Every year, researchers rank all 342 Dutch municipalities to determine which are the most attractive places to live. Now, the 2025 results are in.
The annual Atlas voor gemeenten measures woonaantrekkelijkheid (residential attractiveness) across more than 50 indicators, including housing prices, safety, amenities, and environmental quality.
What makes Amsterdam so irresistible? While the historic city centre, excellent public transport, two universities, and an abundance of restaurants and cultural venues all contribute to its appeal, there is one interesting irony…
Amsterdam might top the attractiveness charts, but it ranks a rather disappointing 39th out of 50 municipalities when measured for brede welvaart (broad prosperity), a comprehensive indicator of quality of life.
The capital’s main weaknesses? Safety scores are particularly poor, and many residents struggle with work-life balance.
Amsterdam’s housing crisis certainly doesn’t help matters either. When it comes to nature and environmental quality, Amsterdam also ranks disappointingly low.
Amsterdam shines in some areas, but falls short in others. Image: Freepik
What about the other municipalities?
Amsterdam’s first place is followed by the cities of Amstelveen, Utrecht, and Leiden — but the real winner in this year’s rankings isn’t actually a winner at all, it’s Maastricht.
The southern city climbed from 40th to 34th place over the past decade, making it the strongest riser in residential attractiveness.
What changed? Improved safety perceptions and better local amenities have transformed Maastricht’s fortunes.
The city also saw the biggest increase in broad prosperity amongst the 50 largest municipalities studied. Dimensions like safety, employment opportunities, and material wellbeing all improved significantly.
Way to go, Maastricht!
Are you team Amsterdam-despite-the-chaos, or are you ready to embrace Maastricht’s steady climb? Let us know in the comments below!
I remember walking down an Amsterdam street, thinking I imagined music in my head until I finally ran into the source behind it: a big hunk of large parked machinery on the sidewalk.
Draaiorgels, or barrel organs, are huge triggers of culture shock in the Netherlands — at least, they were to me.
With fans (and foes) among tourists and locals alike, there’s a certain allure about barrel organs roaming the streets throughout Dutch cities and villages.
What is it?
A Draaiorgel(or pierement)is basically an old-fashioned yet colourful musical automaton on wheels with a culture and a history that’s unique to the Netherlands.
Think of them as one-of-a-kind Dutch jukeboxes: it’s a sight (and sound) not to be missed during your stay in the Netherlands.
Often made of painted wood or sometimes metal, entertainers move the barrel organs from corner to square either manually or by pushing them with a bike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yez1LV0hXDg
Once a spot is claimed by the musical beast, the street entertainer fires up the music.
This is soon followed by the sound of rattling coins in a tin can, inviting onlookers (phone in hand) to wander, wonder, and share a penny. 🤳
The mechanics alone are enchanting: ornate dolls in the organ window, a wheel for manual operation, and sometimes a visible organ book.
Why do they do it?
The tradition of barrel organs dates back to the 18th century as a form of entertainment through street music. 🎶
Although perhaps not as popular now as it was then, the tradition of roaming barrel organs is a part of the Netherlands’ cultural identity to this day.
One way the tradition has been brought into the 21st century is with a charming rendition of the Netherlands’ entry to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest! 👇
Why is it quirky?
Are you a fan of circus-like music appearing randomly? Or just an unconditional admirer of Dutch culture?
Whatever your interest in this quirky tradition, it’s certainly a unique experience. But there’s history at the heart of this art.
The Perlee family company, one of the most popular and oldest barrel organ families in the Netherlands, still exists today in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam.
Should you join in?
Look, you might not have a choice.
If you’ve spotted the giant music truck quietly rolling down a street, rest assured they’ll be stopping nearby to play their sweet tunes soon, so feel free to follow on foot (or run in the opposite direction). 🚶♀️
Noise pollution aside, while it’s most popular during summer’s warm months, pierement street entertainers can be spotted at various events and markets throughout the year.
Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok carries its own collection of restored barrel organs, and if you’re in Haarlem, make sure to check out their Draaiorgelmuseum — a place that’s fully dedicated to the lost art.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
Dutch historian and author Rutger Bregman has publicly accused the BBC of censorship, claiming the British broadcaster removed a segment from his prestigious lecture series in which he called Donald Trump “the most openly corrupt president in American history”.
The alleged edit was made to the first episode of Bregman’s edition of The Reith Lectures, titled “A time of monsters”, which aired on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday morning.
A prestigious platform with strings attached?
