The number of human West Nile infections has jumped to nine, virtually overnight, according to a fresh update from the Dutch public health institute, RIVM.
All nine caught the virus here in the Netherlands, with infections occurring in the provinces of Utrecht, North Brabant, North Holland, and South Holland.
Eight of the nine were diagnosed after being admitted to hospital. In the ninth, the virus was detected during scientific testing by Sanquin Research, which screens for possible infections in blood donors.
And it’s not just in people
This year, West Nile virus has also turned up in five horses, six birds (both wild and domesticated), as well as mosquitoes.
These mosquitoes act as the prime vector of the infection by feeding on the blood of an infected human or animal. They can then pass on this infection to whomever (or whatever) they feed on next.
In response, various Dutch scientific organisations are busy collaborating on research.
According to the RIVM, “experts with diverse expertise in the fields of public health, animal health, ecology, and the living environment collaborate closely in researching, preventing, and controlling West Nile virus”.
By “diagnostics in people and horses with symptoms”, “research on birds and mosquitoes”, and proactive monitoring, researchers hope to see where the virus is spreading and how it changes over time.
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First, there was the Danish hygge, then there was the Dutch niksen, and now the Netherlands brings you the latest in lifestyle wonders: uitwaaien.
Uitwaaien may very well be the next big thing. It’s the cure-all to everything life throws at a Dutch person! Stressed? Go uitwaaien. Anxious? Go uitwaaien. Need to relax? Go uitwaaien.
But what exactly is this Dutch phenomenon? A state of mind in the liberal Netherlands? A mythical exercise like yoga or pilates? Well, actually, it’s ridiculously simple.
Read on, and we’ll tell you what on earth uitwaaien is, what it can achieve, and how to do it like a pro.
What is uitwaaien?
The word literally means “blow out.” That’s not helpful, because it sounds like something that would get you arrested. However, uitwaaien is quite simply an untranslatable word: there is no English equivalent.
Go to the beach, clear your head, and let the wind take all your worries. Image: Magnific
The closest we can get to giving this singular word meaning in English is ‘to walk with the wind’. Sounds…spiritual. Also, a lot longer than one single Dutch word, because those Dutchies are efficient! ⌚
But don’t go writing uitwaaien off alongside incense and Ouija boards: it’s an incredibly simple and useful practice that is used by most Dutchies at some point in their lives. It’s easy, requires no training, and just feels really, really, good.
I love the Dutch word “uitwaaien” which means “to go out in windy weather, particularly into nature, as a means of refreshing oneself and clearing one’s mind.” 🌬️ 🌳
It’s one of the simplest Dutch activities — in fact, you’ve probably done it before without even realising it. Follow our simple three-step guide to uitwaaien for best results:
Walk outside.
Feel the wind blowing against your hair, clothes, and body.
There is no step three.
That’s it! Feel the stress melt away from your body, the wind whisks away any troublesome thoughts, and be the best Dutch version of yourself you can be. 💪
Where should I go uitwaaien?
Ooh, we sense someone itching to improve themselves! You go, [reader]! Alright, there’s only one rule: you should be outside.
Best place to go uitwaaien? The beach, where there is a lot of wind! Image: DepositPhotos.com
The best places to clear your head are either the beach (and we have some great recommendations!) or the countryside. Why? Fewer buildings to obstruct the wind = more wind = improved uitwaaien. Promise!
Who can I go with?
Anyone you want. You can do this with yourself, and you. But you can also choose to enjoy it with a friend, a group, family, or colleagues.
Just remember: if you’re stressing about doing uitwaaien well enough, you’re not doing it well. Relax. 😌
When should I go?
Any time between 00:00 and 23:59. You can go out with the sole purpose of doing it, or it can be entirely coincidental. Any more questions?
Have you tried this Dutch phenomenon before? How did it make you feel? Tell us in the comments below!
Ever been so stressed by life that you have to book yourself a timeslot in an open grave? No? Well, Radboud University once offered students that option if they wanted it.
We’re not kidding.
Known as the “Purification Grave”, the open grave site could be found behind the university’s chapel. It was fitted with a comfy yoga mat (with the words “stay weird”), a sign that says “Memento Mori”, and a pretty good view from six feet under.
