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Dutch city opens a “Piss Park” for men to pee in public for free — but what about the women?

Nijmegen is done with wild pee-ers, and it’s tackling the problem with a splash of creativity.

As crowds pour in for the Four Days Marches event and its street parties, the city is fighting back with more toilets and one very cheeky pee park. 👇

Welcome to the plaspark

On Saturday (July 12), Nijmegen unveiled its boldest (and weirdest) attraction yet: the plaspark.

This 2.5 by 7-meter setup allows people to legally relieve themselves against replicas of classic urination targets, such as a tree, a fire hydrant, and even a front door.

Each is connected to a clever underground drainage system, keeping things surprisingly clean for a public bathroom installation.

Backed by the organisers of the Four Days Marches, the park aims to flush out one of the city’s most persistent party problems.

READ MORE | I had to pay €4 to use a toilet on King’s Day — and I’m pissed

“With this, we draw attention to a real problem: over one in six inner-city residents experience nuisance from urinators in the street,” director Joris Bouwmeister tells de Volkskrant. “Our message is: if you really have to, or want to, do it here.”

A public toilet that both mocks and prevents wild peeing? That’s peak Dutch practicality.

A creative fix, but clearly made for men

Let’s be real. The plaspark and the 1,300 urinals now scattered across Nijmegen are effective… if you’re a man.

public-urinal-in-the-netherlands-only-accessible-for-men-while-travelling
Like most public toilets, the plaspark is designed solely for men. 🙄 Image: Dreamstime

Even the director of the Four Days Marches knows this isn’t a perfect fix.

“It keeps mopping with the tap open. Literally and figuratively.” Joris Bouwmeister confesses, using a tongue-in-cheek Dutch idiom to highlight that he’s aware the plaspark is attempting to solve the issue of “wild peeing” without addressing the actual problem.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #45: Pee in the canals when drunk — and fall in

Despite significant upgrades, the city’s toilet landscape is far from equal. If you can pee standing up, Nijmegen has you sorted. If not, things get trickier. 👇

So, where’s the pee Disneyland for women?

To help with the demand, 250 extra portable toilets have been added “to accommodate women in particular”, but they aren’t women-only and still lack basic privacy and comfort.

More voices are calling for a truly inclusive solution, one that offers a clean, covered, and private space where women can go without queues, stares, or stress.

This isn’t a futuristic fantasy. It’s a basic need that still hasn’t been met.

Is Nijmegen on the right track, or should public toilet design stop catering to just one gender? Let’s flush out the conversation. 💬

Vacation, free time and working hours in the Netherlands: all you need to know

Working in the Netherlands and want to know what your rights are? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s all you need to know about vacations, free time and working hours in the Netherlands.

This way you can know if you’ve been unpaid and underappreciated (tut, tut)!

Before we begin, I’ll briefly explain some important pointers to you, to get you started on your rights when working in the Netherlands.

If you’re working over here, then the law applies to you, even if another law is present in your employment. Always remember that folks!

Work contracts in the Netherlands

Firstly, when you start working in the Netherlands, you will be given a fixed-term contract. You may be used to being automatically permanently employed — but it doesn’t work like that in this country.

You will be given the contract and then your employer will choose whether to extend it when the time comes.

You can have no more than three fixed-term contracts, after this, you must either be let go or employed permanently.

READ MORE: Lost your job in the Netherlands? What you need to know about Dutch employment law

It’s incredibly difficult to get rid of an employee if they are employed on a permanent contract, so they need to be sure that you’re going to be good to them.

It’s also important to note that if you have more than a six-month gap in your employment with the company, the contracts restart again (how annoying)!

Holiday and vacation days in the Netherlands

Everyone is in need of a vacation every now and then! Want to work out how much you’re entitled to? Well, the legal minimum is four times the weekly working days. So it all depends on working hours in the Netherlands.

A working day in the Netherlands is generally eight hours.

So if you work four full days a week, 4 x 4 = 16 days holiday.

However, there is a tendency for full-time workers to get 25 days holiday in the Netherlands (you’ve cashed in there!), alongside the usual Dutch national holidays.

Note: If you want to save your holidays, you have 6 months after the year in which it was accumulated. So, say you were working in 2026 and want to save them for next year — it must be used within 6 months.

