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What’s up with those tiny cars in the Netherlands?

Lina Leskovec
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What’s up with those tiny cars in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is known as the country of biking. So why is it that some of their bike lanes contain the one thing that isn’t supposed to be there — cars.

Well, calling them cars is a bit of a stretch. Sure, they have all the basic elements of one — four wheels, a roof, a steering wheel and a motor. 

But somehow, they’ve managed to compress these machines down to the smallest size that still allows the tallest people on earth to fit inside. 

@driplist Dutchies love their small cars. These emoji cars run the streets over here😅 #livinginthenetherlands #lifeinamsterdam #netherlands #amsterdam #dutchiesbelike #carsinthenetherlands ♬ original sound – Somi Lynda💕

And so, it might happen that you find yourself innocently cycling one day when you’re suddenly stuck behind a tiny red contraption, just wide enough that you can’t pass it and just narrow enough that it still fits into the bike lane. 

After experiencing a traffic arrangement like this (which will undoubtedly annoy the hell out of you and the driver), you might ask yourself: What exactly are these silly-looking cars, and why are they in the bike lane?

Is it a moped? Is it a bike? No, it’s a… car?

Technically speaking, there are two types of these tiny cars that you may encounter on the busy Dutch streets. 

The moped car

The first one is a moped car. It looks exactly like a small car, but don’t make the ridiculous mistake of assuming that it actually is a car — it’s a moped with more than two wheels, of course!

photo-of-moped-car-a-type-of-tiny-car-in-the-Netherlands
It may look like a car, but looks can be deceiving! Image: Dreamstime

You can only drive a moped car on the road at a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour, and you need at least a moped driver’s license to drive it, although a regular driver’s license is also okay. 

READ MORE| How to get a Dutch driver’s licence: the ultimate guide

This isn’t true for its close relative which you are much more likely to encounter: the Canta.

The Canta 

Cantas are those tiny cars that probably pop into your mind when thinking about cars that occupy Dutch bike lanes.

tiny-dutch-canta-car-disability-vehicle-in-busy-amsterdam-city-centre
You’re likely to encounter these tiny cars on the bike lane. Image: Dreamstime 

What do you need to drive them? Well, somewhat functioning arms and eyes, I suppose. 

Besides that, absolutely no driver’s license is necessary, and very relaxed rules apply in general. For example, you can park them in the middle of a sidewalk.  

In a lot of ways, they are almost indistinguishable from moped cars: they have the same speed limit and are only very slightly narrower. 

But while the moped car is constrained to the road, Cantas have free reign, you can drive them on the bike path. 

But wait, they can be pretty important!

If you’re wondering what on earth prompted an otherwise organised and rules-based country to come up with such an anarchical traffic system, there was a good reason behind it.

Cantas officially count as disabled vehicles and were created to make getting around easier for those with mobility issues. 

READ MORE| How inclusive is the Netherlands for people living with disabilities?

So these cars are only driven by disabled people? Sounds like there’s no issue, then! 

Well, not quite. Even though the original idea behind the Canta was noble, its current form is often anything but. 

You don’t have to be disabled in order to drive a Canta — and you also don’t need to know how to drive. 

For some, a hip and happening mode of transport

Despite its original purpose, the car (and its four-wheeled moped cousin) gained a sort of hip urban reputation at one point. As a result, it started getting very popular amongst trendy city dwellers. 

@welikeamsterdam It’s a thing here 🚗🚗 #amsterdamguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamlocal #thingstodoamsterdam #amsterdamcity ♬ son original – CAMILO

The Canta and the moped cars had the exact same rules when moped cars first entered Dutch roads (and bicycle paths).

However, when moped cars started to cause too much chaos on bike lanes and sidewalks, the rules around them got stricter. 

Now, having a moped car is less popular. But since Cantas are available to everyone, many people are opting for them as a moped car alternative. 

For many, they’re just tiny red menaces

So, if you feel annoyed the next time you’re awkwardly stuck behind a toy-looking car on your bike ride, feel free to acknowledge how silly of a situation you’ve found yourself in.

Maybe some people just need to accept that they yearn for a car instead of a bike, even if that sounds blasphemous to Dutch ears. 

