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Dutch courage just became more expensive: Heineken raises prices

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Dutch courage just became more expensive: Heineken raises prices

The famous Dutch beer will become more expensive this year because the company incurred more costs. 😒 Thank god Dutchies don’t actually drink much of Heineken anyway.

The beer company has to spend more money on raw materials, energy, and transportation — increasing manufacturing costs by 10%, reports NU.nl.

Thriving under lockdown?

It’s unclear how much consumer prices will increase or whether prices will change worldwide or only in certain markets. With this in mind, less beer may be sold because of higher prices — but it’s not like the Netherlands will run out of options for good beer.

Even after raising prices last year, Heineken made €2 billion in profit which was 12% higher than in 2020. Lockdown had Dutchies desperate, we suppose. 🥲

Will you still be drinking Heineken after the price increase? Tell us what you think in the comments!

Feature Image: pongsirionkham/Depositphotos

Press conference: Dutch society almost back to normal, starting February 25

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Press conference: Dutch society almost back to normal, starting February 25

“The country will open up again,” are the opening words of Health Minister Ernst Kuipers at tonight’s press conference. What does that mean? Dutch society will almost go back to pre-pandemic times starting February 25. 😍

“But first, ‘the why’ behind opening up,” continues Kuipers. The Dutch Health Minister recaps that corona rules had been necessary for the past to relieve the Dutch health care system and protect the most vulnerable in society.

The pandemic had been especially tough on health care personnel and those who’ve lost loved ones. But also, for those financially dependent on the cultural and HORECA sector.

Kuipers continues to say that hospital admissions have been stable despite a rapid spike of coronavirus infections. Through vaccines, boosters and a reduced risk of severe illness with the omicron variant, Kuipers says that the Dutch are now better protected.

“Everything needs to open up again,” says the Dutch Health Minister. There will be steps, big steps, he says. Young people need to be allowed to “spread their wings”, the Dutch have to enjoy sports, culture and each other again.

Phew, quite some poetry in there, Kuipers. So what do these steps look like exactly? 👇🏻

Good to know: All of the following measures will be re-evaluated on March 15.

Longer opening hours for HORECA and cultural sector

So, let’s dive right into it. There’s loads of good news for the HORECA (hotels, restaurants and cafés) and cultural sector. From February 18 onwards, you can stay in your favourite bar until 1 AM again (instead of 10 PM)!

The same rings true for restaurants and cafés but also events and nightlife. In even better news, as of February 25, businesses can open just as long as before the pandemic.

1,5-metre rule and facemasks

The 1,5-metre distance rule is officially scrapped for HORECA and bigger venues like theatres, concert halls or stadiums. Facemasks are also no longer required. Bye, bye seated concerts and hello huge, sweaty crowds! 👋

Well, at least up to 500 attendees when indoors. Above this threshold, mandatory seating and facemasks are still required. In addition, a negative test or coronavirus pass will be checked before entry. Are you heading to an outdoor festival? You have no obligation to test!

But don’t abandon your stack of masks just yet! You will have to stick to the mask mandate in public transport and airports. So, put on your mondkapje!

Guests at home

As of February 18, you’re also allowed to invite as many people into your house again as you wish! House parties here we go. 🥳

Well, or at least having more than four people over for dinner already feels like a big victory.

Shortened quarantine

Last week, the OMT (Outbreak Management Team) advised the cabinet to shorten the isolation after a coronavirus infection.

And, surprisingly, they listened! The advice is now to stay home 5 days after testing positive. Kuipers also says that infected individuals can leave their quarantine if, after 24 hours they are entirely symptom-free.

Working from home

The advice to work or study from home as much as possible has been officially abandoned! Good news for students who can finally go to in-person classes again. Bad news for those who quite liked attending meetings with their boss in their PJs (they’ll never know 👀.)

First press conference without Mark Rutte

One face we were missing this Tuesday evening was that of Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte. For the first time since press conferences started in 2020, the PM left the floor entirely to the Dutch health minister.

