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8 things you need to know about giving birth in the Netherlands

Heather Court
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21
8 things you need to know about giving birth in the Netherlands

Being pregnant is one of the most exciting yet frightening experiences in life, and if you happen to deliver your baby in the Netherlands, you might need to prepare yourself for a little cultural shock.

Dutchies are known for their down-to-earth attitude, and so is their baby delivery system. A Dutch pregnancy revolves around one magic word: natural (well, and eating beschuit met muisjes).

Got questions about the process? We hear you, and have compiled this list of stuff you gotta know before that magic moment happens. 👇

1. Maternity leave is relatively generous

Whether you’re an employee at a company or self-employed, you’re entitled to a total of 16 weeks of maternity leave (zwangerschapsverlof).

READ MORE | 9 things to expect as an expat mother in the Netherlands

This means you get six weeks off before your due date, and another 10 once you give birth to your child.

You are also allowed to decide when you start your leave. However, make sure you tell your employer a minimum of two weeks before you intend to take your maternity leave in the Netherlands.

2. Paternity leave is a real thing

In the Netherlands, paternity leave (or partner leave, both of which are referred to by the Dutch government as geboorteverlof) is weirdly short.

You are entitled to five weeks of paternity leave (vaderschapsverlof), for which you get 70% of your regular pay — unless your employer is willing to supplement full pay.

3. Midwives are the norm…

Now, we all know the Dutch medical system can be rather laid-back. Oftentimes (more like all the time), you’re sent home with nothing but a box of paracetamol and some advice to “take it easy”.

With that being said, you can imagine Dutch doctors want to medicalise birth as little as possible. Therefore, the role of the doctor or a gynaecologist is often minimal.

Instead, Dutch women put their faith in their midwives (verloskundige).

midwife-checking-on-pregnant-woman-at-home-in-netherlands
Dutch women prefer to give birth with a midwife rather than a doctor. Who would’ve thought? Image: Depositphotos

Finding a midwife that suits your needs and wishes can be a bit of a challenge for internationals, but the easiest way is to ask your general practitioner for a good list of local midwives.

Once you find a midwife, you’ll have your first appointment between weeks six to 10 of your pregnancy (zwangerschap). This first contact is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you visualise your labour plan.

Waterbirth in your living room? Completely in the range of possibilities.

READ MORE | Parenthood in the Netherlands: advantages and challenges

Your midwife will guide you during your pregnancy and, in the end, will help you deliver your baby. If you and your midwife don’t seem to click, you can always choose to switch to another midwife during your pregnancy.

4. …and having your baby at home is common

Home births (thuisbevalling) are very common in the Netherlands. In fact, 30% of all births take place at home, making the Netherlands the country with the highest rate of home births in the Western world.

The keyword here is again natural. A lot of Dutch women find that home births are much more personal and relaxed than giving birth in the clinical environment of a hospital.

So, if you’re someone who wants to give birth at home, make sure you get yourself a kraampakket (maternity package). This box contains all the unexpected yet essential things you need for giving birth at home.

woman-giving-birth-at-home-in-water-in-netherlands
Relaxing… or are we being deceived? Image: Depositphotos

However, if the thought of a Dutch-style home birth makes you nervous, you should make it clear to your midwife that you want a hospital birth.

Most hospitals have special information events that provide you with a look inside the maternity ward and practical information about going into labour.

You should keep in mind, though, that if you don’t have a medical indication for a hospital birth, you need to contribute (more than €300) to the costs.

5. No pain, no gain

Dutch women are known for their no-nonsense mentality and extend this point of view toward giving birth. Most Dutch women find pain relief to be unnecessary.

The idea that you shouldn’t take it for granted is made painfully (pun intended) clear by Dutch hospitals.

