A disturbing court case in the Netherlands is racking up criticism online, with many pointing out that a 2.5-year prison sentence is a slap on the wrist for allegedly raping and killing a woman.
According to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), the 33-year-old man forced his genitals into the mouth and throat of an unconscious woman, causing her to die of suffocation.
From 112 call, to police investigation
The horrific incident transpired in the early morning hours of August 12, 2022.
Initially, a 112 call from the suspect reported that the 21-year-old victim had fallen unconscious. However, when the victim later died in the hospital, the circumstances were considered suspicious enough for the OM to request a full investigation.
Now, nearly three years later (July 10, 2025), the investigation has finally resulted in a sentencing with the prosecutor demanding an “unconditional prison sentence of thirty months”.
Police now have a mountain of evidence
Despite initially denying his involvement in the victim’s death, a police officer heard the suspect shout several incriminating details at his mother: “If she dies, it’s your fault, [my penis] is too big, you did that. It was in her mouth and then she choked”
Adding even more evidence to the pile against him, the suspect sent a series of damning videos to an acquaintance. As described by the prosecutor, the footage shows the victim “lying on the couch in a state of reduced consciousness”, evidently impaired by the amount of alcohol she had consumed.
To investigators, this was sufficient proof that the suspect knew the victim was in a vulnerable state, allowing him to then take “advantage of [her] defenselessness”.
With the court convening to deliver its final verdict on July 24, one can hope that justice will finally be served.
Do you feel that the OM’s sentence was justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
That test you studied your butt off for has finally been returned, and your Dutch teacher has marked your right answers with a…squiggle? A vertical infinity sign? A zodiac symbol? What even is that thing?
OK, you were expecting a checkmark at the very least (if not a gold star *cough*) to denote your correct answers.
But to your surprise, thetypisch Dutch directness you were just starting to grow fond of is suddenly nowhere to be found. 🙀
Places that use it include, of course, the Netherlands, as well as other countries it has colonised in the past (such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Suriname).
Why do they do it?
This goedkeuringskrul (curl of approval) is thought to have originated in the Netherlands during the 19th century.
So, why that squiggly, swooping swirl of all things? Well, it’s supposed to resemble a lowercase “g” that stands for either “goed” (good/correct) 👍 or “gezien” (seen) 👁️.
That is why the Veilig Verkeer Nederland (VVN) might gift you with a quick krulletje on a sheet of paper behind the windshield of your “approved” vehicle, as if to say, “We see you”. 👀
Why is it quirky?
Pretty much every single other country opts for a good old-fashioned check mark in place of a krul. ✅
That means this solely Dutch phenomenon that leaves internationals scratching their heads.
As if the language barrier wasn’t confusing enough, now it turns out symbols can get lost in translation, too. So, whether you find this sign pretentious or exquisite, the quirkiness of a krul cannot be denied. 🤪
Should you join in?
Go on, dip your toe into the wonderful krulletje cult. ➰
Here’s a good reason to convert: there’s something undeniably sophisticated (not to mention aesthetically pleasing) about using this subtle swoop to indicate your seal of “approval” — although the Dutch usually don’t normally have a reputation for subtlety *ahem*.
But fair warning: you might receive criticism from loyal checkmark-users demanding that you “properly” mark their work as correct so they can feel validated. 👉👈
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
While it may be shocking to many expats, most Dutchies cycle without helmets! If you are cycling with a helmet in the Netherlands, people can tell that you’re not a local.
Cycling is an important part of Dutch culture. As the Dutch dare to do what most people wouldn’t do on bicycles (like carrying an entire TV in their backseat), you would think they’d be super careful by wearing a helmet, right?
Wrong! Most Dutchies wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a helmet. Here are some of the reasons why. 👇
1. Other road users are more aware of cyclists
Over 27% of all trips in the Netherlands are made by bicycle. Wherever you are in your car (except the motorway, of course), you will almost always share some part of your journey with a cyclist.
Compare this to the UK, where only 4% of journeys are taken by bike, and you can begin to understand why Dutch car users are so used to sharing the road.