Rutte has said that he won’t attend the press conferences regularly anymore, reports AD.nl. This also signals a ‘new phase’ in the Dutch approach towards governing the coronavirus pandemic: putting it a bit more on the backburner. (Yes, you’ve read that right!)

Ernst Kuipers did his job well, but we couldn’t help but notice the absence of OG Rutte serving us the latest coronavirus measures.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest coronavirus news and updates in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: Press Conference/Screenshot

Weekly update: Infections in the Netherlands are finally dropping, so is the positivity rate

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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Weekly update: Infections in the Netherlands are finally dropping, so is the positivity rate

The RIVM has reported its weekly coronavirus figures from February 8 to February 15. The number of hospitalisations has decreased as the number of deaths has gone up.

Over the past week, the RIVM has reported 493,055 new infections in the Netherlands. This is a significant decrease compared to last week’s report of 824,301 infections.

The percentage of positive tests has decreased, with 57.6% of people testing positive compared to 60.7% from the week before.

Deaths

The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications increased slightly compared to the past week. This week, 78 people passed away, compared to 54 people the previous week.

Hospitalisations

The number of admissions to the nursing ward and the ICU have both decreased. The past week saw 1,061 new admissions to the nursing ward and 88 new patients in the ICU.

The previous week, there were 1,271 patients and 122 patients respectively.

An ease in coronavirus restrictions is ‘onderweg’

For the past week, the Dutch government has been dabbling in the idea of easing current restrictions in the Netherlands.

Some of the restrictions in question are catering establishments’ opening hours, the work-from-home advice, the use of the corona pass (QR code) and the allowed number of home visitors. The leaks speculate that many restrictions could be dropped as soon as next Friday. 🥳 

Stay up to date with all the news in the Netherlands by following DutchReview on Facebook!

Feature Image: macniak/Depositphotos

Want to learn how to swear the Dutch way? This event is for you

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Want to learn how to swear the Dutch way? This event is for you

We came, we tried, we failed — to learn Dutch. 😅 Until now! Koentact is having an Open Day on February 22, and their excellent teaching will get you from *cries in English* to *swears in Dutch* in no time!

Especially because Koentact is all about learning Dutch the fun way. (Yes, that’s possible. 😉) So, no grammar books or tiring out your brains and bottoms for hours on end in dull classrooms.

Instead, think: ✅ actually talking to locals, ✅ touring the city, and ✅ getting out of the classroom and diving straight into Dutch culture. Echt waar!

Curious? Read on and find out all about Koentact’s February Open Day! 👇🏻

So, what’s the deal?

Koentact is an Amsterdam-based Dutch language school (if you haven’t figured that out yet) with an interactive and all-around fun approach to learning Dutch.

On February 22 from 6:45 PM to 9 PM, they will open their doors to everyone who’s eager to dive into the intricacies of this guttural language.

During their Open Day event, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • attend a free trial lesson for beginners,
  • have your Dutch level assessed by professionals,
  • meet the teachers,
  • learn all about Koentact and their philosophy.
Koentact students striking a pose during class. (What exactly is going on? We’re not sure. But it looks like fun!) Image: Koentact/Supplied

Koentact has a stunning, centrally located teaching location at Da Costastraat 36 in Amsterdam.

👇🏻 How do I sign up?

Easy! All you need to do is go to Koentact’s website and fill in the online form to indicate your contact details, your level of Dutch, and any questions you have. Geen probleem. Here’s a quick overview of the most important stuff:

When: February 22, 6:45 PM to 9 PM
Where: Da Costastraat 36, Amsterdam
Costs: €0
How to register: Fill in the registration form on their website.

What makes Koentact different?

Koentact has an out-of-the-classroom approach to learning Dutch. What does that mean? Well, instead of reading about Lisa scanning the menu at a Dutch restaurant, you will just go to a restaurant yourself and do the same. Lekker, zeg!

