It’s Labour Day in the Netherlands. Yes, people, gather round! It’s the universal holiday on which we celebrate labour? (I guess). You might have missed the significance of it, especially if you have spent previous Labour Days in the Netherlands.
Perhaps you’re so well integrated that you’re not even sure what Labour Day is! 😉
Geen problem, let’s catch you up on what you need to know about Labour Day in the Netherlands.
What is Labour Day?
Labour Day (or International Workers Day) originates from the ultra-communist nation of the United States of America. Bet you didn’t see that one coming, ey?
So what happened in the USA? The Socialists and Communists chose May 1 as the date for International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago on May 4, 1886. Labour Day is celebrated by 80 countries that usually take the day off to protest.
Labour Day in the Netherlands
However, in the Netherlands, Labour Day actually isn’t usually a day off for most workers, in fact, it’s not celebrated much at all here. 🤷♂️
Political parties and Labour Day
Generally, most of the celebration happens amongst left-wing party workers and members.
Parties such as Labour (PvdA) and the Socialist Party (SP) will usually celebrate by doing things such as visiting memorials that are important to them and singing “The Internationale.”
If you’re feeling particularly energetic this Labour Day, you can always join in.
What about regular folk?
Outside of these political parties, some public workers have the day off, the stock exchange is closed, and there are some marginal socialist meetings.
Also, May 1 is a day somewhat in between the very few non-Christian holidays in the Dutch calendar.
These include King’s Day (which used to be on April 30 until a few years ago), Remembrance Day (May 4) and Liberation Day (May 5). So lots of people get in their caravans and make a dash for a holiday in France or Germany.
Apart from this though, more or less nothing happens in the Netherlands on Labour Day.
Chances are that you won’t notice anything, spend your whole day grinding away at the office, or you’re simply unemployed (but can’t be bothered to vigorously protest that on Labour Day).
So what the hell Holland? I thought we were the shining beacon of socialism in Europe, that’s at least what Fox News taught me.
So, why aren’t there any protests on Labour Day in the Netherlands?
Why is Labour Day not widely celebrated in the Netherlands?
The answer can be found in the Dutch model of consensus politics: the Polder model.
If you’re new to the Netherlands, listen up, it’s essential for understanding our political culture and history. The Dutch model of government is centred around consensus-based decision-making.
In history, countries such as Russia, Germany, and France, communist movements fought vicious street battles with other political groups. The sharp edges of the socialist uprising were not seen in the Netherlands.
A consensus was needed but hard to come by since Dutch society was “pillarised” into various pillars of political viewpoints. As a result, socialism was just one of many different political beliefs.
Another reason you may not have heard of it is that the Dutch predominantly celebrate Christian holidays. Also, we’re capitalist enough in the sense that employers will never ever give us an extra day off. 😔
Should there be more happening on Labour Day in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, below!
Liberation Day in the Netherlands (Bevrijdingingsdag) is celebrated on May 5. It commemorates the day the Dutch were liberated by the Alliesfrom Nazi occupation.
The occupation of the Netherlands by Nazi Germany began on May 10, 1940. Four days later, the city of Rotterdam was bombed, leading to the surrender of the Dutch command.
It wasn’t until five years later, in 1945, that the country was free again, mostly liberated by Canadian forces. Right after the war, the Dutch decided that May 5 would be celebrated as Liberation Day.
Celebrating freedom
Liberation Day in the Netherlands is celebrated the day after National Remembrance Day, which is held on May 4 every year. This way, the Netherlands has two days of both remembering and celebrating.
While originally celebrated to commemorate the end of WWII, in the last couple of years, Bevrijdingingsdag has also really been about celebrating freedom in general.
On this day, 77 years ago, the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi occupation by Canada and allied forces. Today we celebrate Dutch independence and remember the sacrifice and bravery of our Canadian Armed Forces in the Netherlands. Happy Dutch Liberation Day! 🇳🇱🌷 pic.twitter.com/Vq121qsYyQ
— Candice Bergen Harris (@CandiceBergenMP) May 5, 2022
Many people don’t know what it’s like not to live in a free society. Liberation Day is, therefore, a day to remember not to take freedom for granted and celebrate how wonderful it is to live in a free society.
During Liberation Day, the Netherlands holds parades and concerts and also has military memorabilia.
