Socializing in the Netherlands In general, the Dutch keep a small but tight-knit circle of friends, often from childhood. As such, some Dutch people don't feel the need to make an effort to expand their social network.
Dutch people are usually very open, friendly and welcoming. In the Netherlands, only parents and children live together. In general, they do not live with grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Appearances are important to the Dutch. They are disciplined, conservative, and pay attention to the smallest details. They see themselves as thrifty, hardworking, practical and well organized. They place high value on cleanliness and neatness. At the same time, the Dutch are very private people.
The Dutch see the family as the foundation of the social structure. Families tend to be small, often with only one or two children. The Dutch are disciplined, con- servative, and private. They do not draw attention to themselves and do not val- ue the accoutrements of success highly prized by other western societies.
Dutch people do not like to make detailed agreements or long-term plans. They prefer to simply start working together and let things develop. This requires much closer coordination and the willingness to adjust course if necessary.
Basic Etiquette
It is considered rude to keep people waiting. It is polite to cover your mouth when yawning. It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum. Knock before entering a room if the door is shut.
In the Netherlands, freedom, equality and solidarity play a central role. The values result in rights which you may claim. These values can only be maintained if everyone actively contributes to society. Participation is extremely important in the Netherlands.
When it comes to dating, the Dutch like to keep things casual and let things progress naturally. And just like anything else in life, they prefer to approach their romantic pursuits with a sense of practicality.
Inclusive and welcoming culture
In general, the Dutch are welcoming to foreigners and make an effort to engage newcomers into the community. They are known for their egalitarianism and are a fairly liberal society. Expats moving to the Netherlands will have plenty of opportunity to meet people in the Netherlands.
From the windmills of Kinderdijk to the tulips of the Keukenhof, the Dutch are especially proud of their iconic landmarks and attractions. This pride is also found in the modern achievements of the country, such as their entrepreneurial spirit and progressive social policies.
Our country is ranked fifth in the World Happiness Report 2023. In the newspaper AD, happiness researcher Ruut Veenhoven says we are so happy because we can make choices. "There is a sense of choice.
The Netherlands is the fifth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report 2023. The Dutch also ranked fifth in the happiness report last year. Finland residents are the happiest in the world for the sixth year running.
Believe it or not, there is an art to making friends with the Dutch. They're a very practical people who tend to hold onto their friends from school and university and don't see the need to expand their friendships beyond that circle. That's not to say that they don't make new friends—just not that easily.
Dutch directness
Our communication style is often seen as very direct. Honesty is highly valued in the Netherlands. When you ask a Dutch person for their opinion, often you get a frank answer which might not always be the politest in your eyes. We are used to speaking our minds.
We would advise you refraining from referring to someone's ethnicity, especially if it is unwarranted. If you know someone a bit better and want to say something about it, make sure to use terms that are not offensive, like light-skinned or dark-skinned.
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, you may need a residence permit. In many cases you will also have to apply for a long-stay visa before you travel to the Netherlands. This visa is also called an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV).
This is absolutely no problem. You can stay here for as long as your tourist visa lasts without having to learn Dutch. And if you speak English, you will find that many Netherlanders speak English as a second language. But if you want to live in the Netherlands, you must learn Dutch.
Sure, you can. However, keep in mind that learning a language becomes much easier when you're immersed in it day in and day out. You'll be able to get around and survive speaking only English. However, people will know that you're not a local Dutchman.
Flirting in the Netherlands
Dutch guys are known for being pretty direct and not shy of going Dutch. Be warned, you may have to open the doors yourself, ask or fish for compliments and pay for your own dinner. The good thing is, you know sooner when a guy is really honestly interested instead of just being romantic.
The Dutch choose their partners out of love; arranged marriages are not a cultural custom and are somewhat disapproved of. Engagement and wedding practices vary throughout the country. Usually, the marriage ceremony entails a civil registration. Depending on the couple's preferences, there may be a religious ceremony.
The Dutch people like to give and receive compliments on looks. This can be done in a more flirty setting, but it's also very common between colleagues, friends, and family members. The level of flirtyness depends on the intensity of the compliment, and the setting.
Sex is no taboo subject in the Netherlands and dating is not restricted by ideals of purity, abstinence or even monogamy. Without these societal pressures, there really is a lot of flexibility in the Dutch dating scene. What's more, the Dutch are in essence very pragmatic and liberal people.