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Salaries in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch wages

Thinking of taking a job in the Netherlands? Good for you, thatโ€™s a courageous move and I’m proud โ€” now letโ€™s get down to business and talk about Dutch salaries.

Did you know that the Netherlands boasts the second-highest net earnings in Europe? Yep, thatโ€™s a real advantage of life here.

However, before your eyes turn to โ‚ฌ signs and you sign that contract, there are a number of important things you need to know about salaries in the Netherlands.

Take it from someone who has lived and worked here for the past 7 years.

Looking to make the most of your Dutch salary? Open an account with ING โ€” one of the most international-friendly banks in the Netherlands. Even better? If you refer a friend through INGโ€™s “Members Get Members promotion”, youโ€™ll both receive a reward of โ‚ฌ50. Saving your hard-earned salary in the Netherlands just got easier. Refer a friend now. ๐Ÿ’ธ

Salaries in the Netherlands 

While the Netherlands may rank as one of the best-paying countries in the world, itโ€™s important to note that the amount that you get paid, of course, depends on the type of wage you are receiving.

Letโ€™s start with discussing wages in the Netherlands. 

photo-of-women-earning-Dutch-salaries-in-the-Netherlands-at-work
So, how much can you expect to earn in the Netherlands in 2025? Image: Freepik

Whatโ€™s the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2025? 

What may be a surprise to some is that the minimum wage in the Netherlands actually varies based on your age.

As of July 1 2025, the hourly minimum wage for a person over the age of 21 in the Netherlands has risen to โ‚ฌ14.40 before tax. However, if you are under 21, your wage will be slightly different:

AgeMinimum wage per hour
21 and older โ‚ฌ14.40
20 years oldโ‚ฌ11.52
19 years old โ‚ฌ8.64
18 years oldโ‚ฌ7.20
17 years oldโ‚ฌ5.69
16 years oldโ‚ฌ4.97
15 years oldโ‚ฌ4.32

Whatโ€™s the average salary in the Netherlands in 2025?

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, in 2025, the average annual salary is expected to rise to โ‚ฌ46,500 including holiday pay.

This brings the average gross monthly income to โ‚ฌ3,875. Once taxes are deducted, the average take-home pay becomes between โ‚ฌ2,800 and โ‚ฌ3,100 per month (depending on whether or not you receive toeslagen etc.)

READ MORE | Toeslagen? Everything you should know about government allowances in the Netherlands [2025 guide]

However, life is often, well, not average โ€” and the same goes for your salary. Depending on your job, your salary is going to be higher or lower than this number. 

Inflation and Dutch salaries in 2025

The past few years have seen the cost of living in the Netherlands skyrocket to new heights. In 2024, inflation rose to 3.3% according to the CBS โ€” and a similar rise has been seen in 2025 so far.

As of May 2025, the cost of consumer goods and services was 3.3% more expensive than last year. On top of this, researchers forecast that the average family in the Netherlands will spend an extra โ‚ฌ500 on fixed costs in 2025.

With all this in mind, many of us could do with a pay raise in 2025.

photo-of-woman-in-supermarket-dealing-with-inflation-and-how-it-affects-her-salary-in-the-Netherlands
Inflation plays an important role in how your salary in the Netherlands will develop. Image: Freepik

Thankfully, as we have seen, the Dutch government addressed this by raising the minimum wage โ€” but what can we expect in 2025?

Well, according to the Central Planning Bureau, in the first quarter of 2025, the average wage rose by 4.7% in the government sector, 4.9% in subsidised institutions and 5.6% in private companies.

READ MORE | โ€‹โ€‹The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2025

And according to the European Commission, nominal wage growth is expected to reach 5.1% in 2025 โ€” in other words, wages are forecast to continue to rise.

In fact, those of us who earn the average monthly salary are expected to receive roughly โ‚ฌ56 extra per month in net pay. This is due to the fact that the Dutch government has introduced a new tax bracket in 2025.

READ MORE | The 30% ruling in the Netherlands: The easy guide in 2025

Instead of two tax brackets, there are now three. This adjustment means that everyone on an average salary can keep a little bit more money this year. The same goes for full-time minimum wage earners, who will receive roughly โ‚ฌ58 extra per month this year.

Moral of the story: while inflation is rising, so is your salary.

Whatโ€™s the difference between bruto salaris and netto salaris

Once youโ€™ve dressed to impress and knocked the socks off your Dutch employers during your interview, you will be offered a salary. 

But before you get too excited about the numbers, you will be hearing two different figures: these will be your gross (bruto) and net (netto) salary โ€” and itโ€™s important you know the difference! 

photo-of-employer-and-employee-sitting-at-desk-discussing-dutch-work-contract-and-Dutch-salary-in-the-Netherlands
When discussing your Dutch salary, make sure you understand the difference between bruto and netto. Image: Freepik

What is Bruto salaris in the Netherlands? 