Trams, cars, bikes: Dutch streets are for everyone. Image: Depositphotos
According to the SWOV, travel by bike is less safe than travel by car. However, travelling by bike is considered safer than travelling by moped or motorcycle.
2. No one wears a helmet while walking
OK, this argument may sound a bit weak at first glance, but hear us out because it’s true! Head injuries aren’t as likely to happen when you are cycling. Even more so, they are more likely to happen while driving, or, surprisingly, walking!
General falls are responsible for almost 50% of traumatic brain injuries in the USA. Yet, you don’t see people advocating for compulsory helmets in cars or when out on a summer stroll. 🚶♂️
3. Helmets can be ineffective
Many Dutch people argue that bike helmets are restrictive and can obstruct cyclists’ vision, making it difficult for them to quickly look over their shoulder to check the traffic or make a sharp right turn without hitting anyone.
Cyclists need to be alert at all times! Image: Depositphotos
To further support this theory, Theo Zeegers, a traffic consultant for Fietsersbond, says: “If you are hit by a car on your bike, there is no helmet that will protect you.”
While bike helmets protect your skull, none will protect you against the dangerous impacts you may experience at high speeds, unfortunately.
He ultimately says that helmets may be helpful when having a collision with other cyclists. However, if you get hit by a car, a helmet will not make a difference. A very controversial statement! 💁♀️
4. The Dutch teach them young
Verkeerslessen (traffic lessons) start in school when little Dutchies are just five years old. It may just begin with running around the playground and knowing that red means stop and green means go.
The older the Dutch children get, the more complicated the lessons become, and before you know it, they’re all cycling themselves to school.
Before they can officially start cycling independently, they must pass a cycling exam that tests their knowledge and skills.
5. Fewer restrictions = more cycling
As you can imagine, cycling every day (the Dutch manage at least 70 minutes per week!) means that the Dutch have earned their frikandel and fries on the weekend.
A 2015 study quantifying the benefits of cycling in the Netherlands showed that all this cycling and fresh air mean that Dutch people have half a year longer life expectancy and 6,500 fewer deaths per year. 😲
Dutchies will bike in any condition — but never with a helmet! Image: Depositphotos
According to Cycling UK, enforced helmet laws in some countries have caused a huge reduction in bicycle use. For example, in Western Australia, bike use has dropped by about 30% since the introduction of such a law.
Who knows what would happen in the Netherlands if the government introduced a similar restriction? It’s possible that it would put people off the many short cycling trips they take if they didn’t have their helmets.
Instead of promoting and enforcing helmets, the Dutch seem to be more focused on implementing good biking practices, such as no drunk cycling, no texting whilst biking, and having well-lit bicycle paths.
What do you think about the Dutch not wearing helmets when cycling? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
The Netherlands is still split in two — sunny terraces down south, stubborn clouds up north.
But according to RTL Nieuws, that divide won’t last much longer. Summer is quietly working its way up the country, with more areas set to enjoy the warmth in the days ahead. ☀️
Sunshine wins, slowly but surely
This morning, the Netherlands couldn’t quite decide on the season. 👀
The north was stuck under clouds and drizzle, while the south already looked terrace-ready. The centre sat in between with brief sunny spells.
By this afternoon, however, sunshine will break through. The north will reach around 20 degrees, the centre 24 to 25 degrees, and the south can expect a summery 27 degrees. 😎
Tomorrow and the weekend: more sun, more warmth, more summer
Tonight will remain dry and mostly clear, with temperatures dropping gently to between 10 and 16 degrees. Perfect for a golden-hour bike ride or an evening drink outside. 🍷
Friday brings even more sunshine, especially in the west. Inland areas may see a few clouds, but rain is unlikely. Expect 22 degrees in the north and up to 26 degrees in the south.
The weekend looks promising, with 25 degrees or more in many places, dry skies, and plenty of sunshine. Only the east may see a quick shower or thunderstorm on Sunday. ⚡
So, are you finally catching those long-awaited summer vibes, or are the clouds still hanging around your town? Share what it looks like from your window. 👇
Thinking about becoming Dutch? Better grab some stroopwafels and settle in, because naturalising in the Netherlands might soon take you a full decade.