However, it’s important to remember that you can’t just take all this holiday off in one go. You can usually take up to 3 weeks consecutively, and anything more than that, you must ask your employer.

Woman-standing-in-airport-with-her-plane-tickets-looking-where-her-gate-is
Before you take off on that well-deserved vacation, remember these facts! Image: Freepik

What about if you’ve accumulated lots of holiday hours, yet you’re quitting your job? Then you should try to use up these hours before you officially quit your job.

If this is not possible, then speak to your employer, because they may be able to sort the hours being paid out to you on your final pay day. This is only possible if it exceeds 20 days, though — so bear that in mind!

Working hours in the Netherlands

What do working hours look like in the Netherlands? Let’s run through them.

Full-time

If you are a full-time worker, that means that you work between 36 – 40 hours per week (if you aren’t, then you’re working too much or not enough to call yourself a full-timer!).

READ MORE | Is the 9-5 dead in the Netherlands?

The average full-time Dutch worker works 38 hours. This usually means that you will have a 30-minute break during your shift that is unpaid (with a shift of over 5.5 hours).

Part-time

If you work more than 12 hours, but less than the 36, then you are considered a part-time worker. This is extremely common in the Netherlands, especially with women, so don’t feel embarrassed to take the back seat and work a little less.

It means that your work-life balance in the Netherlands may be a lot more manageable than in your home country!

You can also be more flexible with your working hours — don’t forget to discuss this with your manager if you want to do this, as it may be possible.

How much can I work in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, it is illegal to work over 12 hours per shift and over 60 hours per week. This is only acceptable if it is for a short period of time or a one-off. If this is a regular thing, then it is not allowed.

Young-working-man-stressed-out-with-tasks-being-given-to-him-by-phone-and-papers
Watch out for those burnouts! Image: Freepik

In a four-week period, you must not work anything over 55 hours per week, which lowers to 48 hours per week over a 16-week period.

It’s not very common to do lots of overtime in the Netherlands. Instead, part-time work is incredibly common here!

Like I said earlier, you are entitled to an unpaid break of 30 minutes if you work over 5.5 hours. This can also be broken up into two 15-minute breaks if wanted.

Maternity and paternity leave in the Netherlands

Before you even take leave, you need to tell your boss that you’re pregnant. This legally needs to be done 3 weeks before you are due to take maternity leave (and the belly may give it away, too).

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about maternity leave in the Netherlands

This is why it’s usually done much earlier, once you are in your second trimester. You should not have your contract stopped just because you’re pregnant.

Woman-holding-her-newborn-baby-in-her-arms-with-red-fingernails-maternity-leave
Take that time off as a new mom! Image: Pexels

If you are working in the Netherlands and become pregnant, then you should get at least 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.

This usually begins 4 weeks before the due date and then 10ish weeks after (depending on how much you have left).

READ MORE: Becoming a father? Here’s everything you need to know about paternity leave in the Netherlands

For fathers, paternity leave is not as long. You get five weeks of leave however not all of this is paid!

You can take parental leave until your child reaches the age of 8, however,  you can usually take longer unpaid leave if it discussed with the employer before though.

Sick leave in the Netherlands

No quite a vacation, but still important. If you fall ill and you’re meant to be at work, then you need to call your employer ASAP.

It’s important that you inform their HR department, so then they can arrange cover (if applicable) and you can claim sick leave.

READ MORE | Sick leave in the Netherlands: what you need to know

If you are on vacation and fall sick, it is possible to swap this for sick leave, if you inform them beforehand.

Woman-sick-lying-on-couch-with-blanket-over-her-with-medication-by-her-side
Take care of yourself and get that rest! Image: Freepik

If a family member or close friend falls ill and they are within your care, then it is also possible to take short-term care leave.

This can only be possible if you can prove that you are the only person to provide the care to that person if they are out of hospital care. Of course, this must be done ASAP, so everything can be sorted.

You’re then entitled to take care leave time, which is twice your weekly working hours.

You’ll then get a 70% payment (some employers may be kind and give you your full wages). The long-term max is six times your weekly working hours and you may not be paid at all!

So, there you have it — just some important info on working hours in the Netherlands and taking a vacation.