If your baby decides to show up outside of office hours, some hospitals won’t have an anaesthesiologist available, and you can’t expect any pain relief.

woman-giving-birth-at-hospital-with-husband-by-side-in-netherlands
Husband: “Would you like an epidural for the pain, Sara?”. Dutch woman: “NEE!” Image: Depositphotos

With a home birth, pain relief isn’t even an option since midwives are not qualified to administer anaesthetics.

Luckily, pain is temporary… or so they say.

6. The kraamzorg is one of the best Dutch ideas yet

After the hard work of labour is done, you should be out of the hospital within hours. This seems a bit harsh, but there is no need to worry.

The Netherlands has an excellent postnatal care system: kraamzorg.

READ MORE | Toeslagen? Everything you should know about government allowances in the Netherlands (2026 guide)

Kraamzorg is a maternity care assistant who will be your rock for at least a week after giving birth.

The kraamzorg will help with things like breastfeeding and baby care, and this type of postnatal care is unique to the Netherlands.

7. You’ll need to eat crackers with muisjes

You simply can’t have a Dutch-style birthing experience without eating beschuit met muisjes (literally meaning rusk with mice) after the baby is born.

beschuit-met-muisjes-dutch-delicacy-for-after-birth
Hmmm, lekker mice! Image: Pixabay

Muisjes are anise seed sprinkles that come in the colours blue (for a boy) and pink (for a girl).

The anise in muisjes was thought to stimulate lactation and was a symbol of fertility.

It is a custom that the parents of a newborn baby give rusk with butter and muisjes to all of the baby’s visitors at home, their colleagues and the classmates of their other children.

There really is no proper celebration without some food!

8. Don’t forget your stork!

You may have noticed some interesting-looking house decorations here and there. These usually consist of the backside of a cuddly stork attached to people’s doors or windows.

photo-of-window-decorations-for-new-baby-in-the-netherlands
Or rather, the storks butt. Image: Depositphotos

No, these are not some avant-garde Christmas-Easter-Halloween decorations, these are just decorations to let your neighbours know that a stork has arrived at your home (carrying a baby, of course — how convenient).

In the Netherlands, the stork has become a symbol of childbirth, so naturally, you should have a stuffed stork to mark the occasion!

Have you given birth in the Netherlands? How was your experience? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Dutch Quirk #19: Cycle while holding hands

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
Dutch Quirk #19: Cycle while holding hands

We’ve all experienced it. You’re innocently cycling along when all of a sudden, up ahead, a monstrous spectacle emerges. An obstacle.

GASP — it’s a display of public affection: two cyclists holding hands. Oftentimes, while taking up the entire width of the cycle path.

What is it?

The act of holding hands involves the lifting of your arm at somewhere between a 45 and 90-degree angle so as to allow for your five digits to lock onto the five digits of someone else (preferably a romantic partner and not a stranger).

Simple.

Now, holding hands while cycling involves doing all of this while each participant is pedalling on a bike. The result is two obnoxiously in love people zooming along narrow streets — while now holding the potential to knock some poor cyclist right off their bike.

@driplist 🤣😅😅jokes aside, that's some crazy skill to be able to cycle while holding hands #dutchiescanrelate #amsterdam #netherlands #livinginthenetherlands #dutchromance #dutchiesbelike ♬ original sound – Somi Lynda💕

Why do they do it?

Because they’re in love! And when you’re in love, you can become a bit of a 🍆. Okay, no, the real reason is probably more basic than that: it’s just easy for Dutch people to do this.

READ MORE | 7 types of cyclists found when biking in the Netherlands

You’ve seen them cycle with their suitcases in tow or while balancing some item of furniture, or even rolling a second bike alongside themselves.

Cycling is as easy as walking for the Dutch, so if they can practically play the violin whilst on a bike, why not hold hands with their partner?

Why is it quirky? 

Because for anyone who’s not from the Netherlands — it’s downright absurd.

For some internationals, even PDA is something they’re really not used to seeing that much. Combine this display with the fact that it’s done whilst cycling, and people are going to be like: 😮.