In a recent motion submitted on June 26 to the Dutch House of Representatives, MPs Diederik Boomsma (CDA) and Queeny Rajkowski (VVD) proposed to extend the standard period for naturalisation from five years to ten years.
And yes, it passed, with a solid 104 votes in favour. Unsurprisingly, Geert Wilder’s PVV was responsible for 37 of these votes.
The strongest opponent is GroenLinks-PvdA (the alliance between GroenLinks and the Labour Party) with 25 votes against.
Currently, you can apply for Dutch citizenship after five years. But if the government follows through on this motion, the length of time needed to reach this milestone will double.
Also increase the language level
But wait, there’s more! The motion also pushes for the Dutch language requirement to increase from A2 to B1. So if you’re planning to say “ik spreek een beetje Nederlands“, you’d better brush up on your grammar.
Boomsma and Rajkowski argue that drawing out the naturalisation process will make the system more “manageable”.
For now, however, nothing changes. The motion will be discussed in parliament at the end of 2025.
Ten years to become Dutch: more time to integrate… or more time to wait? Let us know what you think of this motion in the comments below.
Let’s be honest: every Dutch oma’s house is like a time capsule wrapped in lace doilies and the faint scent of jenever.
Yes, their homes are filled with nostalgia, but also some of the most quintessentially Dutch items you’ll find in this country.
Visiting a Dutchie’s oma? Here’s what you’ll find.
1. Indonesian puppets collecting dust on the mantelpiece
Feeling observed in Oma’s living room? It’s them. Image: Depositphoto
Ah yes, the Wayang-Golek puppets that have been staring at houseguests judgmentally since 1987.
These intricate figures are the crown jewels of every Dutch oma’s “exotic” collection, usually displayed with the pride of someone who definitely knows their cultural significance (spoiler: they don’t).
She probably picked these up during that one trip to Indonesia in the ’80s, or perhaps her husband brought them back after his ehm, service, out there.
They’re a reminder of the Netherlands’ complex colonial history that somehow ended up as living room décor. They’ve witnessed countless family gatherings and circle of death birthday parties.
2. A toilet calendar from the 1980s
Nothing says “Dutch practicality” quite like a toilet calendar from Reagan’s presidency that’s somehow still relevant.
This isn’t just any calendar, it’s a carefully curated collection of every member of her family’s birthdays. From her son to her grandniece’s husband.
The fact that it’s hanging in the toilet isn’t gross; it’s efficient. Where else would you have uninterrupted time to memorise birthdays?
3. A pannenlikker that’s seen more action than a war hero
Every Dutch oma owns a pannenlikker (that flat, flexible spatula for scraping every last bit from the pan), and it’s probably older than you are.
She will make the most of every drop. Image: Depositphotos
This kitchen tool is a symbol of the Dutch war against food waste and a testament to the fact that nothing, absolutely nothing, gets left behind in oma’s kitchen. It’s pure Dutch frugality in action.
The pannenlikker has scraped clean thousands of pans, witnessed countless family recipes, and probably has more stories than your average history textbook. It’s been flexed, bent, and somehow never broken, much like your oma’s spirit.
When she inevitably passes it down to you, you’ll understand that you’re not just inheriting a kitchen utensil, you’re becoming the keeper of the sacred Dutch tradition of “waste nothing, want nothing.”
4. A TV so small you wonder how she sees anything
While the rest of the world has moved on to 65-inch smart TVs and nights spent looking up offshore casinos, your oma is still faithfully watching the 8 PM news on a television that could fit in your handbag.
This ancient box has been broadcasting Dutch programming since the Clinton administration, and somehow, it still works perfectly.
The TV sits on a doily-covered side table, surrounded by TV guides dating back to 2003 and a remote control that’s been wrapped in plastic since purchase.
Your oma knows exactly which button to press to make it work, while you struggle for twenty minutes just to change the channel.
5. Windows without curtains because privacy is overrated
Dutch omas have a revolutionary approach to curtains: why bother?