READ MORE| Why driving in the Netherlands is stressful: My experience of living in the Netherlands

Of course, for some, it’s not a matter of yearning, it’s a matter of needing. 91-year-old Hetty notes how she can do less every year when talking to AARP International. 

Her tiny car helps her live the way she’s used to. “I am very glad for the Canta. I could do all the things I’ve wanted to these past years.” 

@vida_laranja She is so cute in her little car! This is super common here in Amsterdam! #amsterdam #car #smallest #curbyourenthusiasm ♬ Frolic (From “Curb Your Enthusiasm") – London Music Works

But not all drivers are as gracious as Hetty. Amsterdammers are taking to Reddit to complain about Cantas, giving them the title of “‘menaces in Vondelpark and bike lanes.”

The complaints range from ranting about blocked-up cycling paths to obnoxious honking, with one poster calling them “worse than scooters.”

When it comes to Dutch modes of transportation, that’s about as low as you can go. However, we have to admit that they look pretty iconic sometimes. 

A phenomenon mostly found in Amsterdam

But much like many other unorthodox things you’ll come across in the Netherlands, these confusing modes of transportation are mostly found in the capital. 

@travelthesky

Idk why these are such a thing here but I love them so much 🚙🚗

♬ original sound – Tammy Tran

There could be practical reasons for this: most roads in Amsterdam have a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour, and the roads themselves tend to be too small to fit anything more substantial than a tiny car anyway. 

Add the fact that there’s nowhere to park (especially if you’re not willing to pay an arm, a leg, and seven gold bars per hour), and you can see why these tiny cars have Amsterdam in a chokehold. 

READ MORE| How people park their cars in Amsterdam is downright terrifying (video inside)

Of course, Amsterdam is also the biggest Dutch city, so it makes more sense that disabled or elderly people would opt for a tiny car there compared to other, smaller places in the Netherlands. 

On the other hand, as many of us have already noticed, these cars are also a way for some people to show that they’re cool, urban,  and all the other annoying things residents of the Dutch capital love showcasing. 

So, what is up with those tiny Dutch cars? They’re not really cars, for starters. And they annoy the hell out of many people. 

But we’re choosing to focus on the positives. The next time you find yourself stuck behind the infamous menace, just imagine it’s Hetty going about her day in the way that she deserves to! 

What do you think about these tiny cars? Let us know your thoughts!

The Dutch job market in 2026: What expats need to know

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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The Dutch job market in 2026: What expats need to know

The Dutch job market is entering 2026 in a slightly different mood than in the past few years.

For the first time since 2021, job seekers now outnumber available vacancies — even as employers remain surprisingly optimistic about hiring, based on recent labour market insights.

Confusing? A little. But there’s no cause for alarm. 

Think of it less as a downturn and more as a reset after years of unusually high demand. For internationals, that means opportunities to find a job in the Netherlands are still there — but you’ll need to be sharper about how you approach them.

Looking for a job in the Netherlands? Specialist recruitment agency Undutchables has been helping internationals find roles in the Netherlands for decades — particularly in sales, customer support, and multilingual positions. Explore current vacancies.

The big picture: a market cooling down, or just levelling off?

Let’s start with the numbers.

At the end of 2025, the Netherlands had around 380,000 job vacancies, while unemployment rose to roughly 4%, the highest level in four years.

But here’s the twist: 37% of Dutch employers still expect to expand their workforce in 2026, placing the Netherlands among the most optimistic hiring markets globally, according to the latest employment outlook.

So what’s going on?

In short, the labour market is restabilising. During the post-pandemic years, companies were scrambling to hire, often lowering requirements and speeding up recruitment processes just to fill roles.

That extreme shortage is easing, so employers are becoming more selective again.

For expats, this means the “walk into a job” era is largely over. But a strong, stable job market remains firmly in place.

Where the jobs actually are (and aren’t)

Not all sectors are moving in the same direction — and knowing where demand is strongest can make a huge difference.

Sectors still hiring heavily

Some industries are still actively looking for talent.

