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Do you need to take a Dutch language course? Answer these 5 questions

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Do you need to take a Dutch language course? Answer these 5 questions

Maybe it’s on your to-do list, or you’ve been putting it off, but you might be asking yourself whether it’s actually worth your time and money to learn Dutch. 

We all know at least one person who didn’t intend to stay in the Netherlands for long but still find themselves not speaking a word of Dutch even after 10 years. 

Here are a few things to ask yourself if you’re considering taking a Dutch language course.

If your answer to any of the below questions is yes, then perhaps it’s time for you to learn some Nederlands.

1. How long do you plan on staying in the Netherlands?

First and foremost, it’s important to consider if you want to stay in the Netherlands and how long you intend to live here.  

If the plan was to get your university degree in the Netherlands and head back to your home country, it’s completely fair if you don’t want to spend too much time or money on learning Dutch. 

picture-of-a-man-studying-in-breukelen-cafe-netherlands
Not everyone plans to stay in the Netherlands — but sometimes we stay longer than planned. Image: Depositphotos

However, if you envision yourself staying here long-term, then that’s all the more reason to take Dutch courses and learn the language. 

Take it from a seasoned expat, if you plan on building a life in the Netherlands, then you need to be able to have full access to all that life here has to offer — and you can’t do that if you’re restricted by a language barrier.

Good to know: Depending on your nationality, some people who want to stay in the Netherlands long term will have to complete Dutch integration exams (also known as inburgeren in Dutch) — and this includes meeting a Dutch language requirement!

2. Do you want to build a career in the Netherlands?

While it’s really handy that the Netherlands already offers a lot of jobs entirely in English, some careers have better prospects if you speak Dutch, and this is something you need to consider if you want to build a career in the Netherlands. 

For example, if you work in communications, administration, human resources, politics, or law, to name a few, proficiency in Dutch will definitely give you an edge in the job market. 

international-woman-working-from-home-in-the-netherlands
Learning Dutch will give you all kinds of opportunities within your career. Image: Depositphotos

Even if your role doesn’t technically require you to speak Dutch, by speaking the same language as many of your colleagues, you open yourself up to friendships, networking, and, perhaps, an even better job in the future! 

Learning Dutch will open many more doors for you while living in the Netherlands — plus, having an extra language under your belt could never hurt while you’re looking for work in Europe. 

3. Do you want to have more Dutch people in your life? 

It’s easy to stay in an international bubble when you live in the Netherlands, especially if you’re surrounded by only international students from your university or your entire work friend group are expats. 

Photo-of-people-speaking-Dutch-together
Making friends with the locals is a great way to get to know the Netherlands better (and practice your Dutch!). Image: Freepik

If you want to make friends with more locals or already have Dutch friends you want to connect with better, learning Dutch is a great way to expand your social circle and skills. 

There are plenty of sports clubs, music clubs, and more where you can meet more Dutchies and learn to socialise in Dutch. 

4. Is your partner Dutch?

This is an important one: if your partner is Dutch, learning the language can be especially helpful in building a stronger long-term relationship with them. 

READ MORE | 6 things to know about dating Dutch people

And it definitely doesn’t hurt your chances of impressing your partner’s Dutch parents and extended family! 

Two-people-on-a-date-in-the-netherlands
Knowing the Dutch language will bring you closer to your partner and their family. Image: Freepik

After all, who doesn’t want to show off their skills at perfectly ordering food or have a friendly discussion about the proper way to eat tompouce? 

On the other hand, if you’re single or don’t have a Dutch partner, we can see why learning Dutch might not be a top priority for you.

5. Will your kids grow up in the Netherlands?

Speaking of family, if you’ve moved to the Netherlands with your children or plan to have and raise children here, there’s a good chance they will learn to speak Dutch as well — and you’ll want to be able to communicate with them!

family-of-five-people-living-in-the-netherlands
Even if your partner isn’t Dutch, it’s still a great idea to learn the language if you plan to raise your kids together in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik

Being able to speak Dutch will be especially handy if you’re sending your child(ren) to a Dutch school. It’ll be easier for you as a parent to communicate with your kid’s teachers and other parents. 

If you answered “yes” to at least one of the above questions, then I strongly recommend taking a Dutch course.