One will be the amount that you will get paid before tax and other deductions โ€” this is your bruto salaris and you wonโ€™t get to keep it all

What is Netto salaris in the Netherlands? 

Netto salaris represents the money you get to keep after tax and all other deductions.

Picture one of those cycle bins that catch cyclistsโ€™ rubbish as they zoom by. Ok great, now think of your netto salaris as how much money actually hits the back of the net and lands in your bank account. 

TIP: Itโ€™s important when discussing your salary that you are certain of how much Netto salary you are going to receive.ย The salary that your employer offers may be the figure before deductions such as tax, benefits, and your pension are taken โ€” be sure to clarify this!ย 

How much of your salary will be taxed in the Netherlands? 

Now, after all that talk of netto and bruto salaries, youโ€™re probably wondering just how big a bite the Dutch tax system will take out of your wages. 

As we established above, in the Netherlands, there are three different tax brackets in 2025. Depending on your home and work income, you will be taxed a certain percentage. Letโ€™s lay them out for you. 

TAXABLE INCOME OF: TAX RATE
Earn up to โ‚ฌ38,44135.82%
Earn between โ‚ฌ38,441 and โ‚ฌ76,81737.48%
Earn above โ‚ฌ76,81749.50%

Whatโ€™s included in your Dutch salary? 

Yes, taxation is high in the Netherlands โ€” but being employed in the Netherlands also has its perks โ€” namely, a number of benefits. 

photo-of-woman-looking-at-layout-of-Dutch-salary-on-work-contract-in-Netherlands
There are many things included in your Dutch salary. Image: Freepik

Holiday pay (vakantiegeld)  

In the Netherlands, you will receive at least 8% of your gross wage in holiday pay.

Employers will usually pay this to you as a lump sum between May and June, however, it can also be distributed a little at a time each month, depending on your contract. 

Note: If you are an intern, a freelancer, or earn three times the Dutch minimum wage, you are not eligible for holiday pay in the Netherlands.ย 

โ€˜The 13th monthโ€™ 

In any job, there is always the chance that you may receive a bonus. But in the Netherlands, some companies offer what has been coined the โ€˜13th monthโ€™ under certain contracts (spoiler: the better ones.)  

If your salary includes a โ€˜13th monthโ€™, then you will essentially receive an extra monthโ€™s pay! It is usually given before the holiday period in November or December and also equals to 8.33% of an employeeโ€™s salary. 

Sick leave

In the Netherlands, most work contracts will also cover you for sick leave. Under Dutch law, your employer should pay you 70% of your wages if you are sick during your contract. 

If you are sick for a long period of time, you donโ€™t have to worry about your employer dropping you. In fact, under Dutch law, an employer should pay sick leave for up to 104 weeks of sickness. 

New job, new salary โ€” now you need a solid Dutch bank. ING makes it easy for internationals to manage their money. And who knows, perhaps you can use their Members Get Members promo to refer one of your new colleagues and earn you both an extra โ‚ฌ50. Thatโ€™s a win for your wallet and your network. ๐Ÿ’ฐ

A great work-life balance 

Ok, this is not exactly a monetary benefit that can be found in your Dutch salary โ€” but itโ€™s certainly a benefit that I enjoy. In the Netherlands, a good work-life balance is highly valued.

READ MORE | The work-life balance in the Netherlands is the best in the world

This means that youโ€™re not expected to bring your work home with you โ€œas part of the company cultureโ€, and it’s great.

How to understand your Dutch payslip

Once you have found yourself a job and a salary to go with it, you may need a hand understanding that pesky payslip! And we donโ€™t blame you. As an international in the Netherlands, it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Luckily, weโ€™ve broken down all that difficult vocab for you. ๐Ÿ˜‰ 

DUTCHENGLISH
Salaris PeriodePeriod of pay
PersoneelsnummerEmployee number
BSNDutch social security number
GeboortedatumDate of birth
Afdeling/FunctieomschrijvingJob role
Anciรซnniteitsdatum/Datum in dienstDate you started your employment
Salaris/uurloonGross salary (before tax)
MinimumloonMinimum wage
Verzekerd voor WW/WiA/ZW/ZvwSocial security you contribute to
Bijz. tarief/heffingskorting (ja/nee)Tax rate (percentage)/general tax credit (yes or no)
Gewerkte urenHours worked
Sociale verzekeringen (SV)Social security contributions
ReiskostenvergoedingTransport reimbursement cost
Totaal NettoNet salary after everything โ€” what you receive in your bank account
VakantiegeldHoliday leave

All caught up on your Nederlands? Weโ€™re proud of you. Now thereโ€™s only one thing left to do: sign the dotted line and get your geld.

How have you experienced working in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Booking.com to lay off hundreds of employees in the Netherlands

A Booking.com spokesperson has confirmed to NU.nl that the company will be laying off “more than two hundred and fewer than a thousand” people in the Netherlands.