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

Netherlands gets world’s first floating solar and wind farm (and it’s HUGE)

In an unprecedented global milestone that sounds like something straight out of a renewable energy sci-fi novel, a Dutch company has just released a massive floating solar farm into the ocean.

According to Oceans of Energy, the “Nymphaea Aurora” solar farm is the planet’s very first offshore solar farm designed to work hand-in-hand with an offshore wind farm. And yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.

This floating solar system will soon be installed at the Hollandse Kust Noord wind farm, about 18.5 kilometres off the Dutch coast. 

To give you a sense of scale: it’s larger than a football field, so pretty hard to miss if you’re sailing by.

Floating power petals

The floating solar system isn’t just a pretty face with a poetic name. It was assembled in just three days at the Port of Amsterdam using prefabricated units, proving that large-scale clean energy projects don’t have to move at glacial speeds. 

“The Oceans of Energy offshore solar farm floats in the sea at water level, like a waterlily, therefore, we have named it ‘Nymphaea Aurora,’” says Allard van Hoeken, Founder & CEO of Oceans of Energy.

Come mid-August, the solar park will take a scenic trip down the North Sea Canal, towed out to its offshore home. 

Once anchored in place, it will undergo a full year of testing to see how it handles the famously feisty conditions of the North Sea. If all goes well, this floating sun farm could become a permanent feature, and perhaps just the first of many.

READ MORE | Solar panels in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

The solar farm is set to become fully operational in summer 2025, adding sunny power to the already buzzing 759 megawatt Hollandse Kust Noord wind farm, which has been churning out clean electricity since December 2023. 

That wind farm alone already generates enough electricity to power over one million Dutch homes annually. Not too shabby!

Practically invisible, seriously clever

Bright reports that the solar park has also been smartly designed to stay practically invisible, both from the beach and the skies. 

So, if you’re soaking up the sun near Egmond, don’t bother squinting; the panels are a full 18 kilometres offshore and well out of sight. And pilots? They’re flying far too high to notice any glare.

Are you excited about this new project? Let us know in the comments below!

Do the royals pay taxes in the Netherlands?

Does the Dutch royal family pay taxes? What exactly is the financial status of the royal family in the Netherlands?

This is a good question, especially when keeping in mind that the Dutch are amongst the last remaining kingdoms in Europe. Sure, the chancellor of Germany or the French president do their taxes. (Hopefully.)

But how does it work with the royal family? Does Queen Máxima sit behind the computer every year around April to fill in her income tax returns? 🤔

Do the royals pay taxes in the Netherlands?

We’ll cut it short: no, the royal family of the Netherlands does not pay taxes.

Under the constitution, royal house members receiving a stipend are exempt from income tax over that stipend. 

They are also exempt from all personal taxes over assets and possessions that they use or need in the execution of their functions for the kingdom. 

On top of that, the monarch and the heir are also exempt from any tax that concerns inheritances received from members of the royal house. 👑

Phew, that’s a lot of tax exemption. Here’s a summary. 👇🏻

The Dutch royal family is exempt from taxes on:

  • income
  • inheritance
  • donations
  • a part of the capital money (used to carry out their functions for the Kingdom)
  • cars and motorcycles with an AA license plate

The Dutch royal family is taxed on:

  • private capital
  • VAT on groceries
  • dogs

Should the royals pay taxes in the Netherlands?

We think so. For one, the Dutch Royals are very expensive, according to research by the University of Ghent. As of 2023, the royal house of Oranje-Nassau cost Dutch taxpayers around €50 million per year, says The Guardian.

That makes them the most expensive royal family in Europe! Jesus, dial it down on those expenses, Willem-Alexander!

READ MORE | The Dutch and their monarchy; a two-sided coin

The King, the Queen and the oldest Princess also get constitutional benefits that increase annually at the same rate as the salaries of governmental officials. And they get compensation for paying their staff too!

We’re sure there is plenty left to pay for taxes that benefit everyone. 😊

dutch-royal-family-king-willem-alexander-and-his-children
The King and Queen and their three daughters. Image: Koninklijkhuis

When asked — Do you agree with the statement: “the king, queen and princess Beatrix should pay taxes over their income and wealth, like all Dutch?” — 65% of Dutchies said ja in this 2019 survey by Statistica.

Why don’t the royals pay taxes in the Netherlands?