There are plenty of advantages to learning Dutch, from improving your job prospects to opening up your social life. And if you plan to stay in the Netherlands, knowing the language will help you integrate comfortably. 

So, what were your answers? Is it time to learn Dutch? Geen stress (no stress), you’ve got this. 🇳🇱

Have you taken a Dutch course before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

There’s a 50/50 chance opening this weather report will ruin your day

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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0
There’s a 50/50 chance opening this weather report will ruin your day

OK, we said 50/50, and technically, that’s what you’re getting — because you can’t have the sun without a little rain (you should know that, we’re in the Netherlands).

The weather forecast for the coming days is truly a mixed bag: from a bright, sunny start today to a cool and drizzly first weekend of January — sorry, July.

But there will be MUCH better days ahead, weeronline.nl reports.

Today’s sunny start gets blown away

After a few early showers, this morning is looking crisp and bright with the sun shining across the Netherlands.

The temperatures remain mild at 18 to 20 degrees because the westerly wind is… just plain stubborn.

The breeze persists throughout the day, getting gustier later on into a cool night with lows of 11 degrees.

Wet and windy weekend

One word for the next few days would be “changeable”. My wardrobe would agree.

Once again, we will enjoy a bright start to Friday until the clouds appear, and the chance of rain only increases as the day goes on.

By the evening, the rain will be falling like it does best in the Netherlands, and we’ll wake up to more clouds by morning.

@dutchreview Good luck beating the heat 🫡 #dutchreview #dutchsummer #thenetherlands #internationals #expatsinthenetherlands ♬ original sound – DutchReview

Gradually, it will get drier and possibly sunnier throughout the day on Saturday, with light showers peppering the coastal areas.

Just keep in mind the word “changeable”, and you’ll be prepared for anything. And, by anything, we mean Sunday’s forecast.

There will be a mix of clouds, sun and showers across the Netherlands, with those in the southeast enjoying the warmest Sunday.

Brighter days ahead

So far, the quick-changing weather has probably given you whiplash, but allow me to end on a positive note.

READ MORE | The weather this summer will be perfect… for mosquitos

Next week is looking much brighter and warmer, with temperatures creeping up to 22 degrees and beyond.

The dry spells should also last longer, but by no means put your umbrella away just yet. That would be a step too far.

How are you feeling about the Dutch weather so far this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Extra crispy: the birthplace of the iconic kapsalon has gone up in flames

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
Extra crispy: the birthplace of the iconic kapsalon has gone up in flames

Anyone who has lived in the Netherlands has heard of the kapsalon. It’s not just the Dutch word for “hairdresser”, it’s also a delicious (often drunken) feast. Now, a new, tragic chapter to this delicacy’s lore has just unfolded.

We’ve all been there, you’re standing around with some friends, a warm tin container in your hands, about to lift a cheesy fry to your mouth when a Dutchie interjects — 

“You know why they call it a kapsalon?”

The origin of the kapsalon

You listen to the story for the 15th time, watching your beloved Dutchie’s animated expression as they tell a tale as old as time.

It all started in 2003 with a Rotterdam hairdresser who loved his local shwarma shop, El Aviva. The hairdresser was a regular who asked for all his favourite foods to be combined into one dish.

READ MORE | 7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

Eventually, El Aviva and the hairdresser started calling the weird medley of chips, shwarma, melted cheese and salad the “kapsalon” — and thus, a beloved Dutch delicacy was born.

A birthplace, up in flames

This morning, an era has come to an end, with Nu.nl reporting that El Aviva was burnt to the ground on Wednesday night.

We’re not just talking smoke damage here, reports claim that the kitchen has been left blackened and charred, and the house above the establishment is uninhabitable.

According to bystanders, the fire started in one of the kitchen’s extractor fans.

But we’re glad to hear that, reportedly, no one was harmed amid the tragedy.

It’s the end of an era, you’ll be missed El Aviva. ❤️

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These are the best cities in the Netherlands (according to Dutchies)

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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9
These are the best cities in the Netherlands (according to Dutchies)

While it might still be the top Dutch city for tourists (we’re looking at you, Brits), Amsterdam has a slightly different reputation among the Dutch themselves.