People celebrating Liberation Day in Amsterdam on the Amstel River! Image: Depositphotos
Liberation Day in the Netherlands is a public holiday only once every five years (the next being in 2025). In that year, many businesses will close, and public transport will either not run or stick to a different timetable.
However, there’s always some debate about whether May 5 should be a public holiday each and every year.
Festivals and Events on Liberation Day in the Netherlands
As Liberation Day in the Netherlands is a day that marks freedom in the Netherlands, it is widely celebrated. This is especially true when it is a public holiday, as most people get a day off work to enjoy the celebrations to the fullest.
Liberation Day events are usually opened by the Prime Minister, who starts the festivities from a different province every year. A team of around 5,000 runners carries a flame to 200 municipalities all throughout the Netherlands, which marks the official beginning of all events, with free festivals happening in over 14 cities in the country.
Apart from the Bevrijdingsfestivals happening across the country, here are a few more festivals worth mentioning. No matter where you are located in the Netherlands, there are events for everyone!
Being at home on Liberation Day is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some Dutch war flicks. Snuggle in and delve deep into the trials and tribulations experienced during the last major war.
We’ve done the legwork to find the top Dutch war movies that you can’t miss. They’re available on major (Dutch) streaming platforms, and the majority of these are in English or have English options, but there are a few chances to use your Dutch too.
There are many great films about the war in the Netherlands, our list would become too long if we would all mention these. So here are our suggestions:
1. A Bridge Too Far
This is perhaps one of the most famous WWII movies to date. Released in 1977 and directed by Richard Attenborough, this movie features an all-star cast, including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Ryan O’Neale.
The plot is based on the true story of Operation Market Garden, the Allies failed operation to speed up the end of World War II.
Thousands of paratroopers were dropped over the Netherlands in an attempt to take the towns of Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem before British forces arrived by land. The movie itself is gigantic and mostly shot in the Netherlands.
Why we love this film: Stunning cinematography and a cast to admire: this is a WWII epic for the ages. Plus, you get to watch James Bond try to take down Nazis — who could want more? Where to watch it: Pathé Thuis Language: English
2. Oorlogsgeheimen
Translated as ‘War Secrets’, this is the perfect movie to watch if your Dutch is up to scratch (or you have a very patient Dutch speaker in your house).
Oorlogsgeheimen follows the story of Tuur and Lambert, two best friends in Limburg in 1943. A new girl, Maartje, begins her new class and makes friends with Tuur.
Maartje shares a terrible secret with Tuur, which Tuur cannot reveal to anyone — even his best friend Lambert, whose father has become mayor.
Tuur’s family joins the resistance, but as the situation heats up, Tuur and his family are forced to flee.
Why we love this film: Packed with a riveting storyline and vintage Dutch vibes, this film perfectly encapsulates the sometimes slow but often abrupt changes to village life during WWII. Where to watch it: Prime Video, Pathé Thuis, Videoland Language: Dutch
3. Anne Frank: The Whole Story
We can’t write an article about Dutch WWII movies without including arguably the most famous victim of the Holocaust, Anne Frank.
While there have been a huge number of movies made about the Jewish teenager who hid out with her family in a secret room in Amsterdam before ending up in Auschwitz. Anne Frank: The Whole Story captures the story incredibly well.
This movie starts in 1939, while Anne writes in her diary about typical teenage life and pre-war fears, the invasion of the Netherlands, her hideout in Amsterdam, deportation to Auschwitz, and the eventual survival and return of Anne’s father, now alone.
The major downside to this film is that, for some reason, all the Dutch people unexplainably have British accents.
Why we love this film: Anne Frank’s story has captivated the world, and this film is a perfect visual window into her life. Where to watch it: YouTube Language: English
4. Memories of Anne Frank (Anne Frank: Mijn Beste Vriendin)
Another Anne Frank movie? Naturally. This one is a little different, though, because it’s told through the eyes of her close school friend, Hanneli Goslar.
Hanneli was also Jewish and was eventually deported with her family to the Westerbork transit camp, but was briefly reunited with Anne at Bergen-Belsen where she passes her some bread and socks.
One particularly special thing about Hanneli’s story is that she survived the war. She’s appeared in multiple documentaries about her experience and her knowledge of Anne, while this movie is based on her memoir.
It’s worth noting that this movie was inexplicably produced by Italians, with Italian actors — but it’s ridiculously well dubbed in English. Bonus: it has Dutch subtitles, so you can practice some Dutch along the way.