There are rumours that since the establishment of a new financial system managing the Royals’ expenses in the early 70s, a deal was made with the Dutch cabinet to guarantee that the ‘losses’ of replacing the old system would be compensated.

If this is true, this agreement would still be ongoing.

A couple of years ago, a report detailing this theory stirred up quite some controversy. There was even a committee put in place to clarify the matter. However, in the end, a conclusion was reached that no such deal was ever made. 🤷‍♀️

Is this the end of it?

Of course not. Instead, this has sparked several discussions about whether the Royals should pay taxes like everyone else.

Image of the King, the Queen, and the Dutch Prime Minister talking to each other.
Pay taxes? Who? Image: De Minister-President/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

A motion was passed by the previous cabinet at the start of 2024 proposing that members of the Royal Family should pay income tax. However, that government soon fell, and when Dick Schoof became Prime Minister, he decided not to pursue this change.

As a result, the discussion was effectively put on hold.

Do you think the royals should pay taxes? Let us know in the comments!

Travelling south from Rotterdam? Still no trains today due to malfunction in tunnel

If you were planning on travelling south from Rotterdam today, you’re going to have to wait until tomorrow.

Update: Services have resumed sooner than expected, with Nu.nl reporting that train services through the tunnel have resumed.

Due to a malfunction that occurred on Friday evening, trains are still unable to travel through the Willemsspoortunnel.

As a result of the outage, trains were unable to travel between Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Zuid for the entire weekend.

This morning, power was restored to the tunnel, and according to Rijnmond, trains ran briefly. However, ProRail is still testing the safety systems, and traffic has come to a standstill once again.

According to Nu.nl, the NS expects that trains won’t be running again until 2 AM on Tuesday.

And what does this mean for today? A lot of train chaos for commuters.

What routes are affected?

As a result, there will be no trains running between Rotterdam Centraal and Breda and Rotterdam Centraal and Dordrecht today, Monday, July 14.

If you are meant to travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Dordrecht, you can instead take a bus to Rotterdam Zuid, where trains are still running to Dordrecht.

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Travelling internationally? Then things are going to get a bit complicated.

  • The Eurostar from Paris to London will be diverted to Utrecht Centraal and ‘s-Hertogenbosch
  • EuroCity and EuroCity Direct services to Brussels will depart from Breda instead of Rotterdam (And yep, you will have to make your own way to Breda).

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Dutch Quirk #39: Say happy birthday to everyone

How many times is it reasonable to say “happy birthday” at one birthday party? The Dutch seem to think the sky is the limit! 

Why limit yourself to wishing only one person happy birthday when you can congratulate everyone on the joyous occasion? 🎉

Dutch people love to feliciteren (congratulate) as many people as humanly possible, which can create some confusion if you’re not 100% sure who the jarige (birthday celebrant) is.

What is it?

It is no secret that the Dutch take their birthdays very seriously, and as an international, it can be daunting to navigate the sea of traditions. 

First, remember that you have to greet whoever you’re wishing happy birthday.

man-and-woman-greeting-their-friend-happy-birthday
Dutch birthdays are a big community event. Image: Freepik

Then comes one of the most absurd Dutch birthday traditions: you wish the birthday celebrant “happy birthday” when you arrive at the party — oh, and basically everyone else they’re close to as well. 

You can either play it safe and stick to the simple, traditional “Gefeliciteerd” (congratulations) and leave it at that (occasionally including the birthday celebrant’s name).

But, if you really want to blend in as the true Dutchie you’re trying so hard to become — say “Gefeliciteerd met je [insert the title the birthday celebrant holds in relation to the person you are speaking to]”! 

Yes, it’s confusing, but here’s an example to better illustrate the situation: 

The mother of the birthday celebrant says to you: “Gefeliciteerd met Sophia!” (“Congrats with Sophia!”)

You say to the mother of Sophia (the birthday celebrant): “Gefeliciteerd met je dochter” (“Congrats with your daughter!”)

It goes without saying that you have to make sure you really know who the actual birthday celebrant is.

If you don’t, get a detailed description of what they look like in advance so you can identify who you should be saying what to. 

Another thing that can complicate matters a bit is when you’re talking to someone who has a weird, multi-linked relationship with the birthday celebrant. 

You might find yourself in a situation where you have to congratulate someone on their ex-husband’s-new-fienceé’s-friend’s-daughter-in-law’s-dog’s birthday.