The capital has officially fallen to 4th place in Dutch adults’ ranking of their favourite cities in the Netherlands, according to the Cities-Regions-Brands Survey by Hendrik Beerda.

Hundreds of respondents have voted for their favourite cities based on loyalty, appreciation, brand awareness, visit intention, growth expectations and reputation. 💭

And the results are in!

Utrecht takes the crown

Nabbing the #1 spot? It’s pretty, it’s friendly, and it’s at the top of every wish list for a Dutch day out.

That’s right, the new leading city for 2024 is the wonderful Utrecht.

oudegracht-area-utrecht-city-centre
A bustling city centre — but not too busy! Image: Depositphotos

Rotterdam and Maastricht also move up the rankings, and here’s how the top five shapes up:

1 Utrecht 🏆
2Rotterdam
3Maastricht
4Amsterdam
5Nijmegen

Other than A’dam, the reputations of these top cities have only gotten stronger since 2019’s results, especially Nijmegen, which was previously at #9.

From Rotterdam’s innovation to Maastricht’s holiday vibe, the favourites showcase the variety of city life in the Netherlands.

Teens still dig Amsterdam’s vibe

When it comes to young people between 12 and 18, Amsterdam’s still got it.

The capital’s nightlife is probably to thank for that, although other cities are catching up in that department too.

READ MORE | Amsterdam crowned 7th most danceable TikTok city

As for the rest of the teenage top five, Rotterdam and Utrecht rank at #2 and #3, while Maastricht and the Hague take #4 and #5.

Do you agree with this ranking of the top Dutch cities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Hoera! The Netherlands qualifies for first European quarter-finals in 16 years

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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0
Hoera! The Netherlands qualifies for first European quarter-finals in 16 years

Just when you thought Oranje fans and their Links Rechts dance moves couldn’t go much more viral, their beloved team keeps giving them more to cheer for.

The Netherlands beat Romania 3 – 0 in last night’s first European Championship knockout match, meaning they are through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years.

Fans go crazy, but the start is shaky

The match was played in Munich, which holds a lot of Dutch football history — from the ’88 European victory to, well, THAT World Cup final loss in 1974. 😬

Yesterday’s match was also one of ups and downs, with Romania having the brighter start.

READ MORE | Why does the Netherlands love orange? The full explainer

The Dutch lineup was slightly different to their last fixture, with Bergwijn and Reijnders starting. But there were gaps in the Dutch defence.

However, Cody Gapko managed to break through the difficult start, helping the team to a 1 – 0 lead with a solid shot.

@du7ee27 Duléé – Oranje available on 06-28-2024 on all streamingplatforms🧡🦁 #oranje #onsoranje #dutchfans #EURO2024 #newmusic #blowthisup #viral #foryoupage #fyp #du7ee27 #dulee27 #dulee ♬ origineel geluid – Duléé

A game of chances

3 – 0 isn’t exactly a scoreline to scoff at, but it didn’t come without multiple missed chances by the Dutch side.

From Reijnders and Depay having shots blocked by Nita, the Romanian goalkeeper, to Van Dijk heading one into the post, the Netherlands watched chance after chance slip away.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #44: Wear way, way, way too much orange

Gapko seemed to be the man to turn it around yet again, but his second goal at 61′ was disallowed after the referee called offside.

Instead, PSV Eindhoven’s midfielder Malen finally secured the win, scoring in the 83rd minute and once again in extra time.

Sixteen years later

Yesterday’s win marks the first time since 2008 that the Netherlands has reached the quarter-finals.

And it’s safe to say the fans let Munich know how happy they were about that…

What’s next for the team? They will play at 9 PM on Saturday against Turkey, who beat Austria in a great game yesterday.

Are you following the football at the moment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Flying from Amsterdam this summer? Prepare for longer waiting times

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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1
Flying from Amsterdam this summer? Prepare for longer waiting times

What’s the best thing to do during Dutch summer? Fleeing the country to a warmer and sunnier place! There’s just one hurdle to jump, and that’s the chaos at Schiphol Airport.

According to Schiphol, the airport expects to be busier this summer than in recent years. During the holiday period, which lasts until 1 September, the airport expects a total of 12.3 million travellers.

The result? Longer waiting times.