Should you join in?

I mean, if you can, I guess? First step: you’re going to need someone who lets you hold their hand (we wouldn’t recommend performing this act with a stranger; it’s awkward.)

READ MORE |7 things that will get you fined while cycling in the Netherlands

The second most important step: you’re going to need some decent cycling skills, or else you’ll be transformed from an obnoxious, loved-up person to a cycling safety hazard.

Perhaps practice a bit first before you hit any public roads. 😉  

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

The NS wants to strike again this Tuesday: here’s what we know

Emanuela Occhipinti
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0
The NS wants to strike again this Tuesday: here’s what we know

NS staff are planning to down tools yet again on Tuesday, June 17, marking the fourth strike this month, that’s right… four. 

According to the FNV, this strike is set to affect regions in the east and northwest of the country, with services grinding to a halt even in key areas like Amsterdam and Schiphol. ✈️🙅‍♀️

Update: The NS has confirmed to the NOS that the strike will definitely go ahead on Tuesday, June 17.

Time to reroute your Tuesday

So if you were planning on catching a train, you may have to catch some alternative plans instead.

There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, though. 

The NOS reports that talks between NS and the unions are still on track today (Monday 16), so if they manage to iron things out, the strike might be derailed at the last minute. 🤞

@dutchreview But "concepts" won't get me home 😡 #dutchreview #fyp #netherlands #dutchlife #ns #trein #dutchstruggles #nederland #expatlife ♬ original sound – Chief Green Screens

So what’s the strike really about?

The trade unions VVMC, FNV, and CNV began striking due to dissatisfaction with how negotiations were going for a new deal affecting around 17,500 NS employees.

They’re asking for a 6% pay rise and better working conditions. The NS, in return, offered a modest 2.55%, which was later bumped up to 3.25% during the third strike on Friday (yes, we’re counting now).

So far, the unions aren’t biting, hence strike number four rolling into town. Or rather, not rolling. 😅

Have you been affected by these strikes so far? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

An estimated 150,000 people draw a “Red Line” for Palestine in The Hague once again

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
An estimated 150,000 people draw a “Red Line” for Palestine in The Hague once again

For the second time in a month, tens of thousands of people in the Netherlands donned themselves in red and took to the streets of The Hague in solidarity with Palestine.

In a demonstration just as impressive as the march that took place on May 18, protestors drew a “Red Line for Palestine” on Sunday, June 15.

More specifically, they gathered to represent a symbolic red line that the Dutch government should be drawing by taking a stronger stance against Israel.

Even more than last time

According to NOS reporters on the scene, it appears that even more protestors took part in the march than last time, with over 100,000 estimated to have made it to the Malieveld.

In fact, organisers are reporting that no less than 150,000 people took part in the march.

Last month’s march was the largest protest the country had seen in 20 years with over 100,000 people showing up, and if organisers are correct, this record has been broken again.

Not enough is being done

Speaking with NOS reporters in The Hague, protestors explained their frustrations with the outgoing Cabinet’s approach to Israel.

“Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip are beyond all bounds, we need to urge the government in the Netherlands to draw a red line. The videos are no longer tolerable,” one protestor says.

“There is a genocide happening and I just can’t watch it and contribute to it with my tax money,” says another.

Dagmar Oudshoorn, director of Amnesty International Netherlands, tells the NOS that while the government has taken some action, they need to do more.

“You see cautious steps, for example, Minister Veldkamp has asked the European Union to look at the association agreement with Israel. But that is not enough.”

And did Schoof turn up?

When this march was announced, organisers invited outgoing prime minister Schoof to take part and address everyone — and did he?

No. Instead, Schoof declined the invitation, letting organisers know he would not be attending.

However, he did make sure to address protestors on X, saying “We see you and we hear you… our goal is ultimately the same: to put an end to the suffering in Gaza as quickly as possible.”