You’re also being pushed to actually talk to Dutchies on the street, instead of just speaking to your teacher who will talk extra slowly just for you. 😉

Eeen biertje, twee biertjes, drie bie…learning Dutch is just so hard. Image: Koentact/Supplied

Bonus: Where else would you learn Dutch swear words other than outside of the classroom? We promise you won’t find any in that Nederlands voor beginners book of yours. 📚

Will you be attending Koentact’s Open Day this February? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: Koentact/Supplied

Dutch men jailed for two and a half years after stealing Pokémon card collection

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Dutch men jailed for two and a half years after stealing Pokémon card collection

We know some people keep their childhood obsessions but these men might have taken it a little too far. 😳 Three men have been jailed for 30 months after looting almost €50,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a Dutch man in Kampen.

The Public Prosecution Service in Zwolle originally demanded a four-year prison sentence (yes, this is the same amount of time the rapist in Leiden was initially sentenced to.)

Fradulent card collectors

The men (29, 30, and 31 years old) planned the robbery. One man originally scoped the location and two of them posed as collectors who were interested in trading cards (read: steal) with their victim, reports the NOS.

Once they had taken the cards, they asked for a drink from the pantry. And as the victim bent down to grab a bottle, he was pushed inside and the pantry was locked from the outside.

They took 28 loose cards and 36 sealed packs with 11 cards, with an estimated worth of €48,000. Who would have thought Pokémon cards had that much value?!

Luckily, the victim was easily freed as he had his phone on him and could call the police from inside the pantry.

Legacy as collectibles

Perhaps they were too caught up in the thrill of possessing expensive Pokémon cards, but the robbers were easily found — they left fingerprints all over the pantry. 😶 The police were also able to find 10 of the missing cards in France.

Pokémon cards have become very popular among collectors and their value has significantly increased over the years. The original Pokémon cards were printed in the 1990s, making them rare and extremely valuable.

Many toy and game stores that sell Pokémon cards increased their security for fear of theft. The cards’ popularity also leads to more collectors’ scams.

Some cards sell for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros. Meaning you might want to check your old Pokémon card collection — you never know what treasure you might have stashed. 😉

Have you ever collected old or new Pokémon cards? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: ctrphotos/Depositphotos

BREAKING: the Netherlands may ditch most restrictions on February 25

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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BREAKING: the Netherlands may ditch most restrictions on February 25

Grab a beer, text your friends, and relocate those long lost social skills, society in the Netherlands may be about to return (mostly) to normal. When? Only as soon as next Friday.

Yep, you read that right. Sources in The Hague are claiming the cabinet aims to swing the axe on most restrictions on February 25, the NOS reports.

And what will society look like after this date? Ditch the crochet kit and grab a notebook: let’s get into it.

No more corona pass

Last week, we heard that the Dutch government would consider ditching QR codes for entry to events and HORECA.

With over half a million people losing the validity of their passes last week, and nearly a further one million signing a petition to see it ditched, it seems the government has come to a decision.

According to the sources, it will almost certainly be announced that the obligation for a QR code before entry to HORECA and cultural events will be scrapped — however, this may still be needed for travel! ✈️

Bars, restaurants and cultural institutions

As of February 18, HORECA will be allowed to remain open until 1 AM. However, as of February 25, it is expected that the closing hours will be in the hands of business owners. Helloo McDonald’s at three in the morning. 👋

However, the Netherlands won’t be ditching measures completely. For events where multiple people are present — such as festivals — a negative test will still be needed for entry.

Back to the office

Wave your favourite, extremely worn tracksuit pants goodbye — at least until after work. As of February 25, it is also expected that the advice to work from home will no longer apply.

No more social distancing or masks

You can also realise how much your friends and relatives have aged these past few years! The advice to maintain 1.5 metres distance and wear a mouth mask will also disappear once the clock strikes.

However, if you do decide to lean in and admire your bestie’s new eye wrinkles, the advice still remains that you don’t do so while symptomatic. ✋

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

Feature Image: vverve/Depositphotos

‘Going Dutch’ and 4 other phrases that commemorate the Dutch in all their glory

Janneke Hazelaar
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‘Going Dutch’ and 4 other phrases that commemorate the Dutch in all their glory

‘Going Dutch’ is a commonly used expression worldwide. However, it is not the only phrase or saying out there related to the Dutch and their cultural quirks. 🇳🇱

Ever wondered why there are quite a few sayings about the Dutch? Apparently, it’s because Nederlanders were one of the first nations to travel the world. In some countries, the Dutch were the first foreigners ever sighted.

