15 Weird Things in the Netherlands | Dutch Culture Shock

People in the Netherlands are weird. It can be quiet a shock to blend in the Dutch culture. So here is a list of 15 weird Things that you will find in the Netherlands and in the Dutch culture.
You are living in the Netherlands, but wonder about those strange Dutch habits? I have never thought that we as the Dutch have so many strange and weird things in our country. Especially now I lived abroad and have a more foreign perspective, I thought more often why are we doing this in the Netherlands?
So what are you waiting for, and jump directly into 15 weird things that we as Dutch people are doing in the Netherlands, don't be shocked! This might look very familiar from a foreign perspective.
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It isn't all about cheese and tulips in the Netherlands. There are some weird shocking things in the Netherlands, this be a pretty big culture shock.
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What weird things have you seen in the Netherlands? Do you have a Dutch culture shock when you moved to the Netherlands?

[@TwoTravelandTour]

As another Dutch native, I can confirm pretty much everything that has been said in this video. For me personally, the dinner time one is the most important one. No phones, no TV, no doing other things whatsoever. It can be Armageddon for all I care. I will deal with it after I had my meal. Great video!

[@Svenywhere]

Yeah I really miss that mentality sometimes. But not sure if it is also part of the new generation unfortunately. But still so far my memory says even now when I eat with friends and so on, dinner is for socialising and eating your meal.

[@slightlyoffthebeatentrack7322]

It's so sweet to congratulate the whole family on someone birthday! I'm so with you on the bike thing, I agree it should be part of drivers training and we should teach cycling in the UK as a proper option. Apart from London it's not really a commuter option at all. I would be scared to cycle far in London and I never turn right without getting off the bike and walking because I'm terrified and don't trust the cars!

[@ElderMillennialDigitalNomads]

Wow, I learned so much! Writing a letter and interviewing to rent a room in a shared house was the most interesting!

[@radhikaart2096]

This was really helpful, thanks! I love that the Dutch still send cards. That's so sweet.

[@omgisthatvik]

Culture shock videos are amazing, the world is huge and full of uniqueness! I've definitely picked up on the name thing when I call my dutch friends. Nice video man!

[@Svenywhere]

Thanks!

[@thefocustravel6107]

The directness applies in Japan as well. I did not know it was difficult to speak Dutch to a Dutch person. You mentioned the safety in the Netherlands. Japan is such a safe place to live! There are lot of interesting cultural differences that you mentioned. Thanks for sharing. Great video!

[@Svenywhere]

Does directness really apply in Japan? I have the feeling they are too afraid to say if they don't know something for example. Asking directions and they don't know exactly the way they will give you more an answer walk in that direction and try again.

[@thefocustravel6107]

@@Svenywhere It really depends upon the Japanese person. I have been blessed to have many Japanese people give me clear directions, for instance. One reason is I know the Japanese language. It is common, however, for Japanese people to not be direct to foreigners who are asking for directions. The Japanese people are concerned they will give the wrong directions. When it comes to Japanese people asking you do something like removing your shoes before you enter into a restaurant, that is a different story.

[@Svenywhere]

Yeah but as a direct Dutch person. Just tell me that you don't know... But you are right probably it is different when you speak the local language

[@mariadebake5483]

Just ask Japanese people to come visit you. They will never refuse outright, will say they'll come, and then just not show up. So direct? No. Rude? Definitifly

[@pandapolka]

yeaaaah.... I lived in Japan for 5 years as an expat and I love love love Japan and Japanese people, but directness is not their strong suit (on the whole, yes of course there are exceptions).

[@nameerj6716]

Wooow reaaallly fabulous video , bedankt ❤

[@VisosTravel]

yeah every culture have their own little things. Love the way you go about your videos. I never have a problem watching them to the end. I have shared this video with a Dutch friend of mine.. lets see what he has to say... lol

[@Svenywhere]

Wonder what he says. This is coming from a Dutch person though.