The Reith Lectures are no small deal. Each year, the BBC invites a prominent figure to deliver a series of radio talks aimed at contributing to “the intellectual and cultural life of the nation”.
This year, Bregman was chosen to discuss weighty topics: the rise of authoritarianism, the failure of elites across the political spectrum, and the urgent need for what he calls a “moral revolution”.
The first of four episodes was broadcast on Tuesday morning and briefly made available online before the BBC took down the webpage entirely later that day. A transcript, however, is still floating around.
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1 pic.twitter.com/Z0oRPqX7RW
In a video posted to his social media on Tuesday, Bregman didn’t mince words. He said he’d been told that the decision to cut his remark about Trump came from “the highest levels of the BBC”.
He stressed that the broadcaster commissioned the series themselves and that all episodes “went through the full editorial process”. The lecture was recorded weeks ago in front of a live audience of 500 people at the BBC Radio Theatre in London.
Bregman described himself as “deeply disturbed” by what he sees as an act of “self-censorship driven by fear”, specifically, fear that Trump might sue the BBC. “This isn’t about left or right,” he said. “This is about the health of our democratic institutions.”
A media storm brewed by The Daily Mail
The controversy kicked off last week when British tabloid The Daily Mail claimed, based on a single anonymous source, that Bregman had called Trump a “monster” in his lecture.
Writing for De Correspondent, Bregman dismissed this as a “self-invented story”, just the latest manufactured outrage in what he called “the soap opera of the BBC versus Trump”.
The BBC has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, particularly after incorrectly quoting Trump in a documentary, a mistake that drew sharp criticism and threats of legal action.
Still, Bregman argues that caving to that pressure threatens something bigger than one broadcaster’s legal safety. “This concerns all of us,” he said.
The BBC has not yet responded to Bregman’s allegations.
What do you think? Is self-censorship a growing problem for public broadcasters, or is the BBC just playing it safe in a legal minefield? Let us know in the comments.
Looking to score some Black Friday bargains in the Netherlands in 2026? We’ve rounded up the top deals that will save you some cash.
Black Friday in the Netherlands is a pretty big deal — yes, it’s an American holiday, and no, the Dutch have nothing to do with Thanksgiving. But the Dutch do love to save money, and that’s where these Black Friday deals come in.
During Black Friday and its follow-up Cyber Monday, there are stacks of sales all over the Netherlands on almost anything you could want, from electronics to home goods and more.
In this article, we’ll outline the top Black Friday deals in the Netherlands, and update you with the newest discounts as soon as they arrive!
Racing to nab the latest deal? Jump to a category below!
If you’re looking for premium headphones without the premium price tag, you can’t go wrong with this over-ear set from Bose. Designed for people who want ultimate immersion, these headsets feature the best in audio technology and noise-cancelling.
For over-ear headphones that feel luxe and sound incredible, these AirPods really hit the mark. They offer immersive spatial audio, seamless noise cancellation, 20-hour battery life, and a comfy, elegant design that’s unmistakably Apple.
This powerhouse delivers a bass-thumping auditory experience through dual 6.5″ woofers, with an adaptive lightshow that dances along with your music. Even better? The JBL Partybox is splashproof, so you needn’t worry about spills.
This Apple Watch Series 11 has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in an activity tracker, from an ECG heart sensor to exercise tracking and a detailed breakdown of your sleep score. Even better? It’s now on sale!
When it comes to activity trackers, this Garmin has it all: detailed insights into your performance, health metrics, and comprehensive sleep data. And you needn’t baby it, either — its robust, stainless steel case and scratch-resistant screen are built to last.
Apple may have just released their best MacBook yet, but you can already shave over €100 off the price of these beauties this Black Friday. Featuring the new and improved M5 chip, this laptop is powerful enough to handle every task on your to-do list.
Looking for a laptop that can handle both work and play? The HP Victus 15 has a fast processor, smooth graphics, and a sharp 15.6‑inch screen that keeps you immersed — whether you’re beating a new level of your favourite game or streaming Netflix.
Looking for a lightweight but powerful laptop for work or study? This Galaxy Book4 packs quite a punch with its powerful Intel Core 7 processor, allowing you to multitask with ease. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to carry around easily and has plenty of storage for your files and apps.