According to the latest outlook, the top hiring industries are:

  • Hospitality, with around 64% of employers planning to hire
  • Construction and real estate, at roughly 56%
  • The public sector and healthcare, which continue to face structural shortages

These sectors are driven by long-term demand, from housing shortages to pressure on healthcare systems.

photo-of-person-paying-for-coffee-in-cafe-while-barista-smiles
Jobs in hospitality are still easy to come by. Image: Freepik

Another key trend? Language skills are gold.

Many Dutch companies operate internationally and are actively looking for people who speak other languages, especially German and French, particularly for roles in sales, customer support, and market-specific positions — something consistently highlighted in international recruitment trends and expat job market guides.

For internationals, this is a major opportunity. Being multilingual or having specific knowledge of and experience with markets outside the Netherlands can give you a serious edge over local candidates.

Sectors slowing down

At the same time, some industries are cooling.

According to the latest employment outlook, hiring intentions are softening in:

  • Trade and logistics
  • Business services
  • Financial services
  • Parts of the tech sector

That doesn’t mean there are no jobs, but competition is increasing, and employers are raising expectations.

AI: your new colleague, your competition, or both?

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend. It’s already reshaping how work happens in the Netherlands.

Around 61% of companies are already using AI in areas like hiring, onboarding, and training, according to the latest workforce insights.

At the same time, CBS data on AI use shows that:

  • 43% of workers already use AI tools daily
  • 41% believe AI could take over parts of their job

So… should you be worried?

Not necessarily.

Research suggests that AI is more likely to enhance jobs rather than replace them entirely, particularly in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and customer support.

photo-of-hand-holding-phone-with-ai-app-open-and-code
AI fluency will be vital in the future. Image: Freepik

In practice, companies are taking different approaches:

  • Some are experimenting with fully automated recruitment processes
  • Others are using a hybrid model, combining AI with human recruiters

The takeaway?

AI isn’t replacing you — but candidates who use AI effectively will likely outperform those who don’t.

The end of the easy freelance life: what the Wet DBA means for ZZP’ers

If you’re freelancing in the Netherlands, 2026 comes with some important changes.

The Wet DBA is now being actively enforced. Essentially, the government wants to prevent false self-employment, where someone works like an employee but is technically hired as a freelancer.

From 2026, enforcement is tightening further. Companies and individuals can now face fines, not just back taxes.

On top of that, upcoming legislation like Wet VBAR introduces stricter rules, including a presumption of employment for lower-paid freelancers.

For expats, the message is clear: freelancing is becoming more regulated, and compliance matters more than ever.

Freelancer looking for flexible projects? Try U-Connect from Undutchables, a platform that connects freelancers looking for work with companies looking to hire. Find your next project.

Skills over degrees: how Dutch hiring is changing

Another big shift in the Dutch job market is how employers evaluate candidates.

More companies are moving towards skills-based hiring, focusing on practical ability rather than formal qualifications.

This is particularly good news for internationals.

Degrees don’t always translate neatly across borders, but demonstrable skills and digital literacy are becoming more universally valued.

And then there’s LinkedIn.

In the Netherlands, recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find candidates — meaning a strong, optimised profile can significantly boost your chances, especially if you highlight your transferable skills.

Tips for expat job seekers in 2026

So, how do you actually land a job in this more competitive landscape?

Learn Dutch — even a little

You don’t need fluency, but reaching B1 level can significantly improve your chances.

Network like it’s your job

Cold applications often have response rates below 1%, while warm introductions can reach 20–30%.

Don’t be afraid to follow up

A simple follow-up message or call can make a strong impression and show initiative — something Dutch employers value.

Focus on expat-friendly sectors

Sectors that consistently welcome international talent include:

  • Pharma and life sciences
  • Tech (especially backend and AI roles)
  • International organisations
  • Multilingual customer-facing roles

These trends are widely reflected in Dutch labour market reports and expat hiring data.

Watch out for dodgy recruiters

Red flags — like upfront fees or vague contracts — could be a sign of a scam listing or a company that doesn’t value its clients or employees.

Check to see if the recruiter appears legitimate on LinkedIn, is listed on the company’s website, or, for employment agency recruiters, is listed with the ABU or NBBU. 

