Thinking about studying in the Netherlands? Then this is a must-read! As an international student, you’re bound to notice these strange Dutch habits!
1. Hanging a what?? in the toilet
The toilet is the place where Dutch people hang their birthday calendars! It is considered really rude in the Netherlands to forget somebody’s birthday, so a birthday calendar helps the people keep track with these important dates.
2. Peeking inside
Dutch windows are rarely covered by closed curtains. You can walk by and see the family members, the cozy living room, the titles of books on the shelf, and even what's cooking in the kitchen! I’ve heard that closed curtains suggest the family has something to hide!
3. The 3 kisses
If you see people on the street exchanging kiss after kiss (and then another one!), don’t be surprised. The Dutch greet close friends and family with three kisses. The tradition goes like this: women kiss each other on the cheeks—first on the right, then the left, and back to the right. Men shake hands with each other and then kiss women lightly on the right, left, and right cheek. Remember: right, left, right! It’s the rule!
4. Chocolate for breakfast
A typical Dutch breakfast include a 'boterham' (sandwich) topped with chocolate sprinkles or a generous layer of chocolate spread. It’s a sweet start to the day that many Dutch people, both young and old, enjoy. I am sure you will too.
5. “Fries with ketchup, please.” said NO Dutch person ever!
Yes, you can get French fries with ketchup, but the Dutch enjoy their fries with mayonnaise called a 'frietje met' (fries with). In restaurants, fries even are automatically served with mayonnaise—so be prepared!
6. Mash, mash, mash
Dutch people love to mash their food! They often combine vegetables and potatoes into a mash, and they enjoy adding gravy on top. Traditional Dutch recipes frequently involve boiling, mashing, or deep-frying. For example, 'stamppot' is a classic dish where potatoes and vegetables like carrots are boiled and then mashed together. This meal is often accompanied by a 'rookworst'—a traditional Dutch sausage that is typically made from pork and seasoned with spices.
7. No sugarcoating anything
In the Netherlands, you might get a crash course in honesty—Dutch directness is a real thing! Imagine asking for feedback on your new look and getting a response as straightforward as a GPS direction. Dutch people are known for their bluntness; if they think your outfit is off, they’ll tell you, “It’s interesting, but maybe try something else.” For international students, this might be a shock compared to the more nuanced compliments you’re used to. Embrace it as a refreshing change: the Dutch prefer clear, honest communication over beating around the bush. It’s all part of the fun and efficiency of Dutch culture—just take it with a smile and a sense of humor!
8. The circle party
Dutch birthday parties are known as 'Dutch circle parties.' While the name might sound a bit unusual, there's no need to worry—it's not as mysterious as it seems! Traditionally, these gatherings involve sitting in a circle at home, enjoying tea, coffee, and cake. Typically, all generations of family members come together, and the main focus is on socializing. It’s still common for guests and hosts to shake hands, exchange three kisses on the cheek, and say 'Gefeliciteerd!' (Congratulations!). This is the Dutch way of wishing someone a happy birthday.
I find these habits very interesting and I love to get to know the Dutch culture. Something that's also different about the Netherlands, is their education system. Read more about that here.