This development comes after Booking.com’s parent company announced in November that it planned to reduce its workforce.

Roughly a thousand jobs are at risk overall, hundreds of which are expected to be lost in the Netherlands.

Booking.com employs no less than 7,000 people in Amsterdam, many of them internationals.

Profits are fine, but there will be job losses

However, this move doesn’t come due to dwindling profits. In fact, parent company Booking Holdings saw its profits increase by 37% last year, enjoying โ‚ฌ5 billion in net profit.

READ MORE | If youโ€™ve ever booked through Booking.com, you might be owed money

Nope, money isn’t the issue. According to the spokesperson, the platform wants to operate more efficiently. ๐Ÿ™„

“We don’t want so many layers in the organisation anymore,” the spokesperson tells NU.nl. “Our people manage the work of other managers. It’s become too bureaucratic.”

How many jobs will be lost exactly?

While the spokesperson confirms that the reorganisation will “certainly have an impact”, aside from a margin between 200 and 1000, they don’t give any specific number for how many jobs will be lost in the Netherlands.

They say the company is “in the middle of the process”, and more will be known in a few weeks.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup ๐Ÿ“ฎ

NS train tickets are expected to get 9% more expensive next year

Brace yourselves, train travellers: Dutch train tickets are set to become noticeably pricier again in 2026. ๐Ÿ’ธ

After years of delayed hikes and government bailouts, an expected fare increase for NS tickets is now back on track.

According to the NOS, NS passengers can expect a fare increase of between 6% and 9% in 2026. The exact figure? We’ll find out in the autumn.

Inflation strikes back

Train fares in the Netherlands are tied to inflation, and with recent inflation through the roof, increases were inevitable.

A 6.5% increase planned for 2024 was pushed back after Parliament found โ‚ฌ120 million to cover it.

Then, in early 2025, another sharp rise of over 11% was reduced to just 6% thanks to last-minute funding from both the government and NS.

But those fixes were only temporary. Each delay kicked the problem further down the track, and now the bill has arrived. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

A smaller increase than initially planned

The initial proposal was for fares to increase by 12% in 2026.

The slight drop in the planned increase comes after NS agreed to cut costs by maintaining trains more efficiently and scrapping the youth day pass.

However, 9% is still a hefty bump for commuters already paying plenty. ๐Ÿ’ธ

The NS had hoped for some extra funding from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, but, as the carrier said in a press release, “Unfortunately, the cabinet has not opted for that.”

In a letter to parliament, Outgoing State Secretary Thierry Aartsen says “Weโ€™ve done everything we can to limit price increases for travellers. But we also have to be honest: everything is getting more expensive, and financial resources are limited.”

No more fare games

One reason the ministry is moving forward with the increase is to restore stability. “The cabinet does not consider it desirable to have this discussion every year,” Aartsen says in the letter. “Both passengers and NS are entitled to structural clarity.”

But not everyoneโ€™s on board. Freek Bos, director of the Rover Passenger Association, calls the hike “unjustifiable” in a press release.

He warns, ”More expensive tickets mean another step towards fewer passengers for public transport as a whole.”

Is this a step toward long-term stability or just another way to squeeze commuters? Drop your take in the comments โ€” we’re all ears.๐Ÿง

Teacher stabbed during elementary school musical in South Holland

A 53-year-old teacher has been left seriously injured after being stabbed in a fight that broke out during an eighth-grade school musical performance in the South Holland town of Alblasserdam.

The NOS reports that the teacher was likely trying to calm down a fight that broke out between three people when he was stabbed.

According to police, the man from Dordrecht was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

During an end-of-year musical

The fight broke out at around 8:40 PM last night during an end-of-year school musical performance given by eighth-grade school students.

Witnesses tell Rijnmond that the parents had been arguing for some time before things escalated. However, the exact topic of the argument is not known.

Other witnesses describe the victim as a kind man, saying, “We find it very sad. He was only trying to do what was right.”

Three men have now been arrested. Children and parents who witnessed the stabbing are receiving help from Victim Support.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup ๐Ÿ“ฎ

KLM just landed in the top 10 worst European airlines list (and are we surprised?)

Turns out, offering dry cheese sandwiches won’t save you from touching down on the list of worst European airlines. Actually, it might just be what lands you there.

According to a comprehensive evaluation by Flightright, KLM is the fifth-worst airline in 2025.

And no, this isn’t simply based on how many people were seen frowning as they stepped off a flight.

How did they measure this?

Flightright carried out its evaluation based on three factors: reliability, payment behaviour, and customer satisfaction.

In order to measure reliability, Flightright looked at airlines’ delay and cancellation figures. Seeing as KLM has recently been battling with its ground staff to prevent strikes, this doesn’t bode well.