Why do they do it?

After many attempts to understand my Dutch friends, I had to give up. It seems like no one knows why the Dutch insist on this weird tradition! 

Is it because the infamous Dutch birthday circle requires you to know everyone’s position, status, life situation, and relationships to survive the hour-long conversation? 😴

People-at-a-birthday-party
It’s a love-hate relationship with the birthday circle. Image: Freepik

Do the Dutch just love knowing as many personal details about each other as they can, so knowing your relation to the birthday celebrant? 

Or maybe it’s just the Dutch love for order and clarity — who knows? 

Why is it quirky? 

Congratulating everyone in sight on someone’s birthday is definitely not common practice around the world. 

In most cultures, we might give the birthday celebrant a quick squeeze before handing over a present. This is then followed by simply stepping back and hoping you know enough people.

Person-handing-their-friend-a-birthday-present
Opening birthday presents is an affair for the whole party. Image: Depositphotos

The Dutch say nee to this more introverted routine. You’re going to make eye contact, shake hands, and get to know some new people.  

And you know what? It’s kind of cute! 

Should you join in? 

Definitely join in if you want to blend in with the Dutchies and avoid standing out as the only international. 

It’s considered polite, and you’re just better off conforming to the tradition — unless the fear of accidentally calling someone the wrong title or misunderstanding who’s celebrating scares you too much. 😉

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

Old NS carriages may be converted into emergency hospitals for soldiers (yep, you read that right)

In an unexpected twist for trainspotters and defence buffs alike, the Dutch Ministry of Defence is in talks with the NS to buy 24 old train carriages. Not to restore them to glory, but to turn them into mobile emergency hospitals.

Instead of getting shipped off abroad like many decommissioned train carriages do, these trains could soon be rolling through the Netherlands as life-saving units on wheels.

According to the AD, the plan is to convert them by 2026, and if all goes well, that number might climb past 24.

NS confirmed the negotiations to the AD, but cautioned that it’s all still in the “exploratory phase.” A spokesperson tells the paper: “The Ministry of Defence has contacted us, and we’re looking at ways to help them. We’re always up for that.”

Why the push for a Defence-on-Rails project?

It’s all part of a broader initiative to get the Netherlands battle-ready, sparked by what the Ministry calls “the current threat in the world.” 

Think: large-scale military logistics, but make it modern, mobile, and multi-modal.

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And the trains are just one track on this military supply line. The Ministry has also struck a deal with KLM to provide reservists who can fly fighter jets (talk about frequent flyer miles).

Up next? Partnering with dozens of logistics companies to transport tanks, ammo, and other essentials eastward.

This is all part of what is now being called the “Logistics Ecosystem” — Defence’s ambitious plan to create a next-level network of transport, storage, and support services.

With over 40 categories ranging from warehouse space to fuel supply, the goal is to lock in at least two companies per category. 

READ MORE | Rutte congratulates and thanks Trump during NATO Summit

So, if you see a train trundling by in 2026, don’t be surprised if it’s not carrying commuters, but medics, stretchers, and a whole lot of first aid kits.

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Dutch private plane crashes shortly after takeoff from UK, unclear who was onboard

A Dutch-operated private plane crashed at London Southend Airport shortly after taking off. It is unclear who was onboard the aircraft bound for Lelystad.

According to witnesses and photos circulating the internet, the aircraft crashed just seconds after takeoff at 4 PM yesterday, erupting into flames upon impact.

The Guardian reports that it was leaning slightly to the left after takeoff.

Who was onboard is still unknown

The aircraft was reportedly operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation and was equipped with medical equipment to transport patients. However, who was onboard and whether there were any survivors is still not known.

Essex police have yet to announce anything regarding those onboard, giving the latest update yesterday at 8:45 PM:

“We have put a wide cordon in place to ensure all our emergency service colleagues can carry out their work safely, and we will be doing so overnight and into tomorrow morning.”

Do you have information that could help police? International callers can contact Essex police at 0207 1580126.

How long does it take to learn Dutch?

It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves before embarking on the journey to learn a new language — how long will it take to be able to converse, make jokes, or achieve ultimate fluency? 

Of course, everyone’s individual situation is different, but there are some things we can all do to help speed up the process of learning Dutch.

