Every December, the Schaapskooi, a natural area in the province of Utrecht, lights up with Christmas celebrations — but this year, some unwanted guests spoiled the party. 🐺
Due to the growing presence of wolves in the area, and some rather alarming close encounters, the annual Schaapskooi’s Kerstfeest (Christmas Festival) was cancelled, reports RTL Nieuws.
The party is off
The Grinch-esque decision was made by Utrechts Landschap, the organisation that owns and manages the Heidestein, which is the nature reserve where the festival usually takes place.
After deliberation with the Province of Utrecht, the organisation concluded that hosting the Christmas party would have been irresponsible — especially considering its usual target audience.
Every year, the festival is attended by thousands of people, many of which are families with small children and pets: exactly the type of crowd that makes wolves protective of their cubs and potentially aggressive.
Close calls
The decision also happened in the aftermath of a few close encounters in the Province, especially around the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where the Schaapskooi is also located.
This year alone, one girl was bitten by a wolf and another was injured.
Since then, the Utrecht Province has been trying to obtain permission to capture, sedate, and tag the wolves behind the attacks, who are now believed to belong to a single pack — but so far, it has failed, reports RTL Nieuws.
For the time being, tracking the wolves is impossible, meaning that public events like the Schaapskooi Christmas Festival cannot be hosted safely.
What do you think of the decision to call off the Kerstfeest? Share all your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’ve noticed your bills were looking suspiciously high this month, you’re not wrong — prices were higher this November than at the same time last year.
The CBS (Central Bureau for Statistics) calculated a 4% average increase in prices compared to last year. Three products were hit particularly hard. 👇
The essentials (and tobacco)
Food, drinks, and tobacco were all hit the hardest by inflation — seeing a price increase of 6.2% on average, according to NU.nl.
Tobacco plays the largest role in this since its excise duty increase in April. (If you needed that final push to quit smoking, there you have it. 😉)
Quitting eating and drinking is not really an option, however, so we’ll just have to put up with a higher grocery bill.
If you were hoping that the price increases were limited to products, we have another disappointment for you. The average price of services also increased by 5.5% compared to the same time last year.
The only shining exception is energy — where prices decreased by 0.1%. Hey, at least it’s something!
However, while an average inflation level of 4% sounds bad, it’s still reasonably under control — if you compare it to the crazy 14.5% that was reached two years ago, that is.
You haven’t celebrated Christmas in the Netherlands properly if you haven’t done gourmetten. Gour-what-en? Exactly.
If you’re the foreigner in a relationship and this is your first time visiting your Dutch in-laws, you have a 50/50 chance of walking into a night of gourmetten. Same goes for a wintery dinner party with your Dutch friends.
What is it? How do you prepare for it? What’s the proper gourmet etiquette? Stay calm and read on — it will be fine (and filthy).
What is gourmetten in the Netherlands?
Thou shall take a crapload of weird little meats, tiny pans, a raclette-like device (gourmetschotel) and an enormous variety of side dishes and sauces. Combine it all, and FEAST!
In other words: gourmetten in the Netherlands is a culinary tradition that involves sitting together and cooking your food at the dining table using a special tabletop grill or hotplate. Gezellig!
It’s especially popular around Christmas time, but every ‘special’ night in the months between September and April is a good enough excuse to get the greasy old device out.
The simple magic of meat, sauce and wine. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Of course, it’s slightly looked down upon by the high-culture culinary crowd (what part of Dutch cuisine isn’t?) — but most regular Dutch folk consider the tradition a fitting way to stuff themselves with huge quantities of wine and meat.
The origins of this totally-not-Calvinistic tradition are unclear. Allegedly, two chefs toured the country in the ’70s in order to promote gourmetten to Dutch housewives. Originally, it was a thing of the Swiss people.
Secretly, the meat industry was behind this tour de carne, and their plan definitely worked. At least when my family does gourmetten, I can safely say that we boost that industry by a few kilos.
What are you eating when you do gourmetting?
The first rule of the Gourmetten Club is never to ask what the hell the meat consists of. Anyway, the main thing you’ll be eating is cheap baguettes and sauces. So who needs to know?
Because it takes a while to heat the device, your mom will continuously warn you about not starting the gourmetten process too soon. So inevitably, you will start to devour all the bread and little pots of sauces on the table first.
This is what Dutch dreams are made of. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Finally, the thing is hot enough, and you’ve buttered your little pan. It’s time to tackle this big boy gourmetschotel that mother bought at the Albert Heijn.
Little beef steaks (gone in a blink, the Dutch uncle will poach these right at the start of dinner)
Little chicken fillets (“CHECK IF IT’S COMPLETELY COOKED THROUGH OR YOU WILL DIE FROM SALMONELLA”)
Little hamburgers (if your mother-in-law just chops up a big one, then just ditch your partner, you’re better than that)
Little turkey pieces (might be chicken, best to blacken it)
Some chopped onions, mushrooms and other veggies (because that makes it… healthy?)
