Typical Dutch habits
The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe with a unique culture and many interesting habits. From their love of cycling to their direct communication style, the Dutch have a reputation for being both friendly and efficient. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most notable Dutch habits and customs.
Cycling
The Dutch love to cycle! With over 22,000 miles of cycling paths in the country, it’s easy to see why. Cycling is not only a great way to get around, but it’s also a popular form of exercise and a way to enjoy the beautiful Dutch countryside. Many people cycle to work, school and even on their daily errands. You’ll often see entire families riding together, with young children safely seated in special children’s seats or cargo bikes.
Celebrating King’s Day
The Dutch are also known for their love of celebrations. King’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Held on April 27th, King’s Day is a national holiday that celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. On this day, the Dutch dress in the national color orange and take to the streets for parades, music and street parties.
Direct communication
The Dutch are known for being direct in their communication style. They value honesty and straightforwardness and tend to say what they mean, rather than beating around the bush. This can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness, especially by people from cultures that value more indirect communication. However, the Dutch see it as a way of being efficient and avoiding misunderstandings.
Punctuality
In the Netherlands, being on time is important. Whether it’s for a meeting, a party or just meeting friends, the Dutch take punctuality seriously. Being late is seen as a sign of disrespect and it’s always better to arrive a few minutes early than to keep people waiting.
Eating bread for lunch
The Dutch love their bread and it’s a staple of their lunchtime diet. A typical Dutch lunch consists of bread with toppings such as Dutch cheese, ham or peanut butter. You’ll often see people carrying bread rolls or sandwiches wrapped in paper for their midday meal.
Drinking coffee
The Netherlands is a coffee-loving country and it’s not unusual for people to drink several cups of coffee a day. Coffee is often served with a small cookie or a piece of chocolate and it’s a social ritual that’s enjoyed throughout the day.
Celebrating birthdays
Birthdays are a big deal in the Netherlands. They’re celebrated in a unique way. Instead of the birthday person bringing cake or treats to share with others, it’s the other way around. The birthday person receives congratulations and gifts from their friends and family. They’re expected to provide snacks and drinks for everyone who comes to visit them.
Stroopwafel, favorite snack
Stroopwafels are a type of Dutch cookie that is made from two thin waffle-like layers with a caramel syrup filling in the middle. They are a popular snack in the Netherlands and are often served with a cup of coffee or tea. Dutch people love their stroopwafels so much that they even have a national stroopwafel day, which is celebrated on September 30th.
Celebrating Sinterklaas
In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is celebrated on December 5th, known as Sinterklaasavond or pakjesavond, when children receive gifts. The holiday revolves around the figure of Sinterklaas, who arrives from Spain on a steamboat and is accompanied by his helpers. In the weeks leading up to Sinterklaasavond, children place their shoes by the fireplace or door, hoping to receive small treats like candy or chocolate letters. On the evening itself, families exchange gifts, often wrapped with humorous poems or riddles, making the celebration both festive and playful.
Cleaning their own homes
The Dutch are known for being independent and self-sufficient, and this extends to their homes. It’s common for people to clean their own homes, rather than hiring a cleaning service. This is seen as a way of taking responsibility for their own space and keeping it tidy and organized.