When determining payment behaviour, the evaluation looked at how quickly airlines compensated their customers after facing cancellation or delay.

READ MORE | โ‚ฌ6 for a cheese sandwich: Your KLM flight might be about to get more expensive onboard

Flightright then surveyed its customers using seven questions to measure customer satisfaction with each airline.

Each of the three factors was scored out of five stars, and the results were used to compile an index of Europe’s 20 worst airlines.

Just how bad was it?

And how did KLM perform? Much like their slightly soggy in-flight snacks: lukewarm.

The airline achieved two stars out of five for reliability, four stars out of five for its payment behaviour, but an average of 2.15 stars for customer satisfaction โ€” landing it with an overall score of 2.72.

Turns out charging high prices doesn’t necessarily mean offering high-quality service. Even an occasional royal pilot can’t save their ratings.

Are you surprised by this rating โ€” or not at all? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

An IB diploma with an edge: How Rotterdamโ€™s Nord Anglia International School revolutionises learning

When it comes to your childโ€™s education, a powerful diploma can ensure a seamless journey to university and fast-track their progress up the career ladder. The premier choice? A Power of Three Sciences International Baccalaureate! ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸŽ“

As one of the Netherlandsโ€™ best international schools, Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) is committed to giving your child the best possible headstart. ๐Ÿ‘‡

Their Power of Three Sciences track, for example, offers ambitious students the opportunity to delve into three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) within an IB diploma programme โ€” perfect for budding doctors or scientists.

Whatโ€™s an IB diploma โ€” and why should you care?

In simple terms, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a world-renowned programme for developing studentsโ€™ proficiency across a range of skills and disciplines.

However, the dynamic nature of an IB programme means that students donโ€™t simply pass a few exams and call it a day. Aimed at teenagers aged 16-19, these courses foster strong communication, competent problem-solving and research skills, and a powerful dash of creativity.

Okรฉ, that sounds wonderfulโ€ฆ but what does it really mean for your child? ๐Ÿค”

To answer that question, youโ€™ve got to look at what an IB diploma programme is designed to do: offer a solid educational foundation, with transferable skills thatโ€™ll come in handy when attending university.

teacher-interacting-with-international-high-school-students-nord-anglia-rotterdam
Your child isn’t just memorising information, they’re building the skills they’ll need at university. Image: Paul Pacey/Supplied

This focus on development gives many IB students a leg up at some of the most prestigious universities in the world. (Think: Oxbridge and the Ivy League!)

And, even if youโ€™re not aiming quite so high, almost all of Nord Angliaโ€™s graduates get accepted to their first-choice university.

How Nord Angliaโ€™s IB programme fast-tracks a university and career journey

While an IB diploma is already an impressive asset to have in oneโ€™s toolbelt, Nord Anglia kicks things up several notches with their advanced Three Science track.

Intended for students with a keen interest in the sciences, this programme allows them to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses.

What makes this so special, you might ask? Well, due to the demanding nature of IB science courses and their weighty study load, most schools only permit students to study two science courses.

READ MORE | This international school works with MIT and UNICEF: Meet Nord Anglia

At Nord Anglia, however, students have the option of tackling three science subjects. In addition to the school requiring special permission from the IB, this means that NAISR students will graduate with:

  • Proof of a strong academic performance, especially in science and mathematics
  • The discipline to manage a heavy course load
  • A passion for science, with a clear goal in mind for their university degree

In the words of Bradley Gooding, IB coordinator at NAISR: โ€œTaking three sciences in the IB is a bold choice โ€” itโ€™s for ambitious students with clear university goals, strong academic ability, and the resilience to manage a demanding workload. Itโ€™s not for everyone, but for the right student, it opens doors.โ€

You can think of this as the academic equivalent of learning tennis from Serena Williams. Sure, it wonโ€™t be easy, but your child will be leaps and bounds ahead of most kids their age. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Good to know: While an IB diploma programme can be challenging, Nord Anglia has maintained a 100% pass rate since 2021.

Continuous innovation and progress are key

Make no mistake, this school doesnโ€™t rest on its laurels. Nord Angliaโ€™s infrastructure is continuously improving โ€” much like the changing faces of technology and medicine, which many students later choose to specialise in.

It’s why the school has now been accredited to offer the IB Careers Programme, an innovative track blending academic rigour with real-world experience. Whether a pupil wants to delve into the intricacies of business, technology, or the arts, this track is the perfect choice for building practical, hands-on skills.

And to help students achieve these goals, NAISR has embarked on two major renovation projects: a snazzy new classroom and two state-of-the-art laboratories.

Both labs are high-tech spaces that will resemble the university labs in which gifted alumni can expect to work.

READ MORE | A small school with a big heart: Meet Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam

In education terms, this means conducting more advanced experiments, developing skills in new techniques, and gaining greater confidence in working in a lab setting.