Those massive windows that would make any interior designer weep with joy remain gloriously naked, offering the entire neighbourhood a full view of domestic life.
Not only does she have no shame, she will keep an eye on everything that happens outside of that window. Image: Depositphotos
This isn’t an oversight, it’s actually a lifestyle choice rooted in Calvinism. Your oma wants everyone to see that she’s got nothing to hide, except maybe the fact that she’s been wearing the same housedress for three days straight.
How else would she keep tabs on who’s coming and going? The bare windows are essentially a community surveillance system disguised as interior design.
6. Wooden clogs that haven’t touched grass since 1975
Every Dutch oma owns at least one pair of wooden clogs, and they haven’t been worn outside since her daughter was 15.
Nowadays, they serve as decorative artefacts that prove the family’s Dutch credentials. They sit by the door like faithful guards, polished and pristine, ready for a duty that will never come again.
If someone says these are uncomfortable, they’re definitely lying. Image: Depositphotos
The clogs serve as conversation starters, tourist attractions, and proof that your oma is “authentically Dutch,” even though she’s been wearing sensible sneakers for the past thirty years.
7. A Senseo coffee maker from the 1990s
Long before hipsters discovered pour-over coffee and artisanal beans, your oma was brewing the perfect cup with her trusty Senseo machine.
This prehistoric coffee maker has been faithfully producing the same medium-strength coffee for decades, and it’s not about to stop now.
The Senseo represents everything beautiful about Dutch pragmatism: it’s simple, reliable, and makes coffee that tastes exactly the same every single time.
She has probably gone through seventeen different models of phones, but this coffee maker? It’s eternal. It perfectly embodies Dutch coffee culture in all its no-nonsense glory.
This machine has witnessed more family drama than a soap opera, powered through countless early mornings, and somehow still produces that perfect cup of joe that makes everything better.
8. Delft blue everything (and we mean everything)
If it exists, a Dutch oma probably owns a Delft blue version of it. Plates, vases, tiny shoes, decorative tiles, miniature houses — her collection reads like a catalogue of “Things You Didn’t Know Could Be Blue and White.”
Every single Dutch household has at least one of these in various shapes. Image: Depositphotos
The Delft blue collection has been growing steadily for fifty years, with new additions from every birthday, holiday, and “I saw this and thought of you” moment.
Each piece has a story, a specific place in the display cabinet, and probably costs more than your monthly rent.
She can tell you exactly when and where she acquired each item, turning her living room into a museum of Dutch pottery with herself as the enthusiastic curator.
Every Dutch oma’s house is a carefully curated museum of practicality, nostalgia, and cultural pride. So explore it all, take it in, just make sure not to knock over any Delft blue.
What else have you found in a Dutch oma’s home? Tell us in the comments below!
Great news, fatbike-haters! These bulky, turbo-charged e-bikes could soon be wheeled out of Enschede’s city centre for good. 🥳
Four political parties have joined forces to kick off a local ban, arguing these bikes are more of a menace than a mode of transport.
According to RTL Nieuws, VVD group leader Rachel Denneboom didn’t hold back, calling fatbikes “a kind of scooter” and even dubbing them “tanks on wheels.”
(If you’ve ever been nearly mowed down by one on your stroll to Albert Heijn, you probably agree. 👀)
Speed, size, and teenage chaos
The concerns? Think size, speed, and attitude. But it’s not just the bikes you have to worry about, as teen fatbike riders often treat pedestrian zones like Formula 1 circuits.
Now, Enschede locals have had enough, and the city council is officially pumping the brakes on these turbo-charged tread machines.
But here’s the speed bump: fatbikes are technically classified as electric bicycles under national law.
That means they’re legally indistinguishable from their slimmer, better-behaved cousins. So banning them isn’t as easy as slapping on a “No Chubbies Allowed” sign.
To get around this, Enschede is turning to the city’s rulebook, its APV (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, or local ordinance), to push through the ban.
But whether that will hold up in court is another question. 👇
Not all e-bikes are created equal
While fatbike-dodgers cheer, legal experts are less enthusiastic.