While he didn’t show up, a significant amount of others certainly did.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

How to calculate a winning offer for your Dutch dream house 

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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1
How to calculate a winning offer for your Dutch dream house 

Picture this: you’ve been hunting for a home in the Netherlands for months, and your dream house has just popped up. You manage to get a viewing, and you’re in love — but now you need to place a bid. 

And you’re completely lost. Should you underbid? Should you offer the asking price? Should you overbid? And if so, by how much? 

Here’s all you need to know about placing a winning bid in the Netherlands. 👇

Good to know: This information is based on the experience and expertise of DutchReview. Please note that there are also other pieces of advice conceivable. 

What to consider when calculating your bid

The above are all excellent questions, but the best thing to do is set your sentiments aside and channel your inner maths nerd. 

Yep, it’s time to gather data. But where do you even begin? 

Your maximum mortgage

Before you do anything, you need to know your borrowing power by calculating your maximum mortgage.

The last thing you want is to place a bid only to realise the bank isn’t willing to lend you that amount.

In principle, in the Netherlands, you can finance up to 100% of the home’s value.

photo-of-couple-discussing-maximum-mortgage-with-expert-while-figuring-out-how-much-to-bid-on-a-Dutch-house
Always be aware of your maximum mortgage. Image: Freepik

You should calculate your potential mortgage, making sure to take any current debts into account. 

READ MORE | Types of mortgages in the Netherlands: Dutch ‘hypotheken’ explained

Once you know your borrowing power, you can consider just how much you are willing to overbid on any potential dream homes. 

The value of the home 

Another thing to consider is the home’s value versus the asking price. 

By value, we mean the result of an actual professional evaluation. You can have this carried out either by companies or housing experts such as a realtor. 

Alternatively, you can use an online valuation tool, where you fill in the details of the house in an online form yourself. While this is fast and easy, it’s not as accurate. 

However, you’re not completely done once you have a valuation report.

Photo-of-canal-houses-in-Amsterdam-Netherlands
We all love a beautiful canal house — but is the value of the home worth overbidding on? Image: Depositphotos

Next, you’re going to want to look into the WOZ value of the home. 

This is the house’s value as measured by the Dutch government to determine how much you should pay in taxes and levies. 

You can apply to know the WOZ value of a house on the Dutch government’s website.  

The condition of the building

Ok, now you have a good idea of the house’s value. So, is it worth bidding above this amount? 

That depends on the condition of the house! Ask yourself:

  • 🛠️ Is it a fixer-upper? 
  • ✨ Is it brand new? 
  • ⚡ How is the energy rating?
  • 📆 Is it due for any major works, like a new roof? 

These factors play an essential role in determining how much you should bid during the sale. 

You may need to invest in the house heavily in the future, which could affect how much you want to offer now. 

Sometimes, you may find that the house is being drastically overvalued — even with prices as high as they currently are. 

While we all dream of living in a quintessentially Dutch canal house, you need to be practical about its condition — are you willing to cough up the cash to make up for the extra energy costs? Or is the seller simply asking too much?

The final sale price of other houses in this condition and neighbourhood 

Determining the perfect bid also takes some detective-like sleuthing. 

For example, one of the best indicators of how much you should bid for a house is how much other houses in the area are selling for. 

Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, this isn’t so easy to do. If you want to know how much a similar home sold for, you’re going to need a Kadaster report. 

READ MORE | 21 Dutch terms you need to know before you buy a house in the Netherlands

However, this is only available a few months after a sale is completed (and we all know how much of a difference a few months can make to housing prices at the moment). 

Another alternative is to contact the property’s selling agent and ask them straight out — but there’s only a slight chance they’ll tell you.  

The current housing market

Walking hand in hand with the current housing market are the current bidding trends. 