โ€œDoing three sciences in IB is demanding but worth it,โ€ says Ethan, a Year 13 student. โ€œI’m doing this because it’s required to study medicine in the Netherlands.โ€

Like Ethan, your child wonโ€™t just don a lab coat and play at being a scientist. Theyโ€™ll be made to think like a real researcher, which is vital for IB students with an eye on their future career.

Donโ€™t just trust us, book a tour of the school!

Still wondering if Nord Anglia is the perfect fit for your kid? Whether you want to learn more about the IB diploma programme at NAISR, book an admissions meeting, or just check out the campus, the school can organise a private tour just for you.

Plus, Nord Anglia also provides Virtual Open Days and Virtual Discovery Meetings for those who can’t be there in person.

teacher-instructing-nord-anglia-rotterdam-students-during-an-open-day
Keen to see just what sets this school apart from the rest? They organise frequent open days, perfect for a behind-the-scenes peek at how things function at NAISR. Image: Lambert de Jong/Supplied

Should you choose to be there in person (or virtually), visiting the school will give you a behind-the-scenes look at:

  • Daily student life on campus
  • How the schoolโ€™s award-winning curricula are taught
  • The schoolโ€™s facilities (and how these foster growth both in and out of the classroom!)

In addition to this, youโ€™ll be able to pose your burning questions to the Principal, Head of School, or a specialist teacher.


With universities raising their requirements and employers seeking intelligent, out-of-the-box thinkers, a standard secondary school diploma may not be impressive enough on its own.

A Three Science IB diploma from Nord Anglia Rotterdam, on the other hand? Now, thatโ€™s something a university admissions office canโ€™t ignore.

To learn more about NAISR or organise a private tour of the school, reach out to the team via the contact page on their website.

Are you considering a Three Science IB diploma for your child, or have you followed one yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Want to rent a home in the Netherlands? You’ll now need to make over โ‚ฌ5,000 a month

Looking for a rental in the Netherlands these days? You might want to stretch first. Not just your legs, but your patience, your budget, and probably your CV. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

The latest Pararius Rental Report reads less like a housing update and more like a plot twist in a dystopian drama.

Let’s dig in! ๐Ÿ‘‡

Starting with the big one: Competition

The number of available rental homes dropped by more than a third compared to last year. Only about 12,744 properties made it to the market, which means every new listing was basically swarmed.

READ MORE | Itโ€™s becoming even harder to rent a student room in the Netherlands

On average, each one got 57 responses. Thatโ€™s right, 57 people eyeing the same flat, probably while writing heartfelt letters to landlords and attaching their LinkedIn profiles for good measure.

And if you do spot a listing, better act fast: homes now stay online for just 18 days on average. Blink, and that studio with a shower over the toilet and โ€œcreative storage solutionsโ€ is gone.

Yes, you’ll need to earn a lot

Now, brace yourself for the financial part. The average monthly rent in the Netherlands has hit โ‚ฌ1,830.

To comfortably afford that, youโ€™ll need to earn a gross salary of around โ‚ฌ5,490 per month.ย 

Thatโ€™s โ‚ฌ800 more than you’d need just a year ago. So yes, your rent has probably gone up more than your salary, and possibly your serotonin levels.

The average monthly rental price per square metre has also jumped past the โ‚ฌ20 mark for the first time, because apparently, walls are the new luxury. ๐Ÿ™„

No more “low” rents

If you’re hunting in the so-called โ€œlowerโ€ rental bracket of โ‚ฌ1,185โ€“โ‚ฌ1,500, you’re not alone. That slice of the market is being hunted down with gusto, attracting 35% of all tenant interest. 

Even the luxury pads over โ‚ฌ2,000 are getting more attention, because desperate times call for very expensive measures.

Meanwhile, every province is joining the rent-hike party. Amsterdam is still the MVP of โ€œmost expensiveโ€ with new tenants paying โ‚ฌ27.91 per square metre per month, but itโ€™s got some tough competition.

These are some of the most expensive Dutch cities for renters in 2025. ๐Ÿ‘‡

CityMonthly price per square metre
Amstelveenโ‚ฌ23.38
Bussumโ‚ฌ22.65
Haarlemโ‚ฌ21.66
Rotterdamโ‚ฌ21.52
The Hague โ‚ฌ21.34
Utrechtโ‚ฌ21.60
Eindhoven โ‚ฌ18.38

Provinces are also seeing jumps in price, with the largest bump of 16.7% recorded in Drenthe.

So yes, welcome to 2025: where finding a rental is a full-time job, affordability is a myth, and the only thing moving faster than housing prices is your growing sense of disbelief. Happy hunting!

