9 Things You DON'T Do in the Netherlands - Tips from an American Expat

When I first visited the Netherlands as a tourist, and then later as an expat in the Netherlands, I definitely made a few mistakes. In this video, I share tips on what not to do in the Netherlands that can be useful to both tourists and other expats alike.
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I like to share my experiences of an American expat in the Netherlands. I describe both the unique and everyday aspects of Dutch culture, and life in Holland while enjoying every bit of it!
Blog website: www.dutchamericano.com
Instagram: DutchAmericano
Get in touch: [e-mail]
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[@JCGver]

About the bike lanes, they aren't red asphalt, when they are new they are black. The red colour comes from the blood of tourists walking on them, you have been warned

[@DZ-rz7eb]

😂😂

[@welderella]

Ha ha ha ... blood of tourists... that’s great.

[@chongnanye7433]

haha

[@Choco-pasta]

Good one 😂

[@sandersteman8800]

Ze leren het nooit. Die toeristen. Ze geven wel een leuk kleurtje aan fietspaden. Idd.

[@ICEmastertrains]

Standing on bikelines in The Netherlands is the same as standing on the middle of a highway. In The Netherlands, bikes have literally more rights then cars, so just watch out :D

[@dalejacobson6363]

I like the idea of cycle power , unlike the U.S. truck sales are not very popular

[@rosaliegrummel7818]

Everyone has a bicycle here there are way more bicycles than cars

[@JCGver]

@@rosaliegrummel7818 in fact there are more bicycles than people here!

[@bertg5294]

than cars

[@rosaliegrummel7818]

@@JCGver yes

[@teunmanders896]

The first one: The Kingdom of The Netherlands is different than The Netherlands. The Kingdom includes Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire

[@peterschelwald7466]

And Saba, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, all six islands are called Dutch Carribean.

[@Didymus69]

@@peterschelwald7466 those are independant

[@raqueshdewind9462]

@@Didymus69 no is more complicated then just independent we are independence 2 different things . Ahahahaha if you are not from curacao or the other dutch island it would be hard to explain it. Ahahahah

[@r.v.b.4153]

@@Didymus69 Those are actually less independent than the other three. They're special municipalities within both the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands itself. They actually participated in the national elections this week.

[@petelobl]

Nieuw Amsterdam?

[@isword]

0:55 - Do not refer to the Netherlands as Holland. 2:35 - Do not walk on the bike lane. 4:33 - When drinking in public, don't be loud and obnoxious. 6:41 - Do not talk about Amsterdam as being representative of the rest of the country. 7:55 - Do not take pictures of sex workers in the streets. 8:56 - Coffee shop = weed. Cafés = coffee. 10:13 - Do not ask people how they're doing unless you mean it. 11:23 - Do not ask Dutch people to hang out spontaneously. Plan in advance instead. 12:39 - Always show up on time when invited by a Dutch person. Thank you for the video. Very helpful.

[@Arltratlo]

same in Germany, replace Netherlands with Germany at points 2 to 9.... at number 1, dont ask how it is to live in Nazi Germany....!

[@IvarTheBoneless40]

And even de word Cafes is wrong Cafes are were you drink beer so that is already wrong

[@IvarTheBoneless40]

You can ask them randomly but only in some dutch cultures and the only people who you know really well

[@IvarTheBoneless40]

Cuz The Netherlands is not only Amsterdam it depends on where you are in the Netherlands i come from Brabant there its very commen to just walk inside the house of a friend and stuff

[@jozefbols4386]

@@IvarTheBoneless40Café is French for koffie (= coffee!), so no, it's not wrong at all, Ivar! In England it's a pub where you can drink beer but also other drink, no? Warm greetings from Pinkie

[@volvo480]

Not just loud when you're drunk, the Dutch don't like loud people in general. It's a society with an extremely high population density, space is at a premium and people tend to respect their neighbours, unless you are a "Tokkie"

[@greenfox3010]

@@redfishswimming lol not even close... france, spain, Italy are all extremly loud.

[@Madrrrrrrrrrrr]

@Daan Made in Holland Yes because the Dutch have loud voices without yelling. And you can't drink in a lot of public spaces in the Netherlands. Depends in which city you are also

[@Madrrrrrrrrrrr]

@Daan Made in Holland Officially it's not allowed at a lot of places. The fact people do it, is something different. You can still be fined. So be aware.

[@annemariavonroith4268]

Very important!!

[@MegaWeasel2]

Ever been on a French campsite near Dutch people? They can be loud! But then, so can anyone.

[@matsvanderzee519]

Ok, do NOT call the Netherlands “The kingdom of the Netherlands”, people will find it really weird. I’m from the Netherlands and nobody ever says: “the kingdom of the Netherlands”. I only vaguely remember that it’s called that because it’s on my passport

[@michelschols8918]

... and maybe you remember we have a king?

[@SatumangoTheGreat]

Technically, the Kingdom of the Netherlands includes not only the Netherlands itself, but also Aruba, Curaçao en St. Maarten: although these are four separate countries, they all have the same king. A bit like the United Kingdom, really. (Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius are now special municipalities of the Netherlands since 2010.)

[@Jeroen1983]

@@SatumangoTheGreat You'd think that, but the supranational entity of The Kingdom of The Netherlands contains The Kingdom of The Netherlands (along with Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten). We believe in making things extra complicated.

[@apep7188]

@@Jeroen1983 The Kingdom of The Netherlands consists out of The Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao & st. Maarten. The Netherlands is just The Netherlands and is only part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.

[@ex0stasis72]

I wonder if it's anything like foreigners to the US calling it "United States of America". We either call it (at least in spoken English) "US" or "America" although I feel funny about calling it America since the US is only one part of North America.

[@kevinlove4356]

Calling The Netherlands "Holland" is like calling the United Kingdom "England."

[@ellyfranken6137]

i'm Dutch and call my country Holland

[@Temo990]

@@ellyfranken6137 It's not uncommon that the Netherlands are called "Holland" in Germany as well. England is often used to describe Great Britain. And America is used to describe th US despite the fact that Canada and Mexico are part of (North)America as well.

[@99oildrops]

This confused me for years. It annoys me that nobody told me this before.

[@PietMeijer_DE-III]

@@ellyfranken6137 So that's stupid!

[@luxismusic2664]

@@ellyfranken6137 you shall be banned from my country for this. Go to Belgium or something

[@RobbertMichel]

We’ve dared an American coworker once to try and by a pound of coffee at a coffee shop. They looked weird at him, and then went in the back and got an industrial sized pack of ground coffee, which they nicely wrapped up for him. He was promptly picked up by the police, who were really surprised that the large pack he was carrying was in fact coffee. The police treated him just fine, and he said it was his best experience in the Netherlands 😂

[@deadlyshizzno]

Legendary XD

[@jozefbols4386]

HAHAHA ROFLMAO. Love, Pinkie

[@MrJuzam]

One thing that fits here as well, I think, is the Dutch motto that the customer is NOT always right. If the customer is wrong about something we will not hesitate to call them out on it. So please do not expoect to be always right as a customer. That is one thing I'd add to your excellent list.

[@DutchAmericano]

I love that! It's so true.

[@macexpert7247]

The customer is king but the shop keeper is emperor :-)

[@xSCHEF]

The customer is king, but only if he behaves like an emperor.

[@xSCHEF]

De klant is koning als hij zich keizerlijk gedraagd.

[@JeanAlb]

True! Dutch dont like fakepoliteness but honesty.

[@_Ocean_Soul_]

I used to live in Delft and often had tourists asking for a coffeeshop. I always asked "do you want coffee, or do you wanna get high?"

[@kimbarroga218]

i wanna live there (: whatd you do for work? how much is typical rent?