With limited supply and plenty of demand, overbidding occurs more and more frequently in the Netherlands. 

photo-of-Dutch-cityscape-Netherlands-during-Dutch-housing-market-where-people-overbid-while-bidding-on-houses-in-the-Netherlands
The Dutch housing market plays a huge role in how you should calculate your winning offer. Image: Dreamstime

In fact, in the second quarter of 2024, 66% of successful bids were achieved by overbidding. 

While it helps to take trends in the current housing market into consideration, this doesn’t mean you have to overbid on a house.

It’s important to note that 44% of house hunters in the Netherlands were still successful in buying a home, even without overbidding. 

And if there’s one thing you don’t want to do, it’s bite off more than you can chew.

The time you have to decide on a bid

If there’s one thing you need to know about an overheated housing market, it’s that when it comes to calculating your bid, you don’t have that much time to crunch those numbers. 

In the second quarter of 2024, the average length of time between a house going up for sale and new buyers signing the dotted line was just 27 days.  

With things moving this quickly, you don’t have much time to place a bid. 

The best thing you can do is gather as much data as possible before you view a home, such as the average selling price of similar homes in that area and your maximum mortgage, for example.

Good to know: In the Netherlands, once you place an offer on a home and it’s accepted, you have three working days to retract your offer with no legal or financial consequences. This is called a “cooling-off period.”

Three ways to calculate your bid when buying a house in the Netherlands

Ok, you have considered all of the above information — but how does one calculate their exact bid? 

photo-of-couple-looking-at-phone-in-Netherlands-discussing-how-to-bid-on-a-house-in-the-Netherlands
Now it’s time to calculate your winning offer. There are three ways you can do this in the Netherlands. Image: Dreamstime

There are three ways you can do this:

You can do it yourself 

The first option is to consider all of the above factors and come up with a bid yourself. 

Perhaps the house’s condition is excellent, and similar homes in the area were snapped up quickly. 

Then, you might make the decision to overbid when placing your offer. 

Or perhaps you see that the roof needs work, in which case you need any extra funds to go towards fixing this and not towards overbidding. 

You know your limitations, and if you’re unsure of them, our only advice for you is simple: summon the experts. 👇

You can get an expert involved 

If the task feels like something you would rather have an expert handle — fair enough! 

Housing experts such as mortgage advisors and real estate agents are often also trained appraisers. 

Using these skills, combined with their knowledge of the current housing market, you’ll be given an expert estimation of how much you should bid on your dream home.  

With or without a financing condition?

In the Netherlands you can choose to make an offer with or without a financial clause (met of zonder voorbehoud van financiering).

Making an offer without financing conditions can increase the chance of winning the bid, but it is not without risks. You should talk to your mortgage advisor about whether it is advised to do this in your specific financial situation.

You can make use of an algorithm 

The next step is to leave the maths to a calculator. 

However, to do this, you’re going to need to gather a lot of data: the selling prices vs. the purchase prices for similar houses, the average house price in your area — and more. 

photo-of-man-squinting-at-screen-girlfriend-is-holding-looking-at-bid-calculation-while-bidding-on-house-in-the-Netherlands
These things can be hard to calculate by yourself. Image: Freepik

By analysing the data, you can give yourself a relatively accurate estimate of just how much you should be bidding to win your dream house. 

Thankfully, there are several businesses that offer these types of tools and will help you determine the correct bid for you. 

Our bid was accepted! What’s next?

Sent in the winning bid? First things first, congrats! Now, there are a few more steps you need to take.

Once your bid is accepted, you must sign the purchase contract.

This will initiate the three-day “cooling-off period” in which you can still change your mind.

This period starts on the day after you and the seller have signed the purchase contract. During these three days you can still cancel the purchase.

Haven’t changed your mind? Then contact your mortgage advisor as soon as possible so they can start up the mortgage process!

How have you found the bidding process in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Dutch Quirk #61: Joke openly about Germans

Mihály Droppa
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6
Dutch Quirk #61: Joke openly about Germans

Which nation gives the Dutchies even more opportunity to do some roasting than the Belgians? Natuurlijk! The Germans.