Should earning โ‚ฌ5,000 a month be the new baseline just to rent in the Netherlands, or has the housing market completely lost the plot? Let us know what you think in the comments! ๐Ÿ‘‡

Summer heat returns: Expect highs of 30 degrees in the Netherlands this weekend

Dutch skies are throwing everything our way this week, with sunshine, showers, and sizzling temperatures all packed into one forecast. ๐ŸŒง๏ธ๐ŸŒž

It’s time to pack your umbrella and stock up on some ijsjes, with Weeronline predicting moody showers and tropical temperatures.

Here’s what the Netherlands can expect over the coming days. ๐Ÿ‘‡ 

Wednesday brings typical, rainy Dutch weather

Today (July 16), you’ll want to prepare for plenty of clouds and scattered showers, especially inland, where some might come with a dramatic thunderclap or two. ๐Ÿ‘€

The sun might peek through the clouds briefly, but donโ€™t hold your breath.

By the afternoon, things will start to improve from the west, while central and eastern regions may still catch a few heavy showers.

READ MORE | Best beaches in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch beaches

Sunny spells in the west will be accompanied by temperatures between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius and a moderate wind. Living near the coast? Try not to get blown away, as you’ll get the full force of the wind. ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ

Come evening, most of the country will be dry, though a few showers could linger in the east.

Overnight, skies will clear across much of the country and winds will ease. Temperatures, meanwhile, will fall to 11 degrees inland and 15 degrees along the coast. ๐ŸŒ™

Thursday will be grey in the northeast, golden in the south

Thursday is expected to be a mixed bag. ๐Ÿ‘€

The north and east of the country will see some clouds and a few leftover showers through the early afternoon. Lucky ducks in the south, however, will get to enjoy some sweet summer sunshine.

Thursday will also be somewhat warmer, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 20 degrees in the north, and up to 25 degrees in the sunny southwest.

Winds from the northwest will calm as the day goes on. Things are improving, at least for now. ๐Ÿ˜

Friday and beyond? Get ready for summer heat

Expect sun from morning to evening this Friday, with barely a breeze to mess with your hair. ๐Ÿ’

Temperatures will climb to 25 to 27 degrees across much of the country, with the coast and north a bit cooler but still pleasant.

Saturday will turn up the heat even higher. The south could hit 30 degrees, and it will feel more humid. (Hello, sticky skin and frizzy hair!)

But don’t get too cosy, because Saturday evening might see heavy showers or thunderstorms roll in, especially in the southwest.

Sunday stays warm, but rain and thunder could arrive to gently cool things down. After the weekend, expect cooler and more unpredictable weather ahead. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

Which weather mood are you hoping for: calm sunshine or stormy drama? Let us know in the comments. ๐Ÿ’ฌ

Dutch Quirk #91: Live their lives for the borrel at the end of the week

A country where washing the stresses of a work week away with some drinks is a social event? Letโ€™s just say Netherlands: 1 World: 0ย ๐Ÿฅณ

The Dutch have seemingly mastered the art of winding down after a long week at work or university, and no… it’s not by turning your mobile on DND and crashing out on the couch.

In fact, thereโ€™s even a special term for it.ย (No, weโ€™re not having you on! ๐Ÿ˜‚)

What is it?

Say hello to the vrijmibo or vrijdagmiddagborrel (Friday afternoon borrel).

A borrel refers to an informal meet-up to have a few drinks and socialise with friends or acquaintances.

If, like us at DutchReview, you work for a Dutch company, you may even be familiar with the werkborrel.

This involves some well-deserved after-work time with your boss and colleagues, where you can all sit back and unwind with some drinks. Proost! ๐Ÿป

More often than not, a borrel isn’t complete without a full complement of borrelhapjes (borrel snacks).

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #32: Eat a lot of very questionable snack food

Thereโ€™s generally a little something for everyone. You can be a cheese fanatic who craves the tangy crispness of kaasstengels, or the molten core of kaassouflรฉs.ย 

Or you can savour the warmth of bitterballen dipped in spicy mustard, washed down with a cold beer. ๐Ÿ˜‹

Not into cheese or meat? Donโ€™t worry, because patatjes met mayo (chips with mayonnaise) is simple, but hard to beat.

Why do they do it?

Hey, it’s hard work reclaiming all that land from the sea. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Once Friday rolls around, many Nederlanders up and down the country look forward to een gezellige borrel (a nice, sociable borrel) to wash down their week.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #99: Drink beer like itโ€™s a national sport

Like wearing enough orange to be spotted by the International Space Station during national holidays, itโ€™s one of those stereotypically Dutch things. And we have to say, we internationals are big fans.

Why is it quirky? 

If, like the writer, you come from a culture with a rather rigid work hierarchy, then the sight of your boss cracking open a cold one and letting loose with you and your co-workers might seem rather odd at first.

However, once you’ve been converted, it’s a great way to socialise with your coworkers. (Not to mention how fun planning a borrel can be with your friends.)

And hey, even if it takes some getting used to, thereโ€™s your excuse to try it over, and over, and over again! ๐Ÿ‘

Should you join in? 