Why we love this film: This movie is a tearjerker that simultaneously offers an insider and outsider look into Anne Frank’s life and will bring on all the feels. Where to watch it: Videoland Language: English
5. Riphagen
A film not so much about remembering the victims of the Holocaust as revealing the crimes of a Dutchman, Riphagen (The Untouchable) is based on the true story of a man who apparently profited from the war.
Dries Riphagen was a Dutch gangster who collaborated with the Nazis to locate Dutch Jews and deliver them to concentration camps — or was he playing the Germans and actually helping the innocent?
Why we love this film: There’s something about watching bad people that makes us just can’t look away — and from the looks of it, this guy is really bad. Where to watch it: Netflix Language: Dutch, with English subtitles
6. Band of Brothers
It’s not a movie but a series, and only about 2.5 episodes play out in the Netherlands. But Band of Brothers is undeniably an unmissable piece of work about the war.
Episodes four and five, about the boys from the 101st landing in the Netherlands, are as good as it gets. The Spielberg & Hanks production is also already nearly 20 years old, meaning that many young people still need to see it.
Why we love this: Hands down the best series about WWII around, and with a prominent place in it for the Netherlands. Where to watch it:HBO Language: English
7. Soldier of Orange
There’s no other movie that shaped the Dutch collective memory of WWII as much as Soldaat van Oranje.
Directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring the late Rutger Hauer, it’s a movie about a group of students from Leiden joining the resistance and their journey through the war.
It’s an iconic movie for the Dutch with scenes that make you understand the Netherlands (Scheveningen!).
It spawned a musical that went on forever and is a riveting watch for everybody.
Why we love this: It’s a must-watch and a classic. If you watch it, you’ll know why. Where to watch it: YouTube and on the telly pretty much every year. Language: Dutch and a bit of English
8. The Forgotten Battle (De Slag om de Schelde)
We can’t end this list without mentioning one of the most expensive Dutch films to ever be produced.
The Forgotten Battle is a film about the battle of Scheldt in 1944 which took place in German-occupied Zeeland.
It follows the tensive story of a British glider pilot, a Nazi soldier and a Dutch resistance fighter whose stories intertwine under extreme circumstances in one of the longest and most violent battles in the Netherlands.
Why we love this: It shows multiple perspectives on the war all in one battle. Where to watch it: Netflix Language: Dutch and a bit of English
Honourable mentions
As said before, this list of movies about WWII in the Netherlands could have been different and longer, much longer. So here are some that definitely could have made the list as well:
Oorlogswinter (2008)
De Aanslag (1986)
Zwartboek (2006)
De Tweeling (2002)
Bankier van het Verzet (2018)
What other WWII movies about the Netherlands would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands is a day when we can remember those who died in WWII and other conflicts during that time period.
Dodenherdenking is held on May 4 each year. It’s a day when the Dutch can commemorate the soldiers and civilians who died in WWII and other conflicts. This takes place during a two-minute silence at 8 PM on that day.
What does May 4 look like in the Netherlands?
A lot of Dutch people participate in the commemorations of National Remembrance Day.
Many observe the two-minute silence and find it important to do so. However, young people, in particular, want more attention to be paid to current wars and victims, reports the NOS.
Apart from the silence, many people fly their flags at half-mast from 6 PM until the sun sets.
This signifies a mourning period, but the next morning they are flown as normal. The next day, May 5, the Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day.
Official memorial in Amsterdam
The official service is held at the National Monument in Amsterdam (Dam Square). The King and Queen attend, speeches are given, people lay wreaths, and observe the two-minute silence.
🇪🇺🇳🇱 On May the 4th, in the #Netherlands is #Dodenherdenking, 'National Remembrance Day'. The Dutch commemorate all Dutch victims since the WWII. These are soldiers and civilians who died in war situations and in peacekeeping operations. At 20h, everyone is quiet for 2 minutes. pic.twitter.com/uQYYfNczHS
— Nicolás Fuster ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@mellamonicolas) May 4, 2022
Dam Square is where the first-ever commemoration took place many years ago. During this two-minute silence, TV and radio stations broadcast the ceremony, public transport stops, and people stop what they are doing.
Important to know: Remembrance Day is not considered a public holiday.
Why are there two separate celebrations on May 4 and May 5?
Well, there is a good reason for that. The most important being that after WWII ended, some people deemed it inappropriate to celebrate their liberation and mourn victims on the same day.