Forget craning your head down at your laptop when working from home! This BenQ monitor is 23.8 inches and fast enough for gaming — so definitely fast enough to browse DutchReview when you’re meant to be working. 😉
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Dying to watch that episode of your favourite show, but Netflix isn’t streaming it in your region? This Surfshark VPN makes easy work of crashing through that hurdle by giving you access to servers all across the globe. Not to mention the best part — your data is kept safe from nosy companies and hackers.
Perhaps you’ve also heard that you “should” get a VPN, but it always seemed too tricky, too expensive. But you’re here looking at this article — so why not finally set up a VPN and browse safely with NordVPN’s world-class security? Five minutes and you’re protected. Cool, huh?
Whether you’re travelling soon or just want a better deal on your data plan, these eSIMs offer a speedy and reliable connection for super-affordable prices. Want another even more off your plan? Just use our code DUTCH10.
While you’re getting your privacy in order, maybe it’s time to get your passwords in order, too. A password manager like NordPass keeps your passwords secure — and easy for you (just you!) to access them. Even better? You can also store credit card details or personal notes!
Do you work from home? Great news: you can transform your office setup with up to 50% off on FlexiSpot desks, chairs, and more. And, as a remote-friendly office, we especially love the E7 Flow sit-stand desk — now available with a generous €300 discount.
Meal planning can be an absolute bummer, which is exactly why a HelloFresh subscription comes in handy. With ingredients delivered right to your doorstep and weekly menus tailored to your preferences, you no longer need to sweat over what to cook for dinner.
Tired of fumbling with your keys or losing them in your bag? This clever little organiser from Ekster holds two to eight keys in a sleek case made of recycled aluminium or premium leather. Even better? It comes with a lifetime warranty, and you can snag an extra 10% off with the code DUTCHREVIEW10.
With its sleek aluminium frame and space for up to 14 cards, Ekster’s Cardholder Pro is a real game-changer for keeping your wallet organised. We’re also big fans of the MagSafe version, which magnetically attaches to your devices for easy access.
(Or, if you’re looking for a more luxe option, we love the Wallet Pro in handcrafted Vachetta leather. Use the code DUTCHREVIEW10 for even more off your order.)
Getting a good night’s sleep is the first step towards living a long, healthy life… which is exactly why you need this Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress! Thanks to its Thermosync technology, it absorbs your body heat and redistributes it, keeping you nice and toasty on those long, winter nights.
Though buying new bedding can be expensive, this Black Friday deal proves that you can still furnish your house on a budget, with massive discounts on a mattress and duvet, free pillows, and the cherry on top: a free bed!
If you want long, glossy locks and dramatic volume, this powerful hair styling tool is your new best friend. Plus, with six different attachments and a nifty heat control mechanism, you avoid the heat damage of traditional curlers.
Impress your Dutch dentist with these gold-standard toothbrushes! Not only do they claim to whiten your teeth in just one day, but they come with four different modes to suit your teeth AND connect to an app to see where you’ve missed. You get two bases in this pack, one white and one rose gold, + four brushes!
Wave doei to nicks and scratches with this precision beard shaver! It comes with five settings, a pressure sensor, and a trimmer, allowing you to sculpt your beard to perfection. We’re also big fans of the UV charging case, which charges AND sanitises your device for you.
From roses to ferns and anti-mosquito plants (yes, they exist!), Plantje’s sales are a great way to decorate your house or apartment on a budget. Our favourites have to be these gorgeous Monstera plants that add a much-needed pop of colour to your sitting room or study.
If you hate wrestling your suitcase shut after you’ve crammed in some last-minute items, this vacuum kit is an absolute lifesaver. Plus, thanks to its durable, anti-rip nylon and waterproof fabric, your clothes will stay safe and dry. Want even higher discounts? Use our code DUTCHREVIEW10.
Are you looking for a fab winter getaway, or are you ready and rearing to make some summer travel plans? With a wide range of discount codes for flights, cruises, city trips, and more, you won’t want to miss TUI’s Black Friday sale!
Ready to binge your favourite films and series without hefty subscription costs? This SkyShowtime discount is calling your name! Whether you want Premium’s crystal-clear UHD viewing experience or Standard’s sheer convenience, you’ll get 33% off for the first six months.
Leading Dutch bank ABN Amro announced job cuts numbering in the thousands this Tuesday in a continued effort to focus on private banking.
CEO Marguerite Bérard, who took up the position this past April, spelled out the bank’s plans to reduce costs and increase its profits in an announcement by the bank earlier this morning, RTL Nieuws reports.
How many jobs are we talking about?