Little slavinken (minced meat rolls with bacon wrapped around them — how can we say anything bad about that?)
Hosting your own gourmet party and unsure what exactly to get? Worry not, most Dutch supermarkets sell pre-packaged gourmet-meat-assortment-sets that come with all the essentials.
Gourmet etiquette: dos and don’ts of gourmetten in the Netherlands
Now it’s time to let you in on some insider knowledge: how to act during a Dutch gourmetten party. Yup, there are some unspoken rules that you should stick to when the ol’ table grill comes out.
⏰ Timing and turn taking
Gourmetten is a sloppy dining experience that requires some almost-skillful cooperation. Remember, you’re cooking on a tiny grill, around a table that’s equally as tiny, with numerous hungry Duchies.
To ensure a smooth gourmetten session in which nobody is left hungry, make sure you allow everyone to eat (even if it’s hard to take a break).
Proost! A quick wine break will give others time to fry their meat. Image: Freepik
👯♂️ Maintaining a good social atmosphere
Getting together with the fam? Some old friends you haven’t seen in a while? Things can quickly get out of hand — especially if there’s a bit too much wine involved. 🤪
So, you know the drill: avoid touchy subjects, don’t be too direct, and try not to start a fight with your partner (or their parents).
🧽 Clean-up responsibilities
Once you’re done eating, take a moment to breathe. Trust me, you’ll need it.
After that, quickly help your host clear the table and air out the room. Desert here we come!
Why do Dutchies like gourmetten so much?
So why is gourmetten such an essential Dutch tradition? Well, there is meat, sauce, and wine everywhere! What’s not to like? 🍷
Besides gluttony, there’s also the upside of messing around with the little sauces, meats, and pans. This way, you can finally avoid having an actual conversation with your relatives about how “Zwarte Piet is just a tradition“, and people should leave it alone (😖).
Your mother-in-law likes it because she doesn’t have to cook. Dutch people like it because they secretly know there is (at least a little) more to Dutch cuisine than that. So hey! Everybody’s happy, right?
So, what’s the filthy part about gourmetten in the Netherlands?
Haven’t you been reading? There is a lot of food and wine on the table! That means it won’t be long until someone spills some wine or your brother-in-law lets a huge one rip.
And then there’s the smell. The unmistakable smell of a gourmet party is a mix of nostalgia, and a hint of burnt grease and ‘snackbar‘. Do not underestimate it! It will be lingering for days to come, all your clothes will need some serious cleaning, and you better get the good shampoo out to cleanse those locks.
The final verdict? Gourmetten is a great Dutch tradition! It’s a total slam dunk in the gezelligheid and culinary department. So hug those in-laws if they’re into gourmetten!
What do you think of this Dutch culinary classic? Tell us in the comments below!
Ah, The Hague. The international city of peace and justice, the home of many international institutions, and the seat of the Dutch government.
Already falling asleep? Us too! Instead, here are seven things about The Hague that you (probably) don’t know!
1. The Hague is tackling food waste in a big way
Food waste is a huge issue in terms of the environment. Over 88 million tons of food waste are generated in Europe each year. The citizens of The Hague are finding cool ways to deal with this.
Meanwhile, Lekkernassuh (Hagenees for “yummy food”) allows you to order a box of veggies from local providers weekly, and they only order the amount people request in advance.
2. The Haagse Bos was used to launch rockets during WWII
During World War II, the Germans used the Haagse Bos (or the Hague forest) as a rocket launching area for their V1 and V2 rockets. The Allies tried to bomb it during the war but accidentally hit the nearby Bezuidenhout district.
The bos has an interesting history in other ways: its name gave rise to the word Holland. It was originally called Die Hout, which changed to Houtland, which, as you can see, could (and did) easily morph into Holland.
The forest also closely escaped being completely cut down in the 19th century during the French Occupation.
3. Nobody knows if it’s a university city by now
Leiden University says The Hague is The Netherlands’ fastest-growing student city. Before the arrival of Leiden’s The Hague campus in 2010, The Hague was only home to The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Haagse Hogeschool).
Each year, more and more students arrive in The Hague — particularly from outside the Netherlands.
Wijnhaven, where most of Leiden’s The Hague campus is located. Image: Steven Lek/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
There are downsides to this: housing is pretty difficult to find, especially in August and September. But students bring The Hague to life, traditionally a suits-and-skyscrapers city.
4. The Hague has got some awesome vintage stores
Possibly due to more and more fashionable-but-poor students arriving in the city, The Hague has quite a selection of vintage and second-hand stores.
With clothes hailing from the 40s till the 90s, it’ll fulfil all your vintage dreams, with the added advantage of reducing the demand for new clothes.