Oh, and probably some bugs — but who cares.
Ok, but… why?
The grave site was actually an initiative of the university’s chapel. The story of the “Purification Grave” started over a decade ago.
In 2009, the chaplaincy decided to dig a grave in its garden in order to allow students the opportunity to lie down and reflect on their lives.
And that’ll certainly do it. According to the chaplaincy’s website, the grave site was “A modern form of memento mori, which means that you are aware that you are mortal.”
The grave was initially temporary and was filled in 2011. However, it proved to be so popular with students that a number of them requested it to be re-dug.
As a result, in 2019, student pastor John Hacking and secretary of the student church Ilse Hubers grabbed the shovels and got digging once more.
“I think it is important that people have the opportunity to reflect, especially at a time when stress among students is becoming increasingly worse,” Hubers tells Vox.
Now, however, it seems the grave has once again be filled in. Instead, students can contemplate life under a “dream tree” or in a hammock, according to the chaplaincy website.
To make you contemplate life
The idea was pretty simple: you get in the grave and think about your life. However, you were not allowed to bring your phone or your books.
This was not meant to be a quirky place to stalk your ex on Instagram or read Carl Jung (although it may, indeed, trigger ego death). Instead, it was meant to help you see the bigger picture.
You’re an international living in the Netherlands, and you’ve just said yes to a date with a Dutchie. The nerves have started to kick in, and you begin to overthink: How do I behave? What should I say? What will I wear?
It’s no secret that the land of love can be tough to navigate in this tiny country — and as an international, cultural differences could end up crashing your date.
While it might seem like you’re entering the depths of a very unknown and mysterious place (the Dutch dating scene), there’s no need to fret.
We asked our readers to share their dating experiences and compiled a list of 15 things you might just encounter on your upcoming date. 👇
1. They’ll send a Tikkie afterwards
Ah, nothing screams romance quite like sending a Tikkie after a first date — excuse us, what? 🤔
Picture this: you go out for a gezelligemeal on the town, you have a great time, they pay the bill, and you go home. Sounds like your typical date, right?
A few hours later, you’re surprised to discover that you’ve already received a message from your date. The text? “Please could you pay me €20 for the meal?” with a payment link included. Yup, you’ve just been Tikkie-ed. 🙃
Now, we all know the Dutch can be thrifty (to say the least), but it’s safe to say they take financial responsibility a little too seriously sometimes.
To open or to not open the door? It’s a question pondered by many when on a date. Well, no need to doubt, you will be opening your own doors tonight!
The Dutch are zonder meer (without a doubt)modern thinkers, and being treated as an equal is very important to them.
So, even though opening the door for your date is definitely a polite gesture, it’s not at all dating etiquette for the Dutch and is actually frowned upon!
3. They’ll typically eat foods close to their homeland
Now, the Dutch aren’t fussy eaters, and they’re gluttonous when it comes to their beloved Dutch foods.
You can expect to grease it up on your date with a typical Dutch starter of classic mustard-dipped bitterballen and a side of wooden toothpicks.
As for the main course, well, let’s just say the probability of some sort of deep-fried fish making its way to the table is… incredibly high. Oh, and don’t forget the boiled potatoes, carrots, and peas.
Sliptong with a side of potatoes? Pass it over! Image: Magnific
4. They won’t beat around the bush
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the elephant in the room: Dutch directness. If there’s one thing the Dutch are famed for, it’s their lovely “tell it how it is” mentality.
You certainly won’t find your Dutch date biting their tongue and shying away from saying what’s on their mind.
Don’t want to know about the piece of spinach stuck between your two front teeth? Helaas, pindakaas.
They’re no fans of sugar-coating, and they won’t hold back if they can revel in a good opinion-fueled debate.
5. They’ll teach you how to say “neuken in de keuken”
The Dutch love their expressions and will litter their conversations with them any chance they get.