Highlight transferable skills

Employers increasingly value:

  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Cross-cultural experience
  • Digital literacy

These often matter more than local experience alone.

So… what does this all mean?

The Dutch job market in 2026 isn’t worse — it’s just different.

There are still hundreds of thousands of vacancies, and companies are still hiring. But the days of easy wins are fading, replaced by a more balanced and competitive environment.

For expats, that’s not bad news.

It just means being more intentional:

  • Choosing the right sectors
  • Building the right skills
  • Approaching your job search strategically

Do that, and you’ll find that the Netherlands remains one of the most accessible and opportunity-rich job markets in Europe.

Have you noticed changes in the Dutch job market in 2026? Share your experience in the comments below!

Dutch environmental defence leader who led movement against Shell joins Tata Steel

Ida Allen-Auerbach
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0
Dutch environmental defence leader who led movement against Shell joins Tata Steel

Donald Pols, director of the Dutch environmental organisation Milieudefensie, has left the group to begin work at Tata Steel. 

According to NOS, he has accepted the role as Director of Sustainability, starting on June 1. 

Internally, his decision has caused frustration within the organisation. Under his leadership, the Milieudefensie led the charge against polluters such as Shell, Vattenfall, ING, and many others. 

His decision is a significant break with the group, which lists Tata Steel as one of 28 major polluters with which Milieudefensie is at odds. 

Tata Steel’s link to multiple health hazards

As confirmed by the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Tata Steel’s emissions have been linked to a myriad of public health and safety issues. 

From noise, dust, and odour to more serious issues like high nitrous oxide levels, the company has faced scrutiny for years. 

Residents of the IJmond, a coastal region of the Netherlands where Tata Steel operates, are “concerned about the health effects of Tata Steel’s activities,” according to the Province of North Holland. 

The Milieudefensie has also criticised the company in the past for receiving climate subsidies despite having an improper climate plan. 

Critics dub Tata one of the “largest polluters”

Pols’s decision to accept the position has been fraught with controversy. 

Marty Smits, chairman of the Supervisory Board for the Milieudefensie, said in a statement that the group is “surprised and deeply disappointed by his decision to join Tata Steel, one of the largest polluters in the Netherlands.” 

Pols, on the other hand, argued in a press statement that his previous experience with putting “external pressure” on polluters is exactly what qualifies him for the new role. 

“At Tata Steel, I have the opportunity to demonstrate that industrial sustainability is not only enforceable but can also be driven from within,” he said. 

What do you think of Pols’s decision? Let us know in the comments! 

WHO confirms Dutch woman died from hantavirus on cruise ship

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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WHO confirms Dutch woman died from hantavirus on cruise ship

Three people are dead and at least four more are suspected to have fallen ill after a hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius.

The World Health Organisation has now confirmed that a Dutch woman from Friesland was carrying the virus when she died.

Her husband (who also passed away) is strongly suspected to have had the virus, though laboratory tests have not yet established this.

A German woman also died on board, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.

The WHO’s first report on the outbreak also identifies a man currently hospitalised in South Africa as a verified case. This brings the WHO’s count to two confirmed cases, five probable cases, and three deaths.

149 people are stranded near Cape Verde

The MV Hondius, operated by Dutch expedition company Oceanwide Expeditions, is anchored near Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. No one on board is allowed to disembark.

The ship set out around three weeks ago with roughly 150 passengers, heading to the South Pole and the Falkland Islands.

Symptoms of hantavirus first appeared onboard on April 6, when the 69-year-old Dutch man developed a fever, headache, and mild diarrhoea. His condition worsened rapidly, and he died five days later after developing severe breathing difficulties.

Of the 149 people from 23 countries still on board, passengers have been told to stay in their cabins and keep their distance from one another.

According to NOS, tests have been carried out on everyone, but results are not yet known.

Among those with probable infections are at least one Dutch crew member and one British crew member, both suffering from high fevers and other symptoms.

Evacuation being prepared, but not yet confirmed

According to a press release by Oceanwide Expeditions, Dutch authorities are actively preparing to evacuate two symptomatic crew members and one person who travelled with the deceased German passenger.