Definitely! If youโ€™re in the Netherlands, then you absolutely canโ€™t miss out on experiencing this Dutch quirk.

Crack open a cold one, grab some bitterballen, and tell your colleagues about that one time you nearly died walking down a bike path.

READ MORE | 19 super annoying things internationals do in the Netherlands

Itโ€™ll break the ice and give the lot of you something to laugh about. Win-win! ๐Ÿ™Œ

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

11 things you should NOT do in the Netherlands

When moving to the Netherlands, there’s a bunch of things you should most definitely do โ€” like eat a stroopwafel, see a windmill, or ride a bike. However, there are also quite a few things on the “no way” list.

The good thing is that the Dutch are quite direct, which makes it easy to know when you’ve misstepped โ€” no need to think of ulterior motives or extrapolate detailed scenarios in your head. If they say it, they mean it, and if they mean it, they say it. ๐Ÿ˜‰

But there are certain things which tick these tall people off and should be avoided at all costsโ€ฆunless you want a piece of Dutch boosheid (anger). 

1. Forget flaunting (forever)

The Dutch are simple and modest people. Exorbitant displays of anything from wealth and status to business and education are frowned upon.

This links to their emphasis on conformity rather than standing out (and slightly explains why most houses look the same).

photo-of-identical-looking-row-of-dutch-houses
You might get dรฉjร  vu walking around the Dutch streets with their rows of identical houses. Image: Depositphotos

Donโ€™t get me wrong, they are happy that you accomplished whatever you did or made loads of money, but they just donโ€™t understand the need to brag about it. ‘Work hard but stay humble’ seems to be the Dutch mantra.

READ MORE | Calvinism in the Netherlands: why are the Dutch so Calvinist in nature?

2. Do not confuse the Dutch with the Danes (or the Germans)

The Dutch and Germans (Deutsche) are confused with each other a lot. What is not so popular (but happens fairly often nonetheless) is the mix-up between Dutch and Danes.

READ MORE | Dutch quirk #61: Joke openly about Germans

The Dutch come from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and speak a language called Dutch. The Danes come from the Kingdom of Denmark and speak a language called Danish.

windmill-near-canal-netherlands-with-miniature-windmills-in-garden
Remember: windmills = Netherlands, wind turbines = Denmark. Image: Depositphotos

On some levels, the confusion is understandable. After all, both the Dutch and the Danes come from tiny countries with tall, blonde people and long seafaring histories.

Dutch are known for their windmills and Danes for their wind turbines. Both countries are also known for their love of cycling, eating potato-based dishes, and cheering for their monarchs on TV.

However, this does not give you a reason to muddle up nationalities โ€” especially if you want to be friends with the Dutch.

3. You are not special (no matter what your mom says)

Donโ€™t expect any superior treatment just because of who you are. The Netherlands is an egalitarian society where respect and status are earned and not demanded.

Every person is equal and should be treated accordingly. Ultimately, they donโ€™t care if you are the Prime Minister of X; if you’re a jerk, then you’ll be treated like one. ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

The reverse is also true. If you’re a good person, they’ll surely let you know!

4. Thou shall not steal bikes (โ€ฆamen)

Everyone knows the Dutch and their love for cycling. Every love story has a villain, and so does this one โ€” bike thieves.

This bitter truth has its roots in the final stages of WWII when the Germans stole Dutch bikes.

It was the end of the war, and Germans were retreating at full speed, using everything to get out of the Netherlands. They took the motorised vehicles first โ€” trucks, cars, motorcycles, and tractors.

1 / 1 โ€“ bike lock stolen thief
Padlock your pedals! Secure your cycle! Image: Depositphotos

When there were no more, they stole every bicycle in the Netherlands and rode them back to Germany. The Dutch havenโ€™t forgotten.

Whenever Dutch football teams play German teams, Dutch fans mock Germans with big-bold signs that say ‘Bring Back Our Bikes’. So, unless you want to be cursed 75 years on, you probably donโ€™t want to steal a bike. (Also, it’s illegal.)

5. Sidewalks are for walking, and bike lanes are for bikes

Sounds simple enough, right? But it’s not. These red coloured lanes are red for a reason, to separate them from the grey lanes (aka roads) and the brown/green lanes (aka pavements).

READ MORE | 7 things that will get you fined while cycling in the Netherlands

It seems that this distinction is not too apparent to internationals. More often than not, someone unknowingly wanders into the bicycle lane and is met with an irritated Dutch cyclist (we’re guilty as well).

woman-on-bike-near-traffic-light-netherlands
Oh, and to make it more confusing, people don’t believe in traffic lights. Image: Pexels

Donโ€™t expect the cyclist to move; remember youโ€™re in their way, not the other way around.

Trust me, you donโ€™t want to be caught in such a situation, especially if you care about your safety (some of the cyclists go extremely fast).