[@_Ocean_Soul_]

@@kimbarroga218 I don't live there anymore. Sorry

[@chrisrootnick9755]

@@kimbarroga218 Depends on what you're looking for. An apartment in Delft will probably cost you close to 1k a month. A small room with a shared bathroom and kitchen will be around 400 euro. I'm assuming here you're going to want to live in the city center, not somewhere on the outskirts. Amsterdam will be a lot more expensive.

[@laylagrimna3805]

Lol i use to say that to i also used to live in delft and den haag now i live 8n enschede, tourists often ask me where the nearest coffee shop is and I in turn ask if it is for coffee or for the green stuff. It always makes my day when they realize that a coffee shop isn't always for coffee

[@Abchfhj]

@@kimbarroga218around €700 a month for nice house, in rotterdam or amsteram €1500 for a small apartment

[@dps1689]

There's actually just one rule, use your commom sense. That's it. It's why I love living in the Netherlands, the people for the most part are fairly down to earth.

[@haveaniceday2022]

I'm from Germany and I also thought "uhm, just use common sense" xD I mean our bike paths aren't as beautiful als the ones in the Nederlands but I would never tell someone to stand or walk there... like wtf? xD And I hate it when I'm late to a meeting or meet up with friends (this is a bit of a cliche for germans, but I still think it's called just being polite).

[@TomDutch]

When you don't bring a present like flowers when you visit people they might think: Hmmm no present? When you DO bring the flowers they say: "Ahhh you shouldn't have done that!" 💐

[@PatriciaHinse]

Bring food instead

[@TheTryingDutchman]

@@lusetupuivao8562 well if that's your conclusion after watching this video than you wont be missed.

[@lusetupuivao8562]

@@TheTryingDutchman right, a lots of my friends say “ Netherlands is one of the beautiful and safest places to live, stress free , beautiful people and food 🍱 but when I saw the people comment , I was thinking the opposite ..Netherlands is the most beautiful country in the world and I would like to visit my friends there 🇳🇱 👍🏾

[@Dlvl3230]

Bring Merci chocolate so they can give it to someone else

[@sandermalschaert2336]

Thjs is true 🤣

[@StevenJQuinlan]

As a Dutch expat, currently living in England the 'arrive on time' item drives me up the wall to this day. My english friends have even started telling me a time that's 15 minutes later than they tell everyone else, because if they tell me 'be there at six', then I will either be there at six, or at six-oh-one, I'll be texting them to apologise for being late. I can't help it, punctuality shows respect both for my hosts time, showing that I value their time enough to not waste any by being late, and it shows respect for my time by confirming that I can both plan and execute a journey well.

[@gravityskeptic8697]

Most Dutch people are punctual. It depends on the occasion and your role.

[@cbrownes]

Hear hear!! Exactly. It's about respect

[@jinde75]

In Germany people are so bloody 'punctual' they show up 10-30 minutes early. I'm still putting on mascara shoving stuf away with my foot thinking I have some last minute running around time. But Noooo the doorbell rings. As a Dutch person I just can't get used to that. I find it hard enough to be on time. Bring early is just rude. Especially when dropping of your kid. Sure I get it, you want to be rid of them. On the dot you are welcome.

[@StevenJQuinlan]

@@jinde75 that's not punctual, that's early. I have on occasions arrived somewhere early and sat in my car for ten minutes and then knocked on the door on time, because I respect that people need to get ready too

[@Lekkah666]

The funny thing is... Because I'm used to being punctual, I am getting pretty good at timing my arrival. This week I showed up on the dot four times without even giving it a thought 😂

[@Pasunsoprano]

In the South of the Netherlands it is much more common to just drop by without making an appointment. They even expect for you to use the backdoor, the so called "achterom komen" instead of ringing the front door bell. In Amsterdam people hate the fact that many tourists see the city as an amusement park and treat the inhabitants like extras, who are there to take pictures of and who should adapt to tourist behaveour.

[@Dante20321]

Brabander

[@arizonaranger1222]

*Limbo

[@kiretraykov7989]

@pasunsoprano, You made me laugh out load. But, yeah, you are probably right

[@Pasunsoprano]

@@kiretraykov7989 don't know what's funny in my remark, but I am right and not probably.

[@kiretraykov7989]

@@Pasunsoprano Well, I used to live in UK, for quite a long time. One bank holiday, I took my mum to London. Basically, what’s you’ve said “ people treat the city like an amusement park and the people that actually lived there are treated like an extra” , it was absolutely the same picture. It’s so vivid in my eyes. But, you were absolutely right. The tourists expect that, they are there, and the locals cannot carry on with their lives, until they are gone. Something like a giant theatre. No wonder why in Barcelona, there was a giant graffiti “ tourists go home”, if you know what I mean

[@mariaszymanska28]

When you were talking about the 7th thing I had a thought that in Poland (where I live) if you asked someone how they're doing, you would get a really long monologue about someone's previous day, the day before that, the next day, overall plans for the weekend and other stuff that you don't want actually to know. haha

[@wimpankow5023]

A medic on an ambulance was once asked on the wireless about his weirdest case. He told of a busload of elderly US ladies on a tour d'Europ. They had visited a coffeeshop in Amsterdam. They have had coffee with cake, spacecake. All were intoxicated.

[@pieteroudshoorn2421]

😂👋🌷

[@catherinehawkins3211]

Broodje aap

[@Man-in-the-green]

@@catherinehawkins3211 Don’t tell the Chinese.

[@frankhooper7871]

I had a piece of space cake oneone of my past visits to Amsterdam...basically lost a whole day of my life LOL - not by mistake, I must add. I wanted to see what is was like, having never indulged before; nor after.

[@basvanbeers3515]

Bullshit!

[@ruadeil_zabelin]

3:39 You've clearly only been to the big cities like Amsterdam. Regular sidewalks in most places are not that narrow. In fact, most of the rest of the Netherlands looks nothing like that.

[@Widdekuu91]

There's no reason to react that harshly, Kayak Fan. Zei ze niet dat je niet op de fietspaden moet lopen? Daar heeft ze toch gelijk in? Of mag je wel lekker op het fietspad lopen in Hilversum?

[@gloriascientiae7435]

in oosterbeek you sometimes have them so narrow you can barely fit both of your feet there im not even kidding xD

[@ruadeil_zabelin]

@@Widdekuu91 I'm sorry if it came across as harsh. It wasn't meant like that at all.

[@Widdekuu91]

@@ruadeil_zabelin That's alright :) No problem.

[@HooiHossel]

@@Widdekuu91 ligt eraan of het een verplicht fietspad is of niet

[@Dante20321]

I would like to add that you don’t assume every person is from Amsterdam. I personally get very annoyed when everyone thinks I am from Amsterdam

[@BenDover-vb4lj]

@Abel Abel Because its full of leftist hippies...

[@maxgainz8406]

@Abel Abel because they are not Dutch..Amsterdam is it's own little leftist bubble.. that attracts people from small villages that after living in Amsterdam for 3 months call everyone else 'peasants' ..they are completely different from everyone else. I think they are the most hated city in the Netherlands lol

[@gentlyinge6431]

Not everyone here is a leftist bro

[@watchingmortalsforentertai3310]

i'm getting somewhat annoyed with this whole left right nonsense. this is an american thing and it should just die out already. there are plenty of people who have both left and right ideas. It only creates division. either speak about specififc policy ideas or better yet don't speak politics att all. I'm really wondering why people are so hell bent on making this countrey resemble america.

[@Jeroen1983]

@Abel Abel Amsterdam: 800,000 people The Netherlands: 17.4 million people. Simple arithmetic would suggest that, when meeting a Dutch person, chances are greater they are not from Amsterdam than that they are. And people are quite proud of the part of the country or city they're from. Ergo: annoyance.

[@lordsleepyhead]

You're allowed to show up a little late to a party in the Netherlands though, it's not really that big of a deal. Showing up late to a meeting or some other thing where you're keeping someone waiting is rude here though. But if you're late for whatever reason you just send a message, "sorry, I'll be X minutes later". That's the polite thing to do.