[@BonnysOneStepAhead]

Leaned so many new things, didn’t know these...all cultures are different....always enjoy your video👍

[@danamarcotteseiler7423]

Nice video, educational and pleasant dankjewel

[@Svenywhere]

Graag gedaan

[@CarolandDerek]

Didn’t know about going Dutch. The waving is a British thing as well. Love the birthday thing. Great vlog ❤️👍🌈

[@Svenywhere]

Thanks!

[@emeraldsroses0524]

I agree with most of what you mentioned except the health care system in The Netherlands. The past 10 years the system hasn't improved much. In fact, for some specialisations you can easily wait up to 6 months to be seen by a professional. I'm referring mostly to the mental health care and certain cancer treatments. However, you forgot to mention that before you can contact a specialist, you need to go through your GP. Without this, you'll have to pay. One more important thing to note is that often it takes so long to finally get a referral from your GP. Many expats complain that the standard is that a GP will fob you off by telling you to take paracetamol and only when you finally come in with serious complications the GP will refer you to a specialist. It's something very foreign to those not from The Netherlands.

[@TheTravelingChzhed]

I prefer directness as well! I like that you focus on family during dinner. I love the snack walls! I like that everyone greets everyone! I do that too!

[@Svenywhere]

Yeah that greeting might also be more a village thing though. In Amsterdam for example I guess it is less likely that people greet you.

[@thepharmacistwiththesuitcase]

Oh yes, guys!! You are incredibly direct!!! :D I love the thing you take off your sunglasses, it is a matter of respect... everyone should do it... unfortunately many don't :( You guys pay a lot with credit cards... I remind once I came to Amsterdam and I wanted to pay my bill of the hotel by cash the guy was not able to give me the change as he was not used to it :D I had no idea you do a sort of interview when you go renting a room in an apartment.

[@Svenywhere]

Yeah the interview part is for students who are renting shared accommodation spaces. Dutch are indeed card oriented (debit cards in our instance) but almost no cash. Funny thing is Germany is completely opposite. Waitress almost get angry if you insist to pay by card and not by cash.

[@mariadebake5483]

Not creditcards, we use debetcards

[@davyc3]

weird is subjective. I love the food on the wall, in japan you can find all sorts of things from the vending machine. Some of them are not that weird in my opinion. People just need to accept the fact that every culture is different and have their own habit. Instead of calling others weird, respect them, and embrace the difference.

[@Svenywhere]

Definitely right what you are saying there. But luckily it is my own culture so I can see that we as Dutch people are weird 😂

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Haha I feel like we're the opposite here in Britain and fluff about with words a lot. Being direct would be much more efficient! I like how dinner is important family time and phones aren't allowed. We need more of that attitude in the world. Oh wow I've never seen one of those food walls before! So interesting.

[@Svenywhere]

I just released a video about my "problems" / culture things in the UK. And indeed you British can use a bit more directness

[@Svenywhere]

What do you think of the Dutch and their weird habits / culture? If you like these type of videos and would like to see more travel videos when the lockdowns are over. Support me by subscribing goo.gl/srYyfz

[@CarolandDerek]

Svenywhere your welcome 🙏

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

It's quite funny listening to these 15 cultural identity items. I guess everyone has their own interpretation. I'm a dutch/kiwi so my 'Dutchness' has been influenced by the New Zealand culture, so I don't shake everyone's hand at birthdays- except for immediate family. Friends get a general wave. I have noticed a change happening in the 'middel' generation - a general 'hi' is becoming more acceptable. The kissing and hugging will no doubt change after this virus. Many will be happy about that. I've enjoyed your pointers Sven. Always good to reflect on one's situation. Oh and I looked up Going Dutch and it appears it dates back to the 17th century- so we and many others have been saying this for a very long time 😂😂😂 ❤️👍🎥

[@Svenywhere]

Going Dutch was coming from the British I believe at that time.