Our favourites are Vintage Island, located on the beautiful Korte Poten, and Rejoes, next to Grote Markt.
The Hague has lots of vintage clothing stores. Image: Pexels
Plus, there’s no better way to explore the city than to wander from shop to shop. Some stores will even have furniture, second-hand books, or records to peruse.
5. Scheveningen isn’t the only beach in The Hague
Everyone has heard of Scheveningen, which is fair enough; it’s a super cute part of the city right by the sea. But there are two other equally gorgeous beaches in The Hague. In my opinion, both are slightly better than Scheveningen for a couple of reasons.
Zuiderstrand is breathtakingly beautiful: as you cycle up to it, you pass dunes covered in wild roses during the summer. It’s also emptier than Scheveningen, even on the hottest days of the year.
What a beach, what a sunset — at Kijkduin. Image: Prasenberg/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Then there’s Kijkduin — much smaller than Scheveningen but with an awesome selection of shops and restaurants lining its shore. And, as the name would suggest, it’s surrounded by gorgeous dunes.
6. It has a lot of amazing street art
Street art is probably the last thing you’d expect this city to have.
In the centre, The Hague is perfectly manicured, buttoned up and well-tamed by the municipality. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing murals in other parts of the city to enjoy.
A wander around the streets of The Hague will spoil you with street art. Image: FaceMePLS/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0
Thanks to investments by Aight, a non-profit that aims to work with students and young people in The Hague to improve social cohesion, there has been a huge increase in street art in recent years.
You can check out their projects on their website — sometimes, they even organise guided tours!
7. You can watch live hearings in The Hague’s courts
We all know the Hague is known as the International City of Peace and Justice, but did you know that you can watch hearings in both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
Both are open to the public almost always unless a judge orders a closed hearing.
The best part? You don’t need to register at all! You can arrive at the hearing of your choosing, and if you’re there early enough, you’ll get a spot (it’s first come, first served).
The Municipality of Arnhem is trying out an innovative poverty relief scheme: it’s offering to pay off the debts of 60 households from its poorest district, Immerloo — but not everyone trusts them enough to accept the money.
So far, the municipality has cleared around €200,000 of debt, reports NU.nl.
“There is no catch”
Did this headline tickle your sceptical bone? Well, Immerloo residents had the same reaction.
Even though the authorities insist that “there is no catch,” most of the targeted households have turned down the offer for now.
“People have a lot of distrust towards the government. We are not allowed to enter the first time we ring the doorbell,” a spokesperson for Arnhem’s alderman tells NU.nl.
However, that seems to be slowly changing. “With 15 households, we are at the point where we can come by more often,” the spokesperson adds.
First few households are debt-free
For the families that did accept, life is about to change.
The municipality has already mapped out the debts of the first ten households, which together amount to about €540,000, spread over 250 different creditors.
Eighty of these debts, corresponding to roughly €200,000, have now been paid off.
The municipality is moving fast, especially seeing the urgency and seriousness of the problems faced by these families — some of which have been postponing surgery or struggling with childcare due to their financial issues.
A clean slate
Apparently, the scheme has no hidden conditions — the municipality just wants to give its poorest residents a chance to start fresh.
The money is coming partly from a buy-back fund set up for this initiative, and partly from major municipality creditors, including energy supplier Vattenfall and insurance company Menzis.
The scheme also includes two optional years of free guidance to help the participating residents stay debt-free in the future.
What do you think of this groundbreaking debt relief scheme? Share your opinion with us in the comments below.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast choice of Dutch language schools out there. Add to that the choice of online or in-person, and you become paralysed. I opted for online Dutch lessons with Taalthuis — was it worth it?
Let me tell you about it.
My decision to take Dutch language courses with Taalthuis stemmed from the fact that they offered both online and in-person courses all all levels (including higher levels).
I knew that I wanted to start my Dutch language learning journey with online lessons — my life was busy, and I liked the idea of avoiding a commute.
However, I had the fear that I would be unable to learn through an online course, so it was good to know that, if I felt it was needed, I could stay in the same school but switch to in-person for my next course.
Turns out, with the right structure, you can learn Dutch online
Thankfully, the shift to in-person courses was never actually needed.
I have now completed no less than four online courses with Taalthuis — and there’s one key reason why it works for me: the class structure.
Each course began with us receiving a link to a Google Doc containing information about how the course would be structured — and for someone as scatterbrained as myself, this became my saving grace.
With the right teaching style and structure, you can learn Dutch. Image: Dreamstime
Before each lesson, we could look at the document and see what exactly we would touch on in the upcoming class.
For example: what texts we would be reading, what grammar rules we would tackle, the exercises we would do, and the homework we should complete before the next classes.
Not only did this mean that I could approach each lesson with a clear idea of my learning goals, but I could also review the document and remind myself what I learned and when.