How long it takes to learn Dutch

Dutch is a tricky language, there’s no denying it. How long it takes to acquire an understanding of the language and its various “ghhhuuhhs,” “aaauuus” and dreaded “ui” sounds all depends on you.

For example, what was your first language? And how’s your patience? Are you willing to mess up? 

photo-of-woman-holding-coffee-cup-talking-with-friend-about-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-dutch-sitting-on-steps
You’re going to make mistakes while learning Dutch, but this is all part of the journey. Image: Freepik

You can spend years learning a language and still find words that you haven’t come across before. But as a general guide, the Foreign Service Insitute in the US estimates it takes about 600 hours of class lessons for a native English speaker to become fluent in Dutch. 

Of course, very few of us have the opportunity to study Dutch for 25 hours every week. So to put those numbers into perspective, that would equal: 

  • 11.5 hours of class lessons every week for one year.
  • 5.5 hours of class lessons every week for two years.

But remember fluency is just one goal. In Dutch, using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

  • you can hold a basic conversation at an A2 level,
  • you can voice your own opinion and describe experiences, events, dreams and expectations at B1 level
  • and you have an advanced level of Dutch that is generally considered good enough for the workplace at C1 level.
graphic-showing-cefr-dutch-levels-a1-to-c2
Image: DutchReview

The key to gaining understanding is to be patient with yourself, pick up word after word, and gradually you’ll have enough to string a few sentences together.

READ MORE | Is taking an online Dutch course worthwhile? Here’s my experience

Then take those sentences and fit them together as clumsily as you can and ta-da! You’re on your way to speaking some imperfect Dutch — which is far better than none at all. 

Moral of the story, take the blow to your ego and talk like a three-year-old for a bit. Are you willing to make that sacrifice? Then great! You’re already ahead of some. 

Good to know: it generally takes between 100 and 200 hours to progress through CEFR levels for Dutch.

Taking professional Dutch lessons

Naturally, you may find that you want to dedicate a bit more time to your Dutch and take advantage of some professional guidance. Lucky for you, that’s easy! 

Photo-of-people-in-Dutch-class-sitting-in-circle-learning-Dutch-in-the-Netherlands
There are many Dutch language courses on offer in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik

Part-time Dutch language courses

One sure way to help develop Dutch slowly over time is to take part-time Dutch lessons. You can do this with a school or you can see if your local library might have something available.

Classes like these are a great option for those who want to gradually nourish their Dutch language skills whilst working or studying full-time. 

Take intensive Dutch lessons

Every once in a while, the opportunity to focus more intensely on your language skills might present itself.

Perhaps you may find yourself in an “in-between” period in your life — you’ve finished your degree and are now looking for work, or you’ve just moved to the Netherlands and are getting settled in. 

Photo-of-people-sitting-around-desk-taking-intensive-Dutch-course-to-learn-Dutch
Taking an intensive course will certainly help you learn Dutch quickly. Image: Freepik

While it’s tempting to spend this time on some much-needed rest and relaxation, this is actually the perfect time to gain a new language skill by embarking on an intensive Dutch language course! (If not now, when?)

READ MORE | I went from A1 to B2 with this Dutch language school; here’s how it went

Language schools often offer intensive courses for those who are looking to learn Dutch quickly and effectively. These can vary between super intensive two-week courses or 6-10 week courses for each level of Dutch.

Learning Dutch on your own

Let’s say you decide to learn Dutch on your own without the help of a teacher. What can you do to challenge yourself and practice? There are a number of answers to this question. 

Photo-of-man-holding-book-learning-Dutch
Find yourself some Dutch language books! Image: Unsplash.

Learning Dutch with books

Firstly, you can go old school — meaning textbooks. Many bookshops in the Netherlands now have language sections where you can find some books on learning Dutch as a beginner.

Tip: Look out for the section labelled “Talen.

If money is tight, you can also head to your local public library, and in the unlikely event that they don’t have any Dutch language books, you can always head over to the children’s section and find yourself some light Dutch reading!

Learn Dutch through apps and social media

It also helps if you implement any tool that you can get your hands on.

If you find yourself waiting for the train and have 15 minutes to stare into the distance, why not stare at your phone like everyone else and learn some Dutch vocab with apps such as Duolingo.