[@sybrandwoudstra9236]

And usually tell this one or two days in advance if you want to be very polite.

[@luk5464]

In my experience party invitation times often say vanaf, ie starting from. As someone who hates it when people are late, I don’t really care at what time people show up at my party.

[@Sauron...]

Says: Don't assume Amsterdam is the Netherlands. Meanwhile only uses pictures of Amsterdam.

[@ellaaaa3571]

Or you only see pictures of Amsterdam

[@soulangela7154]

@DancingPsycho she did say her experiences are mostly in Amsterdam though, she's using her own pictures so it makes sense for her pictures to mainly be in Amsterdam.

[@BOINKHeadshot]

I have something to add to the bikelane stuff: You are also required, by traffic law, to walk on the pavement/sidewalk if it is available. It is comparable to jaywalking. This is because bikes are extremely common in the Netherlands (there's more bikes than people here, my family all had 1 each and we also had 1-2 spares/old ones), so walking on the bike lane is very accident prone. You wouldn't walk on the road for motorized vehicles either, here bike lanes are considered in a similar manner. There ARE exceptions though! Sometimes there's no pavement/sidewalk available, in those situations you're allowed to walk on the bike lane, provided you're walking near the edge and allow bikes to safely pass you without having to swerve too much onto the road. All of this creates a neat system where the fastest moving traffic is always near the middle/centre of the street and the slowest moving traffic is at the outer edges.

[@larsboeter2486]

I have also been taught that when you need to walk on the bike lane you should walk against traffic this way you can see the approaching person coming and you can get out of the way if needed

[@hil449]

yea, thats logical. You dont have to be dutch to know that, you just need common sense. Jeez this girl must have never cycled in her life lol

[@gertvanderstraaten6352]

Especially in the provinces of Friesland and Limburg people are not happy about being called Hollanders.

[@Ruudos]

I once bought something from Marktplaats and the box that it was packaged in was marked with a company name (don't remember the name) and "Leeuwarden - Holland". Quite bizarre.

[@luxembourger]

I noticed. First I was expat in Amsterdam and then got moved to our Maastricht office. It is the same like calling Scottish people English. In Maastricht they even have a different words and a very different pronunciation without the Dutch 'G'. Also the food is very different, much better I think. But unfortunately, people are not punctual as in Holland and there is no decent public transport, both things I learned to appreciate in Amsterdam and The Hague. Everything has its pros and cons, I guess.

[@Aiii83]

@@luxembourger one of the reasons we don't appreciate the emphasis on Holland is precisely for that reason. The government is very focused on the Randstad and it's infrastructure. Not so much for outside of it. Major infrastructure projects outside of the Randstad are sometimes pushed for decades or just never come to fruition. To name an example, the highway A73, connecting Nijmegen in Gelderland to Maastricht in Limburg, took almost 30 years to build, it was only completed in 2008, while first being discussed in the 1960s. It took almost fifty years to get it funded and built. A small example, but there are legion, not just infrastructure, but other things as well. This of course, comes along with usual prejudice and otherwise being treated as lesser by individuals and groups due to accents and traditions that get mocked and ridiculed. Limburg and Friesland especially (though not exclusive to just these two provinces) have a big individuality that separates them from the rest of the country. Both have a different language to Dutch, which developed separately from the Dutch language (Limburgs is often seen as a dialect of Dutch, but has it's own grammar rules and special things like being a so-called tonal language), and this also explains why they feel such a disconnect between "Holland" and themselves.

[@Danny-he1vc]

@purple tentacle Chiming in as a frisian here. Big part of it is also that frisian started to develop around the year 300, while the oldest recognisable frisian is dated around 700. Meanwhile dutch started out around 500 and old dutch dating to around 800. Frisian used to be more widespread, but throughout history (from the 7th to the 17th century), frisian had been made to give way to dutch more and more. While most frisians today dont hold a grudge (you'll always have a few crazies), it is an insult to most, if not all, to suggest that frisian is a dialect of dutch, or that the entire country of the netherlands is 'holland'. Because it erases frisian history, and in older times a lot of frisian (language)territory was lost due to a powerchange that replaced frisian with dutch for governing, legal, and religious uses, leaving frisian to be spoken only in rural areas. Long story short, frisians just want recognision for their language, and not have it be dismissed as a less legitimate subset of dutch. (Apologies if i made any mistakes, history is not my strongest point so had to do my best with google)

[@gertvanderstraaten6352]

@@luxembourger The Limburg dialect is close to Letzeburgish (I think that's what Luxembourgish is called), especially that far south. Closer to German dialects than Dutch ones.

[@hansb57]

I once called a motel in NJ, the girl on the phone wanted to know were I'm from. So I told her. I'm from The Netherlands. O that near us, the Meadowlands. It took me four or five tries to explain that I was from Holland, the country of tulips, windmills and wooden shoes.

[@mikep3226]

The "How are you doing?" confusion reminded me of an interaction in the US. I walked into the Doctor's office and he greeted me with that. When my response was a weak "Fine.", he pointed out that when a Doctor greets you with that phrase, they really _do_ want a real answer.

[@simonedegroot905]

As a tip for tourists: Try going somewhere else than Amsterdam. Places like t' Gooi or Friesland or something like that are more Dutch than Amsterdam

[@2_wicked]

Rural Brabant is great for a 'hills have eyes' experience.

[@simonedegroot905]

@@2_wicked Very true, I think some areas of Limburg might be too

[@Nerd3927]

Friesland is by no means Dutch. It is occupied by the Dutch :-)

[@shersmk90]

't Gooi? of all places.. no send them to Utrecht, indeed Friesland, Zeeland (although German and Belgium peeps do know Zeeland a bit to good). Let them go to the Veluwe too.

[@RobinK]

I would just advice to avoid the big cities

[@jasper265]

I'd like to add some nuance to the start time of a party. There are basically two categories of parties. The first is where the host knows exactly who will come. Those are the ones where should show up at the start time. On the other hand, there are the parties where a bunch of people were invited and maybe 40% shows up. Those kinds of parties basically follow the American model, where the first guests show up fifteen minutes late and the party doesn't fully start until an hour after the starting time.

[@sofiasarigiannidi8708]

Well i think if you are also eating at that party then you have to be on time but otherwise, at a typical student party you dont really show up on time

[@marcobot7694]

My wife is always late. But I am very punctual. When they give a time I find it impotant to be there at that time. My wife often says: relax, they will let you in when you're 15 min later. She hates when we are the first at a party and the host is still making preperations and the rest of the guests are an hour later.

[@TheMeritCoba]

One thing I noticed is how quickly people from the US call someone a friend. In Dutch culture, a friend is someone whom you know for a long time and is close to you. Although this difference seems to be waning.

[@BaconKFilms]

in the US people are quick to call each other friends however it is not a genuine friendship

[@ClassyJackBF]

I used to work nights at an upscale hotel in the NL, and we had a lot of American guests who came here for business. It took me only a little while to figure out that "hi how are you doing?" was just a social performative way to say "hello" because people would say that but hardly even look at me and just keep walking. It was a little weird at first but I learned to simply reply "good " and that was all there was to it.

[@gwahr2970]

Assuming everyone and his brother (or sister) smokes pott just because they live in the Netherlands... One of my peeves as a Dutchy. But great list.

[@shersmk90]

First question everybody asks me is: are you from Amsterdam? (yes I am), and then they follow-up their question with: so how cheap is the pot?(Idk)/so how many times a week are you high?(never)/So you smoke pot?(nope)/other stupid question about weed. I never even wanted to try it... just don't assume that everyone likes it and want to be high all the time just because you can't get arrested for smoking it...

