking) we commemorate those who lost their lives during World War II. At 20.00 hrs there is a two minute silence.

On May 5 (Bevrijdingsdag) we commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands from the German occupants during World War II. This is celebrated with pop festivals in various cities.

St. Nicholas' Birthday (Sinterklaas)
On December 5 Sinterklaas' birthday is celebrated. Three weeks before this date, he arrives in the Netherlands from Spain on his steamboat. From that day on the children can place their shoe near the chimney and receive candy and small presents. Sinterklaas is accompanied by his assistants called zwarte pieten (black petes). Only the good children are rewarded with presents, the naughty ones were, as it was said, taken in the bag of zwarte piet to Spain or hit with a rod. Sinterklaas knows all the children and has a list of children and their deeds in a old book which he brings along.

For the adult the birthday is celebrated in another fashion: they give each other so-called surprises (gifts hidden in funny self-made wrappings) accompanied by funny, home-made poems.


Cuisine

Dutch dishes are not regarded as especially famous; however, there are some warm and hearty meals ideal for cold temperatures.

Stamppot
The basic Dutch winter dish is, of course, stamppot (hotchpotch). There are several types of stamppot. In general, it consists of of mashed potatoes mixed with a vegetable, like saurkraut or or another type of cabbage, and rookworst (Dutch smoked sausage).

Hutspot
This is a hearty vegetable stew traditionally made of mashed potato, carrots and onions.

Erwtensoep and Bruinebonensoep
Other typical winter Dutch delicatessens are soups: bruinebonensoep (brown bean soup) and the famous Dutch erwtensoep (pea soup).

Herring
Herring is a real Dutch speciality. Eaten raw, pickled herring, covered with finely chopped onions and frequently served with a soft white roll, is a favourite in-between snack. The traditional way to eat herring is to hold it by its tail, tilting your head backwards and letting it slide into your mouth.


Fast Food

The Dutch love to eat french fries. They are called friet or patat ("frietje" or "patatje"). The Dutch eat their frietjes with mayonnaise, they called it frietje met or frietje speciaal with a combination of mayonnaise, curry sauce and onions or frietje oorlog with a combination of mayonnaise, curry sauce, spicy peanut butter sauce and onions. Other variations exist as well. Another classic is the kroket (croquettes are a deep-fried snack with a soft meat-based filling eaten with bread and mustard).

Snackbars
These and many other snack food products can be bought at so-called snackbar, and, for even more convenience, from counters outside fast food restaurants. These snacks are fast, cheap and efficient (but not too healthy).


Home Cooking Meals

Most Dutch people cook their own meals and eat at home. Going out for dinner is mostly seen as a sort of special occasion. And a hot dinner is generally only eaten in the evening.

Breakfast
Usually consists of fresh bread, rolls, croissants with butter and jam and, of course, some nice Dutch cheese. Something typical to eat are Dutch rusks (beschuit) topped with hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles).

Lunch
Usually includes again sandwiches and cheese, a bowl of soup, fruit, a kroket or an uitsmijter (two fried eggs on two slices of bread with cheese and ham/roast beef). A glass of milk or karnemelk (buttermilk) is the usual lunch time drink.

Dinner
Normally, the Dutch only eat one hot meal per day. It can be served for lunch, but usually for dinner. A traditional evening meal consists of a main boiled vegetable, meat and a good serving of potatoes (boiled). The typical dessert (toetje) would be flavoured yoghurt or vla (slightly similar to custard), fruit or cheese.

Drinks
During the meals, drinks usually consist of water, milk, orange juice or soft drinks. Wine and beer are saved for going out to dinner or special occasions.


Source and more information: Welcome to Holland