Good to know! For its beginner courses, Taalthuis even has its own customised textbooks containing grammar rules and exercises perfectly tailored to the participants’ syllabus.
With the right online learning environment, you won’t get lost
What I also really appreciated about Taalthuis’ online Dutch courses was that the online learning environment didn’t just feel like an attempt at replacing a classroom.
Instead, it’s a space that allows for new learning methods.
Taalthuis knows how to use an online environment to aid their teachers and students. Image: Freepik
During the lessons, our small class of eight would spend time learning and reading together before being split into groups to practice with each other under the supervision of our teacher.
I didn’t have to worry about disappearing into an endless grid of faces and speaking only three words. I was seen, heard, and even given the chance to make some new friends.
Learning Dutch became fun, not tiring
It’s hard to find an online environment that encourages genuine interaction between the participants, but Taalthuis is well-versed in online teaching, and it shows.
Our teachers were quick to encourage discussion between participants and used exercises that kept us engaged.
From listening to classic Dutch hits to watching Dutch reality TV clips, my teachers knew how to keep me feeling energised throughout the lesson, and I found myself not just learning Dutch but also genuinely enjoying the process.
Do you and your colleagues want to learn Dutch together? Taalthuis offers in-company Dutch lessons for expats. Not only can you enjoy a fun team-building activity, but you can also improve your Dutch, all while at the workplace. Learn more.
I even made some new friends
Despite taking place fully online, my lessons with Taalthuis have even fostered some great friendships.
I took my first course with Taalthuis (A1 to A2) during life after lockdown, and as an international, I found myself suddenly in a country that many of my friends had left.
Thankfully, I met my friend Tyler during this first course — and we’ve been friends ever since (hoi Tyler, I know you’ll read this.)
Was this image taken after several margaritas? Inderdaad. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
As I now enjoy my fourth online course (B1 to B2 part 2), the lighthearted and entertaining nature of the course continues to thrive, even as the grammar has grown more complex — and anyone who has tackled Dutch grammar rules knows that’s quite an achievement.
Sarah has participated in Taalthuis’ online courses from A1 to B2. Taalthuis offers these courses both online and in person, ranging from A0 all the way up to C1. Check out Taalthuis’ course list.
The verdict: yes, taking a course with Taalthuis is worth it
My verdict comes easily: yes, I think taking an online Dutch course with Taalthuis is worthwhile.
Not only is the proof in the pudding — I can now interact in Dutch without making a complete fool of myself — but the experience of getting to this point was enjoyable.
Taalthuis’ well-thought-out structuring of the course, excellent teachers, and engaging teaching methods are the perfect recipe for taking your Dutch from “hoi” to “hoe gaat het schat! Ben je van de trap gevallen?” (Hey darling, did you fall down the stairs?)
Whether you’re interested in checking your level of Dutch, taking a course, or getting your colleagues to “leer Nederlands met jou” (learn Dutch with you), Taalthuis can offer a course to help.
Acode orange weather warning was in effect in several Dutch provinces yesterday due to storm Conall. The storm resulted in destruction and even caused a casualty in Gelderland.
According to the NOS, a 19-year-old woman tragically lost her life during what is being described as one of the strongest autumn storms in Dutch history.
The incident
The young woman died after being struck by a tree yesterday evening in the Gelderland town of Lochem.
She was cycling through the countryside at about 7:15 PM when tragedy struck.
The police will continue investigating the incident.
Op de Koopsdijk in Lochem is iets na kwart over zeven een persoon onder een boom terechtgekomen. Hulpverlening ter plaatse mocht niet baten, de persoon is helaas overleden. We doen onderzoek. Meer informatie is nu niet bekend. ^JH
Translation: A person fell under a tree on the Koopsdijk in Lochem just after a quarter past seven. On-site assistance was of no avail and the person unfortunately died. We continue to investigate. No further information is known at this time.
More destruction
Storm Conall is officially the 69th most severe autumn storm to hit the Netherlands since measurements began in 1910.
Its consequences were visible throughout the country: a houseboat in Leiden was blown against a bridge, and a tree fell onto a tram track in Amsterdam.
In addition, several trees fell in The Hague and ferry rides were cancelled in De Wadden.
The Netherlands’ online gambling market is currently experiencing major changes due to new regulations aimed at protecting players.
Recent guidelines are focused on creating a safer gaming environment through measures like deposit restrictions and mandatory breaks for players. However, the proposed tax hikes have sparked criticism from casino operators and labour unions.
Let’s try to understand what’s going on. 👇
New player protection measures
On October 1, 2024, the Dutch government introduced a new set of regulations to safeguard online gamblers. These measures are a significant step towards creating a hopefully much safer gambling environment in the Netherlands.
What do they entail, you ask?