READ MORE | 9 podcasts that’ll have you speaking Dutch in no time

You can also dedicate some of the time you spend on social media to bettering your Dutch.

Look out for Facebook groups in your area that organise local language exchanges and meetups — it’s a great way to learn Dutch slowly without lessons, and you may even make some friends. 

How can I learn Dutch faster?

Alongside intensive language courses, there are many things you can do to speed up the process of learning Dutch — and many of these involve integrating the language into your free time. 

Use Dutch in conversation

While this is in fact, the end goal when learning a language, many of us are scared to actually use Dutch in conversation outside of the classroom when we are going through the process of acquiring it.

Photo-of-women-talking-Dutch-how-long-does -it-take-to-learn-Dutch?
Try to inject Dutch into conversation as much as possible, this will reduce how long it takes to learn Dutch! Image: Pexels

Start small — order your coffee in Dutch, or ask for the receipt in the supermarket. 

READ MORE | Why you should learn Dutch (and how to get Dutchies to speak it with you!)

Yes, you may make a fool of yourself a few times — but chances are, your fumbling words will come across as endearing as opposed to annoying. You are making the effort after all, and that’s got to count for something. 

Surround yourself with Dutch

As an international in the Netherlands, it can be very easy to find yourself in the international bubble. Perhaps all your lessons at uni are in English, or you and your friends speak English together.

But if you want to learn the language, it’s time to find a metaphorical pin and burst that comforting outer layer.

Photo-of-people-talking-Dutch-at-table-in-workplace-reducing-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-Dutch
At work? Sit in on a meeting in Dutch and see how much you pick up, this will help reduce how long it takes to learn Dutch! Image: Unsplash

Listen to the Dutch radio, watch Dutch news, turn off Google Translate and insist that your Dutch friends “praat nederlands met me.” If you want the language to really stick — and fast, you need to immerse yourself in the world of “de”, “het” and “maar.”


The prospect of learning Dutch may be scary, and many of us don’t like the idea of spending years and years hopping in and out of language schools — but the road to speaking Dutch doesn’t need to be as long and boring as you imagine.

Who knows — maybe you’ll be chewing some poor Dutchies ear off in less than a year’s time!

What has your experience been with learning Dutch? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Dutch driver fined €439 for being on the phone (but she was actually holding an ice pack)

Getting fined €439 for driving with an ice pack? That’s exactly what happened to one Dutch woman. (And yes, you read that correctly. 😬)

According to Omroep Brabant, Floortje from ‘s-Hertogenbosch had just left the oral surgeon and was on her way to work with an ice pack on her cheek.

Little did she know the trip would end on a rather salty note. 👀

A cold case on the A2

The fine arrived in the mail, addressed to her boyfriend, who was the owner of the car she had borrowed.

“When I opened it, I was shocked: 439 euros,” Floortje told Omroep Brabant. 😳

The alleged violation took place on Wednesday, July 2, on the A2 motorway near Boxtel, where Floortje briefly worried that the ice pack might be mistaken for a phone.

READ MORE | Why driving in the Netherlands is stressful: My experience of living in the Netherlands

However, while the officers didn’t find her ice pack suspicious, a traffic camera further down the road apparently thought otherwise.

Photo reveals the frosty truth

The fine claimed she had been holding an “electronic mobile device” while driving. Floortje, who rarely uses her phone in the car, was puzzled at first.

It wasn’t until later that she remembered using an ice pack to ease the swelling after having her wisdom teeth removed the day before. 🧊

She requested the photo attached to the fine and immediately spotted the misunderstanding.

“That ice pack is much bigger than a cell phone,” she said. “And if you look closely, you can even see my phone just sitting in the holder.”

Her boyfriend and friends found the mix-up hilarious, and she later posted the photo on social media. The internet was also quick to come to Floortje’s defence, criticising “Robocop’s” big blunder. 👇

Translation: Robocop gives Floortje, who is cooling herself with an icepack, a 439 euro fine for ‘phoning’ 🤨
You would hope she gets this fine waived, @CJIBnl.. 😂 #AI#police

With ample support behind her, Floortje now plans to challenge the fine with confidence. 💪

Have you ever been fined for something completely ridiculous? Drop your story in the comments, because we’d love to hear it. 👇