Germany is one of the Netherlands’ neighbouring countries, but still, somehow, the Dutch think of them as people from an entirely different planet.

What is it?

Anyone who ever spent more than a weekend in the Netherlands knows that Dutchies love to make a great joke — especially at the expense of the Germans! 👀🇩🇪

READ MORE | The 19 biggest differences between Germany and the Netherlands

It’s that good ol’ “big brother, little brother” complex found amongst many bordering nations, mixed with some lingering historical animosity and a healthy dose of sports-related rivalry.

Banter ranges from “Can I have my bike back?”, to jokes about Germans digging huge sand holes to claim their spot on the beach.

And of course, whenever Germany exits a football tournament, Dutch football fans sing “Schade Deutschland alles ist vorbei” (Sorry Germany, it’s all over”).

Why do they do it?

Now, this is just based on assumptions, there is no scientific proof whatsoever. But the history and proximity of these two countries might impact how they think of each other.

Also, let’s not forget that it’s not a single-player game. The Germans are also cracking jokes about their Dutch friends — specifically about how frugal and lazy they are.

Why is it quirky?

The Dutchies think of themselves as completely opposite to the Germans.

They are textbook examples of being easygoing, flexible, and innovative, while the Germans are strict, boring, and hierarchical (these are extreme generalisations, of course).

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #7: Send a Tikkie for virtually nothing

Although Dutchies are all about being direct and never beating around the bush, Dutchies aren’t too happy when Germans “take it too far”, A.K.A. beating them at their own game.

Should you join in?

It definitely helps to know some background context when it comes to making fun of an entire population. But, it’s probably best to leave it at that.

READ MORE | A love/hate relationship: the Dutch-Belgian rivalry explained

You don’t need to join in to enjoy the friendly fire between the Dutchies and the Germans.

Laugh along from an outsider’s perspective and enjoy the strange expressions of their allyship!

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

Here are some odd Dutch wedding traditions when getting married in the Netherlands

Janneke Hazelaar
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16
Here are some odd Dutch wedding traditions when getting married in the Netherlands

If you thought that a Dutch wedding was quite the same as in a Hollywood movie, well, you’re wrong. 

If you’re planning on having a wedding in the Netherlands or just love finding out these fun Dutch quirks, here are some great Dutch wedding traditions for you!

You need to get married before your wedding (yep)

If you’re thinking of having a traditional church ceremony, be aware that you need to abide by the civil marriage rules first. Without a civil marriage, you will not be allowed to marry in a church.

READ MORE | 5 things I wish I knew before moving to the Netherlands for love

The Dutch Civil Code (Burgelijk Wetboek) and the Criminal Code Act (Wetboek van Strafrecht) state that it is illegal to execute a sacramental marriage without a prior civil marriage.

If you want a church ceremony, go to your local city hall first to find out what paperwork you need before you are legally allowed to do so.

@letsdoubledutch congrats 💍 #cityhallwedding #gemeente #trouwzaal #simplewedding #dutchwedding #americanwedding #weddingidea #gettingmarried #bigday #dutchtiktok #dutchies🇳🇱 #americansabroad #expatliving #expatsinthenetherlands #expatsinamsterdam #letsdoubledutch #ambtenaar ♬ original sound – Double Dutch

The best man… isn’t really the best man

The tradition of the best man is not common in a marriage in the Netherlands. At least not as we know the best man from Hollywood movies. The best man is best compared to the Dutch ceremoniemeester (master of ceremonies).

READ MORE | 6 things to know about dating Dutch people

This is sometimes best described as the free-wedding-planner-friend.

The ceremoniemeester plans the day, together with the bride and groom. They make sure that on the day everything will go as planned as much as possible, from the itinerary to the decorations to the scathes and speeches.

Some weddings even have more than one ceremoniemeester (master of ceremonies or emcee) as the job can be quite extensive.