1. Monthly deposit limits
The new regulations introduce monthly deposit limits of €700 per month for adults aged 25+ and €300 per month for young adults (18-25 years old).
These limits act as financial safeguards to prevent excessive spending. Players who want to exceed these limits will need to make direct contact with their gambling provider now.
While these measures aim to protect players, they could push some Dutch gamblers toward non-Dutch platforms, which often have fewer restrictions.
For example, an instant withdrawal casino generally provides more flexibility with higher deposit and betting limits, a greater variety of games, and modern payment options like e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.
As the Netherlands’ new requirement also means that providers have to take the players’ financial situation and gambling habits into account before allowing higher deposits, it may be the final nail in the coffin for players looking for a less restrictive gambling environment.
2. Pop-up messages during gameplay
Gambling operators in the Netherlands are now required to display pop-up messages every 30 minutes during gameplay.
Although these may interrupt the gaming experience, they’re meant to remind players to monitor their session duration and take regular breaks.
Casino operators now have new responsibilities, including investigating players who reach their deposit thresholds long before the month runs out.
The goal? To identify any signs of excessive gambling behaviours, take proactive measures to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
How does the industry respond? Surprisingly positively
The new regulations aim to create safer, responsible gambling measures. So far, the industry response to these new regulations has mostly been positive.
The Industry Trade Association of Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) expressed their support, viewing the regulations as crucial for maintaining a responsible gambling market.
But of course, some operators have voiced their concerns about the potential over-regulation, emphasising the need to strike a balance between player protection and market viability.
Let’s take a closer look at industry developments
ComeOn Group, a well-established European online gambling operator, made the decision to join the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA).
Their entry into the Dutch market and NOGA membership highlights how attractive the Netherlands’ regulated gambling environment is. This strengthens NOGA’s position and brings valuable industry experience to the association.
NOGA plays a vital role in the Dutch gambling market, advocating for licensed operators. The association promotes a safe, responsible, and competitive online gambling market in the lowlands.
Image: Pexels
By representing its members’ interests, NOGA engages with regulators and policymakers to ensure the integrity and shape the industry’s future.
Some other key trends and developments in the gambling industry include:
Player account growth: Active gambling accounts surpassed one million in 2024, up from 970,000 in 2022.
Young adult participation: Players aged 18-23 now account for 20% of active accounts despite representing only 10% of the population.
Change in gambling preferences: games against the house, such as slots and live dealer games, are more popular than ever, followed by peer-to-peer games like online bingo and poker.
Advertising regulation impact: The 2023 ban on untargeted gambling advertisements has significantly reduced site visits from non-gamblers.
The tax hike debate
The Dutch gambling sector is also grappling with proposed tax increases.
As it is, gambling operators already pay a 30.5% tax on gross gaming revenue, but the government plans to raise this rate substantially over the next two years.
This proposal has sparked backlash from operators and labour unions, who argue that such a steep increase could jeopardise jobs and drive players to unregulated markets.
For example, Holland Casino, the state-owned gambling operator, has taken a hard stand against the hike. They argue that a significant increase like this could severely impact their operations and profitability.
Labour unions FNV and De Unie have joined forces with Holland Casino to campaign against the controversial tax increase. Their main concerns concern potential job losses and reduced worker benefits.
The unions fear that operators, facing financial pressure from higher taxes, may resort to mass layoffs or cut employee benefits to maintain profitability.
The potential consequences of this tax hike are far-reaching:
Impact on operators: Higher taxes could reduce profit margins, potentially forcing some operators out of the market.
Job security: As operators look to cut costs, employees in the gambling sector may face an increased risk of layoffs or reduced benefits.
Risk of driving players to unregulated markets: If licensed operators offer less competitive odds or bonuses due to higher taxes, players might turn to illegal, unregulated platforms.
The proposed tax hike is no small feat to the Dutch gambling industry, potentially threatening its stability and the jobs it supports while risking an increase in illegal gambling activities.
Balancing regulation and market viability
The Dutch government faces a challenging balancing act between protecting players, generating tax revenue, and maintaining a viable regulated market.
From the government’s perspective, stricter regulations and higher taxes serve two main purposes: enhancing player protection and increasing state revenue.
They argue that these measures are necessary to create a safe gambling environment and ensure the industry contributes its fair share to public coffers.
However, the industry has raised concerns about over-regulation.
Image: Freepik
Operators worry that over-regulation may push players toward illegal or non-Dutch platforms, undermining the protective framework and reducing tax revenue.
The challenge lies in maintaining a competitive, regulated market while achieving regulatory goals. If licensed operators cannot offer attractive odds or bonuses due to high costs, players may move on to illegal platforms, undermining the protections the regulations aim to provide.
Even if they turn to legal and verified offshore platforms, the state will still lose those potential taxes. This situation could lead to a lose-lose scenario where player protection is compromised, and the state collects less tax revenue due to a shrinking regulated market.