It's National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands for victims of war (WWII initially). Tomorrow we will celebrate our freedom, but for now my thoughts are with all those people who have passed away in defence of our freedom and liberties 🤍☮️
Since these celebrations don’t go hand in hand, it was decided that there should be a day dedicated to mourning and a separate day dedicated to celebrations. The good news is Liberation Day is actually a public holiday.
National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands: how can I get involved?
On May 4, commemorations are held all over the Netherlands, the main one being on Dam Square, which is by far the busiest.
Citizens also hold memorials at the war cemetery at Grebbeberg and Waalsdorpervlakte (located near The Hague), which is also broadcasted.
The latter is where many Dutch resistance fighters were executed during WWII.
In some large cities, commemorations take place in large squares or outside the city hall. People in small towns place flowers on gravestones and fly their flags at half-mast.
Dokwerker Statue After Memorial Day in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos
People don’t just attend commemorations to get involved in National Remembrance Day (so don’t worry if you can’t).
Many people choose to pay their respects by holding their own two-minute silence and stopping what they are doing for a couple of minutes to pay their respects.
Sensitivity surrounding Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day in the Netherlands hasn’t been without its controversies. Every year there’s usually some form of discussion over whether the Dutch are mourning the correct victims, whether we should be mourning more victims, and whether we should be mourning at all.
These discussions range from opinions such as young people being “disconnected” and why we don’t remember all victims of the historical and present-day wars.
Should we have more Remembrance Days dedicated to different periods? The discussion goes on and on every year.
Wreaths at the National Monument in Amsterdam for Remembrance Day. Image: Depositphotos
Some people argue that Remembrance Day focuses too much on the white victims and has little consideration for other victims of the war.
However, the Netherlands does commemorate victims of the Dutch East Indies on August 15. It also has a separate day to remember victims of the Holocaust on the last Sunday of January.
How will you be paying your respects this year on National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Great news! Last week, the Dutch House of Representatives passed the Affordable Rent Act, aiming to prevent renters from paying exorbitantly high rents.
This means that starting July 1, 2024, rent for more than 300,000 homes in the Netherlands will be reduced.
Typically, rents will only decrease when a new tenant moves in, but current tenants can still ask for a rent reduction, reports NU.nl. Here’s how. 👇
Determine your maximum rent
The Netherlands has a point system and calculator (available in English) to determine the maximum rent a home can have based on factors like square metres, the presence of a kitchen, garden, or shower, the energy label, and the value of the house.
There are two main types of rental housing in the Netherlands: social housing, with up to 142 point and rental limits of €879 per month, and free-sector housing, where landlords can determine the price they want to charge for a room, house, or apartment.
However, thanks to the Affordable Housing Act, rental homes with up to 186 points and a rent of €1,123 will also soon receive a maximum rent.
The question lies in whether you’ll get a rent reduction this year or next:
If your home is worth less than 142 points and you pay less than €879 but more than what your home is worth, the landlord must reduce the rent to the limit by July 2024.
If your home is worth less than 142 points but you pay more than €879 based on a free-sector contract, your landlord will have to adjust your rent within a year. You can expect a rent reduction by July 2025.
Rent reduction for new tenants
For the remaining 157,000 homes with point totals between 142 and 186, rent reductions will only apply once new tenants move in.
That means if you belong to that group and pay too much rent, you’ll only receive the full rent reduction if you move to a similar property.
On the bright side, you could still receive a rent reduction, says Ten Broeke, as “the new rental law allows you to enter discussions with your landlord.”
“Your landlord has no interest in you moving because of the high rent. He wants certainty of income […], and the new tenant will pay less. So if you now pay €200 too much per month, you may be able to get a partial rent reduction.”
Will you be able to apply for a rent reduction in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!
If you’re an expat in the Netherlands, you’ll know how living in a foreign country, surrounded by a foreign language and without an established social circle can be tough on your mental health.
Many internationals struggle to find mental health support in the Netherlands for various reasons: Dutch GPs are… intimidating, waiting lists are long, and linguistic and cultural differences present a hurdle.
I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda for a chat at our Leiden office to discuss all things mental health, living abroad, and taking care of your body. 👇
Meet Amanda, an American psychologist in The Hague
Hailing from North Carolina, USA, Amanda came to the Netherlands for university.
Like many of us, she quickly fell in love with Dutch culture and lifestyle — and a Dutchie. Before she knew it, she had decided to stay.
