Dutch hobbies center around sports (cycling, football, hockey, skating), water activities (sailing, windsurfing), enjoying nature (gardening, walking), social pastimes (board games, pub quizzes, cooking), and media (watching TV, reading), with a strong cultural emphasis on outdoor activities and the unique concept of "nixing" (purposeful relaxation).
Sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are common, especially in coastal areas like Zeeland and along the North Sea. Many Dutch people own or rent boats, spending weekends exploring waterways. Inland, activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are also gaining popularity.
Biking, sports clubs (football and field hockey are most popular), ice skating, swimming, sailing/boating, museums, socializing, hiking in the dunes or the Veluwe, movies, theater.
The people tend to view themselves as modest, tolerant, independent and self-reliant. The Dutch value education, justice for all, hard work, ambition and ability. They are proud of their cultural heritage, rich history and involvement in international affairs. Dutch people have an aversion to the non-essential.
Football is the most popular sport in the Netherlands, with field hockey and volleyball as the second and third most popular team sports. Speed skating, cycling, tennis and golf are the four most widely played individual sports.
From healthy work-life balance and a strong sense of safety, to top-notch education and healthcare systems, the Dutch enjoy a high quality of life in the Netherlands.
The things on this list are not subjective, but I've added some commentary from the standpoint of an expat living in the Netherlands.
The Dutch consider it rude not to identify yourself. The Dutch will shake hands and say their last name, not "Hello." They also answer the telephone with their last name. It is considered impolite to shout a greeting. Wave if greeting someone from a distance.
In fact, they're the tallest on the planet — but why? There are four potential reasons. Studies show that the average height for Dutch men is 1.86 cm (over 6′) whereas an average American is 1.76 cm (5'9”). So why are the Dutch so tall, you ask?
What are Dutch relationships like? Dating in the Netherlands tends to be low-key. The Dutch prefer to build up a friendship and keep things casual rather than diving headfirst into a relationship.
Avoid Arrogance: Dutch people dislike arrogance, so avoid coming across as superior or boastful. Humility is appreciated, and displaying arrogance may lead to negative perceptions. 2. Show Tolerance: The Netherlands is known for its tolerance towards ethnic minorities and alternative lifestyles.
Highly educated foreign nationals working in the Netherlands (expats) may be eligible for an annual tax-free allowance from their employer of up to 30% of their salary. This tax benefit is intended to compensate employees for the additional expenses they incur, such as those relating to travel or furnishing a home.
The average height Netherlands is 183 cm (6'0″) for men and 170 cm (5'7″) for women.
Dutch people are quite direct in their contact with others and use ample eye contact. In fact, they are direct to the point of seeming rude or unsociable, although it is rarely intended that way.
Good examples are cooking, drawing, painting, singing or writing to relax and stay creative. Many hobbies fit into several types, so don't stress trying to find a different hobby for each type. Take time to do things you enjoy in your free time to reap the endless benefits and keep life exciting.
Common Dutch last names
First of all one explanation for the height of the Dutch lies in the genetics. Over centuries, the Dutch population has undergone a process of natural selection favoring taller individuals.
If you've ever visited the Netherlands, one thing stands out—literally. The Dutch are the tallest people in the world. On average, Dutch men stand at 6 feet (183 cm), while Dutch women are around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
Then there's the Dutch diet: people in the Netherlands have a voracious appetite for dairy, and studies suggest this has contributed to their increased height. “Calcium builds bone and growth is dependent on having a good supply of that,” Barrett explained.
"Kut" is the most frequently used Dutch swear word in everyday speech. Unlike its English anatomical equivalent, it's considered relatively mild in Dutch culture and can be used as an adjective, exclamation, or prefix to intensify other words. "Godverdomme" (goddammit) is another extremely common Dutch curse word.
The 3 kisses
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.
For the Dutch, honesty is not only the best policy but also the most efficient way to build trust and avoid misunderstandings. To sugarcoat or obscure what you mean is not considered polite—it's confusing. Directness is seen as a virtue, a way of respecting the listener by telling them exactly what you think.
In the winter, the Dutch love to cheer on their favourite speed skaters. It is not uncommon to see Dutch people in the northern parts of the Netherlands skating along the canals. Soccer is also another tremendously popular sport in the Netherlands.
Stamppot is the ultimate comfort food. This mashed potato-based dish often includes vegetables like kale (boerenkool), carrots and onions (hutspot), or sauerkraut (zuurkool), and it's typically topped with gravy and a juicy rookworst. Stamppot dates back to the 16th century and remains a staple in Dutch households.
Dutch food culture is heavily based on meat, bread and potatoes. It is not unusual for the Dutch to eat bread in the morning and afternoon, and end the day with potatoes, vegetables and meat.