[@10animallover10]

Yes! That annoys me too. Our country is so much more than weed and prostitudes.. It annoys me quite a lot. I have never smoked pott and only been to a coffee shop once or twice because I wanted to see it for myself/a friend did want something and I tagged along but didn't get something myself (Never had the urge to try it even). I also only walked through 'the red distric' twice. Me, as a Dutch citizen have only done that to show my friend from abroad how 'normal' it is and not like a 'highlight' and a fellow Dutch friend who was curious to see it once just like me and never think about it anymore. And I wasn't even impressed either actually..

[@TheIndianTechie007]

Don't get annoyed if Americans or English people ask you about weed or prostitutes. Rather tell them that the Netherlands is too modern and free country than theirs. That will hit them hard. ;)

[@shersmk90]

@@TheIndianTechie007 haha, actually America now has many states where weed is legal, like selling and using it freely. Weed isn't legal in the Netherlands, just tolerated and mostly illegal. But yes the second one is true.

[@TheIndianTechie007]

@@shersmk90 It doesn’t matter if it is legal or just decriminalized. You can freely smoke it and you won’t get jailed. That’s what matters. That’s not even the case in America. Few states recently made it legal, still they have big taboo about it. Because even though it is legal there the people are not really open minded about its use. In the Netherlands, nobody cares if you smoke weed or pott.

[@thef1chesser]

FYI: The kingdom of The Netherlands is not exactly the same as The Netherlands. I could even go to some Carribean islands and be in the kingdom, but not in the country.

[@joopmonderman2218]

By the way it is: 'the Netherlands'

[@vkorpel]

Thought about Curaçao indeed

[@vkorpel]

@@wolters1953 maar in Nederland ben je niet op een eiland (tenzij....)

[@anjawellens5077]

Spike Wolters Nee, op Curacao ben je in het land Curacao, dat onderdeel is van het koninkrijk der Nederlanden.

[@renefrijhoff2484]

@@wolters1953 Fout. Op Curaçao ben je wel in het Koningkrijk, maar niet in het land. Leer geschiedenis en aardrijkskunde a.u.b.

[@Blazingbeard]

As a Dutch person I am having trouble with #8 the full agenda thing. My wife and I usually don't have much planned in advance, but some of our friends do. So yeah it is possible to hang out spontaneously, but it is uncommon sadly.

[@johnl7710]

I am from Uk though I used to travel to the Netherlands often for work and pleasure. I love the Dutch people and The Netherlands as a country. I remember spending time in Amsterdam knowing to stay out of the bike lanes. The trouble is, when your not used to it you can easily stray into a bike lane by accident. The Dutch all have a same kind of bell on their bikes, the sound of that bell soon becomes something that sends pure fear though my body, it was enough to cause near cardiac arrest every time. Far be it from me to suggest that the Dutch do this on purpose when they spot a dim English person dawdling around in a bike lane. I am certain they ride up silently on their stealth bikes until they are a few metres from you and then they ring that bell of doom. Causing an instantaneous panic reflex and a cold sweat of death followed by palpitations as they casually slide by you with hardly any change of direction or speed. It is masterful and I want to learn how to do it. ;-}

[@Endymaeria]

There's a small caveat to the being on time thing: if there's a larger party and you're not very close to the person that invited you, it's perfectly fine to show up half an hour later to avoid being first at the party and having socially awkward conversations with the person you are not very close to. Other than that: BE PUNCTUAL!

[@NielsNL68]

And for me don't come earlier then the given time. I can not be ready for the party at that time.

[@judithschuttevaar8451]

Yes this is so awkward 😂😂

[@xo.margot5409]

I mean for me and my friends coming later is absolutely fine, being earlier is our only irritation lmao

[@rjtimmerman2861]

The difference between being invited *at* or *from* a certain time

[@dinodasbunce6224]

I lived in the Nederlands for 10 years and just loved it. I was there as an American military member but lived "on the economy" as we called it. I would like to go back there now as an archaeologist and revisit some of the archaeological sites that I visited as a military member. The Netherlands, a great country and the home of very courteous and lovely people.

[@MrJimheeren]

Did you work at Soesterberg by any chance?

[@dinodasbunce6224]

@@MrJimheeren Yes I did.

[@MrJimheeren]

@@dinodasbunce6224 I used to watch the F15 take off when I was younger. Sadly it’s closed now but they put a nice museum in its place. Glad you enjoyed our little country.

[@dinodasbunce6224]

@@MrJimheeren My family and I enjoyed it very much. My son was born there. We hated to leave, but our government was shutting the base down so we had to leave. I miss the people and the food, especially the frites with that smooth creamy frite sauce and pannekoeken and on and on. I am glad that we got to spend so much time there.

[@cey1]

@@dinodasbunce6224 Oh how great is that! And does your son now own two passports?

[@eefaaf]

On being on time at a party: When a cousin of mine was still a child, one of our aunts was notoriously late on many occasions, so my little cousin when sending out invitations had it put on the one for the daughter of that aunt one hour before the actual start of the birthday party. Worked like a charm :)

[@Rettequetette]

I'd like to add: when you're invited to dinner/a party/whatever at someone's house, don't come empty-handed. Not that they hate you if you do, but it will be highly appreciated if you bring a little gift, a bottle of wine or something like that.

[@twinkalink8687]

That’s what u do all over the wolrd

[@frankieverona5353]

especially in france, they notice

[@peterdejong5456]

When you're invited to someone's home in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, it is not uncommon that your host does not offer you anything. You are expected to help yourself to a drink or a bite in the kitchen if you want something. Never ever do this in the Netherlands! You'll be kicked out of the house immediately. Here you should wait until the host puts it on the table and invites you to help yourself. Or he or she may serve you, i.e. offer you a biscuit from the cookie jar, but stowes the jar away in the cupboard again after you have taken one. Many foreigners find this Dutch habit not very inviting, as they are used to take as they please, but the Dutch like to be very much in control of what goes on in their house. 😉

[@jamestown8398]

I'm from the US, and I've never heard of it being acceptable or common for guests to just help themselves to the contents of their host's refrigerator. In fact, that's generally considered really rude here too.

[@peterdejong5456]

@@jamestown8398 Thanks for the correction. I base this on personal experience in these countries, but it may not be common practice. Let's hope it is not! 😅 Whatever you do, don't do this in the Netherlands. Also don't touch any food or drinks that are already on the table, unless it is a party where people are free to move around. Otherwise pse wait until you are being served.

[@MarcovandenHout]

In general, just ask. I think most young people will gladly agree if you ask before you help yourself (and might say get some for me as well ;-). The Dutch tend to be more open and direct and give direct answers to questions. Including rejections, so don't be upset if the host replies "No, I'd rather you ask and I'll get it for you" or "I'll get the cheese out in a minute" ;-)

[@zvxcvxcz]

"You are expected to help yourself to a drink or a bite in the kitchen if you want something." Certainly don't do this in Michigan unless it is a very close friend indeed and they explicitly said you could. You will get kicked out just as fast as in the Netherlands. Certainly in the parts of Canada near us as well (e.g. Toronto). You do not touch anything in the house that has not been explicitly offered to you. If you would like something, you ask or hint at it, e.g. say you're thirsty and they will offer what they're willing to give you.

[@neldonah8647]

Gave rise to expression, Dutch treat. No treating involved. Invite someone to dinner then have them pay for themselves! Sort of shocking to other cultures.

[@lightlawliet3526]

the thing with hang outs ...feels like netherlands is an introverts paradise. haha i hate when people make spontaneous plans and expect you to be available for them whenever.

[@disklamer]

We’re vibing, don’t burst in and kill our buzz! :)

[@stefangrobbink7760]

When my calender is empty in the morning, I'm not doing shit in the evening and that plan isn't going to change. On the other end, if I plan to hang out with you, I'll be there, as close to the exact time as I can plan for (usually a few mins early too). Because it was planned ahead, I'm very unlikely to cancel.