Amanda met us at our office in Leiden. Image: DutchReview
With two Bachelor’s and a Master’s in hand, Amanda became accredited by the Netherlands Institute of Psychologists in 2019 and started her psychological practice in The Hague.
Here, she works with clients from around the world. “I love working with all different types of people,” Amanda says, “I’m just fascinated with understanding human behaviour.”
With her clients, Amanda integrates techniques from polyvagal theory, emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and narrative therapy into her practice — all while paying close attention to the connection between mind and body.
A psychologist who understands the expat struggle
As an expat herself, Amanda has first-hand experience of the difficulties and frustrations that come with starting a new life in a foreign country — challenges that many of us know very well.
When asked about some of the biggest struggles she sees in expats, Amanda emphasises that “of course, everyone’s situation is different — but I think integrating and finding a sense of community [is a big one].”
“It’s hard to make friends, especially as you get older — so that sense of community is probably one of the biggest things that I see expats struggling with.”
Many expats struggle with loneliness after moving abroad. Image: Freepik
In the Netherlands specifically (surprise, surprise), Amanda acknowledges that “the healthcare system is challenging for internationals, and many struggle with feeling heard with their health concerns.”
So, how can we internationals take care of our mental health while also balancing our day-to-day responsibilities and, of course, enjoying our time in the Netherlands?
For Amanda, the answer is twofold: We need to care for our bodies and minds.
An approach aimed at lifestyle changes for a healthy mind
Amanda prioritises educating her clients about the importance of the nervous system, emphasising the relationship between the mind and body.
“Foundationally, I always start working with my clients by educating them about the nervous system, our bodies, and what they are designed to do,” she explains.
“I think it’s important to know what physiological shifts in your nervous system mean.”
“When we start to understand that our body is just doing what it’s designed to do — keeping us safe and alive — then that opens up some compassion for what our body tries to convey to our minds.”
How the mind and the body work together
From this starting point, Amanda does a lot of work from the polyvagal approach, which focuses on the vagus nerve to see how you can gain agency and autonomy in different situations.
“The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in our body, starting at the base of our skull and connecting all of our facial muscles, our lungs, our heart, and our digestive system. It’s kind of like a signal highway. When we get stressed, we feel it directly in our gut.”
(Yes, that’s why you get that awful pit in your stomach every time you have to speak Dutch to your in-laws. 🫣)
From there, the sense of stress moves to our brains, where it consumes us.
Mental health and physical health are closely connected. Image: Freepik
“Around 80% of signals come from our body and go to our brain, so for the most part, a lot starts in our body.”
The solution? We need to listen to our bodies.
Going back to the basics and listening to our bodies
We humans are very complex creatures “with a huge spectrum of emotions that we’re supposed to have,” Amanda stresses.
So the goal of therapy should not be “to avoid anger, aggression, and anxiety but to learn how to stay in control of them.”
What does that mean? It means that whatever you feel at any given moment is what you’re supposed to feel at that moment, based on your body’s natural cues and previous experiences.
What Amanda helps her clients focus on is:
How can I work through this feeling instead of suppressing it?
How do I listen to what my body needs?
How do I heal from the things that trigger me?
“It’s not all sunshine and rainbows — though I would love that.” Image: DutchReview
“Once you are aware of your neuroception (a process that scans anything and anyone you interact with), you can bring cognition to — and work through — your irrational thoughts and behaviours” Amanda explains.
That’s where Amanda starts her focus: by identifying the situations that impact you and finding out why.
From there, it’s time to branch out and find solutions.
Focusing on the physical
Once you become aware of the enormous impact your body has on your mental health, one thing is certain: we must implement healthy habits for a healthy mind.
That’s why Amanda’s next step is to find ways to deal with your mental health triggers.
For example, does mindfulness work for you? How about breathing techniques? Maybe Cognitive behavioural therapy? How about working on assertiveness or building more self-confidence?
As a certified yoga teacher, Amanda also offers her clients the possibility of practising yin or restorative yoga to release tension in the body.
This can be especially effective for women, who “hold a lot of tension in their hips,” or those suffering from trauma.
For trauma clients, Amanda explains, “It’s important to reestablish how you move within your body, to regain a sense of control.” That’s why methods like bodywork, yoga, and breathing techniques can work extremely well.
