It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum. Knock before entering a room if the door is shut. Standing with your hands in your pockets can be considered impolite. Compliments are usually given in private directly to the person that deserves them.
Do not ask a Dutch person how much they earn. Try not to make pretentious or boastful comments that give the impression that you see yourself as superior to others. Your Dutch counterpart is unlikely to appreciate this.
Using your hands and fingers to eat rice, vegetables, potatoes or meat without bones isn't on! The Dutch use forks, knives and spoons. If you are not sure about what utensil to use, just ask people and they will be happy to explain. If you are not managing well, just ask politely if you can do it your way.
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.
First be open, accept that this is the way Dutch people are. It's important to communicate. If you feel that the directness is something you have to get used to, ask questions. Don't be afraid, because in general the Dutch are open to talk about the differences between cultures.
Quotes. Nigel Powers : There are only two things I can't stand in this world: People who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and the Dutch.
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.
The Netherlands is a democracy, and the society is based on the principles of the rule of law. This means that everyone has the same rights and that everyone must keep to the same rules. In the Netherlands, freedom, equality and solidarity play a central role.
And Dutch people pride themselves on being brutally honest – sometimes at the expense of politeness, or tact, or respect for human dignity.
Common taboos involve restrictions or ritual regulation of killing and hunting; sex and sexual relationships; reproduction; the dead and their graves; as well as food and dining (primarily cannibalism and dietary laws such as vegetarianism, kashrut, and halal) or religious (treif and haram).
The Dutch tend to be patriotic and proud of their country. Many will happily talk of the Netherlands, whether it be on a global scale about the country's strong tradition of involvement in international affairs, or on a local scale through regional cuisine.
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.
Hating pomp and flattery, the Dutch like to add "-je" to their words and make them sound smaller, cuter, more intimate and gezellig. - a rhetorical question such as lekker weertje?, lekker zonnetje?, leuk terrasje?
In Dutch, there are two words for negation, “niet” and “geen”.
Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business and social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving. Introduce yourself if no one is present to introduce you. The Dutch consider it rude not to identify yourself.
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.
And if you want to recognize a Dutch when you see him, here are some physical traits of Dutch heritage: tall, blonde, blue eyes, freckles, large smile, athletic.
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.
Dutch man and woman consider each other as equals
This means equal in all parts of life – girls don't expect your dates to pay for you. This is called 'going Dutch'. It's not meant to be rude; it just means that your date sees you on his level (or they are cheap, who knows). It is advisable to get used to this.
There are currently two main religions prominent in Dutch society: Roman Catholic and Protestant. The Roman Catholics make up approximately 25% of the Dutch population, and Protestants make up approximately 15%. Minor Religions. Muslims make up 5% of the population.
The Dutch colonial empire (Dutch: Nederlandse koloniale rijk) comprised the overseas territories and trading posts controlled and administered by Dutch chartered companies—mainly the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company—and subsequently by the Dutch Republic (1581–1795), and by the modern Kingdom ...