[@romymichelleblok8280]

I live in Italy now in the Italian culture there isn't such a thing as ''planning'' They will always ask you in the moment and never even a couple of hours before, Its very stressful you always have to get ready as fast possible haha

[@romytieman6239]

we like to plan. But we also do spontaneous things or send a text to hang out right away. We just love to plan if there are more people comming. For cleaning and snacks ect

[@skylarhopper1955]

As someone in a LDR between Florida and the Netherlands, you ease so many of my anxieties by making these videos lol

[@ylhajee]

The part about 'paying high taxes to keep the bicycle lanes pot-hole free' is a bit misleading. All in all, good bike infrastructure saves money because it's an alternative to cars, and the money used to build 1 highway overpass can pay for a an enormous amount of bike infrastructure.

[@deadeyeduncan5022]

When country is tiny, bike is good.

[@Temo990]

@@deadeyeduncan5022 Isn't it more about density?

[@frits1954X2]

Bicycle paths are RED taking pictures on the red light can cause you to end up in the canal Best regards Frits

[@RustOnWheels]

If you meet someone on a specific time, indeed, you have to be there on time. However, if you’re going to a club and notify others of going, there’s no problem of being ‘fashionably late’ as we call it. Especially when you’re young. Everybody understands that you’re doing your ‘indrinken’ at home 😋

[@MrSpOOkzTV]

I want to comment about #3: There are areas where you CANNOT drink or have alcohol with you. You can however drink at a bar or terrace but you CANNOT bring your alcoholic drink outside the bar or terrace which you can get a fine for (Beer cans, bottles etc). There are traffic signs pointing out that you cannot drink alcohol in that specific area. The fine is 90 euros, so i suggest not to drink in public.

[@sarahdrangosch4046]

The Dutch get irritated veeeeeeery easily, especially with tourists. And they will ring their bike bell like crazy until you step out of the way. And don’t be surprised if you hear “sukkel” or “idioot”. But the Dutch can also be very loud themselves, especially if there is a soccer game or it’s Koningsdag which is a huge celebration for the king.

[@Dr.K.Wette_BE]

Dutch are often very loud on Holliday. But maybe it's because I go to quiet places (Old cities, museums, forests, lakes, mountains).

[@catherinehawkins3211]

The Dutch get irritated very easily? Wow...not my experience at all and I’ve lived here for quite some time. The irritation might be because tourists often don’t realise ordinary people actually living there are not there a) on holiday or b) stoned or c) there for your amusement. They are simply trying to live their normal ordinary lives, trying yo get to work on time, or to pick up their kids from football practice or whatever, and they have to run a gauntlet of tourists treating roads and bike paths like a pedestrian relaxation area. I bet if you do your rubbernecking, chatting and picture taking on the pavement you don’t get anyone ringing bells at you or calling you names.... And I’m assuming you are talking about places like Amsterdam, where this isn’t a seasonal, but an everyday annoyance for the ordinary people living there?

[@MarcovandenHout]

I feel that it's true for traffic. By the way, if there is no sidewalk, you are legally allowed to walk on the cycle path, or on the road if there is no cycle path. That is excluding highways of course, but there will often be signs to indicate when you can't go there on foot (or by bike).

[@berta.9912]

I'm dutch AND I'M VERRY CALM BITCH!

[@mariadebake5483]

@@catherinehawkins3211 I totally agree

[@jhvermeulen]

When I visited Ireland everyone was saying: Hi how are you? But extremely quick: Hihowaya. After two weeks I still didn't know how to respond 🤣

[@j0hnn13K]

Wanting to visit a friend and calling him/her to make an appointment days ahead, is more a thing for the biggest cities because most people there live busy lives. But "down south" in Brabant for instance, you call a friend in the afternoon and most of the times you can visit or go to a bar together later at night. And if you are very good friends, you can basically drop in unannounced in most cases, its more relaxed down south so to speak. For me at least, that is normal, there's always coffee ready and often something to snack on too, if i care for our friendship, my house is open 16/7 (not 24/7 cause hey... i gotta sleep too! lol). Obviously it can happen they already have plans for the evening but in general you're still welcome to come in and have some coffee and a nice chat, depending on how much time the friend has till they have to go. Everything else is pretty much spot on, but i do want to add one thing, its ok to walk on a bike path or the road even, but.. there are a few unwritten rules for that. First of all, walk on the OTHER side of the street so you face oncoming traffic/bicycles, that way you see who is coming towards you and you can anticipate if you have to move out of their way or not and also it makes it a whole lot easier to get noticed too because you can make eye contact and judge upon that if they noticed you and if you are no bother to them. Also make sure to stick close to the sidewalk instead of walking in the middle of the bike path, its for both your and the other's safety, you dont force someone to swerve onto the main road and they wont force you to jump to the side because you're about to get hit by a bike/scooter. Our roads are in general rather busy, especially in bigger cities, so make sure you're not the one who causes a safety issue, for yourself and others.

[@evastapaard2462]

Up north it's the same. you can visit any time you like. just don't be suprised when you're at the door someone says 'sorry, not now'... that can happen too.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Wow, that was so spot on and very well said!

[@darknessblades]

American walks on the bike lane. Dutch: So you have chosen death

[@ErikvO]

I walk a lot and I walk on bike lanes regularly because there isn't always a side-walk, the one rule to keep in mind it to walk on the LEFT (this also goes when walking on roads) you can see the bikes that are going to hit you coming and can step aside. I never have an issue.

[@bartvschuylenburg]

Though I’m mostly pro left walking, it’s no longer the law. You are allowed to choose on wich side of the road or cycling lane you’re walking. In some situations the other side of the road is safer because your better visible. The left walking law was ditched to get it the same in all of Europe.

[@ErikvO]

@@bartvschuylenburg I didn't mean rule as in 'law', I meant rule as in 'good practice.' There are of course exceptions where walking on the left is an issue and you're better off on the right. A lot of people don't seem to know that walking on the left is usually better.

[@dslight113]

this is fine and all , but me as a cyclist hate it when people walk on bicycle lanes , there is almost always a side-walk or a sidewalk on the other side of the road, there is no reason for any pedestrian to walk on bicycle lanes , not everywhere is a bicycle lane, does that mean i can just cycle on the left or the right side of the side-walk ? , no of course not, u are expected to step off and walk,. so in all respect , just don't be lazy and walk too the other side of the road if on this side there is no side-walk, and if there is no side-walk at all then u are in the wrong place to begin with, especially in the morning when i am tired and cycling to work, i might not see u and there might be an accident.

[@BuzzinsPetRock78]

The fact that there might not be a sidewalk, doesn't mean you get to walk on a cyclepath. Same reason you can't just walk on a autoweg (A road) if you want to. Admittedly the consequences are a little less lethal, but the point is, if something is appointed for one group of road users, don't assume you can use it when you don't belong to that group. I know it can be frustrating, and I'm no angel, but please don't go around telling people it's ok to do it. But to be honest, I don't know many places where there is no footpath/sidewalk when there is a cyclepath. The only thing is, sometimes they don't take the same route and it might be a slight detour, but that's not a reason to just do as you please.

[@ErikvO]

@@BuzzinsPetRock78 I do long distance walking, so lots of forest roads, roads between farm plots or provincial cycle lanes where they don't plan for foot traffic, not every place is a city where foot, cycle and car traffic is neatly separated. And the law is that you are allowed to walk on cycling lanes and roads where there isn't a foot path and it's advised to walk on the left where possible because it's generally safer, it used to actually be law to walk on the left.

[@martianpudding9522]

Saying 'Holland' is incorrect but I wouldn't consider it rude. We do sometimes refer to the Netherlands as Holland too.