Moving your body can help regain a sense of agency. Image: Depositphotos
But no matter the issue, Amanda meets her clients where they’re at and helps devise lifestyle changes that can help better manage their mental health concerns. These can range from practising breathing techniques to discussing sleep cycles and eating habits.
“Movement and releasing physical tension have really helped me, and that’s why I go down this path with my clients,” she explains. “It’s wonderful when it can help others.”
How can AMCounseling help me?
With her person-centred approach, Amanda Mauro helps her clients in various ways, addressing anything from trauma, anxiety and depression to burnout and interpersonal relationships.
And from what I can tell, she does so with enormous compassion, patience and a smile on her face.
“The finish line is when we die,” Amanda says. “Healing is not linear; you go ten steps forward, four steps back, then seven steps up.”
“We can’t get rid of our experiences, but we can learn to work through them and heal from them — and that’s pretty cool.”
Amanda offers sliding-scale income-based pricing to her clients and would love to help you navigate your new life in the Netherlands.
Want to know more? Contact her today for a free introduction call!
What is your experience with mental health in the Netherlands? Did you find it easy to feel at home in a new country? Share your experience in the comments.
Thinking of travelling to, through, or from Tilburg in the coming weeks? Think again.
As ProRail begins a “monster job” at Tilburg station, ALL train services have been cancelled until Monday, May 13.
Sounds annoying? Well, it is. But as ProRail tells Omroep Brabant, it’s necessary to bring us closer to “the end of 10 years of renovation of Tilburg station.”
What can we expect?
As the construction workers work hard on renovating platforms and renewing rail rods and overhead lines, the NS is deploying a total of 150 buses to transport passengers.
Travellers can expect their commute to take longer and include more stopovers. 👇
The NS will deploy:
Express buses between Breda – Tilburg – ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch)
Bus stops between Oisterwijk – Tilburg – Tilburg University
Stop buses between Boxtel and Oisterwijk
Stop buses between Tilburg – Tilburg University – Tilburg Reeshof – Gilze-Rijen – Breda
Passengers travelling between Breda and Eindhoven should take the express bus to Den Bosch and switch to the train there.
As always, the NS advises travellers to plan their trip using the NS travel planner.
The Dutch are famous for being super tall, which is hard to miss when there are so many towering people around you — they even have something called Klub Lange Mensen, or Tall People’s Club.
Tips and guides about visiting the Netherlands are aplenty: where to go, what to see, and what to eat. But I have yet to see a simple guide to help short people navigate this wonderfully tiny country inhabited by tall people. 📏
It’s obviously a very serious issue that deserves our collective attention — especially my attention since I stand at a towering 5’3” (160cm). On a good day, I’m 5’3″ and 1/4.
According to the World Population Review 2023, the Netherlands is still the world’s tallest nation, with the average height in the country for men being 183.78 cm, and 170.36 cm for women; true competition between them and me. 😀
I know the plight of being a short person all too well; therefore, I fancy myself an expert on the subject.
So gather ’round short people, I present to you the short person’s guide to the Netherlands.
Make friends with shorter people
What better way to feel a little less short than making friends with people who you stand level with? You won’t have trouble shaking hands or seeing eye-to-eye, so to speak.
Try joining expat/international hangouts where you’ll surely meet people who come from countries that aren’t as vertically blessed as the Dutch — we short people have to stick together!
Conquer your bike
Make sure you practice climbing those Dutch roadster bikes. For the inexperienced, these bikes roll with large wheels and daunting tall seats.
But there’s a way to get on that two-wheeler and ride like a pro. The trick is to position the pedal in a way where you can step on it, lift yourself up onto the seat and start pedalling. 🚲
Buying a kid’s bike (like I did) is always an option — it’s a shame-free zone here!
Conquer your bike as a short person! Image: Depositphotos
Give yourself a boost
I noticed during my time in the Netherlands that everything is placed a little higher, which makes sense — like when I realized I couldn’t reach the top shelves in a Dutch kitchen.
So I suggest keeping a step ladder in your home and wearing platform or high-heeled shoes. 👠
Without these boosts, your legs will probably start to give out after too much standing on your toes to see through the peephole in your door.
Why not give yourself a little height boost with some high heels? Image: Depositphotos
I generally did a lot of tiptoeing and jumping up and down, like when I could only see my forehead and the top of my head in the bathroom mirror until I got an extra one. On the bright side, my legs certainly got a nice workout.