Professor of constitutional and administrative law at Leiden University, Geerten Boogaard, wonders if judges will buy the “fatbike vs. e-bike” distinction.
Meanwhile, Professor of administrative law Herman Bröring says the case doesn’t have enough weight (yes, pun intended) to prove these bikes are a genuine threat under national policy.
In his view, enforcing the existing rules might be a better route than reinventing the wheel.
Still, Denneboom is sticking to her gears. She says banning all e-bikes would be easier legally, but would unfairly hit vulnerable riders like the elderly or people with mobility issues, not exactly the target audience here.
With four parties backing the motion, it’s expected to roll through the council with ease. The final lap? That’s up to the city officials, who now have the tricky job of making this fatbike ban a legal reality.
So enjoy your last wheelies while you can, Enschede, because the fatbike free-for-all might soon be deflated. 🚲💨
What do you think: are fatbikes a menace or just misunderstood? Let us know in the comments!
If you’ve been living in the Netherlands for a while, you’ve probably noticed airlines have a very specific relationship with transparency, especially when it comes to hand luggage fees.
Recent reports have revealed that British airports are now paying staff bonuses to catch passengers with oversized hand luggage — £1.20 per bag to be exact. 🧐
While this hasn’t been confirmed at Dutch airports, it shows just how creative (or downright sneaky) airlines are getting with extra charges.
Know your hand luggage rights in the Netherlands
Flying from Amsterdam Schiphol, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven? Here’s what you’re up against with the major airlines operating from Dutch airports. 👇
You get one small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm) that must fit under the seat, plus one larger piece (55 x 35 x 25 cm) for overhead storage — combined weight limit? Just 12 kg in Economy — significantly lower than most US carriers.
Here’s the kicker: if you book a Basic ticket (KLM’s most affordable option), you are only allowed to take a small under-seat bag.
Want that overhead space? You’ll need to upgrade your ticket or pay extra at the airport.
Transavia turns packing into a headache
Transavia takes the budget approach to new extremes. Everyone receives one small bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) for free, but anything larger requires payment upfront or a €70 gate fee if you arrive unprepared.
The airline uses a colour-coded sticker system: green stickers for compliant bags, and red for those that might need to be checked in the hold if space runs out.
It’s like a lottery where you might lose your carry-on privileges through no fault of your own. 🙄
Easyjet takes low-cost to new highs
EasyJet’s approach is deceptively simple: one “small cabin bag” (45 x 36 x 20 cm) fits under the seat for free.
Your free allowance? One personal item (40 x 20 x 25 cm) that fits under the seat. Everything else costs extra, including the “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” option, which allows you to bring two standard carry-on bags.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, it does. Starting November 2025, gate fees for oversized bags will jump from €60 to €70.
Suitcase? More like a medal case. Image: Dreamstime
Priority Boarding will also become mandatory if you wish to carry a second cabin bag. So yes, Ryanair said pay more or pack less.
When cheap fares turn into expensive surprises
Airlines love to brag about their low fares until it’s time to board. That €29 Amsterdam–Berlin flight often jumps to €80 once you add a carry-on, seat, and other “extras.”
The measurement game is especially annoying. Airlines claim their size limits are “standard,” but KLM’s 35 cm width limit is tighter than the 40 cm allowance of many other carriers.
So your bag might pass on Delta but fail the KLM sizer, even though they’re partner airlines. Not exactly a smooth experience.
Weight rules only make it worse. KLM restricts combined cabin baggage to 12kg, while many U.S. carriers don’t have weight limits. Your bag might be fine on one flight, but not the next. 🙃
The enforcement lottery is real
The most frustrating part? The same bag flies one day and gets flagged the next. Gate agents have a lot of discretion, and full flights usually mean stricter checks.
Suddenly, it feels more like an online casino than a holiday. Not the stress-free start you booked.
Airline roulette: Guess the hand baggage rule this time. Image: Freepik
Some UK airports even pay staff bonuses to catch oversized bags. With money in the mix, “rules” start looking like revenue strategies.
A proposal backed by the European Parliament would let passengers bring one personal item and hand luggage up to 7 kg and 100 cm combined, all for free.
