1. General Information
- Official language: Dutch (English is widely spoken).
- Capital: Amsterdam (but The Hague is the seat of government).
- Population: ~17.5 million.
- Cycling: Bicycles are the main mode of transportation. The Netherlands has more bikes than people!
2. Values and Customs
- Directness: The Dutch are known for their honesty and direct communication. It’s not considered rude but rather efficient and open.
- Equality: Everyone is seen as equal. Formal address forms (like “u”) are less often used by younger people and in informal settings.
- Time and punctuality: Being on time is important. Even being a few minutes late can be seen as impolite.
3. Social Interaction
- Greetings: Handshakes for formal meetings. Informally, often a nod or a “Hoi!” (Hi!).
- Three kisses: On birthdays or special occasions, people sometimes exchange three air kisses, alternating cheeks.
4. Food and Drinks
- Typical dishes: Stroopwafels, bitterballen, herring (haring), and pea soup (erwtensoep).
- Eating culture: Breakfast and lunch are often simple (bread with cheese or spreads), while dinner is a warm meal.
- Coffee and tea: Coffee is essential! It’s usually served black or with milk.
5. Practical Tips
- OV-chipkaart: Used for public transportation (bus, train, tram, metro). Don’t forget to check in and out!
- Supermarkets: AH, Jumbo, and Lidl are popular. Some stores are closed on Sundays.
- Cycling traffic: Always use the bike lanes and watch out for cyclists—they often have the right of way.
6. Holidays and Traditions
- King’s Day (April 27): The biggest national holiday, with markets and parties in orange.
- Liberation Day (May 5): Celebrates freedom after WWII.
- Sinterklaas (December 5): A precursor to Santa Claus, with gifts and poems.
7. Things to Avoid
- Being late: Punctuality is highly valued.
- Talking about money: Discussing salaries or other financial matters is often considered private.
- Uninvited informality: Use “u” (formal “you”) with older people or in formal settings unless they tell you to use “je” (informal “you”).
8. Language and Communication
- Many Dutch people speak English: You can often get by with English, but learning some Dutch is appreciated.
- Useful phrases:
- Hallo / Hoi: Hello.
- Dank je wel / Bedankt: Thank you.
- Alsjeblieft: Please / Here you go.
9. Emergency Numbers
- Emergency number: 112.
- General practitioner or medical help: Find a local “huisarts” (doctor) for non-urgent medical issues.
10. Fun Facts
- The Netherlands is famous for its flower exports, especially tulips.
- The Dutch drink a lot of milk and consume an average of 17 kilos of cheese per person per year.
- Tap water is drinkable everywhere!