You’re definitely set to have a good laugh with your date as they try and get you to pronounce some comical Dutch phrases, like kippenvel hebben, which translates to “having chicken skin” but actually means to get goosebumps. 🥴
Be prepared for utter confusion when Dutch idioms enter the conversation. Image: Magnific
However, to save you from extreme embarrassment, when they tell you that the Dutch phrase, neuken in de keuken, means “hello” in English, it does NOT — far from it, in fact. (Look it up with caution!)
6. They’ll talk a lot about travel plans
Note to internationals: if you want to impress your date, talk about travelling!
The Dutch love a gezellige vacation abroad almost as much as they love their bicycles — and if you’re well-versed in the ways of travelling, then you’ve already got a foot in the door with your Dutch date! 😊
7. They’ll ask a truckload of (very) personal questions
An important tip to remember: your date might just start talking to you like they’ve known you for years. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it certainly makes for a more intimate setting!
However, if your date follows up the conversation about their love of travelling with, “when was the last time you had sex?” or “do you believe in God?”, they’ve gotta hit the breaks. 😳
Such personal questions are a great segue into a good date gone awkward… Image: Magnific
In all likelihood, you’re not mentally prepared to delve into personal (and hella awkward) topics when you haven’t even decided on an appetiser.
8. They’ll gossip about family members
It’s no secret that the Dutch are one for traditions. For many of them, having family by their side is an essential part of life.
Knowing this, you can imagine that sharing some treasured family stories on the date comes as a part of the package deal.
Even so, don’t be surprised if the chat takes a turn. Suddenly, you’re hearing about the adventures of their tantes (aunts)and ooms (uncles), and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in family drama. Nou, leuk. 😅
9. They’ll plan the date weeks in advance
Yes, the Dutch love their holy agenda, this much is true. From family barbecues to nights out with friends, they tend to plan everything weeks (even months) in advance.
Dutchies always have a plan! Image: Magnific
So, it wouldn’t be unusual if your date whips out their calendar and asks you way in advance which day and time would be best to pencil you in.
You might have to wait a few weeks to actually go on the date, but if you really think about it, it’s certainly a flattering thought knowing that you’re worthy of their holy agenda. 🤓
10. They’ll be five minutes early to the date
Since the Dutch are devotees of a good agenda, you can also expect that their punctuality is very much on point.
Early is on time, on time is late, and late is just unacceptable for the Dutch. Image: DepositPhotos.com
You definitely won’t have to worry about missing your dinner reservations. For the Dutch, it’s fashionable to show up on time or even early for an occasion as special as a date.
11. They’ll keep the date-setting casual
There’s no chapter on fine dining in the book of Dutch dating.
If you’ve ever heard clichés about the Dutch, then you’ve likely come across the one about their laid-back culture. Let’s just say they have a rather laissez-faire attitude towards things.
What does this mean for your date? Well, you can expect to be romanced at a bar with a pint of beer and some bitterballen while watching a football game, rather than dining out in some fancy restaurant.
12. They’ll wear casual clothing
Now that you have a more vivid mental image of where your date will likely take place, you can also imagine that the date’s unofficial dress code would be something along casual lines.
The Dutch rarely overdress and prefer to keep it simple. With that being said, expect your date to show up in a pair of jeans and your standard tee.
Forget a suit and tie. Count your blessings if there’s a belt! Image: DepositPhotos.com
13. They’ll share tea bags with you
A good rule of thumb to up the romance factor on your date is to share things! This can be anything from a milkshake with two straws to appeltaart with two forks, or… tea bags?! 🥴
Yep. Come time for dessert, many Dutchies often indulge in a good cup of tea. But unlike the Brits, this normally means hot water poured into a transparent mug with a tea bag that gets dunked about 10 to 50 times and then gets reused. 🫖
Since the Dutch love to go half-sies on the bill, you can foresee that your tea bag will be shared with your date as well. Echt schattig! 🥰
14. They’ll bring you home… on the back of their bike
Your Dutch date might not open the door for you, but chivalry isn’t dead just yet! You can enjoy a leukride home with them, but it might require a teensy adjustment if you’re used to the lavish car lifestyle.
You’re in bicycle country, remember? So, expect your date to whisk you away on the back of their bike rather than a white horse. The shiny armour — and bike helmet — are optional.