Exercise those neck muscles
The Dutch are people you can look up to, literally. If you’re going to socialize with the Dutch, whether it be in a relaxed, social setting or in the workplace, expect to look up to the skies pretty often.
Those neck muscles are going to get a good workout, so you better practice at home. Try it in the mirror; you’ll want to practice doing this with style and elegance.
Constantly looking up as a short person when you’re talking to a tall Dutch person is tiring; massage that neck! Image: Depositphotos
If you still find yourself fumbling with door handles or feel that your legs just can’t take any more tiptoeing, then it’s time to hop on a train and go to Belgium. 😆
Are you a short person living in this land of very, very tall people with tips to add to our guide? Tell us in the comments below!
Life in the Netherlands is great, but it’s also expensive. I’m doing whatever I can to try and save money, and one important way to do that is by making sure my savings continue to grow.
So no, I’m afraid my new-found hack to saving money isn’t as simple as cancelling my HBO subscription or freezing cash. It’s by finding banks with better interest rates for my savings.
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So, I decided to try out Trade Republic
Trade Republic is an online broker based in Germany, and I first heard about it after we published an article about their interest rates.
I’m not going to lie: talking about interest rates is usually the best way to make me mentally slip out of a conversation, find a nice cosy corner in the back of my brain, and fall into a deep sleep of dissociation — *snaps fingers* — but stay with me.
I signed up for Trade Republic’s interest rates on savings. Here’s what I found. Image: Freepik
The most important thing you need to know about Trade Republic is that they offer a4% interest rate on savingsto residents in the Netherlands.
This means that if you open a savings account with Trade Republic, you can store your money in an account that accrues 4% interest per year — and this is what drew me to it.
Let’s compare that to the average rates at the big banks in the Netherlands. Here’s what your balance could be after 12 months:
Your deposit
ABN AMRO (1.50%)
Trade Republic (4.00%)
€5,000
€5,062
€5,203
€10,000
€10,125
€10,407
€20,000
€20,251
€20,814
€50,000
€50,628
€52,037
I like to think of this extra cash as the cushion that protects me from the €15 increase I’ve seen in my health insurance premium this year.
My experience signing up
I’m quite a noob when it comes to banking jargon, so I was worried that once I tried to create an account, I’d be faced with options that I didn’t understand. However, I found the process was quite intuitive — and entirely in English.
After downloading the app, I was asked for my details, such as my name, date of birth, and address. I then had to verify my identity by taking a picture of my government ID and sending a very unflattering video of myself for verification.
While I did have to wait until the next morning to get approved, setting up was relatively simple.
Trade Republic is a great option for people who want better interest rates on their Dutch savings. Image: Freepik
It’s worth noting that my colleague, Abuzer, also signed up for Trade Republic, and he was approved within five minutes.
The only moment where I struggled a bit was when I had to provide my ‘Belastingnummer’ or, as the app will say if you’re using it in English, “Tax number.” I had no idea which one this was.
Turns out, they meant my good ol’ BSN number. If this isn’t burned into your brain, you can likely find this in your email from when you registered at your Dutch address.
By opting for an account with Trade Republic, I now have somewhere to keep my savings without feeling like they’re gathering dust and losing value.
I am also a risk-averse girlie — especially when it comes to money. So, another big selling point for me was that since Trade Republic is based in Germany, my deposit is covered under the European Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
This means that should anything happen to Trade Republic (for example, if they were to go bust), any savings I had with them are guaranteed up to €100,000.
Additionally, when choosing a bank to open a savings account with, I found that many other banks which offered similar interest rates, required me to keep my savings in that account for a fixed term.
So, while I could opt for a Swiss bank with the same interest rates, unlike Trade Republic, I wouldn’t be able to withdraw anything from that account for two years.
You should note thatwith Trade Republic, there is no minimum fixed term, and I can withdraw my money as and when I need it.
My money is easily accessible. Image: Freepik
What I also like about Trade Republic is how easy it is to use.
I open the app, type in my passcode, hit the big button that says cash, and voila, there’s my money.
If I want to know how much interest I have earned, I just scroll down, tap the interest button, and there it is. (I like to tap this particular button when I’m in need of a dopamine hit).
The interest is also deposited into my account on a monthly basis, so I can reap the benefits as I go. No need to wait for a year!
I’d also like to point out that the app does offer other features, such as the opportunity to invest. So, while it’s simple, this app does have a lot of functions (I just haven’t tried them yet!).
