Culture & Traditions

The Netherlands is a country where the notion of individualism meets that of the collective society. It is a nation built upon the ideals of tolerance and compromise. As a highly multi-ethnic and cultural society, the Dutch believe in the importance of granting autonomy and freedom of expression to different cultures and life perspectives. In the eyes of the Dutch, as long as your actions, beliefs, or behaviours do not infringe on the rights of others, you should generally be left to your own devices.

The Dutch have long since been renowned for their policy of tolerance or Gedoogbeleid towards social issues, such as recreational drugs including psilocybin and cannabis and the act of prostitution. Cannabis can be sold in specialist outlets, known as coffee shops, to those over the age of 18 who can purchase up to 5 grams at a time. Psilocybin-containing truffles can be bought in outlets known as Smart Shops for those over 18. Despite what many believe, cannabis is not officially legal in the Netherlands with the authorities choosing to prioritize other matters. Public consumption is not legal and may carry a fine.

Due to the flat terrain of the country, the Dutch are some of the most avid cyclists in the world. Bike paths can be found in every small town and city in the country, but take care to watch for cyclists when crossing the street—it is possible only to hear the ring of the bell when it's already too late! It is considered best practice to look right, then left, and then repeat before crossing a bike lane.

Water itself has long been the traditional enemy of the Dutch, as much of the country lies below sea level and has little to no natural elevation. But where there’s a will, there’s a way and throughout their history, the Dutch have perfected the practice of reclaiming land from the sea by pumping it out, hence the famous windmills, which still grace much of the landscape to this day. This “can-do” attitude is a core element of the Dutch psyche, ensuring that even to this day, the country is a hub of innovation and new thinking around long-existing problems.

What is the visiting etiquette for the Netherlands?

The Dutch are generally easy-going, relaxed, and welcoming people. However, they can get a little tired of the “party” stereotype that many outside of the country believe about it. In recent times, the city authorities in Amsterdam have attempted to combat the issue of over-tourism in the city through numerous measures, from clamping down on short-term tourist rentals such as Airbnb to attempting to reframe the city as a cultural hub of museums and art, rather than just a party destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

When it comes to enjoying the unique culture of Amsterdam, intoxicated tourists are not appreciated by the locals, especially those who choose to consume cannabis in public, which is illegal in the Netherlands. Discretion is appreciated so should you choose to consume cannabis, stick to doing so inside of the coffeeshops.

As well, taking photos is strictly forbidden in the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam, known as De Wallen. To avoid any potential issues, do not take photos when in the area.

What is the country most known for?

Inside the Netherlands, locals believe it is their can-do attitude, windmills, love of cheese, and traditional wooden shoes known as clogs which best signify the country. Outside of the Netherlands, it is likely their liberal approach to social issues, tulip growing, love of cycling, and numerous canals are what most people think of whenever the small nation enters their minds.

What are some Dutch traditions?

Konigsdag or Kings Day is held every year in April. It is considered the national day of the Netherlands, similar to St Patrick's Day in Ireland. A public holiday, the day is marked with numerous celebrations across the country and is a popular time to visit Amsterdam which is draped in a sea of orange, the national colour of the country, as well as copious amounts of Dutch beer, such as Heineken.

Other key dates on the Dutch calendar are the 4th and 5th of May, known as Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. These two holidays celebrate the dates that the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi Germany by the Western Allies in 1945. The Dutch suffered greatly for five years under Nazi occupation and these dates are considered highly important to the formation of the modern Dutch state. It is a public holiday and local commemorations and remembrance ceremonies can be found across the country.

Zwarte Piet is a famous Dutch tradition, which has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to issues around depictions of POC and the issue of blackface. The character is said to be a servant to Sinterklaas (Father Christmas) and the day itself is celebrated every year on the 6th of December.

What are the Dutch like socially?

The Dutch pride themselves on being efficient, open and direct. It is this directness that can take a little getting used to as the Dutch are not afraid of saying exactly what is on their mind. Visitors may view this trait as being abrasive or even rude, however, much of it comes from Dutch being directly translated into English where more nuanced forms of communication may be lost.

The Dutch enjoy a good time and are known for their commitment to finding time for recreation and family with the country being known for having one of the best work-life balances in Europe. However, like many Western European nations, a premium is placed on punctuality. When meeting a Dutch person for a social engagement during your Netherlands vacation, it's best to ensure that you are there at the allotted time as they almost certainly will be.

Dutch pubs tend to have more of a continental “cafe” vibe than those found in places such as Ireland or the UK, closer to those of Belgium, France or Italy but will still serve a variety of alcoholic drinks late into the night. Dutch nightlife is some of the best in the world with many famous DJs such as Tiesto, Ferry Costen, Afrojack, and Martin Gattrix all hailing from the country. As a result, the country is a hotbed for dance music scenes such as trance, techno, and house. The annual Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), held every year in October, draws music fans from across the globe.

What language do the Dutch speak?

The national language of the Netherlands is Dutch. A Germanic language, Dutch is similar to both English and German and is often described as a rough combination of both. In Dutch, a G sound is pronounced as a guttural H sound, meaning words such as Gouda, the name of the cheese and a city, are pronounced as Howda and Goede Morgan, (Good Morning) is pronounced as Hooda Morgan. The further north in the Netherlands, the more guttural the dialect becomes.

English is widely spoken and understood and many Dutch will automatically switch to it when dealing with a non-native. Other common languages include Turkish, Moroccan, and Indonesian. Frisian is another officially recognized minority language, spoken in small pockets in the North of the country.