Best known for its erratic weather, the Netherlands often experiences all four seasons in a single day.
Unless the weather gods are on your side, you can expect a good stretch of rain on your date — and even though it’s unlikely that they’ll pay for your meal, you might just find them holding an umbrella over your head. ☔️
Ready for your Dutch date? Don’t overthink it; just have fun! Success! 🌹
Do you agree or disagree with these Dutch dating observations? Tell us in the comments below!
Leiden is a picturesque town centrally located between Amsterdam and The Hague, and happens to look gorgeous in the rain. Given that our DutchReview office is located here, it’s no surprise we think the city is glorious.
Some cities need sun for their beauty to truly shine but not our lovely Leiden! It is stunning in all seasons — wet winter, windy Autumn, cloudy spring and yes, the cold summer!
We teamed up with the talented @carjstudio_, who clearly has a knack for city photography as well. Enjoy the following photos of Leiden in the rain!
Getting your rental deposit back in the Netherlands should be pretty straightforward. But alas, landlords are not always the fairy godmothers we wish they were.
So, what can you do in the Netherlands if a landlord refuses to return your deposit?
Handling large sums of money in a country you’re not familiar with can be nerve-racking, to say the least. You may be wondering if the deposit fee your landlord is asking for is normal, or if you’re being ripped off. And if they refuse to return it — what then?
Fear not: even as a foreigner, there are steps you can take to ensure you get your rental deposit back. 💪
What is a rental deposit and when do you need to pay it?
When you rent property in the Netherlands, the landlord or agency will generally require you to pay the first month of rent as well as a one-time security deposit before you move in.
Rental deposits are a standard practice when renting a house in the Netherlands. Image: Pexels
This deposit is to ensure that if you damage the space during your stay, you can pay for the repairs, rather than the landlord or agency.
However, if by the end of your contract, you have not damaged the rented space, you are entitled to receive this money back in full.
How much is a rental security deposit in the Netherlands?
Usually, the rental deposit is about one month of basic rent (excluding utilities).
However, in the Netherlands, there are no laws which set the maximum rental deposit amount. A deposit equivalent to three months’ rent, for example, is considered acceptable in a Dutch court.
How to get your rental deposit back in the Netherlands
Assuming you have maintained the place well, haven’t smashed any windows, cut through drain pipes, or caused any other damage, you are entitled to a full return of your security deposit when you vacate the property.
In most cases, you will definitely be able to get your deposit back. Image: Magnific
Regular wear and tear does not count as damage for which the landlord can keep your money. But if it is agreed to at the beginning of your contract, the landlord may deduct unpaid rent from your deposit.
Ultimately, the tenant (you) is only responsible for inexpensive maintenance, such as painting the interior walls.
However, the landlord is required to pay for larger issues like water pipes or the heating system — unless they can prove you are directly responsible.
✅ What a Dutch landlord can deduct from your rental deposit
What are those larger items? Some things a landlord can claim a portion or all of your rental deposit for include:
holes in the wall from hanging photos
broken tiles or fixtures in the bathroom
clogged toilet due to misuse
broken walls
removing paint put up by the tenant
tears, holes, or burn marks in carpets or curtains
animal stains in the carpet caused by domestic animals or leaking fish tanks
broken windows and window screens
broken doors and locks
appliances broken by negligence
excessive filth in the oven or on the stove by the burners
clogged drains from misuse or negligence
broken or missing window blinds
flea and pest extermination
excessive mildew and mould in the bathroom
excessively filthy bathtub, shower, sink, mirrors or toilet
❌ What a Dutch landlord cannot deduct from your rental deposit
The following things would be considered general wear and tear, which the landlord can generally not charge you for:
faded paint or wallpaper due to sunlight,
broken plumbing caused by normal use,
dirty blinds and curtains,
carpet wear caused by normal use,
furniture marks on the carpet,
warped doors caused by age, temperature or moisture,
warped windows caused by the flow of the glass,
dents in walls from door handles,
broken appliances (if not from misuse),
dusting,
faded curtains,
broken light bulbs,
replacement batteries for smoke detectors,
picture or pinholes in walls, as long as not excessive.