You can still get married if only one of you is present

Has your future partner not bothered to show up to the big day? Don’t panic. You can still get married!

If, for some reason, one of the partners can’t attend the wedding, a marriage can still legally be executed.

This is what we call “marriage by proxy” or, more popularly, “marrying with the glove.”

This means that you will marry a stand-in instead, as if this were your future partner.

In the past, it was common practice in noble families to use a glove, which symbolised the transfer of certain rights as a stand-in for the groom. The glove was placed on the altar as a sign of the presence and consent of the groom.

This also happened frequently after WWII, as young men would emigrate to other countries to later be accompanied by their wives.

However, before they got married, the man travelled to his new home country to get a job. This was so he could provide for his future wife when she arrived.

You’ll need something old, something new, something Dutch, and something blue

A long-term tradition in Holland has been to hand out “bridal sugar” to the wedding guests.

bride-in-a-limousine-on-her-way-to-the-wedding-in-the-Netherlands
The Dutch have some different variations on common traditions. Image: Unsplash

At the end of the night, there used to be little pouches with exactly five pieces of sugar-coated almonds. (Or sugar-coated rocks as we used to call them).

READ MORE | Finding love in the Netherlands: 5 ways to meet your very own ‘schatje’

The five sweets represented happiness, love, fidelity, prosperity and fertility.

So if you want to gift your guests something typically Dutch to thank them for attending your wedding, you could think about going the coated almond way.

Once a marriage ends, the rules are different

After 180 years of having the same common law rules, in 2018, the Dutch government deemed it time to modernise the rules.

For almost two centuries, it was standard to combine both sets of assets, the bride’s and the groom’s, from the day of the wedding onwards.

In case of a divorce, the estate was to be split 50/50, unless the husband and wife had prenuptial agreements.

READ MORE | Separations and divorce in the Netherlands: What does it mean for our kids? An expert’s advice

Now, however, these divorce laws are a bit more complex. 👇

gay-couple-gettng-married-in-Netherlands
Since 2001, it has been legal for gay couples to get married in the Netherlands. Image: Unsplash

While the husband and wife get to keep all their own assets in a divorce, you will have to prove what is yours.

So it’s advised to see a notary before the big day and keep a record of certain big purchases or gifts throughout the marriage.

What do you think of these Dutch wedding traditions? Tell us in the comments below!

Summer who? Code yellow thunderstorms will hit the Netherlands this Saturday

Emanuela Occhipinti
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0
Summer who? Code yellow thunderstorms will hit the Netherlands this Saturday

Just when we were getting used to sipping cocktails in the sun and pretending we lived in the south of France, Mother Nature remembered we’re actually in the Netherlands. 

The KNMI (the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute) has just issued a yellow weather warning for this Saturday, June 14.

Here’s what that means for you. 👇

Mother Nature’s feeling dramatic

Several provinces in the southwest of the country, such as Zeeland, Brabant and South Holland, are in for a proper spell of bad weather.

READ MORE | 11 TikToks that perfectly describe Dutch weather

The KNMI’s code yellow announcement warns of heavy thunderstorms, lashing rain, and winds trying to rearrange your patio furniture.

What is a code yellow weather warning?

These are alerts for potentially dangerous weather phenomena, such as extreme temperatures, thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, or extremely strong gusts of wind.

During the showers, expect wind gusts up to 75 km/h, strong enough to send your garden flower pots on a solo adventure. 

Let op: your cellar might flood

Meanwhile, local downpours might dump over 30 mm of rain in just an hour (bring a canoe if you’re going out), and hailstones up to 2 cm could join the chaos like nature’s popcorn. 

@dutchreview

When you wait all year for summer, for it to show up like a wet sock ☔️

♬ original sound – Lauren | Virtual Assistant 💻

If you own a garden or cellar, the KNMI advises you to prepare accordingly. Some may flood, some may fill with confused frogs, and at least one elderly dog is expected to dramatically refuse to go outside.