What does the future hold?
Finding the right balance means the Netherlands needs ongoing dialogue between regulators, operators, and other stakeholders to guarantee player protection, fair tax revenue, and a market that can stand up to black-market competition.
The Dutch gambling market may face challenges in the short term as operators and players adapt to the new rules and tax increases. Smaller operators might struggle to keep up, leading to some consolidation in the industry.
In the long run, the market is expected to grow more steadily, with responsible gambling becoming a core focus as the industry matures.
What are your thoughts on the new regulations for the Dutch gambling industry? Share them in the comments.
Germany and the Netherlands are (really) old neighbours.
They share historical ties, a love for beer, loads of blond hair between their inhabitants, and both use the word überhaupt (anyhow/anyway).
But apart from that, these two countries are distant relatives at most. Unique in their cultural quirks, there are likely way more differences between them than you might initially think.
Benieuwd 🇳🇱? Or rather, neugierig🇩🇪?
Whether you’re German or an entirely different nationality, there’s one thing that’s always true: Undutchables is the go-to recruitment agency for finding jobs in the Netherlands.They’ve got heaps of jobs for German speakers too!
1. Germans love cash
Despite the commonly-held assumption that Germany is a forward-thinking and progressive country, Germans do struggle quite a bit with digitisation.
While Dutchies whip out their phone at the cash register or simply pay by card, Germans insist on fiddling around with one and two-cent pieces to settle their bills.
That’s because, until quite recently, many German stores did not have credit or debit card terminals. In the Netherlands, it’s the opposite, and you’ll occasionally have trouble paying by cash.
One thing is for certain, you don’t want to endure the death stare of an Albert Heijn cashier when trying to pay an €18 grocery shop with a €100 bill. Trust me.
2. Dutchies work shorter hours
Here’s a stereotype that rings true — Germans are hardworking folk. Or do Dutchies simply work less?
Whatever the case, according to the OECD Better Life Index, which compares the work-life balance of different countries, the Netherlands definitely comes out on top!
Dutchies in their natural habitat enjoying beer and greasy food. Image: Depositphotos
Only 0.3% of Dutchies work ‘very long hours in paid work’, the third-lowest amount in the entire ranking. In contrast, 3.9% of Germans do the same — youch!
Well, if that isn’t a good argument to leave the mountains behind and move to the lowlands I don’t know what is.
3. German bread is just better
This is the ultimate truth: Dutch bread sucks — at least compared to German loaves. What is known as brood here barely passes as toast back in Duitsland.
Our German writer is drooling at the sight of this Volkornbrot (whole-wheat bread). Image: Depositphotos
Where German bread is dense, nourishing, and available in hundreds of variations, the Dutch are happy with a slice of untoasted, gooey, and tasteless brood. Igitt Igitt (Yuck), as we say in Germany.
But who cares as long as there’s a slice of cheese on it, right? 🥲
4. Dutchies speak better English than Germans
Here’s another thing that just doesn’t quite live up to the idea that Germans are modern and progressive: many of us don’t speak English very well. Even the young ones.
That’s because, for one, you don’t have to speak English if you live and work in Germany. All media, including movies, newspapers and series, are translated into German.
On top of that, English classes in German schools tend not to be very good, so adults have trouble picking up the language later on.
Dutchies, however, are repeatedly ranked as the best non-native English speakers in the world.
In fact, one of the reasons it’s so hard to learn Dutch as an international living in the Netherlands is because English is spoken everywhere. That’s good and bad, I guess!
5. German public transport tickets are super old-fashioned
What can I say, Germans just love to produce unnecessary paper wherever they can. While the Dutch have their OV card, Germans buy weird paper slips from the bus drivers.
After buying a bus ticket in some (but not all) German provinces, you’ll have to stamp it at one of these machines. Image: Depositphotos
Even in big cities, including Berlin, you’ll see Germans impractically try to push a tiny paper ticket into a slot at the electronic gates. What a hassle.
In the meantime, five Dutchies in Amsterdam have already passed through their metro gates with a smooth touch of their OV.
6. Dutchies aren’t afraid to speak informally
Unlike in English, both the German and the Dutch languages distinguish between addressing a friend and addressing someone in a position of power. The Dutch say ‘u’, and the Germans say ‘Sie’.
The distinction between the informal ‘Du’ and the formal ‘Sie’ is still very important in Germany. You don’t address an unknown person — be it the older lady on the bus, the 25-year-old waiter, or your boss — as ‘Du.’
In the Netherlands, on the other hand, it’s not that big of a deal. Dutchies are egalitarian, after all, so the informal ‘je’ will suffice. Fine, we’ll ‘u’ Queen Maxima if we have to, but your boss or the random person you’re trying to get directions from? No way.