Passing inspections: how to avoid your rental deposit being kept
There are three inspections which should take place when you rent in the Netherlands: one at the beginning of your contract to record the condition of the space before you move in, a pre-inspection shortly before you leave, and a final inspection.
Important note: A landlord cannot enter the property without your permission. If an inspection is carried out without notifying you or without your presence, the landlord is in the wrong.
First inspection (before moving in): make an inspection list and take photos
At the start of your rental contract in the Netherlands, you and your landlord/agency should walk through the space together and record the property’s condition in an opnamestaat (inspection list).
Inspecting the flat before you move in is very important. Image: Magnific
Any holes in the walls, broken taps, or anything that can be listed as damaged must be noted.
If your rental is furnished or partially furnished, make sure to record the condition of all furniture.
It’s important for you also to take photos of everything at this stage. Photos and the inspection list will protect you if the landlord later falsely accuses you of causing damage.
Pre-inspection (before moving out): a chance to fix things
About two weeks before you leave the property, a pre-inspection should take place.
Here, the landlord/agency will determine whether any damage has occurred compared to the inspection list from the beginning of your contract.
Again, both parties should be present for this. If the landlord/agency decides you need to make some repairs or complete any deep cleaning, a report will be drawn up detailing what needs to be done, which both parties should sign.
Of course, if you do not agree with the report, don’t sign it.
But if you do, you legally have until the end of your contract to fix any issues. If the landlord doesn’t give you enough time to make these repairs, you are entitled to receive your deposit back in full.
Final inspection
This normally happens a few days before or after you move out and is an opportunity for the landlord/agency to check whether you have made the required repairs.
Any repairs you did not make will be deducted from your deposit. The landlord can’t request new repairs at this point unless they were not seen in the pre-inspection.
But, if either no damages are listed or all damages have been repaired after the final inspection, you have the right to get your full security deposit back.
Of course, that doesn’t always happen.
What to do if a landlord/agency in the Netherlands won’t give you your deposit back
If the landlord finds damages that you don’t agree with or comes up with some crazy excuse for keeping your deposit, things can get pretty tense pretty quickly.
A landlord denying you your deposit back may be annoying — but it’s not the end of the world, and there are ways to make them pay up. Image: Magnific
If after a month (or a previously agreed upon deadline) you still don’t have your deposit back, you’ll need to take some action.
Send a registered letter demanding your deposit back (aangetekend)
First, you need to write a registered letter (aangetekende brief) to your landlord or agency/agency in which you demand the rental deposit.
In this letter, you should first explain in detail why you disagree with the landlord. Then, clearly state that you will take legal action if they do not return your deposit within five working days.
Send the letter by mail, but be sure to keep a copy for yourself. If you would like to send it in Dutch (recommended), you can use a sample letter.
If you still can’t get your deposit back, get legal help
If your registered letter is ignored or the landlord still refuses to pay, it’s time to get legal help.
Keep in mind that if the landlord is accusing you of causing damage, they will need to provide photographic evidence.
With the photos you (hopefully) took yourself during the first inspection, you should be able to counter this.
Normally, a letter from a lawyer is enough to scare a landlord or housing agency into paying up, as going to court could cost them more.
But if they’re adamant you don’t deserve your deposit back, then legal help may be the only way forward.
Need assistance, or no money for a lawyer?
We get it, lawyers are expensive! If you need help getting your security deposit back in the Netherlands, you can try these free options first:
!Woon — a government-funded tenant support agency.
Juridisch Loket — a foundation financed by the Ministry of Justice and Security.
Check the Google Review and Facebook ratings of any agency you’re interested in working with because people are sure to post about any bad experiences they’ve had.
If the agent tries to charge you one month’s rent as a fee to lease you the apartment, that’s a big red flag. This is the responsibility of the landlordto pay, not the tenant. It is illegal to charge renters.
Now that you know what precautions to take and what is in your right to ask for, we hope you won’t have any stressful situations when it comes to getting your deposit back.
Have you had any bad experiences with landlords in the Netherlands? How did you solve them? Tell us in the comments below!