[@minkes6691]

while watching a soccer game... We yell: "ho-land, ho-land". But that's just because it is hard to yell "the... ne...ther...lands" i guess :-)

[@rickvandam3238]

Maybe us from the province call it Holland but I think others just say netherlands

[@StrangerThings_YT]

how do you know that if ur not dutch im dutch so stop saying things like that

[@barkside3012]

we say holland as well because we know foreign people won't understand "The netherlands"

[@0h0h0h0]

@@barkside3012 I say the Netherlands to make a point even though I live in Zuid-Holland 😂

[@patrick6110]

I once invited an American couple for dinner in my house in Paris and they showed up at 7 pm. I greeted the couple by telling them they were just in time to help me cook dinner. After an hour, they were still the only guests and I explained to them that people were unlikely to show up before 8:30 pm.

[@CyclonicTuna023]

The thing about the bikelanes is that for the majority of the time people get around on bikes. So usually people are going somewhere when you see them on a bike. So walking or standing there would be just like standing in the middle of the motorway in any other country. So people get annoyed pretty quickly when you block them from going where they want to go.

[@casparbarkey127]

My mothers side of the family is dutch as can be. My fathers side of the family is dutch-indonesian (indisch). The contrast is quite stark. My dutch-indonesian side of the family is usually late and hangs out until it feels like the gathering is over. My pure dutch side of the family arrives at the exact specified time and will usually leave at a set time, and do so all together at the same time.

[@dirkkruisheer]

What a wonderful anecdote!

[@dutchgamer842]

I'm part Indonesian and I hate it when people show up late. I even broke contact with people cause they showed up late to often

[@dirkkruisheer]

@@dutchgamer842 I had a Dutch-Indian (Nederlands-Indische) math teacher in highschool. With him, you needed only be late twice.

[@ytwos1]

I hate that. So birthday party, don’t really like them but ok, You know,everyone in a circle. Everyone had coffee, cake, drinks, snacks, etc. 1 person starts to leave, boom everybody gone. Just as you started to enjoy the party (instead of serving everyone all the time).

[@JM_daDoc]

Some coffeeshops do serve a good cup of coffee. You just have to accept the obnoxious smell that comes with it :-)

[@StevenJQuinlan]

And some coffeeshops sever fantastic weed, if you can put up with the smell of coffee ;-)

[@elmanitasdeplomo]

Obnoxious to YOU maybe😉

[@Lekkah666]

I remember my mom visiting at the coffeeshop I used to work at.. (yeah, I know 🙄) So mum, what would you like? I sum up the different choices of coffee I can brew her and she goes:"oh, you sell coffee as well?" 🤣

[@RobFeldkamp]

What do you mean? Coffee usually smells pretty good

[@bverheijden]

My grandmother found that out the hard way. But she liked the coffee and relaxed atmosphere...

[@norbertweber3152]

Wow, about the last two points (spontaneous meetings and being on time), the Dutch seem more extreme than Germans!! (Me saying this as a German..)

[@boekie98]

I've heard it multiple times, but I really don't get this busy schedule thing. Is it just because I'm from the South or not from a big city? Because here if you ask to hang out it's just a yes or no depending on if you're in the mood or if you already got something to do

[@peterkeijsers489]

About the meeting at a certain time part: basically it comes from the Dutch pragmatic approach. After all, would it be OK if you would arrive at your work 15 minutes late, or even more? We Dutch take the same approach on social meetings.

[@muurrarium9460]

*The* most hysterical thing *ever* (to us Dutch) was when we - as scruffy students, so not much money or great wardrobes, and we don't really care - decided to go out to the pub for drinks later that evening. One of the fellow students was American, and she completely went overboard (once again in our eyes and the situation) and spend hours putting on make-up etc.etc.. When she was finally ready (after keeping everyone waiting, because well, who cares, it is just drinks; no need to go crazy...) she noticed it was raining and her face fell. (Her words) " Such a pity, now we could not go out, because the rain would ruin everything" and we (Dutch and other Europeans) stood there, flabbergasted and not-understanding: "Why not go out? It is only rain, these are the Netherlands, it rains a lot in these parts, that's what raincoats are for.". That's culture shock right there and then: How can anyone let a little rain stop them from going out, having fun and just relax. (And of course: who gives a sh#t about make-up in those situations? / If you are Dutch & like to paint your face, you own waterproof-stuff anyway, because of the climate.)

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

Yes, I know this situation. I decided not to go out again with ladies who need or want to do tons of make-up. "Natural" is so much more 'natural'.

[@sandersteman8800]

Haha

[@xPausje]

Great list! Your comments on Amsterdam are SO accurate. Whenever I'm in Amsterdam, I feel like I'm visiting a city in another country. It doesn't feel like the rest of The Netherlands at all. And the "busy social schedule" thing is more accurate for people living in the larger cities, but that probably goes for any country.

[@eva.866]

As a native, dutch person I can say this list is really accurate. Maybe don’t loose the spontaneous ‘you wanne hang out?’ thing though. Even if we can’t it’s still really nice to be asked and there are a lot of shy people that don’t dare to ask you. Just respect when they say they can’t and you’ll be fine!

[@TheEvertw]

The origin of the use of "Coffee Shop" is that when drugs first became legal to use, they were still illegal to sell. So a shop selling drugs needed some "official" product to sell to customers. They settled on coffee. At first, it was possible to go there and drink coffee, there were tables to sit etc. But you did get very strange looks when you went there just to get coffee.

[@davidgapp1457]

Being "fashionably late" is more of a British thing. As an American, especially if I'm prepping food, I expect you to be on time! If you arrive early, expect to lend a hand!

[@delangrijt]

Not completely true, I add 15 minutes to my time when meeting with dutch friends as they tend to be 15-20 minutes late. It even has a name ‘Brabants Kwartiertje’

[@DutchEdits010]

@@delangrijt surinaams kwartiertje wordt een uurtje of 2😆

[@theovanrossum8652]

I honestly don't know any Dutch person who gets "offended" by the term Holland but whenever I'm on social media I did notice how a lot of Dutch people look down on Amsterdam.

[@flyingp0tato341]

The best thing about Amsterdam, is the train to Rotterdam ;)

[@theovanrossum8652]

@@flyingp0tato341 Oh really? And what about the recent shootings over there hm?

[@TheReactor8]

Invites can mean you can come in later. It depends: if there is an activity or diner/lunch; 6pm means 6pm. But a birthday party is generally allowing 30min after 6pm. Coming earlier is generally not done.

[@essie23la]

if the party invitation says "vanaf 18:00" then you are welcome to arrive late, sure 18:00 would be fine but 19:00 and after woud be totally cool too

[@bararobberbaron859]

Exactly! The difference between 'Om', 'ongeveer om' & 'Vanaf' is everything here. 'Doktersafspraak *om* 9:00' means you show up at 8:50 at the latest. 'Het feestje begint ongeveer om 18:00' means you show up between 17:50 and 18:05. 'Ik vier mijn 20e verjaardag op Zaterdag, iedereen is welkom vanaf 19:00' means you show up between 19:00 and 20:30 (more than 90 minutes late is kind of not done, unless you have an appointment you had to keep that delays you).

[@Njx063]

​@@bararobberbaron859 eh ig you kinda let them know when you arrive but at my bday when we say "vanaf 15;00" some might show up at 7

[@towaritch]

A lot of partygoers here!

[@Paul_C]

The nice thing about having scheduled appointments is not only you know what you are supposed to do, but it negates finding an excuse for not having time for an annoying family member or others whom you need to steel yourself from meeting...

[@benbaartman7511]

Why would you meet up with an annoying family member anyway? Why need an excuse? Just say that you want/need time for yourself. An appointment with yourself is also an appointment ;)

[@user-jy3zl2vp4b]

Seems like "politely" avoiding those we don't want to see is worldly universal. And how to stay open to fun experiences that might spontaneously happen while also having time to yourself while also not leaving your calendar too empty and not have any plans. It is very tricky.