Two specialised aircraft with medical equipment are being readied, though the company stressed the operation is not yet finalised.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare virus usually spread through contact with infected rodents, more specifically, their urine, saliva, or droppings.

It doesn’t pass easily between people, which is why the WHO considers the risk to the general public to be low.

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

Dutch code yellow issued for storms and possible HAIL this Saturday

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Dutch code yellow issued for storms and possible HAIL this Saturday

The KNMI has issued a code yellow warning for heavy thunderstorms sweeping across the entire Netherlands this Saturday, May 2 — and yes, hail is on the table.

While the morning will stay clear and dry, storms will push in from the south by mid-afternoon and track northeast across the country.

Here’s the storm report for Saturday, May 2

The KNMI warns of wind gusts reaching 75 km/h locally, 10–20 mm of rain falling in a very short period, and potentially even hailstones up to 2cm.

The storm will hit Zeeland, North Brabant, and Limburg first, with wind and rain showing up by around 3 PM. It’s expected to hit South Holland, Utrecht, and Gelderland two hours later, by 5 PM.

North Holland, Flevoland, Overijssel, and the IJsselmeer area will be hit an hour later (6 PM), as the storm heads northwards.

Friesland and Drenthe will feel the brunt of the squall by around 7 PM, followed by Groningen at 8 PM.

Irrespective of where you are, the KNMI warns that localised flooding is a real risk, particularly for traffic and outdoor activities.

While a code yellow is the least severe weather warning, it’s still worth keeping an eye on Buienradar and any public transport apps you use.

Will the storms ruin your Saturday plans? Let us know in the comments.

Travelling to the UK from the Netherlands? Your ETA just got more expensive

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Travelling to the UK from the Netherlands? Your ETA just got more expensive

The UK has raised the price of its Electronic Travel Authorisation to £20 (roughly €24), nearly double the original cost since the programme launched in 2023.

If you’re planning a trip to the UK soon, your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has now skyrocketed by 25% compared to last year.

To put the new price into perspective, a family of four is looking at £80 in travel costs, just for travel authorisation.

Why the price hike?

The UK Home Office confirmed the increase on March 18, with the higher fee applying to any application submitted from April 8 onwards.

At present, the change is framed as part of a shift towards a “user-funded” border system, in which operational costs are passed to travellers rather than covered by general taxation.

The rest of the scheme thankfully stays the same: one ETA covers multiple trips to the UK over two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), with individual stays of up to six months permitted.

Do I really need an ETA for the UK?

Unfortunately, you probably do. As of February 25, 2026, holding an approved ETA is mandatory before travelling to the UK.

Airlines have the right to deny passengers who don’t have one — and yes, that includes Dutch nationals, EU citizens, and internationals who hold EU residence permits.

British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are people who already hold a valid UK visa or have EU Settlement Scheme status.

ETA scams are on the rise

Many third-party websites posing as government ETA services have been aggressively targeting travellers, with one unlucky tourist even being charged a whopping €437 in scam fees.

To avoid potential scams, apply only through the official UK government website or the UK ETA app, available on both iOS and Android.

Most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes, though the Home Office recommends allowing up to three working days to be safe.

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What you need to know about Labour Day in the Netherlands

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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What you need to know about Labour Day in the Netherlands

It’s Labour Day in the Netherlands. Yes, people, gather round! It’s the universal holiday on which we celebrate labour. (I guess). You might have missed the significance of it, especially if you have spent previous Labour Days in the Netherlands.

Perhaps you’re so well integrated that you’re not even sure what Labour Day is! 😉

Geen problem, let’s catch you up on what you need to know about Labour Day in the Netherlands.

What is Labour Day?

Labour Day (or International Workers Day) originates from the ultra-communist nation of the United States of America. Bet you didn’t see that one coming, ey?

So what happened in the USA? The Socialists and Communists chose May 1 as the date for International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago on May 4, 1886.

Labour Day is celebrated in 80 countries that usually take the day off to protest.

Labour Day in the Netherlands

However, in the Netherlands, Labour Day actually isn’t usually a day off for most workers; in fact, it’s not celebrated much at all here. 🤷‍♂️

Political parties and Labour Day

Generally, most of the celebration happens amongst left-wing party workers and members.