Strange, or at least uncommon behaviour, was therefore often classified as ‘Dutch’. Not because it was typically Dutch or anything, but because it was something people hadn’t seen until the Dutch came around. So, what are Dutchies known for around the world?

1. Going Dutch (obviously) — but how do you ‘Go Dutch’?

Two-pairs-of-hands-holding-on-to-the-same-euro-bills
There’s more to splitting the bill than you may think. Image: cottonbro/Pexels

Going Dutch is probably the most famous and widely used expression of them all. Generally, it is used to describe the act of splitting the bill. Pretty straight-forward, right?

Not really, because there are a number of things you need to take into account. Is the bill going to be divided equally amongst a number of people or does everybody pay their own share? Do we split the food equally and pay for drinks separately? Depending on what you are planning on eating and drinking, choose your system wisely.

Whatever the case, this stereotype is definitely true. A modern and digitised version of ‘going Dutch’ is the popular Tikkie app. With the help of this app you can send payment links, called Tikkies, and charge your friends for the most ridiculous amounts. And no Dutchie will judge you for it.

2. Dutch Agreement — not for the sober mind

Friends-clinking-beer-glasses-in-a-Dutch-bar
What it looks like to close a Dutch agreement. Image: ELEVATE/Pexels

A ‘Dutch agreement’ is an agreement made whilst being drunk. In fact, during a Dutch agreement, both parties were so drunk that neither will be able to recall making it the next day. If you are planning on closing a Dutch agreement with anyone, I would advise you to do it without a witness. That’s your safest bet. 🍻

3. Dutch Auction — it comes with a twist!

Not many people know this one, but it’s very Dutch! How does a ‘Dutch auction’ work? It is basically the opposite of a regular auction. Normally, auctions start at a certain price and then go up until no one is bidding anymore. A Dutch auction, however, starts off at a high amount of money and then goes down until any one person stops the auctioneer. That’s the price the buyer ends up paying.

Another tribute to Dutch stinginess, that one!

4. Dutch Oven — don’t confuse it with cooking

Image-of-a-red-dutch-oven-pott-standing-on-a-white-stove-next-to-pepper-grinder
The Dutch oven has very little to do with cooking. Image: John Verive/Flickr/CC2.0

This one is not for the fainthearted. A Dutch oven refers to one person trapping another person under the sheets after just having farted. When I first found out about this practice, (by hearing about it, not by having the act performed on me, just to be clear!), I was so confused as to why on earth this was called a Dutch oven. 😷

The only explanation I have been able to come up with so far is the odour of Dutch cuisine. A whiff of Dutch cooking and you want to run? Something like that maybe? Anyway, when a friend of mine invited me over for dinner a few months later, proudly stating she bought a Dutch oven, I was confused all over again, as I had no idea that a physical Dutch oven actually was a thing too.

5. Dutch Courage — the kind of courage that never ends well

photo-of-heineken-beers-in-a-silver-bowl
A bowl full of Dutch courage. Image: Christian Hertenbach/Unsplash

This is the courage we are all familiar with. It’s the overly-confident kind of courage that arises after having had a few drinks. The ‘of course I can run down the street with my shoelaces tight up together whilst carrying a crate of beers’ kinda courage. The kind that never ends well. Never. 🙅

While these phrases may not be the most flattering to the Dutch, it’s good to keep in mind that most of them came about centuries ago. Imagine spending months on a boat, getting off in a foreign country, having a few drinks, and doing something stupid. ‘Watch that guy and his Dutch courage’. Could’ve happened to the best of us. Do it a couple of times and you’re famous for it.

Were you surprised by any of these phrases? Let us know in the comments below!


Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2017, and was fully updated in February 2022 for your reading pleasure.

Gay conversion therapy will be banned in the Netherlands

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Gay conversion therapy will be banned in the Netherlands

Conversion therapy intended to “cure” people’s sexuality will now become punishable by law in the Netherlands.