Good news, it won’t last forever!

But there’s one silver lining: these dramatic clouds should pack up and leave by Saturday night. So hang in there, because it’ll all blow over soon. 💪

Got a soggy garden story or a patio umbrella that took flight? Tell us in the comments!

There’ll be no trains in these Dutch provinces today: Here’s what you need to know

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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There’ll be no trains in these Dutch provinces today: Here’s what you need to know

Brace yourselves, train travellers! Thanks to a large-scale rail strike, there’ll be no trains in several Dutch provinces today (Friday, June 13). 🚂

The strike is expected to bring large parts of the rail network in the north and south of the Netherlands to a grinding halt, reports an NS news bulletin.

Which Dutch provinces are affected?

If you’ll be commuting from any of the stations below, expect your typical rail journey to be at a total standstill:

  • Groningen,
  • Friesland,
  • Drenthe,
  • Overijssel,
  • Flevoland,
  • parts of Gelderland,
  • Zeeland,
  • Noord-Brabant, and
  • Limburg.

Travelling to or from these provinces on NS trains is off the table, but certain regional carriers (like Arriva) are expected to run on schedule.

Is the Randstad safe? Not quite

While rail strikes are localised in these areas of the country, the NS notes that other Dutch provinces can also expect disruptions to their train services. It’s always advisable to check the travel planner in your NS app before heading to the station.

@dutchreview

I’ve been waiting for 3 hours… 😃 #dutchreview #dutch #international #ns #train #delay #cancellation #MemeCut #Meme #MemeCut

♬ original sound – God’s property Young

If you’re travelling internationally, on the other hand, you’re in luck! Most international trains are expected to keep running, with the sole exception of certain EuroCity journeys.

(Do check the EuroCity timetable for more information on your route.)

Good news: You can apply for compensation

Will your commute be affected by today’s strike? You can apply for the NS’ Delay Refund Scheme by requesting a refund here.

With the NS planning more negotiations with the trade unions involved in the strike, let’s hope that normal rail travel resumes by next week! 🙌

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Dutch Quirk #88: Hang their school backpack on their house flagpole after graduating

Lea Shamaa 🇺🇸🇱🇧
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Dutch Quirk #88: Hang their school backpack on their house flagpole after graduating

Have you ever noticed school bags dangling on flagpoles outside of Dutch homes? If yes, then someone in that house has recently found out that they’re going to graduate! 🎓

This cultural tradition of hanging your school bag means that a Dutch student has passed the final exams of their studies and can finally celebrate! 🎉

What is it?

Dutchies typically hang their school bags during the second week of June.

This is usually around the time the summer holidays begin and students receive their final exam results (eindexamenuitslag). 

Sometimes, Dutch families will not only hang school bags, but also notebooks. They might even go for a banner which says geslaagd (passed), just to make it very clear to the public. 

Why do they do it?

Households in the Netherlands simply enjoy announcing the good news about their children’s successful education — trotse families (proud families). 

READ MORE | 7 ways raising a child in the Netherlands is different

The Dutch put their school backpacks or satchels outside their window to show that these bags have served them well. 🎒

But also, their academic worries are now “outside the window” too (unless they plan on going into third-level education, of course.) 😉

Why is it quirky? 

This tradition of hanging school bags (and other academic supplies) on flagpoles only exists in the Netherlands! 

If you come across a dangling schoolbag in any other country, you may worry that some poor schoolchild has fallen out of the window.

(Or maybe a very patriotic family has lost their flag and opted for an interesting alternative. 😉)

Should you join in? 

Definitely! It’s a great way to announce that you’ve passed your exams to others without overly flaunting it.

Of course, you are also very welcome to be loud about your big achievement if you want to. 🎓

Sling up that school bag and paint the town red, you smarty pants! 

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

Image: DennisM2/Flickr/Public Domain

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