Waiting at check-in, security, and passport control

On average, more than 69,000 people are expected to depart from Schiphol daily, which is over 1,000 more than last year. On peak days, up to 81,500 departing travellers are expected.

If you’re one of them, you should expect longer waiting times at check-in, security check and passport control.

That being said, a Schiphol spokesperson tells NU.nl that Schiphol believes it can manage the summer holidays.

As passengers, there are also some things we can do to ensure that our trip gets off to a smooth start.

How can I prepare?

Schiphol has various services in place to help passengers get the best possible experience.

For example, you can monitor the expected crowds at Schiphol on the day of your flight. This handy tool lets you enter your flight number and tells you how much time you’ll need at every step of the way.

Even better, Schiphol lets you book a free time slot for your security check, ensuring you will get your turn within five minutes of arrival at the security desk.

Besides that, Schiphol recommends checking into your flight at home and getting to the airport on time. For European flights, that is two hours in advance, and for intercontinental flights, three hours.

What are your best tips for a smooth Schiphol experience? Share them in the comments!

Tongue twisters to trick your tongue into talking Dutch

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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5
Tongue twisters to trick your tongue into talking Dutch

Learning Dutch is kind of like forcing your throat to compete in the Olympic gymnastics when it’s only ever played T-ball.

But, as we all know, practice makes perfect! So, let’s get back up on that beam, smack out our lips, and do some tongue jumping-jacks with these Dutch tongue-twisters to trick your tongue into talking Dutch.

Warm-up with some Dutch v’s and z’s

Let’s get crackin’ with some v’s and z’s. While these aren’t the hardest letters in the Dutch alphabet, these tongue twisters may just give you a run for your euros.

photo-of-woman-lying-on-bench-twisting-tongue-confused
Shake out your tongue, get set, GO! Image: Freepik

We’ve gone ahead and included the English translation for you because, let’s face it, some of these are hilarious.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Als vliegen achter vliegen vliegen, vliegen vliegen vliegensvlug.
🇬🇧 English: If flies fly behind flies, flies will fly like lightning.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Zeven Zaventemse zotten zullen zes zomerse zondagen zwemmen zonder zwembroek. Zware Julien zijn zuster zaliger zei: “Zo’n zeveraars! Ze zijn zijle zeker zot zeg! Ze zullen zinken!“
🇬🇧 English: Seven fools from Zaventem will swim six Sundays in the summer without swimming trousers. The dead sister of fat Julien said: “Such fools! They are nuts! They’ll sink!”

Pronounce the Dutch ‘sch’ and ‘ch’ like a pro

All warmed up? Let’s tackle the ‘sch’ words, a.k.a public enemy number one for all Dutch learners. Ever had a Dutchie laugh at you when you stumbled over ‘Schiphol‘? Accidentally drooled when trying to pronounce ‘school‘? You’re not alone.

READ MORE | 5 Dutch idioms that are just too bizarre when translated

Get these tongue twisters down pat to stun the Dutch into silence.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Scheveningse scheve schoenen.
🇬🇧 English: Scheveningen crooked shoes.

Did you know? During WWII this phrase was used to discover German spies. Germans pronounce ‘sch’ as ‘sh,’ unlike the Dutch pronunciation ‘sg.’

🇳🇱 Dutch: Er schreed een snip over ‘t schip, die sneed met zijn bek ‘t spek van ‘t spit. Wie zag er ooit een snip schrijden en met zijn bek ‘t spek van ‘t spit snijden, zoals deze snip deed, die over het schip schreed en met zijn bek ‘t spek van ‘t spit sneed.
🇬🇧 English: A snipe swooped over the ship, and cut with his beak the bacon from the spit. Whoever saw a snipe swoop and cut the bacon from the spit with his beak, as this snipe did, the one that swooped over the ship and cut the bacon from the spit with his beak.

🇳🇱 Dutch: De meid snijdt recht, de knecht snijdt scheef.
🇬🇧 English: The maid cuts straight, the servant cuts crooked.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Wij smachten naar achtentachtig prachtige nachten bij achtentachtig prachtige grachten.
🇬🇧 English: We long for 88 beautiful nights by 88 beautiful canals.