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

@@Svenywhere Indeed it originated there by all accounts. Funny when you think about it. ❤️

[@DOUGandNIKI]

Interesting video... Here is my question. What is the Orange thing? Why are Max Verstappen's Dutch fan's the Orange Army?

[@Svenywhere]

So I can make a whole history video out of this, and maybe I will. But in short the person who made our country independent is Willem van Oranje (Willem of Orange). From that moment we add an orange pennon to our flag and our national colour became orange.

[@DOUGandNIKI]

@@Svenywhere Ahh... He's one of my favorite drivers so I'm part of the Orange Army!

[@Svenywhere]

Welcome to the Dutch army. In football (soccer) we call our supporters the orange legion.

[@BKJVLOGS]

If she offer to pay,I let her pay... if she don’t wanna see me anymore that’s cool,I saved money 💯

[@Svenywhere]

Haha the classic payment issue

[@ItsHollyDayz]

Dinner time with the family isn't weird, it is kinda nice to just have the family time. Sounds like a really nice culture. A lot of stuff makes sense in their own way. Greeting people sounds like the southern hospitality in America, def not where I live in NY lol. Good to know about the tap water, I like water though so I guess someone would think I was cheap.

[@Svenywhere]

Cities are in general less about greeting. Amsterdam people might still great you, but definitely less than when I am in my village.

[@pedroRodriguesMD]

You forgot Dutch Oven 😂

[@MartinWebNatures]

Cycling -cars, as You know, we have the traffic law on our side (cycling) and everyone 99% of the drivers are also bikers and keep an eye to them

[@WillKupfer]

I thought being direct was a British trait haha. Really interesting video, excellent information here. Why is it not acceptable to drink tap water there when the quality is so good, I really do not understand that. Actually many drivers in London really hate cyclists!

[@Svenywhere]

Yeah and me as a cyclist in London, I hate the drivers 😂

[@emeraldsroses0524]

No, British use dry sarcasm as a form of speaking to others 😂

[@ExtremeWreck]

Other weird Dutch things: Purno de Purno Kang Fu Most people would only know of the latter because of the Angry Video Game Nerd.

[@gardenjoy5223]

Just saw someone else's video. Her number one thing to recognize a Dutch man, was the longer, curly hair, like you have. Fun! If I want tap water in a restaurant, I always have to add "for my medication" to it. Then it's okay. Reason is, that restaurants make most of their money from the drinks, not the food. So if you're not paying for the drinks as well, you are pushing them out of business. Sending cards is dying out. E-mail cards and Whatsapp have taken over. Yes, the Netherlands have one outstanding social system and healthcare system. Everyone pays his bit and has to do so. It works like an insurance.

[@Svenywhere]

Didn't know Dutch man have long curly hair... But indeed quiet a good bunch of my friends have that as well.

[@robvanlent1008]

Ik twijfel of ik, dit in dutch or English have to write. I do agree on many Parts. But I am old and never go to university. So I can not confirming that part. But what i do have. Is priority time. And you are not allowed to border me.

[@anoudkiati2462]

I think I started loving the dutch, seems they are a lovely people . what I most find it the weird is congrats everyone for someone's else birthday

[@Svenywhere]

Yeah for me that is really normal. Like you're happy for the others that someone close to you and the other one achieved that. Same that we don't speak about a birthday. We aren't celebrating someone's birth. We are celebrating that he is another year older.

[@lizrdmaple]

The tapwater thing is just not true. Ive been working in bars and restaurants all my life in amsterdam, and its completly fine to give free tap water. Its even a human right to give free tap water when someone asks.

[@Svenywhere]

Maybe Amsterdam bars and restaurants changed for the better. But culture wise, ask any Dutch person and it is just not accepted.

[@TheSeNaBi]

Not any where else in the Netherlands. Never heard of it being so in amsterdam

[@hvermout4248]

The Netherlands are just another normal country. No culture shock. It's all the other countries that are crazy!