7. Germans know to shut up on public transport
I find it eerie to step onto a German bus or train these days. Why? Because it’s so quiet. 👀
Unless you’ve chosen the one unfortunate day where there are a bunch of rowdy, drunk football fans trying to get from one German city to the other, it’s perceived polite in Germany to mind your own business on public transport. Quietly.
In Dutch trains, you’ll have people talking shamelessly on their phones, watching videos with the sound on loud, laughing loudly with each other, or starting a convo with their newly-found seatmate.
Top tip for all my Germans out there: most Dutch trains have special stilte-wagons (silent-wagons) if you’re looking for some peace and quiet (although they don’t always work).
8. Dutchies borrel, but Germans have their Feierabendbier
Here’s a similarity: beer. This golden, alcoholic beverage is the cornerstone of the drinking culture in both countries. The two neighbours differ only in the way of consumption.
There’s a term in German, the Feierabendbier, which roughly translates to after-work-beer. It’s okay to start drinking sometime after 5 PM, especially after work on a weekday when you’ve really earned it.
One strong argument to favour borrels over the Feierabendbier — Bitterballen. Image: Pixabay
Dutchies, on the other hand, are much more liberal with the where’s and when’s of their beer consumption. Sure, it’s not super good for you to start nipping on an ice-cold Heineken at 3 PM on a Wednesday. But who cares, really?
Most popularly, of course, the Dutch like to drink their biertjes during a borrel. Borrel culture is huge here in the lowlands and is an explicit social gathering. The Feierabendbier can be enjoyed in solitude. But a borrel-beer? No way!
9. Germans are still all about WWII
Being confronted with the shameful history of my home country upon revealing my nationality to a Dutch person happens more than you would think.
Usually, it happens in the form of a joke or a rash question regarding the involvement of my grandparents in the Hitler regime.
Hard feelings are rarely involved (though it happens!), but it shows a laxer approach towards WWII commemoration in the Netherlands than in Germany.
Germans are acutely aware of how they’ve stood on the wrong side of history, and we don’t make any jokes about it!
10. Dutchies won’t be caught dead in bike helmets
Helmet, who? Safety, what? This is the basic tenor when cycling in the Netherlands. Maybe it’s because bikes rule the streets anyway, but bike helmets rarely make their way onto the heads of the Dutch.
In Germany, on the other hand, you can see bike helmets everywhere. Especially younger kids and children are forced by their parents to put them on (and usually take them off secretly as soon as they’re out of sight.)
Why? The next point might give you some answers.
11. Dutchies love to break the rules; Germans are followers
Germans love rules. They love to follow rules. And they love to talk and think badly about people who don’t follow rules.
And the Dutch? They see rules, ignore them, and sometimes protest against them.
For example, at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, this particular difference between the two countries was painfully obvious. In Germany, citizens more or less dutifully followed one lockdown rule after the other.
In the Netherlands, frequent (and illegal) protests occurred, and shops, museums and nightclubs opened despite regulations to stay shut. Even the Dutch police refused to do anything about it because they were overworked and didn’t see the point.
Doe normaal, right Dutchies?
12. Germans can (legally) drink at a younger age
Ha! At least one thing we’re more liberal on than the Dutch: teenagers drinking alcohol.
Wait. Okay. Maybe I’m more excited about this than I should be, but in Germany, you’re legally allowed to buy and drink low-percentage alcohol like beer and wine at 16. The legal drinking age (as of 2014) in the Netherlands is 18.
Come on, Germany, these girls are hardly old enough to open their own bank account. Image: Freepik
Of course, many young Germans and Dutchies start drinking much earlier than that. But it’s the thought that counts. I guess.
13. German workplaces are more hierarchical
Remember how, in Germany, you would never address your boss with the informal ‘Du’, but in the Netherlands, it’s not all that uncommon?
That’s also because of the conservatism in the German workplace. If you arrive in a Dutch office, even one on the corporate end, with ripped jeans, sneakers and a blue streak in your hair — there’s a good chance that no one will care.
But in Germany? No way! There must be order, structure, and (most importantly), you must honour the workplace hierarchy!
For one, you need to look like you’re at the office. And secondly, you have to know your place. Only the polite ‘Sie’ for your boss, please.
Ready to join in on those casual Dutch workplace vibes (and take advantage of that snazzy work-life balance)? Undutchables have stacks of jobs for German speakers (that’s right, you’re in high demand!).
14. Dutch meetings are a lot more casual
Because of the non-hierarchical work structure in the Netherlands, meetings are often more like social outings than serious and professional appointments.
A Dutch meeting can happen during a walk, over some borrel snacks, or even in the queue to the coffee machine. In contrast, 99% of the time, German meetings will occur around a large, oval table. There might be some bottled water if you’re lucky.