Dutch gutteral ‘g’ will become a breeze

Yup, we struggle with this sounds as much as the next person does. Let’s try to wrap our throats around it. ✨

🇳🇱 Dutch: Als in Graven graven gravengraven graven, graven graven gravengraven.
🇬🇧 English: If in Graven counts are digging counts’ graves, counts are digging counts’ graves.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Gooi geen groene groenten in de grote gracht.
🇬🇧 English: Don’t throw green vegetables in the big canal

🇳🇱 Dutch: Allemachtig prachtig achtentachtig.
🇬🇧 English: Almighty beautiful eighty-eight.

Fun fact: 1988 was the first year the Dutch mens football team won the European Championship. ⚽️

couple-on-date-laughing
Wanna impress your Dutch date? A football-related tongue twister will do the job! Image: Depositphotos

READ MORE | 9 steps to flirting in Dutch (yes, that’s possible)

Rip it through with some rocking r’s

Rrrrr-olling through these? Get rrr-eady for some more. 👇

🇳🇱 Dutch: Roverovervallen vallen overal voor. Het valt voor dat bij een roveroverval een rover voorover over een roverval valt. Maar een rover heeft het er wel voor over om bij een roveroverval voorover over een roverval te vallen. Want voor een rover schiet er bij een roveroverval altijd wel wat over!
🇬🇧 English: Robberies occur everywhere. It happens at a robbery that a robber falls forward into a robber trap. But for a robber is doesn’t matter if he falls forward into a robber trap. Because for the robber at a robbery always something will remain!

READ MORE | 11 untranslatable Dutch words (yes, gezellig is there)

🇳🇱 Dutch: Ruud Rups rap rode ronde radijsjes raspt.
🇬🇧 English: Ruud the caterpillar quickly grates red round radishes.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Bram de brave broer van breiende brauwende Brielse Brechtje, bracht in zijn bronsbruin broekje een bril en een brandbrief en een gebroken brokje bros bruin brood over de brede brug naar Breukelen.
🇬🇧 English: Bram the brave brother of knitting brewing Brielse Brechtje, brought in his bronze brown pants glasses and a fire letter and a broken piece of brittle brown bread on the wide bridge to Breukelen

🇳🇱 Dutch: Roereieren, roereieren, roereieren, roereieren
🇬🇧 English: Scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs

person-laughing-trying-to-pronounce-funny-Dutch-tongue-twisters
Those scrambled eggs are scrambling my tongue. Image: Freepik

Cap it off with some Dutch k’s, OK?

Cr-aving even more? Try these. 😏

🇳🇱 Dutch: De knecht van de kapper knipt knapper dan de kapper knippen kan.
🇬🇧 English: The hairdresser’s assistant cuts better than the hairdresser can cut.

🇳🇱 Dutch: Kriegelig kocht Krelis kilo’s kruimige krieltjes.
🇬🇧 English: Annoid Krelis bought kilos of crumb potatoes

How did you go with this round of Dutch tongue twisters? Got a favourite tongue twister you would like to share? Leave it in the comments below!

The Dutch ‘fish doorbell’ has been pressed 150,000 times so far this year

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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1
The Dutch ‘fish doorbell’ has been pressed 150,000 times so far this year

As fish migration season comes to a close, the finned friends of the Utrecht canals have gained more than just passage through the Weerdsluis, but international stardom too.

Viewers worldwide watch live underwater footage of the migrating fish waiting at the Weerdsluis gates, pressing a digital bell to let the lock keeper know it’s time to let them swim on.

This spring, they o-fish-ally went viral. 🌍

The bell was pressed 150,000 times, and 20 million people watched the stream, compared to 8.2 million last year.

Swimming superstars

The live stream is available via visdeurbel.nl and the world has been watching — it’s got to be the most innovative and educational kind of reality viewing.

The fish were particularly popular among viewers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. 🐟

@thunder_keck #usefulclearnetsites finally after a long winter waiting its back open #becomingsustainable ♬ Smiles & Sunsets – ultmt. & Hz.

The famous fishies are also making a splash in international media, hitting the headlines and featuring on TV in South Africa, New Zealand, and Serbia.

READ MORE | 7 great Dutch inventions you never knew were Dutch

Soon, global watchers could be enjoyin their own local streams, as research is being conducted to install more fish doorbells across the world.

But the Dutch will always have the original, and we’ll be ready next March when it’s finally back in action.