A sauna in the Netherlands may sound like the perfect way to relax — until you walk in and everyone is butt naked. 🙈
Yes, you’ve read that right. Stark, bollock naked. No bikini, no swimsuit, niks. But don’t be alarmed if your work colleague or mum-friend from school suggests a visit.
Visiting a sauna or spa in the Netherlands can actually be a really fun, liberating experience. We promise.
Do you have a specific question you want answered? Skip to the main parts:
Can’t you just feel the warmth through the screen? Image: DepositPhotos.com
I have been lucky enough to visit a few different Dutch saunas during my time here. I have to say, these places are amazing. 🧖♀️
You’ll find a huge variety of swimming pools, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and of course, saunas.
They also normally have these ‘relax rooms’ equipped with full-size beds and blankets that are simply screaming for you to lay down, relax and nap for hours on end. 😴
It’s not all nudity (well, mostly)
If you don’t want to strip down to your birthday suit, you’re welcome to wear a robe. Image: Magnific
But don’t panic that the occupant before you has laid in the bad naked!
Everyone gets provided with a bathrobe and slippers (or you can take your own). In the public areas, most people will keep their robes on and only disrobe to go into the saunas or steam rooms.
Although, you do get the odd few who like to walk around the whole time in their birthday suit.
Personally, I like to keep myself wrapped in a bathrobe most of the time. It can get a little chilly walking from sauna to sauna, especially since many are set across huge outdoor grounds.
So, there really is no obligation to be naked at all. Don’t worry!
Most of the spas I’ve been to have a selection of restaurants and bars dotted across their premises. This means that you get to enjoy a glass of wine or some Dutch snacks when all that relaxing is making you hungry. 😉
If you prefer something more substantial, some spas even offer three-course meals or a full buffet (you know how the Dutch just love a buffet).
And the best bit, you are all sitting around munching on your goodies in your bathrobe. No need to get changed!
Just imagine biting into your portion of bitterballen, knowing your own bitterballen are hanging free. Win-Win!
No need to worry about voyeurs and weirdoes who secretly try to film you lying back legs akimbo (please don’t do this!!) in the sauna. There is a strict no mobile phones and cameras are allowed policy, which they will enforce.
Plus, the age range in these spas tends to average in the higher figures, many of whom still have no clue how to work a Nokia 7710, let alone the latest iPhone or Samsung camera.
Going to a sauna in the Netherlands will make your body confidence skyrocket
Unexpected side-effect: saunas will make you feel amazing in your own skin. Image: DepositPhotos.com
The first time I went to a naked sauna, I’d just undergone a C-section and was incredibly self-conscious. I imagined everyone would be staring at my scar (as well as my dimpled thighs and rather large backside).
But I seriously needn’t have worried. When everybody is naked, you actually realise that in REAL LIFE, everybody looks different but also exactly the same.
We all have boobs and vajayjays and willies and bums.
Some are saggier, some are bigger, some tummies are rounder, and some legs are slimmer.
But who cares? I walked out of that spa feeling 10 feet high and could see for myself where that Dutch confidence comes from.
Note: When picking a spa or sauna to visit, it’s always worth choosing one a little further away. No matter how confident I am, I have zero desire to see my kids’ school teachers/bank manager/mother-in-law whilst we are both naked, having to pretend like we’re not.
All in all, going to a sauna in the Netherlands is one hell of an experience! Have you ever been to one before? Let us know in the comments below!
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose wo-” *old record scratching sound*. Wait a minute. This opening line sounds awfully familiar.
That’s right, folks, it’s time for the sequel to ‘What’s in a Dutch name?‘, but this time we’re focusing on women!
As I meet more and more Dutch people, I become more comfortable with being baffled by the pronunciation of Dutch names. I also get more comfortable asking someone to repeat their name.
How to never forget a Dutch name again
When you meet someone new, it’s inevitable that a name is messed up, mispronounced, and most likely — completely forgotten. I know SO many people who are “not good with remembering names.”
I have heard that line so many times that it’s becoming a common personality trait among humans. I wonder which star sign it would fall under?