A majority of the House of Representatives support a private member’s bill to impose a prison sentence or a heavy fine to therapists who attempt it.

Victims of conversion therapy see this as a good step towards better protecting young, LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands, RTL Nieuws reports. 🏳️‍🌈

In time for Valentine’s Day

Politicians, doctors, and psychologists in the Netherlands discussed conversion therapy often — but they never formally banned the practice. The cabinet asked for more research, and critics said that the ban would “add little”.

But after several years of discussions and haggling, members of parliament submitted a bill to make these therapies punishable after all — on Valentine’s Day, no less.

Most house representatives agree to impose a one-year prison sentence or a fine of up to €22,500 for anyone who attempts to conduct conversion therapy. The Council of State will discuss the new law and, if approved, it will come into effect in one year.

A “medieval” practice

Much of conversion therapy consists of individual counselling sessions accompanied by verbal and physical abuse. Therapists attempted to “pray” demons away with lay on hands and speaking in tongues (unintelligible languages).

Many politicians described conversion therapy as “medieval” — but the Netherlands has a history with this type of “healing”. The practice existed as early as the 1930s, and doctors castrated some men for their sexuality.

But under the influence of LGBT emancipation, conversion therapy is now widely seen as a harmful practice. Today, most people who try to change their sexuality come from a conservative religious background.

Serious consequences

Many victims of conversion therapy face serious psychological consequences, including the onset of panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts. One victim was diagnosed with PTSD after their experience with therapy.

In the end, many victims hope this law is a step towards protecting a new generation of LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands.

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

Feature Image: AnjoKanFotografie/Depositphotos

Dutch nightclubs open illegally without major interference

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Dutch nightclubs open illegally without major interference

Last Saturday, nightclubs and venues across the Netherlands opened their doors in protest despite standing coronavirus measures. Apart from Tilburg, no major police interventions were reported. 🚨

If you were out strolling Dutch city streets at night last Saturday, you might have witnessed this (seemingly) pre-pandemic scene: big groups of cheery (and totally sober) people, beats roaring into the night and colourful lights flickering through nightclub windows. 🕺

✊🏻 De nacht staat op

Following the protest movement De nacht staat op, clubs in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam (as well as others across the country) opened their doors and filled to the brim with eager party-goers.

The campaign resists the current coronavirus measures and tries to raise awareness for those depending economically and socially on the nightlife industry in the Netherlands.

🚨 Minimal police intervention

The Dutch Police Union had previously declared solidarity with the movement, stating they would act as passively as possible.

Nevertheless, one club in Tilburg was forced to shut its doors at 10 PM and was hit with a €10,000 fine, reports RTL Nieuws.

Clubs in Groningen and Maastricht decided to stay shut in fear of such fines, but two illegal festivals in both cities were shut down before midnight came around.

Did you go out on Saturday? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: YayImages/Depositphotos

Dutch airline KLM stops all flights to Ukraine

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Dutch airline KLM stops all flights to Ukraine

KLM is immediately stopping all flights to Ukraine for an indefinite period. A flight to the capital Kyiv was scheduled on Saturday but was cancelled due to safety concerns as tensions between Russia and Europe grow.

The Dutch airline has adjusted the travel advice for Ukraine to code red and has conducted “an extensive safety analysis.” On Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wopke Hoekstra, issued the new travel advice and called on all Dutch citizens in Ukraine to leave, reports RTL Nieuws.

Flights continue from the Ukraine to the Netherlands

There are still commercial flights coming from Ukraine and approximately 135 Dutch people have reported to the Dutch embassy in the nation’s capital. Hoekstra has said that it is the responsibility of those Dutch citizens to get themselves out of Ukraine.

Safety concerns

KLM has not been flying over the eastern regions of Ukraine and Crimea since 2014, the year of the Ukrainian Revolution. However, now, the airline will not fly in the Ukrainian airspace at all.

KLM says that “Choosing safe and optimal routes is an integral part of our daily practice.”

What do you think about KLM stopping all flights to Ukraine? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Marieke Verhoeven/Depositphotos

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