The other day it hit me. It’s been almost 10 years since I arrived in the Netherlands. Time really flies, but what struck me the most is that I may have been slowly adopting some very Dutch traits — and maybe you have as well?
So how do you know you’ve been hanging out in the Lowlands for too long? Well, you’ve likely adopted these Dutch traits.
1. You hit the beach as soon as the thermometer registers 12 degrees
Even if it’s not springtime yet, you turn into a true sun-worshipper — and if you are not dependent on the school holidays, you probably leave for the sun during cold, dark February, like a migratory bird.
READ MORE | The guide to immigrating to the Netherland: becoming Dutch in 12 steps
2. You start collecting coupons and studying catalogues
You realise you have become obsessed with getting the best deals, buying everything at discount or, better yet, second hand. You may even collect, trade, and send coupons to friends. 🤗
READ MORE | Guide to furnishing your house in the Netherlands (cheaply)!
It’s like a sport. I get a thrill from buying stuff that we would normally buy anyway, like detergent, toothpaste, or bread at half price.
It reminds me of Lily Allen’s: “Nan you’re a window shopper.” We’ve always tried to be frugal, but I am taking this to a whole new level, inheriting some true Dutch traits.
3. HEMA is your second home
There is nothing better than HEMA at 9 AM, often the only shop that is open on cold windy mornings. They offer a more or less complete breakfast for two euros.
I always find it fun to see people from all walks of life getting in line to eat their first or second breakfast while trying to see the city from one of the store’s big windows. There are the businessmen, the construction workers, the moms with their kids, the old Dutch, the new Dutch, the young, the old — everybody gathers there.
Oh, and how could I not mention their famous hot dogs and smoked sausages (rookworst).
I hardly ever enter the shop without hearing a five-year-old asking for a hot dog, but I can’t blame them, they are tasty. Plus, I love how they are always on-trend whether you are looking for stickers, Easter decorations, accessories for your bike, envelopes, toiletries, or a cheap and warm sweater.
READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #85: Put all their national pride into HEMA
I realised I might be becoming Dutch this one time I came back from a trip home and the first thing I did was meet a friend to catch up at the HEMA over some traditional stamppot — with sausage, of course.
Since I’m not the only one in love with this Dutch institution, there are already two volumes of a book that gathers stories of Dutch citizens abroad called Ik mis nog steeds de Hema (“I still miss HEMA”).
4. You love your bike
If you live in the Netherlands, cycling will quickly become your main way of transport and a method to carry all your things, stay fit and relax — all packed in one.
READ MORE| How the Netherlands became a cycling country
Seriously, whenever I am stressed, breathing the air while I bike grounds me and makes me happy. 🚲
5. You carry an agenda and it is full of appointments
Maybe you still like to arrange spontaneous meetings with friends, but have noticed that you need to check twice before making a date. That’s where the Dutch agenda comes in!
READ MORE | The Dutch agenda: plans to take over the world
DUtchies are famous for planning ahead, so better get your agenda out.
Did I miss anything? What Dutch traits have you adopted? Tell me in the comments!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2019 and was fully updated in May 2022 for your reading pleasure.
omg I’m Dutch
Nice Amanda! When I first read coupons, I thought it wasn’t me, but then I remembered I’m always collecting something at AH! One trait I definitely adopted from Holland is a very strong appreciation (AKA addiction) to coffee. It’s such a social norm to drink coffee, and I happily obliged! Another trait I can thank Holland for is that I don’t go anywhere without my own shopping bag, and avoid plastic bags and straws at all costs.
OMG; how could I have forgotten the coffee? I enjoy it so much, though not quite as strong. And yeah you are right the canvas or cloth shopping bags are a super nice trait to adopt, I do the same as well.
Your choice of dessert is hagelslag.
I’ve also adapted to the dutch society to a certain degree considering i ‘m canadian. Being broad minded at one time and my way of thinking has becomed more compact due to this immense country we call the Netherlands. I’m not being sarcastic but realistic for the dutch think on a smaller scale. Of course the Netherlands has much to offer considering its history just like any other country. I remain canadian with a touch of dutch ingenuity.
I am half Dutch and half English. I have fond memories of sitting in a big shop with Opa drinking coffee and eating one of the amazing cream cakes you can buy in Holland
On my list I have the following also:
-I have a collection of bottles that need to be recycled;
-I started to like every type of “taart”
-I have a pair of waterproof shoes that can be used for all seasons
-I eat for lunch a sandwich while walking around the company