[@Svenywhere]

Definitely true

[@tomdebruin2512]

3 kisses, it's something of Holland, not the rest of the Netherlands. I asume that you were living in the west ,not the rest, the better parts, I'll think 🤪. At birthdays, we not congratulate de guest, only the family. So 3 kisses, my sister in law is from Purmerend, but the rest.... Never kissed my 9 year older brother and 15- and 24 year older sisters, never,.... We respect each other lives, sure we do.

[@Svenywhere]

I am from North Brabant the better part were we celebrate Carnival. Here we also do 3 kisses and you congratulate everyone in the room, normally individually like parents siblings and grandparents and then a generic to everyone in the group.

[@Departures1]

Different countries have quirks you dont realize until you live somewhere else. I was looking forward to biking in the Netherlands but thats on hold so glad to hear its well organized. Neth is smaller country so easier to organize things like healthcare

[@Svenywhere]

I don't think a smaller country is an excuse of saying yeah that's why they can do it and we can't. The idea that hospitals are private but you are obliged to have a medical insurance might help hospitals to just organise themselves

[@mariadebake5483]

I never give 3 kisses. Not even 1. I hate that

[@mariadebake5483]

And here in Tilburg I never have any problems getting tap water

[@Svenywhere]

Personally I hate it as well the three kisses. But my grandmother insists in this, and my mother kind of nowadays as well. In terms of tap water, not sure how restaurants will respond to this nowadays. But I know cultural wise that friends and family will definitely look weird to me if I do this and it was definitely a no go a couple of years ago.

[@mariadebake5483]

@@Svenywhere Maybe it also depends on the region? Here in Noord-Brabant I've never or almost never had problems getting it, and for free. Maybe some cafés or restaurants, I don't know but I don't know of any. Als dat zou gebeuren zou ik er nooit meer terugkomen dat weet ik zeker. Maar ik ben 65 en ik heb het echt nog nooit meegemaakt, vreemd hoewel ik het weleens eerder gehoord heb van noorderlingen dus misschien een boven-de-rivieren ding? Je maakt best leuke video's trouwens, groeten uit Noord-Brabant!

[@Svenywhere]

@@mariadebake5483 Dankjewel. Ik kom zelf oorspronkelijk uit Best, dus een Brabender in hart en nieren en het meeste wat ik mis is Carnaval. Of je er raar op aangekeken wordt in Brabant weet ik niet, want in mijn opvoeding was het niet gebruikelijk, vooral omdat restaurants weinig winst maken op het eten en vooral hun marges hebben op drinken. Ik denk dat het in Brabant nog steeds niet echt gebruikelijk is om het te bestellen maar dat de horeca je er minder snel op aan kijkt en het je geeft. Inderdaad in het Noorden kunnen ze er onderhand moeilijk over doen en vroeger had je momenten dat ze je dan alleen Spa Blauw wouden geven. Volgens mij mag dat niet meer tegenwoordig.

[@mariadebake5483]

@@Svenywhere Dat zou best kunnen ja. Ik ken het in ieder geval niet. Ik woon al heel lang in Tilburg trouwens, maar ben geboren en getogen (mooie Nederlandse uitdrukking!) in Kaatsheuvel. Best ken ik niet zo goed, de omgeving hier wel - de Loonse en Drunense duinen zijn erg mooi

[@user-ys6gr4fv8o]

I don't see why you call it "weird" and "culture shock". In fact it is just a different culture. Mostly neat or "funny" but not "weird". It would be nice to do more research on the historical background, why is something the way it is etc. . And one thing I always found a bit strange is that you are only permitted one single cookie when you are offered it with a coffee. You may not even ask for another one.... . I wonder why this is so.

[@user-ys6gr4fv8o]

I don't see why you call it "weird" and "culture shock". In fact it is just a different culture. Mostly neat or "funny" but not "weird". It would be nice to do more research on the historical background, why is something the way it is etc. . And one thing I always found a bit strange is that you are only permitted one single cookie when you are offered it with a coffee. You may not even ask for another one.... . I wonder why this is so.