[@anaidodonata3752]

Never just go visit somebody spontaneously. Always call first.

[@LP640LP670]

The thing is about the bikelane is that its only in the city that busy, but in almost any other small town people use the bikelane (fietspad) to walk.

[@j.s.7335]

I'm American... It's such a difficult skill, and it takes a lot of energy, to learn how to be the right amount of late. Before I improved at this, I used to say "The party doesn't start till I walk in," which might sound self-important, but what I really meant is that I'd nearly always arrive first.

[@marks.6480]

Coffeeshops are called coffeeshops because one of the first places in Rusland street was indeed a coffeeshop and not a bar.

[@FreyaSomething]

Thank...you! Whenever someone finds out I am Dutch, most fellow travellers would tell me they went to Amsterdam once and/or they love it. To which my reply usually is that they haven't been to the Netherlands. Also... Holland. Ugh. I feel closer to my German neighbours than I do my countrymen in the west.

[@CosplayCinematics]

I went to Colorado a few years back, literally everyone wanted to know how I was doing. Being a pure Dutchman, it kinda threw me off, we just say "Hello" to the store clerks, like "we're not friends. I don't know you". But if store clerks in the USA say "How ya doing?" without asking, it simply means "Hello". Ah, that explains it... haha

[@renepeterse1884]

Indeed, amsterdam is not the netherlands. In fact, some of us refer to amsterdam by its telephone arealcode 020...

[@TheCaptainKim]

Nonsense, only Rotterdammers do this. It's a case of soccer jealousy because Amsterdam has the best team of Holland, Ajax.

[@meneeRubieko]

020 neee béter hé

[@chrisvanderhorst8391]

@@TheCaptainKim Football!! not soccer

[@m104skate4]

Thats kinda BS, loads of cities do that. 050 represents!

[@robinn121]

Yea thats for the house number but amsterdam dutch soo and they use it for soccer 020 and 010 is a thing here ( Amsterdam and rotterdam ) 020 is also a place code every place in the netherlands have a different number where i live is it 0228

[@OP-1000]

When someone invites you to diner in their house, I am usually very punctual. I mean, you do not want to mess up their “schedule”. If I am invited to a party, 15 minutes late is okay.

[@tyranitar007]

I actually do #8 all the time as a Dutchman myself. My friend often asks me on the evening itself if I want to hang with him and drink some beers, and I was usually available. Might be personal experience, otherwise, spot-on! :)

[@philipkern6774]

As a former US expat who lived in The Netherlands for two years, one other thing to be careful of is driving a car. NEVER block a bike lane unless it’s an emergency! Bikes have right of way in bike lanes, and many riders will jump off their bikes and let the bike hit your car. Not insignificant damage when you realize most Dutch bikes are pretty heavy. The only thing that has absolute right of way is a tram, but they’re not everywhere. Fond memories of living there and I still go back to visit.

[@NeoOnyx]

If showing up late, in the US, is normal, does that mean that your (American) boss doesn’t mind if you come to work 2 hrs late? Having to make a appointment to hang out with Dutch friends isn’t always because they have full schedules, sometimes it’s because Dutch ppl need the time to be mentally prepared to have ppl over 😊

[@pettylabelle7944]

Absolutely not haha! You can only show up late to casual hangouts. Business affairs, you actually should show up about 10-15 minutes early. We actually have a saying that in the business world, early = on time, and on time = late.

[@DeKattensite]

@@pettylabelle7944 How very confusing ;-) I'm glad I live in the Netherlands, where 'on time' actually means 'on time'. I think showing up late, even for casual meet-ups, is considered disrespectful in the Netherlands, apart from busy schedules.

[@pettylabelle7944]

@@DeKattensite haha I can see how it’d be confusing. What is considered “late” in the Netherlands? Here, I wouldn’t be upset if someone was a few minutes late, as long as they showed up within the first 10-15 minutes of our scheduled time. Beyond that, I’d find it rude if they didn’t apologize. This is the case for one on one meetups or small groups. With parties, like Ava said, its expected that people will show up 30 mins to an hour late.

[@CH-lg3st]

If with mentally prepared you mean cleaning your house you're right ;)

[@mariadebake5483]

@@pettylabelle7944 Late here is 5 minutes later

[@juliebrooke6099]

I noticed when in Eire that “how are you” is just a greeting not really a question. I think the expected reply is just to say”how are you” back.

[@Jeroen1983]

True, a bit like how in posh English circles the reply to "How do you do?" is "How do you do?" according to etiquette. Interestingly, in Irish, the customary greeting is "Dia dhuit." (God with you), to which the reply is "Dia is Muire dhuit." (God and Mary with you) and that doesn't necessarily have religious connotations.

[@mark_mkii7930]

I don't know if this has been said already, but I'm not gonna go through the effort of checking all 1000 comments. Anyway, if you're going to the Netherlands, prepare to be treated directly. In Dutch culture it is considered more important that someone gets the message than that someone feels good. So when someone does something wrong, it doesn't matter who they are, they will get called out. But, it is important to note that getting called out or someone disagreeing with you does not mean that people intent to offend you.

[@jankees4037]

In Australia they also say Hi, how are you and don't really ask for an answer, or get the standard "fine, thanks" back.

[@juliebrooke6099]

@@redfishswimming , I was just being specific because I don’t think it’s the same in Northern Ireland.

[@gustavthemagician]

I live in rural Ireland. It usually goes something like this: Paddy- How are you Mick? Mick- Not too bad, and yourself? P- Ah, the finest, not a worry on me. Looks like rain, doesn't it? M- Aye Patrick, sure does, maybe get a pint and sit it out, shall we? Saying hello can take some time in Ireland indeed. And whatever you do, don't ask for directions. "Go left at the crossroads where the accident was and then past Mulligans house and you'll be on the main road again." You will get lost because that accident actually happened at the T-junction at the other side of the town back in 1972, and Mulligan's house is just a overgrown ruin in a field somewhere, because Mulligan emigrated to America in 1874 and there has nobody been living there for over a century. It is a bit confusing.

[@sgarrisphotos]

I’m American, but I must have Dutch ancestors because most of these things mentioned in your video I totally agree with and implement in my life and home.

[@Joostmhw]

Taking a picture without consent from someone even in public has a lot harsher laws than the US. Don't take pictures of other people period

[@legomattie3295]

It is actually not allowed to consume alcohol in public in the netherlands. But when you drink in a park, beach or somethimg like that it will be tolorated, since the police has better things to do. Dont get drunknand misbehave though. You can get fined for being drunk in public. And dont walk around with drinks in public. It is simply not ok to do so.

[@disklamer]

Right, just because you don’t get shot, doesn’t mean it’s legal.

[@nadineoosterveer1080]

It depends on where you are, the rules for drinking in public vary per municipality. In Utrecht for example, drinking in public is not allowed in the city centre (with a 'gedoogbeleid' for park Lepelenburg), but outside of that area it is perfectly legal (as long as you're not drunk / disruptive).

[@disklamer]

@@nadineoosterveer1080 Good point, also when there is an explicit ban , there is often a sign: [No Alcohol] - when there is a sign up, they will uphold the rule and fine (80€ I think).

[@justboschma5047]

One of my wildest night i had in Amsterdam was with a beer in my hand over 15 minuten before throwing it away in a trashcan lol

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Here in Limburg #9 is a bit like in the US. Invited at 6pm is regarded from 6pm and on you're welcome. We also have "het Limburgs kwartiertje ".

[@ernestvanophuizen461]

Seconded! And here in Limburg, when you call someone a Hollander... let's say it's not a neutral term and leave it at that. :-)

[@SuperSuperinjunction]

@@ernestvanophuizen461 in exotic limbabwe?