But it’s still just a proposal. It needs approval from 55 per cent of EU member states to become law. If passed, it could take effect by July 2025 and force budget airlines to rethink their fee-heavy models.
Still, airlines are pros at bending the rules, so don’t expect them to give up the extra cash without a fight. 💸
So after it’s all packed and boarded…
Airlines have turned hand luggage into a profit machine using confusing rules, inconsistent enforcement, and clever tricks for things that used to be free.
Dutch airports aren’t paying staff to catch oversized bags like in the UK, but the fee-focused trend is clearly spreading.
Your best move? Know the rules, measure at home, and always book carry-on in advance. 😎
What have your experiences been lately when boarding a plane to or from the Netherlands with hand luggage? Share your nightmarish anecdotes in the comments!
Research shows that approximately 20,000 Dutch men travel abroad annually to engage in sex with minors, both paid and unpaid.
Anneke Koning, assistant professor and criminologist at the Vrije Universiteit, is one of the researchers behind a study carried out by the university along with the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR).
Targeting young victims
Speaking with AD, Koning explains that 2.3% of respondents admitted to having sex abroad with someone under 18 (paid) or under 16 (unpaid) while they were 21 or older.
The results came as a surprise to researchers, who expected less than 1% based on previous European studies.
About half of these cases involved children younger than 12 years old, indicating deliberate targeting of very young victims.
Most of these incidents weren’t just a thing of the distant past, two-thirds of the men said the abuse happened within the last five years.
Two distinct groups were identified in the survey:
Those specifically seeking children
Those who “just want sex” regardless of partner’s age
Worryingly, many offenders indicated that they either don’t ask how old someone is or prefer not to know.
Some even mistakenly believe that what they’re doing is legal if it happens outside the Netherlands; but in reality, Dutch law allows authorities to prosecute these crimes even when they take place abroad.
A worrying number
The study anonymously surveyed over 9,000 men about their sexual behaviours and experiences.
Researchers estimate that if these findings were to be applied to the entire Dutch population, this would amount to roughly 131,000 to 171,000 perpetrators.
So where does 20,000 come from? Koning explains to AD that once researchers factored in that two-thirds of respondents claim the abuse occurred within the past five years, this amounts to roughly 20,000 cases annually.
These people represent a largely invisible population that authorities struggle to identify and address.
Interestingly, about three-quarters of the men said they’d thought about getting professional help.
Researchers stress that more awareness is needed: this kind of behaviour is illegal, no matter where it happens. They also call for better tools to identify offenders and boost prosecution rates.
You’re ready to pack your bags and move to the Netherlands for work, but there’s one problem: you don’t speak Dutch!
Will you be able to find a job? Or are you destined to sit homeless by the side of a canal (with a dreamy view, at least).
The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, is a real hot-spot destination for internationals. Great infrastructure, innovative attitudes, and amazing transport links with the rest of Europe all make the Netherlands a dream destination for expats.
Add in that the Dutch are the best non-native English-speakers in the world and it’s a perfect recipe! Right?
Well, not quite. While the Dutch can speak great English, that doesn’t mean that it’s the language of choice while you’re living in the Netherlands.
So can you work in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch? Here’s the full answer — and some handy tips along the way!
Can I work in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch?
You don’t have to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands. That’s the simplest answer to this question. Plenty of expats move to Amsterdam (or other Dutch cities), find jobs at international companies, complete their work entirely in English, and speak English outside of work as well.
But there’s a big caveat. You don’t have to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands — but it’s much better if you do. Here are some of the main reasons why:
Your job opportunities are limited if you don’t speak Dutch
No surprise here: you’re living in a foreign country that has its own language, and as such, most business is conducted in Dutch. The Netherlands has plenty of companies that operate almost entirely in English (examples below), but the majority of companies speak (you guessed it!) Dutch.
The job competition in the Netherlands can also be pretty intense, so even knowing some conversational Dutch can give you a huge leg-up on other candidates.