The company aims to slash 5,200 full-time positions by the year 2028. As of this year, 1,000 jobs have already been cut.
The remaining 4,200 jobs will be reduced in the coming years. Many positions simply won’t be re-filled as contracts expire.
Using 2024 as a benchmark year, at which point the company had around 22,000 employees, the cuts amount to nearly a quarter of ABN’s workforce.
Acquisitions and aspirations
In some ways, the announcement is not a surprise.
Thanks to a reduction in Dutch government stakes in the company, ABN Amro has been seen flexing its increased autonomy to maximise power on an international scale.
The acquisition of NIBC and German bank Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe by ABN Amro are recent indicators of the bank’s goal to increase their competitiveness in Northwestern Europe.
ABN Amro has also sold their personal-loan focused subsidiary, Alfam, to Rabobank.
In other words, they are separating themselves from their previous work with consumers and smaller businesses in favour of big, wealthy individuals outside the Netherlands. Let the other banks deal with the little guy, right?
What now?
While those employees losing their jobs are being offered financial support and aid in finding employment, there’s no doubt that a change this big will ruffle some feathers.
Aside from the moral quandary of a Dutch company redirecting its interests in such a drastic way, job cuts might be due to AI streamlining.
In their press release, ABN Amro described “optimisation” through the integration of AI.
The world is changing, and ABN Amro is moving right along with it.
What are your thoughts on the job cuts? Let us know in the comments below!
Shopping at Hoogvliet, Dekamarkt, or Nettorama, and you see an error on your bonnetje? You can now get the wrongly priced product or a gift certificate for free, reports RTL Nieuws.
Picture it: you’re cruising in the neighbourhood Dekamarkt, and see 12 eggs for €2.50. Nice!
At the checkout, your bill is a little higher than expected. You blame the inflation.
However, after taking a closer look at the receipt, you find that you were charged €4.50 for the eggs. Helaas pindakaas!
But now, this may work in your favour. If you point out the error to staff, you could receive either a gift certificate or the eggs for free.
Why this change?
At Nettorama and Vomar, the Consumers’ Association found that receipts were incorrect for 13% of the purchases.
Meanwhile, Dirk and Dekamarkt faltered in 11% of all cases.
Hoogvliet performed the worst, where customers paid a higher price at check-out than listed in-store for more than 1 in 5 products.
Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Plus are not in the clear either. These giants had previously donated a total of 1.8 million euros to charities due to errors in their receipts.
And the Dutch Consumer’s Association was not impressed.
Either fix the problem, or start being charitable
After reprimanding the regional stores in April, the Consumers’ Association (bless them) carried out another survey in August.
“Because we haven’t seen enough improvement at DekaMarkt, Hoogvliet, and Nettorama, we’ve ordered them to stop making receipt errors and held them liable for the losses consumers are suffering,” Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers’ Association, tells RTL Nieuws.
The result? You get your free eggs (or a gift certificate).
The three supermarkets have also agreed to hire “mystery shoppers” to check prices, who will share results with the Consumers’ Association.
Dutch broadcaster AvroTros drew a line in the sand back in September: if Israel competes at Eurovision 2026, the Netherlands won’t. The twist? They’re now pretty much alone in that stance.
And there’s a Dutch artist already picked who might never take the stage.
It all started with what seemed like solidarity. When AvroTros made its announcement, multiple other countries were already questioning whether Israel belonged at the contest given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and allegations of government interference in Eurovision 2025.
AvroTros was betting on strength in numbers. Surely more broadcasters would join the cause, right? Well… no.
Plot twist: everyone else bailed
Fast-forward to today, and that united front has crumbled.
According to the AD, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has scrapped not one but two planned votes on Israel’s participation because, well, there’s no longer much appetite for kicking them out.
The 2026 host, Austria, has been especially supportive of Israel’s inclusion, with Germany strongly backing them up.
Meaning? The chances of Israel being kicked out of the competition are now basically nonexistent.
To appease everyone, the EBU has tried to address some concerns by overhauling the voting system and introducing stricter rules about political meddling from governments.
And the boycotters? Well, Iceland’s already slowly walking back on its threat, and Austria’s reportedly trying to sweet-talk the other countries into changing their minds, too.
AvroTros is stuck
Multiple sources say AvroTros and director Taco Zimmerman aren’t budging from their September statement. Backing down now would look like a massive climb-down, and the broadcaster’s not too keen on that.
But here’s where it gets awkward: They’ve already chosen someone to represent the Netherlands. Yep, there’s an artist out there, song ready to go, practising for their big breakthrough that might never come.