Parties such as the Green Left-Labour Party (GL-PvdA) and the Socialist Party (SP) will usually celebrate by doing things such as visiting memorials that are important to them and singing “The Internationale.”

Or, in the case of 2024, proposing higher wages for healthcare workers!

If you’re feeling particularly energetic this Labour Day, you can always join in.

What about regular folk?

Outside of these political parties, some public workers have the day off, the stock exchange is closed, and there are some marginal socialist meetings.

Also, May 1 is one of the very few non-Christian holidays in the Dutch calendar.

These include King’s Day (which used to be on April 30 until a few years ago), Remembrance Day (May 4) and Liberation Day (May 5). So lots of people get in their caravans and dash for a holiday in France or Germany.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #66: Go camping in France for the holidays

Apart from this, though, more or less nothing happens in the Netherlands on Labour Day.

Chances are that you won’t notice anything, spend your whole day grinding away at the office, or you’re simply unemployed (but can’t be bothered to vigorously protest that on Labour Day).

So what the hell, Holland? I thought we were the shining beacon of socialism in Europe, at least that’s what Fox News taught me – so, why aren’t there any protests on Labour Day in the Netherlands?

Why is Labour Day not widely celebrated in the Netherlands?

The answer can be found in the Dutch model of consensus politics: the Polder model.

If you’re new to the Netherlands, listen up; it’s essential for understanding our political culture and history. The Dutch model of government is centred around consensus-based decision-making.

Historically, in countries such as Russia, Germany, and France, communist movements fought vicious street battles with other political groups. The sharp edges of the socialist uprising were not seen in the Netherlands.

A consensus was needed, but it was difficult to achieve, as Dutch society was “pillarised” into various political pillars. As a result, socialism was just one of many different political beliefs.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #111: Have a lack of hierarchy

Another reason you may not have heard of it is that the Dutch predominantly celebrate Christian holidays. Also, we’re capitalist enough in the sense that employers will never ever give us an extra day off. 😔

Should there be more happening on Labour Day in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

The Netherlands battles multiple wildfires, as Europe steps in to help

Ida Allen-Auerbach
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The Netherlands battles multiple wildfires, as Europe steps in to help

For the first time ever, the Netherlands has asked France, Germany, and Belgium to help fight a wave of wildfires burning through military training grounds and nature reserves. 

The French and German contingent comprises eight vehicles, with crews, command staff, and a helicopter equipped to carry water for aerial drops, RTL Nieuws reports.

The Netherlands requested foreign aid

For Dutch firefighters, the situation had already pushed resources to their limits before foreign support arrived.

“We had to deploy almost everything we have,” Fire Service Commander Anton Slofstra said. Belgium had already sent support the previous day. The first foreign platoon arrived in Brabant on Thursday morning. 

Slofstra called the situation unprecedented. “We have never done this before,” he said. 

“The Netherlands often provides aid and is now requesting it for the first time,” Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel echoed, in a post on X. “We have applied for international aid through the European UCPM.”

Four provinces, multiple fires

Blazes broke out across four provinces over two days. Oirschot in Brabant and Weert in Limburg saw the worst of it, both on army-owned terrain.

The Gelderland town of ‘t Harde had seen the first major blaze the night before at another military training area.

A further, smaller incident was reported on army land in Assen, Drenthe, RTL Nieuws reports.

READ MORE | House fires in the Netherlands: what you need to know

Not all fires were on Defence land. Firefighters were also called to the dunes at Noordwijk and to Waalwijk, where part of a shopping boulevard burned.

Whether military exercises directly started any of the fires remains under investigation.

Airport had been raising the alarm for months

Kempen Airport, which had to be evacuated when flames spread from the adjacent military terrain, had repeatedly flagged the danger to the Defence Ministry, NOS reports.

“We’ve been saying for months that something could go wrong,” an airport spokesperson said. The concern centred on exercises involving potential ignition sources like hand grenades, explosives, flares, and live ammunition. 

The pace and intensity of exercises had increased recently, the spokesperson added.