You may miss out on the social aspect of work-life if you don’t speak Dutch
The Dutch are famous for having one of the best work-life balances in the world. If you don’t work for an international company, social aspects like afternoon drinks (borrelen), company outings and even conversation around the coffee machine will generally be conducted in Dutch.
The Dutch can be a lot of fun — but they’re even funnier in Dutch. Image: Unsplash
You may be blessed with friendly local co-workers who go to a lot of effort to speak English when you’re around. But remember: their main language is Dutch and that’s what they’re most comfortable speaking. Don’t be surprised if as the beers go down, so does the amount of English spoken.
Living abroad just isn’t as fun if you don’t try to integrate
The Netherlands has a thriving international community, and you can definitely find plenty of expat friends to form your inner circle. But if you want to truly be part of Dutch life and all the quirks that come with it, you should try to learn the language.
Learning Dutch is surprisingly fun, gives you a new skill, and — even if you can only order a coffee in Dutch — the locals will really appreciate it. Plus, you’ll have a great new party trick to show off if you ever return home!
It’s considered polite to learn your new country’s language
Ah yep, this is a biggie. We’re not saying you have to completely forget your native language to move to the Netherlands — but you are living in a foreign country, so it’s polite to make an effort to speak the local language.
This will be appreciated in the workplace — after all, a little goedemorgen in the morning can go a long way 😉
I speak a different language — will that help me find a job in Holland?
Alright, we’ve covered the Dutch and English aspects of working in the Netherlands: but what if you’re armed with a different language? Can that help you land a paycheck?
The Netherlands is a very international country; there are more than 180 nationalities represented in Amsterdam alone. With so many international companies, it makes sense that there is a lot of demand for languages other than English and Dutch.
In particular, languages from the Netherlands’ closest neighbours are in the highest demand: German, French, or Scandinavian languages in particular. If you possess one of these languages you may just be in for a shot at a job!
Which businesses hire internationals in Amsterdam and the Netherlands?
Booking.com
Heineken
IKEA
Liberty Global (Vodafone, Ziggo, Virgin Media, etc.)
You’re convinced that the Netherlands is the right place for you, and maybe you’ve even started learning a little Dutch on an app.
Next up: you’re ready to find a job! It will need to be well-paid, obviously, with great colleagues, and perks galore. If you find one — let us know where it is so we can join you.
But in all seriousness, the Dutch job market can be competitive. Unless you work in a high demand field (like tech or medicine), you may find it takes some time to find a perfect job in the Netherlands. Here are some tips:
Make sure you can work in the Netherlands
First things first: make sure you’re all good to go! If you’re from an EU country, you’re likely cleared to work. If you’re not, you should check if you need a visa to work in the Netherlands, or if you might be eligible for a sponsored job in the Netherlands.
Polish up your CV to Dutch standards
Not all CVs are created equal — and what flies in your home country may not be the Dutch way. Make sure your CV is fully optimised for Dutch recruiters and lookin’ snazzy.
Update your LinkedIn
LinkedIn is BIG in the Netherlands, and it’s likely that if you make it past the initial screening process, a recruiter will be checking you out. Make sure it’s up to date and active. It’s also a great place to search for jobs in the Netherlands!
Register with job websites
A larger net catches more fish — so don’t forget to check in with different job advertisement websites. Indeed.nl has the biggest market share in the Netherlands with 54% of active jobseekers using the platform (and you can filter by language!), followed by LinkedIn (26%). De Nationale Vacaturebank, Monsterboard.nl, and werk.nl are also popular choices.
Take advantage of a recruitment company
If you want to make finding a job in the Netherlands a little easier, a recruitment company may just be your best bet. A good recruitment company, like Undutchables, can match you with the perfect job for your skills and experience.
While you don’t have to speak Dutch when working in the Netherlands, it will be of huge benefit — both socially and in your Dutch career!
Are you ready to find a job in the Netherlands and speak Dutch? (Klaar om een baan in Nederland te vinden en Nederlands te spreken?)
Succes!We’re rooting for you!
Are you working in the Netherlands? Do you find that you do, or don’t, need Dutch? Share your experiences in the comments below!
