4 weeks Ago
Dutch culture: honesty, birthdays and the ‘doe normaal’ mentality
The Dutch tend to have this tendency to be very direct in their communication. This directness is believed to be a strength which values frankness and direct messages. It may sound a bit brusque at first, but it comes from a culture that doesn’t care for excessive small talk or politeness.
Don’t be shocked if a next-door neighbor offers an opinion about your curtains or if a co-worker says your idea “needs work” — it’s usually not a reflection on you. There are also elements of Dutch social customs that might appear strange, like the quasi-holiday way people celebrate each other’s birthdays — with formal greetings and with the birthday calendar found in many a Dutch bathroom.
Another key Dutch value is “doe normaal,” meaning “just act normal.” Excessive drawing attention to oneself (pomposity) and flamboyance are commonly discouraged.
On the move: bikes, rules and rainy days
The bicycle is central to life in the Netherlands. There are more bikes than people, and people use bikes by default for getting to work, doing the shopping and running errands round the city.
But cycling here is not as casual as it may seem. These are unofficial codes to follow, lanes to respect and, often, cyclists to be given precedence. A decent quality second-hand bike and a good solid lock is essential.
Be prepared to bike in the rain; it’s quite frequent. Resident are often seen zipping around with no helmets and hardly any thought to the weather. Just be sure to remain visible and not to obstruct the bike paths.
Finding a home in the Netherlands: what can you expect?
Finding a place to live may be difficult. In popular cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht and The Hague, the renting market is very tight with high prices. Imaginative or not, many rentals are simply unfurnished: no lights, curtains or flooring. Waiting lists for social housing are long, so most newcomers rent in the private sector. Beware of scams and be prepared to move fast if you see something you like.
It is possible for foreigners to buy a house, but it is not easy, there is a lot of competition, and the legal and financial paperwork is often Dutch. You could be needing a mortgage adviser and notary to help you. Houses move fast, though buying can be a good investment if you’re able to stick around over the long term.
Making friends and socialising
The Netherlands isn’t the easiest place in the world to make friends. The Dutch are friendly and most speak good English, but social groups are small and settled.
“People may not invite you to their houses immediately, but there are informal gatherings such as ‘borrels’ — after-work drinks — and that’s how people make connections.
You can also meet new people by joining sports clubs, volunteering or taking local classes. Although it is not strictly mandatory to learn Dutch to get by, you’ll definitely feel as if you have stronger bonds and feel more connected, that you are part of something if you do.