When ‘t Harde went up, the airport fired off another message to senior Defence figures, warning that Weert could be next. It did, the very next day, reports NOS. 

Military keeps training, but adjusts

Stopping exercises wasn’t an option, General Onno Eichelsheim, Commander of the Armed Forces, argued. The army needs to train to function when real emergencies hit. He did, however, acknowledge that dry-weather protocols may need updating.

Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz (VVD) announced short-term adjustments: live flames, dummy rounds, and pyrotechnic devices have been put on hold for now, reports RTL Nieuws.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten commented on the bravery of the firefighters, saying, “Much respect for the men and women of the fire department” on X. 

For now, the fires are under control, according to RTL Nieuws. 

Were you caught in the smoke, or did you see the fires from where you live? Tell us in the comments.

I attended a MixTree English lesson (and it was the most fun I’ve ever had in class!)

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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I attended a MixTree English lesson (and it was the most fun I’ve ever had in class!)

Are you looking for an English language school that goes beyond the ordinary? Well, look no further than MixTree Languages. Why? What makes them different? Good questions — we’ve got the answers. 

Located right in the heart of Amsterdam, MixTree is not your typical language school.

It’s a non-profit cultural association, in which learning and community are combined. The classes are made up of adults from all corners of the world, who have moved to the Netherlands seeking new opportunities and connections. 💪

At MixTree Languages, they understand the struggle of moving to a new country without a firm grasp of the English language. That’s why learning English is made super leuk (super fun) thanks to interactive learning methods, a multicultural environment, and motivating teachers. 

Ready to reach your language goals? Let us take you through a day in the life of a student at MixTree Languages.  

Meet MixTree Languages

It is no secret that English is a widely spoken second language in the Netherlands, making it one of the most important languages for expats to learn upon their move to the country of clogs and stroopwafels.

photo-of-four-people-at-table-learning-english-language-at-Mixtree-language-school
MixTree Languages is located just a stone’s throw away from the Rijksmuseum. Image: Freepik

All of their courses, ranging from A1 to C1, share an innovative approach to learning which guarantees quick student success. How? By getting you to “activate your English” through speaking! 

Interactive learning — in the most fun way possible

Dry vocabulary memorisation with no real-life application? Nee. Lengthy lectures that lack engagement? No thanks. At MixTree, you’ll have none of that. 

How do I know this? I actually attended one of their English classes.

While there, I noticed that the focus clearly lay on getting students to collaborate on tasks and actually talk to each other about the things that they are interested in. 

And let me tell you: a class where you share some laughs and great chats is a tried-and-tested way to enhance the learning experience and get faster results.  

MixTree-English-class-Amsterdam-students-playing-vocabulary-game
An interactive vocabulary challenge is guaranteed to get the English flowing! Image: DutchReview

Take it from someone who’s been there!  

To activate our English, we started off with an engaging vocabulary challenge before the students quizzed each other’s knowledge with questions they had prepared at home. 

As a whole, MixTree encourages lively discussions and provides a safe space to make mistakes while learning functional language.

Once you have built your English confidence, not only Amsterdam but the Netherlands becomes yours to explore. Hoera! 🤩

Stay accountable with structured learning

MixTree Languages offers a wide range of courses to cater to its diverse learners. Whether you’re a complete beginner, know the basics, or only want to improve your business English, MixTree has your back. 

To ensure that you succeed in your language learning goals, all the fun is backed by highly qualified professionals who have developed well-organised study programs. 🎓

Often, students struggle with knowing where to start and how to filter all of the information available to them when learning a language.

The structured approach used at MixTree provides a clear pathway for students to see real progress as they progress through the levels. 

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MixTree’s certified teachers know all the best study tips. Image: MixTree/Supplied

On top of that, there’s also a flipped approach.

This is where students are introduced to the material before class. This instils a sense of accountability among the students while also giving them the power to guide their own language learning journey. 🌟

Enjoy a plan that actually fits your schedule 

As adults, we all have busy lives, and fitting a language course into them can be difficult.

MixTree’s main courses, Intensive English and Morning English, are designed to accommodate a variety of schedules.

Intensive English is a 40-hour intensive English course where students attend classes four times a week.