6. Avoid discussions on Zwarte Piet (unless you want a long and emotional debate)

Traditionally, every year on the evening ofย December 5, Sinterklaas and his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Piet) visit Dutch childrenโ€™s homes to bring them presents.

To celebrate this festival, hundreds of adults and children impersonate Zwarte Piet by blackening their faces, putting on black curly wigs, painting large red lips, and finishing up with large golden earrings.

Translation: Getting to know a different culture, only Zwarte Piet has to go. A disgrace to Dutch culture.

Some sections of Dutch society believe this to be highly racist, given the countryโ€™s colonial past, while others consider it a harmless but important tradition.

READ MORE | Zwarte Piet: the full guide to the Netherlandsโ€™ most controversial tradition

In some Dutch cities, the blackface element of Sint and Piet has been banned, and Facebook has moved to ban images of blackface as well.ย 

This is a complex and emotionally charged debate that should definitely be discussed โ€” but if you’re short on time, we’d steer clear.

7. Donโ€™t mess with their agendas

Agenda starts with an ‘a’ for a reason. Being the organised bunch that they are, the Dutch have ‘appointments’ for everything, ranging from office meetings to movie nights with friends.

READ MORE | The Dutch agenda: plans to take over the world

Highly efficient Dutchies strictly and religiously stick to their agendas. They are synced and cross-referenced between partners and families so that every person is aware of othersโ€™ schedules.

I once made the mistake of asking a colleague if he wanted to go for drinks. The error wasnโ€™t in the invite, it was in the suddenness of the request. He agreed to let me know once a slot opened up in his calendar. Iโ€™m still waitingโ€ฆ

8. Expect antibiotics when you’re sick

Headache? Sleepless nights? Broken limb? Don’t expect anything more than a few paracetamol from your local huisarts.

The Dutch have an infamous reluctance to prescribing antibiotics, out of reasonable fears about mass resistance.

So, don’t head to your local doctor with hopes for a week-long course of the pills. You won’t have much luck!

Whenever a conversation about โ€œessential items for moving to the Netherlandsโ€ comes up, you might hear antibiotics mentioned on the list. But avoid this too (it’s illegal).

9. Never arrive unannounced (no surprises)

Spontaneity and the Dutch donโ€™t go hand-in-hand. They plan days, weeks, or even months ahead. Accordingly, there is little space for impulsiveness.

Want to go meet your Dutch friend? Make sure to give a heads-up by calling and asking if you can visit (thereby giving the other person the chance to politely inform you that it will not be convenient).

Oh, and if you do show up unannounced, don’t be surprised when they kick you out before dinner.

woman-greeting-man-at-her-door-netherlands-uninvited-guests
You won’t be greeted with such a happy face if you turn up uninvited. Image: Freepik

Dutchies will always count on you to make an appointment, no matter how insignificant or small the visit is. Their idea of a nice surprise is one that doesnโ€™t hinder their daily, weekly, or monthly agendas.

10. Donโ€™t be late (time, tide and a Dutchie wait for none)

If there is one thing that annoys the Dutch, it’s waiting. This is intricately linked to their efficiency (did we mention they love an agenda?); the fact that they treat their schedules as holy naturally implies that they value time highly.

If youโ€™ve agreed to a meeting or gathering at 9:00 AM, then that means 9:00 AM. Nothing more, nothing less (although, if youโ€™re early, you get brownie points).

man-checking-watch-and-calling-someone-while-waiting
If you’re going to be late, let the person know by sending them a text or calling! Image: Freepik

READ MORE | The Dutch and time: how the Dutch language shows they are planning maniacs

You’re going to be late? Best to let them know. Donโ€™t be too surprised if you get some stern words about your tardiness (Dutch directness, remember?).

Punctuality is not something you strive fo, it’s a way of life.

11. Using rain as an excuse? Think again

Rain, rain, go away… except it won’t. With an average precipitation rate of 100 minutes per day, the Netherlands can be a pretty wet country to live in.

The Dutch agree. Ever feel left out? Start a conversation about the weather, and in no time, you’ll be surrounded by Dutchies!

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #117: Constantly check Buienradar

However, this also means you can’t use rain as an excuse or deterrent for anything. Have an appointment with a Dutchie, and it’s pouring cats and dogs? Sorry, the weather doesnโ€™t count.

people-walking-in-the-rain-amsterdam
Come rain, come shine, Dutchies fall in line. Image: Depositphotos

My Dutch colleagues once asked me to come out for a walk with them. “It’s raining”, I pointed out. I was awarded a genuinely innocent and puzzled, “So what?”


There you have it! While you’re in the Netherlands, it’s best to think twice before doing these 11 things unless you’re ready for some good ol’ Dutch beef. ๐Ÿ˜ค

Do you know any other “dont’s” in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

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