“Ambitious, open-hearted and good with money, this sign is loved by many. However, a tendency to be selfish, controlling and bad with names also means that this sign leans towards erratic behaviour…”
Star charts aside, here’s a little trick to help you come back from an embarrassing #namefail. Let’s set the scene:
You make eye contact and recognise the face. Yet, you can’t place the name exactly… Susie? Jessica? They’re heading over.
You start to panic…your knees are weak, arms are heavy, but on the surface, you look calm and ready… and then they are right in front of you.
You shake hands, smile pleasantly and then you utter the magic words: “Oh yes! Of course, I remember you! But I just want to check how to pronounce your name again?”
Pronouncing Dutch names
The wonderful thing with classic women’s Dutch names is that a lot of them look deceivingly familiar (just take “Charlotte”), and you might be tempted to say them in ye olde English way.
Often though, the Dutch have a completely different pronunciation — even if the name seems common for English natives.
In this particular instance, Charlotte shakes your hand, smiles back warmly (you’ve remembered her, you’re just verifying the pronunciation, so you’re in the green 😉) and enunciates for you: “/Shar-lot-teh/”.
*Cue to the two of you becoming the best of friends, having sleepovers, and becoming each other’s children’s godparents*
On that heartwarming note, let’s list some other female Dutch names with particularly interesting pronunciations:
Floor
This one was interesting to me, too. Really, the pronunciation is almost exactly the same as in English, with the slight detail that there’s more emphasis on the “R” sound, which the Dutch really love to round out with.
Judith
Another deceptively simple one, the “J” is again changed to be pronounced as a “Y”. Yes, this means that Judy Blume would be “Yoody Blume” to a Dutchie. Charming!
Anna
Almost the same but there’s more emphasis on the first “A”… more of an “Ahhh” sound to begin. Like you’re realising how tricky Dutch names can be and you’re like “Ahhhh (I see).”
Annelieke, Annemiek
Now, this is interesting. It seems that “Anne” can also be the prefix to a name. A bit like in English, although it’s more of a suffix, with names such as Lou-Anne and Mary-Anne respectively…wait, did I just realise that all Dutch names have an English equivalent?
I feel like a tourist who’s just realised that Amsterdam isn’t a country, aka S-M-A-R-T.
Mirjam
Literally sounds the same as “Mariam”, and is probably the Dutch version. Has nothing to do with the actual jam. 😆
Sigrid
This one is just a treat to me. It’s really fun to pronounce. /See-gggg-rid/. A lovely guttural “G” sound makes you feel like you are an echte (There’s that guttural “G” sound again!) Nederlander.
Roos
Rose. “That which we call a Rose by any other name…” Alright, alright. You get the picture. A sweet-smelling and picturesque name.
Like “Marjorie” in English. But also like “marjolien” in Dutch. Which is a herb that I recently found at my local Jumbo (but Google tells me it is the herb, Marjoram in English).
I have literally no idea what Marjoram truly tastes like yet, though. Or what Marjolien will think of this blurb about her name.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully, the name trick will serve you well.
Did you end up using it? Stuck on a pronunciation for a female Dutch name? Let us know in the comments below!
The Dutch central bank just moved a chunk of the Netherlands’ gold reserves out of North America and into the UK, in a bid to strengthen its crisis preparedness in a time of “increasing geopolitical unrest”.
In a press release, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB, or the Dutch central bank) confirmed that the move happened between March and August 2026.
Approximately 86 tonnes of its 313-tonne reserve left vaults in New York and Ottawa, landing in London, at the Bank of England.
Why London? (And why now?)
Part of it, DNB writes, has to do with the Bank of England being “viewed globally as a major trading centre for physical gold”.
Gold stored there meets “modern international trading standards”, offering DNB a quick and easy option to trade gold reserves in a crisis. The gold parked in New York and Ottawa, on the other hand, isn’t as easy to shift in a crisis.
By keeping more of the Netherlands’ stash in London, DNB notes that it has strengthened Dutch gold as a “confidence anchor”. In other words, gold can weather an economic storm a lot better than stocks or bonds can, and the Netherlands wants its reserves closer to home.
“We assume that we will never need to deploy the gold,” says DNB President Olaf Sleijpen. “But it is nevertheless necessary to strengthen our resilience and preparedness.”