What do you think about the ‘fish doorbell’ initiative? Let us know in the comments below.

Say ‘hoi’ to your new Dutch prime minister and cabinet

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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0
Say ‘hoi’ to your new Dutch prime minister and cabinet

223 days after the Dutch general elections, the new team of ministers are being sworn in today in the Hague.

King Willem-Alexander is swearing in 16 ministers and 13 state secretaries in the Huis ten Bosch Palace, including the new Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof, reports the NOS.

Schoof succeeds Mark Rutte, who was prime minister of the Netherlands for 14 years.

So, who is the new prime minister and who’s in the new cabinet?

Schoof’s in

Schoof is officially taking on the mantle of Dutch prime minister, after serving as the highest official at the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.

READ MORE | Here’s a breakdown of the new right-wing Dutch coalition agreement

He was formerly affiliated with the PvdA (Labour Party) but is serving as an independent PM from the current coalition and cabinet.

The Schoof cabinet is full of new faces, with the PVV (Geert Wilders’ party) providing five ministers, the VVD (Rutte’s party) and NSC (Pieter Omtzigt’s party) providing four ministers, and the BBB (Caroline van der Plas’ party) providing two ministers.

You can check out each post (in Dutch) over here.

Swearing in and hand over

From 10 AM today, each minister will be sworn in by the King one by one, followed by the state secretaries in order of seniority (for example, the Foreign Affairs minister has been around longer than the Climate minister).

At around 11 AM, Prime Minister Schoof and his cabinet will pose for their official platform photo.

The Rutte IV ministers will then hand over their files and portfolios to the new ministers, and the first ministerial council is scheduled for this afternoon

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

These 6 changes arrive in the Netherlands today

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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0
These 6 changes arrive in the Netherlands today

July 1 changes are here: while it’s going to be harder to pick up a pack of Camels (cigarette variety) from the supermarket, actual camels (humped variety) are one of the few pets you can still keep.

In addition to the ones hitting your wallet, here are more changes to keep an eye out for from today.

Harder to buy tobacco

If cigarettes are normally part of your weekly shop, we have some bad news for you.

Supermarkets, as well as night shops, convenience stores, and catering establishments, are no longer allowed to sell tobacco and e-cigarettes.

Hundreds of pets banned

From today, a new list of animals that you are still allowed to buy, keep, sell, and breed applies — including camels and water buffalos.

Not included are furry favourites like Russian dwarf hamsters and chinchillas. 🐹

READ MORE | Getting a pet in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

That means you must be able to prove that any pets not on the permitted list were in the Netherlands before July 1 in order to keep it (but no more breeding).

Feather friends are also not included, but that’s because there are no lists for birds, amphibians, and reptiles yet.

Stronger sex offence laws

A new Sexual Offences Act comes into effect today, which criminalises more forms of sexually inappropriate behaviour and means victims should now be better protected by law.

The act also states that you must clearly ask for permission if you want to have sex with someone.

READ MORE | The complete and unadulterated guide to sex in the Netherlands

Additionally, reporting incidents of sexual assault and rape no longer requires proof of coercion. Having sex when it was clear the victim did not want to is a punishable offence.

Sexually explicit comments online or on the streets will also be punishable, as well as sex solicitation (the sexual approach — online or in person — of children under 16).

Social housing rent increases

It wouldn’t be a roundup of changes without mentioning rent increases.

You might already be expecting your landlord to raise your rent today, as this normally happens every six months.

The increase still depends on your income, but the monthly amount may increase by a maximum of 5.8% (between €25 to €100). 💸

Higher stamp price

If you’re sending mail anytime soon, be prepared for higher stamp prices.

PostNL recorded a whopping €8 million loss this year, so posting mail is getting more expensive. Soon, you will pay €0.05 more per stamp, at €1.14 each.

Check your household bill rates

As well as rent, your bills could start chipping away at your change.

Many internet and TV subscriptions are becoming more expensive as providers take inflation into account when charging higher rates.

READ MORE | 14 dang smart ways to save on energy costs in the Netherlands [UPDATED 2024]

Also, rate adjustments to variable energy contracts can be made more than twice a year as long as your supplier states this in their terms and conditions.

How will these July 1 changes affect you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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