This is the perfect course for anyone who wants to see quick progress. A new round of courses begins each month, making them more frequent than what most other schools offer.  

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Different people, different schedules: MixTree offers courses that accommodate everyone. Image: MixTree/Supplied

Can’t commit to 10 hours per week? Then Morning English is for you!

As the name suggests, this course offers six weeks of learning through two morning lessons per week. It maintains the high-quality standards of an intensive course while allowing you time to build long-term learning strategies.

READ MORE | Why are the Dutch so good at speaking English?

But there is much more to MixTree Languages! Besides their main courses, they also offer Online Evening Courses, Business English, One-to-One lessons, In-company English, and a C1 Advanced English course.

To get a full overview of their courses, we recommend you check out their website.

Not sure what course is right for you? No problem! MixTree offers a free English level check, which allows you to determine your overall level and set your specific language goals with a MixTree teacher.

Schedule your level check

A multicultural setting that fosters community

What is the result of people from all walks of life having meaningful and interesting conversations? A strong sense of community!

Kathleen, one of MixTree’s dedicated teachers, emphasises that the organisation is not just a learning resource but also takes on a much more significant role in the life of its students: “It’s a first stop for many expats to get their lives started in the Netherlands,” she says. 

READ MORE | Making Dutch friends as an international: our 21 best tips

Brought together by their shared learning goals and international experience in this beautiful flat country, the students stay in touch with each other even outside of the classroom.

(Be it through WhatsApp chat or social activities put on throughout the city by organisations that collaborate with MixTree.)

People can connect with each other on a personal level, thanks to the friendly and inclusive atmosphere, helping students create a network well past the classroom.   

At MixTree Languages, various classes are provided at all stages of your English language-learning journey. And not to mention, at some of the most affordable prices in Amsterdam! 

What this means is simple: MixTree’s benefits go far beyond the classroom and assist in various aspects of life in the Netherlands for internationals. 

Ready to learn more? Check out MixTree Languages’ Facebook and Instagram pages! 

You can also contact Mixtree via info@mixtreelang.nl or at +31(0)20 76 61 981, Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 6 PM. Good luck on your exciting new journey!

Liberation Day in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague! (rare footage inside)

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Liberation Day in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague! (rare footage inside)

The Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day every year on May 5, marking the liberation of the country from Nazi occupation during WWII.

Throughout the 1940s, many Dutch cities were gradually liberated by Allied forces from Nazi occupation.

And on this day, all those years ago, the Netherlands continues to celebrate the official surrender of the German army.

READ MORE | Photo report: The Netherlands at war 1940-1945

The Dutch celebrated in over 10 cities across the country and some footage of the original celebration has survived! Amongst them, video footage from the Randstad cities of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

Each city had extremely unique experiences during the war years — so how did they each celebrate Liberation Day?

Thank you to RicksFilmRestoration for these beautiful renditions and colourations of old videos. You can watch his full series of Liberation Day videos on his YouTube Channel.

1. Amsterdam celebration of Liberation Day

Of course, starting with the Netherlands’ capital, Amsterdam, has unique stories surrounding Nazi occupation.

From the story of Anne Frank to numerous resistance fighters and organisations, Liberation Day was really a moment of celebration for Amsterdammers.

2. The Hague on Liberation Day

The Hague experienced a particularly turbulent time during World War II, including the construction of the Atlantic Sea Wall, the installation of V2 rockets, and the accidental bombing of the Bezuidenhout neighbourhood by the British Royal Air Force.

3. Liberation Day in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is most famous for the Blitzkrieg bombings that destroyed a majority of the old city architecture, resulting in Rotterdam’s uniquely stunning architecture that has shaped the cityscape since the post-WWII years.

Colourised footage brings history to life, giving everyone a sense of what Dutch people felt and experienced all those years ago.

READ MORE | 8 unmissable movies about the Netherlands in WWII

Thanks again to RicksFilmRestorations for the beautifully colourised footage! Be sure to check out the rest of his Liberation Day videos for a slice of history.

How are you celebrating Liberation Day this year? Tell us in the comments!

Image: Photographer Unknown/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

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