[@Maura237]

I don't even know why they call it "Het *insert place* kwartiertje". You also have het Leids kwartiertje en het Veens kwartiertje. Zo heb je heel veel kwartiertjes die naar gelang de situatie wel of niet gelden

[@FloorerM]

Vergeet niet het Brabants kwartiertje ;)

[@Vanoux2007]

...and the world famous "Drents kwartiertje" over here 😂 👍

[@chrisdaigle5410]

We rented bikes from Tulip Cycling to do a multi day tour of Netherlands. We agreed to meet at a train stop just out of town. You could have set your watch by their arrival to-the-very-second of the correct time.

[@anouk5181]

For the people that could get confused, you can walk on the biking lane IF there is no sidewalk. Also about the being on time, it depends on the situation. A birthday party you can come whenever you want, but with a social gathering with friends you are usually expected to be there in the same half hour, if not even in the first 15 minutes. It also really depends on the person whenever they can meet up the same day. Sometimes they got nothing to do and they can the same day you ask them, but often they made plans weeks ago with someone else and they can't meet up with you. It's not always the case they got plans, but they usually like to have at least one day in the weekend (or just their free days) to do nothing. Sit on the couch, not getting ready and just have their own day without any social interactions from outside their household. I talk about 'them', but I'm dutch myself so don't come at me

[@pam2560]

I have actually gotten a €95 fine for walking around with a drink that contained 3% alcohol while being completely quiet and sober. Don’t try that.

[@henrischutte1661]

Marihuana used to be sold under the counter of bars when the "gedoogbeleid" was first executed in the seventies. (Gedogen means tolerate it was never legalized). One of the restrictions was you only could sell marihuana if you didn't sell alcohol. So that is why marihuana traditionally is sold in coffeeshops in the Netherlands.

[@33lex55]

Yes, in the seventies, I went to a coffeeshop to get coffee. And, indeed, weed was also sold there, in the back. It's like with 'cafe'; that stood for coffee, originally, but it evolved into a bar, where you MIGHT also get a cuppa.

[@wadafjewadervy]

"Gedogen" means tolerated by law. It is not the same as someone tolerates people smoking weed or what so ever next to me on the tram for example - that is tolereren

[@maartenc6099]

"gedogen" means the law will turn a blind eye as long as it is not a problem. As soon as is it causing a problem you have done something illegal.

[@sarafreitas4955]

I have a question: if you are speaking dutch do you also call it a coffee shop? And how should I call a cafe in Dutch?

[@33lex55]

@@sarafreitas4955 Basically, it's just the same. Only cafe is pronounced like the French do. (with an accent on the 'e' - unfortunately, my keyboard does not support accents).

[@hannofranz7973]

The first thing I learnt in a Dutch learning video was "Hoe gaat het met jouw/uw? The first thing I learnt in a Dutch culture video was that you only ask this a good friend.

[@andressadias9401]

I’m going next year! Really excited for this trip, thanks for all the tips. Here in Brazil you can come one hour later to a party, that’s what we usually do 😂

[@mathilde5928]

You shouldn’t refer to the Netherlands as the kingdom of the Netherlands if you mean only country of the Netherlands. Just like the UK the kingdom of the Netherlands consists out of 4 constituent countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint maarten.

[@stefangrobbink7760]

Wait, does the Netherlands include Bonaire, Saba and that other S-island of which I cannot recall the name?

[@mathilde5928]

@@stefangrobbink7760 yes Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius are special municipality’s of the Netherlands, they are directly under the control of the Hague.

[@Grunn007]

Again great video. About being on time, it depends what occasion you are invited to. If it's a diner appointment yep, you are supposed to be on time. At a birthday party however, you can come an hour later or so. On work appointments however, you are expected to be always on time. But al the other things are spot on like always.

[@googlypal]

Thank you, I actually learned a lot about American thinking! 😄

[@ReneSchickbauer]

I live in a different country in Europe (Austria), but here it's also customary to ask a week or so in advance (depends a bit on the person). This is also true when asking a person you KNOW has nothing planned for the weekend. They might just like to hang out alone in their garden or working on their hobby project after a busy week at work.

[@LunaJo67WDHTMJ]

I do always say : "Alles goed?" which I think is about the same as your "How are you." :) And I also don't really expect a long answer back.

[@dennyrulos4847]

Eens :)

[@chrisvanderhorst8391]

dan ben je gewoon anders gebouwd lmao

[@benvincent7]

So annoying when people asks "alles goed?" And nothing espects back. Just do not ask then. It only comunicates for me a fake prentending to have intrests in the other person.

[@qwertyuiopzxcfgh]

You don't expect a _long_ answer back, but you'd at least expect a "ja, met jou?" or something similar. In the US, "hey man, long time no see" would be a valid response to "how are you?". It doesn't even get treated as a question.

[@jankees4037]

When you are real Dutch you say "hoestie".

[@ScrapDMX]

The Dutch version of how are you doing? is "Alles goed?" (colloquial, to someone you already know) As response you can just nod or say yes and ask "Jij?" or Met met jou?" It can be translated into Are you allright? but to me that sounds more like "Gaat het wel goed met je?" which is asking if there is a more immediate problem. Maybe you can you do a video on dutch words, names and proverbs and such you find weird or funny?

[@ex0stasis72]

I love that the Dutch have their schedules full of social activities. As an American, I never do anything social because I assume that everyone else I know just wants to be left alone, and/or I feel it's too much to ask for them to pencil me in for a social event a week or more in advance. That's because, in the US, people don't plan that far out. So, it would be like me asking acquaintances to keep me in mind 24/7 for spontaneous events.

[@frankhooper7871]

And to further complicate things, Holland can also refer to an area in Lincolnshire, England and a town (Holland-on-Sea) in Essex, England.

[@lindabroer8995]

One pet peeve of mine: just assuming all Dutch speak English and should be able to understand you. Yes, the younger generations have learned English at school but the older people don't know English. So many will understand you, but not everyone. Learning Dutch is a good idea if you plan to spend a couple of years here.

[@veronikakrilova1177]

I have actually had almost the opposite experience,where many older people understand english better than the young ones,more so in grocery shops.Not saying that the young ones don't,they for sure do but I guess it's just how it goes everywhere in the world,some learn languages better than others

[@veronikakrilova1177]

@Daan Made in Holland I'm just speaking from my experience in my region,let's not forget that 😊 I had situations where older people have had to translate what I asked to younger people,most of the people I have met,the older are more easy to speak english to,not saying that I haven't met young people that speak english great,but for me it's minority here,however on a day to day basis I do encounter more older people than young so that may be the reason 😁

[@veronikakrilova1177]

Plus I did not say old people above 50 but older than me,so 30-50 😉

[@veronikakrilova1177]

@Daan Made in Holland Well I live not far from Amsterdam and have switched three cities during my stay here,that's why I can say that I have had this experience 🙂 Have had possibility to be in cities near Belgium a lot and can say that older people also speak good english there,not everyone but for me that was normal since this is the Netherlands and people don't have to speak english perfectly.

[@veronikakrilova1177]

@Daan Made in Holland But I do speak english still mostly when I need something and if I don't understand what they say to me and literally older people switch so fast,that it even is shocking for me.

[@nathanael5898]

Btw; don't know who your friends are, but mine are always available when I ask them out on a saturday or even often on other days as well :P

[@Beemergirl89]

I have relatives there and I think you have cover the most important subjects. Bicycles and public transportation are widely used to get around.

[@brucelansberg5485]

2:23 "The other option is referring to the country by its full name which is The Kingdom of The Netherlands". Unfortunately that is incorrect. The Kingdom of The Netherlands includes the countries of Aruba, Curacao and St Maarten. About point 9, be there at 6 when you're invited at 6, I do not recognize that, unless you have agreed to travel together or to meet for a show or something. But when I host a party, I would say you're welcome "as of 6" and expect people to drop in up to 8 for sure. The rest of your video is pretty accurate as far as I'm concerned.