Hierarchy? Never heard of it, say the Dutch. Image: Depositphotos
Germans simply like to get things done. Dutchies do, too, but they also want to know about their colleagues’ new paint job. Oh, and how are the kids doing?
15. German stores are closed on Sundays — except for bakeries
One of my favourite things about the Netherlands is that I don’t have to think about when to do my groceries. Stores are open seven days a week, usually until late evening.
But if I’m in Germany and want to do my weekly grocery shopping on Sunday — not a chance. Our Lutheran legacy forbids any store to open its doors on the holiest of days. But I’m an atheist, I swear!
Except, wait a minute, isn’t that a bakery selling bread rolls at 7:00 in the morning? Yup, the only stores commonly exempted from this strange, outdated rule are the Bäckereien.
This can only mean two things. For one, the German love for bread has outgrown the love for Christianity. Or, secondly, heathens! Heathens in the bakery!
16. Dutchies often speak German, but Germans don’t speak Dutch
As soon as a Dutch someone gets the gist of my nationality, I’ll hear something like: “Oh, ich sprech’ auch ein bis-schen Deutsch.” Meaning that they speak a bit of German.
The opposite is something a Dutchie in Germany is very unlikely to encounter. Even though both languages are more or less similar, the Dutch are far more likely to understand the Germans than the other way around.
Why? Many Dutch people have the option to learn German in school! In German schools, on the other hand, it’s more common to learn Latin languages such as Spanish, French, or Latin.
Wat jammer! (How sad!) 🇳🇱
17. Germans pride themselves on punctuality
One stereotype that rings truer than others: Germans are (over)punctual. Showing up to an appointment 10 to 15 minutes early is being on time.
I have resolved to emulate the German punctuality.
“Early is on time. On time is late. Lateness is unacceptable”
Being five minutes late will have the waiting German tap his foot impatiently. The seven-minute mark means you’re being impolite. And everything over 10 minutes is late.
In the Netherlands, people are more flexible. While they are among the more punctual cultures, it’s not a big deal to be five or even 10 minutes late, as long as you let them know. In Germany, it certainly is.
18. The Netherlands is more expensive than Germany
One downside to living in the Netherlands is the living costs. It’s expensive. Or, at least, more expensive than in Germany.
Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn is infamous for its high prices. Image: Depositphotos
People living on the Dutch side of the Dutch-German border know this all too well, so weekend grocery shops across the border to a German Aldi are not uncommon.
19. Germans dub, Dutchies sub
Remember the point about Dutchies’ excellent English skills? It’s got a lot to do with the fact that the Dutch generally don’t dub movies! They only have subtitles, which exposes them to heaps of English. Children’s cartoons are the only exception.
In Germany, the dubbing of foreign films is an entire industry. We grew up with specific German voices for legendary actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sylvester Stallone, and Meryl Streep, which haven’t changed in decades.
Sure, that’s pretty impressive. However, it also means that Germans can’t learn English through Bruce Willis’ performance in Die Hard — “Yippee-ki-yay, motherf***er” turns into “Yippie-ya-yei, Schweinebacke” (Yippee-ki-yay, pig’s cheek). 🤢
Did we forget a crucial difference between the Dutch and the Germans? Tell us in the comments below!
Grab your wool scarves, put on your crunchy-leaf-stompers, fill your mugs with pumpkin spice lattes, and prepare your film cameras — it’s time to romanticise Amsterdam’s autumn season on TikTok. 🧶 🐿 🎃
“A picture speaks a thousand words”, they say, but what about a video? 📽
Enter, cinephiles: the filmmakers who have taken over this year’s DutchTok with their romantic depictions of autumn in Amsterdam.
Characterised by slow-motion videos with soft orange filters, melancholic music, and artistic imagery, these TikToks immortalise the (very rare) good autumn days. 🍂
1. Orange filters and Mazzy Star
Let’s start with the perfect example of what we mean by DutchTok’s romanticism of autumn.
Did someone say Gossip Girl-ify your Amsterdam autumn? Sign me up! 🧤🌇🛍
6. Of course, our most beloved canals had to make an appearance
Did you really think this list could be complete without mentioning Amsterdam’s canals — one of the city’s most cherished and unmissable treasures? (I mean seriously, they’re everywhere.)
The pink fluffy clouds, glistening water beneath, and romantic sway of the boat fit right into the aesthetic. ☁️✨
7. POV you’re a bike on a chilly autumn evening
If bikes could speak, they would have immense attachment issues — we overuse them during the summer and spring, but forget about them during the autumn and winter. 🚲
With special appearances by: poffertjes (mini pancakes. And yes, they’re truly tiny), steamy dumplings that slip between chopsticks, and of course, the most tasty and cherished Dutch delight — the Febo wall food.
11. Reality check time!
As much as we hate to leave on a sad note, we need to face reality — the reality that Dutch weather just isn’t like most TikToks… ☔️