Dutch reserves haven’t shrunk
As reported by DNB, the size of the Netherlands’ gold stock remains “unchanged”. Some gold, however, did change hands to facilitate the move.
By selling nearly 59 tonnes of gold in New York, DNB was able to buy gold “meeting international trading standards” in London.
Over 27 tonnes of gold were physically moved from the United States and Canada to DNB’s own vault in Zeist, a town in the province of Utrecht. The same quantity of gold, also meeting those market standards, was then moved to London.
Following the relocation, the percentage of Dutch gold reserves in the US shrunk from 31.3% to 18.5%, while the percentage in the UK shot from 18.1% to 32.1%.
Just crisis preparedness
If you’re somewhat alarmed by the proceedings, DNB stresses not to worry. Central banks spreading their gold reserves across several countries is standard practice, and the Netherlands is no different.
DNB frames the whole exercise as useful, especially if “that gold needs to be moved again during a future crisis and one of the methods proves impossible for whatever reason”.
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Opening a Dutch bank account before you move may sound like a bureaucratic nightmare, but having this sorted before you land is a huge advantage.
So, good news: it is possible to open a Dutch bank account before you’ve even landed in the Netherlands — but only if you pick a bank that lets you provide your citizen service number (BSN) later.
Will Dutch banks allow you to open an account from abroad?
The simple answer is that some will, some won’t.
While the sign-up process for opening a Dutch bank account is usually quite straightforward, it may involve providing documents that most newcomers won’t have.
A valid passport, (European) ID, or Dutch residence permit
MVV document (an entry visa for those who require a residence permit)
And, for student accounts, banks may even request proof of enrolment at a Dutch university and, in some cases, a work contract is requested.
Proof of enrolment at a valid university in the Netherlands may also be required. Image: Magnific
Naturally, if you’ve just arrived in the country, you probably won’t have registered your address at a Dutch municipality or collected your BSN yet.
So, what does a poor international have to do if they desperately need a local bank account? Opt for an expat-friendly Dutch bank! With easy sign-up processes and English-language support, they’re well worth their weight in stroopwafels. 😉
No BSN? No problem, because you can cut through all the bureaucratic red tape with ING’s international-friendly bank accounts.
Just register on their banking app, and you can start using your account straight away. You’ve got a whopping 90 days to submit your BSN information, so no stress!
Fancy an extra €100 in your savings? With ING’s latest welcome bonus, new customers are rewarded for saving at least €250 and making 5 payments within 8 weeks.
Why having a Dutch bank account makes your journey easier
If you’ve seen endless social media posts from internationals lamenting that Dutch shops won’t take their foreign bank cards, you probably have a good idea why getting a local bank account is a game-changer.
For one thing, you’ll save your foreign bank card from the embarrassment of being declined at every train station, supermarket, and café outside of Amsterdam. Ouch! 😬
You’ll also find that having a Dutch IBAN helps speed up the process of establishing your new life in the Netherlands.
It’s the difference between scurrying off to the money exchange as soon as you land, or sitting back to enjoy a quiet coffee. ☕ Image: Magnific
Whether you’re registering for a mobile phone plan, setting up your gas and other utilities, or taking out an insurance plan, it’s guaranteed to be less complicated with a Dutch bank account.
And let’s not forget the most important benefit: using a Dutch bank account spares you the nasty surprise of having hefty foreign transaction fees added to your bill. 💸
How you can open a Dutch bank account remotely
Some Dutch banks allow you to open an account without a BSN, provided that you submit this information within 90 days or else it might get blocked (with 30 days to submit your BSN data and lift the block on your account).
You can usually sign up in a matter of minutes, either via the bank’s mobile app or online banking portal.
For non-EEA residents, some additional documentation might be required:
Your Dutch residence permit (if you’re still waiting for your BSN)
Your MVV (if you don’t have a Dutch residence permit yet)
(Note: further guidelines may apply to US citizens.)
But hey, at least you’ll walk away with a snazzy Dutch bank account a few minutes later. 😉
How straightforward did you find the process of opening a Dutch bank account? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