👎 What could be improved
Of course, nothing is perfect. There were also a few things that I felt could be improved when using Trade Republic.
One handy feature that I came across when setting up my account was that I could put money into the account by selecting Apple Pay as the payment method — but I can’t use it.
There were, of course, some cons when it comes to using Trade Republic. Image: Freepik
When I went to select this option to send money from my Dutch card to my Trade Republic account, I was met with a message saying this card wasn’t accepted.
I’ve never had this issue before with Apple Pay and my Dutch bank card, but given that Dutch cards tend to be a bit awkward in every country other than the Netherlands, I’m not entirely sure this one’s on Trade Republic.
It’s also worth noting that unless you want to have major anxiety, you shouldn’t try to transfer your beloved savings between bank accounts on a weekend.
Trade Republic operates during the working week and working hours, so if you decide to transfer money on a Saturday morning, your money won’t show up in your account until after the weekend.
And if you’re planning on transferring money during public holidays, all I can say is good luck.
I tried to transfer some savings from my Trade Republic account to pay my rent for April. However, I forgot that Easter Friday and Easter Monday were a thing. This meant that I had to wait five days before I actually saw my transfer go through — not fun.
This was just a rookie mistake by me, but it certainly had me stressing.
I also found that the Trade Republic app sometimes glitches when I try to carry out a transfer. While travelling abroad, I wanted to transfer some money. However, the verification code I needed in order to complete the transaction wasn’t being sent to my number.
After a day or two, the verification code was sent again, and I could transfer money, but regardless, it was quite frustrating.
This could have been because I was in a different time zone and some extra layer of security prevented the code from being sent — but I’m not sure!
All this being said, my money has ultimately been transferred safely between my accounts, and I continue to use Trade Republic.
I want to see for myself, how can I sign up?
That’s my two cents! What you want to do with it is up to you. Interested in signing up? Nice! The process is clear and simple.
Finding a job in the Netherlands is hard, especially as an international. LinkedIn’s overview of the top Dutch companies to work for in 2024 is a great place to start, however. 😉
The professional networking platform compiles an annual list ranking companies’ opportunities for career development, promotions, and new skills.
Whether you need flexible working options or are looking for an employer that actually cares about their workers, read on.
Oh, and we checked whether they offer English-speaking roles, so you don’t have to. 👇
You will recognise the top three
If you’ve made a coffee, opened your computer, or checked your bank balance already this morning, then you’ve probably already encountered the company at the top of the list. 🥇
Claiming the number one spot is household appliance giant Versuni, previously part of Phillips. You know, THE coffee machine makers and air fryer aficionados.
Next up is computer chip manufacturers ASML, followed by multinational banking and financial services provider Rabobank.
The top two, Versuni and ASML, commonly offer tech-based opportunities in similar roles, such as Software Engineers, while Rabobank is the place for Financial Advisors and Business Analysts.
Which of the 15 can I work for as an English speaker?
You can’t just narrow down your job hunt to these top performers without considering the important stuff like location and, y’know, if they’ll actually hire you without speaking Dutch.
Let’s take a closer look at exactly who these top 15 companies are and what they can currently offer international workers:
Company name
Locations in the Netherlands
Current English-language opportunities
Versuni
Brabantse Stedenrij, Randstad, Groningen
✅ Some
ASML
Brabantse Stedenrij, Randstad, Eindhoven region
✅ Many
Rabobank
Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, Enschede
✅ Some
SAP
Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
❌ Most roles require both Dutch and English
EPAM Systems
Randstad
✅ Some
Nike
Randstad, Amsterdam
✅ Many
Kraft Heinz
Randstad, Arnhem-Nijmegen, Amsterdam
✅ Some
ServiceNow
Randstad, Amsterdam
❓ Not clear
Medtronic
Brabantse Stedenrij, Randstad
✅ Some
AP Moller – Maersk
Rotterdam
❌ Most roles require both Dutch and English
KPMG
Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, Amsterdam
❓ Some, but not always clear
Coty
Randstad, Amsterdam
✅ Multiple
Miro
Randstad, Amsterdam
❓ Some, but not always clear
Deloitte
Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, Amsterdam
❓ Not clear
Uber
Randstad, Amsterdam
❌ Mostly roles require both Dutch and English
You can find more information about the current vacancies for each company in the top 15 by checking out LinkedIn’s official list.
What do you think of the job market in the Netherlands for internationals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