And if the Netherlands does sit out 2026, then what? Does AvroTros plan to boycott indefinitely? We’re not sure, but there’s already rumours about the Netherlands potentially handing Eurovision duties to a different broadcaster after 2026.
For now, there’s a very real possibility that the Netherlands could be absent from one of Europe’s most iconic nights of television. We’ll see what happens…
Do you think the Netherlands should stick to its principles or rejoin Eurovision? Let us know in the comments.
Wait… did that guy just say his name was Freek?! Yep, Dutch names can be Freek-ishly weird sometimes. 🤷🏻♀️
Whether you’re trying to name your own kindje (little kid) or are just curious about Dutch names in general, it can be a bit difficult to work through the double Dutch of naming conventions in the Netherlands.
We understand the pain, so we’ve compiled something to help: the ultimate guide to Dutch names! 🙌
The history of Dutch names
The oldest Dutch voornamen (first names) are primarily of Germanic origin, which is why you may notice that several of them have cousins in English (another Germanic language)!
In the Middle Ages, doopnamen (Christian names) gained popularity due to religious influence. Christian names, also known as baptismal names, are religious personal names assigned to children at birth.
However, after World War II, the Dutch grew far less religious. Naming conventions began to reflect this, with more first names of foreign origin being picked.
Names of foreign origin grew more popular to mark the Netherlands’ growing multicultural community. Image: Depositphotos
Some names, such as those borrowed from French, underwent phono-semantic matching. This means that elements of the original names were Dutchified — like, for example, ‘Jacques’ becoming ‘Sjaak’.
The result of this evolutionary process? Some very interesting (if slightly bizarre) modern Dutch names!
Common boy names in the Netherlands
Grab yourself some tea and huddle around with your friends because we’re about to talk about Dutch boys — and we’re going to be naming names.
Dramatics aside, according to the Meertens Instituut, these are the most common boy names you’ll find millennials bearing in this gorgeous cheese-obsessed country!
Thomas
Kevin
Tim
Dennis
Jeroen
John
Tom
Robin
Nick
Niels
Traditional Dutch boy names
Looking for something a bit more old-fashioned? The Meertens Instituut also released a list of traditional Dutch boy names that have been popular for over a hundred years.
Let’s talk about some Dutch boy names that just ooze old-school cool. 😎
Johannes
Jan
Cornelis
Hendrik
Willem
Pieter
Gerrit
Petrus
Jacobus
Jacob
Common girl names in the Netherlands
If perhaps you’re called ‘Margo’ and are sick of Dutch people — with their guttural gs — pronouncing your name closer to ‘Marko’, then you may be considering a name change.
“Did you seriously just call me Marko again?!” 👀 Image: Depositphotos
We hear you! Here are the most common girl names you’re likely to find millennials bearing in the Netherlands:
Laura
Lisa
Anne
Sanne
Iris
Michelle
Maria
Tessa
Melissa
Anna
Traditional Dutch girl names
You can always embrace a little traditionality with these conventional Dutch girl names that have seen over a century of use. 🙌
Maria
Johanna
Anna
Cornelia
Wilhelmina
Hendrika
Catharina
Elisabeth
Adriana
Jacoba
Dutch baby names
Choosing a little one’s voornaam (first name) can really be harder than only eating one bitterbal.
Choosing the perfect name for your kindje? It’s harder than it sounds! Image: Depositphotos
To get some inspiration flowing, 24baby has just dropped its lists of the most popular baby names in the Netherlands — as well as its predictions for names that are currently rising in popularity. 📈
Popular baby boy names in the Netherlands
These names have been topping the Dutch charts for the past year, so there’s a chance that any baby boys in your life might bear at least one of them!
Finn
Luca
Levi
Noud
Liam
Lucas
Luka
Daan
Milan
Milo
Trending Dutch boy names in 2026
Much like with Dutch fashion, Dutch names are no strangers to giving in to a new hype now and then. According to 24baby, these are some boy names that new parents in the Netherlands have been loving in recent months.
Seb
Jens
Naud
Dex
Levy
Riv
Bobbie
Abel
Joas
Loek
Popular baby girl names in the Netherlands
Do you feel like you know at least three Noras in the Netherlands? And three more couples who have just named their child Nora?
As far as we’re concerned, “popular” is a mark of widespread approval — like hagelslag on bread! Image: Depositphotos
There’s a reason for that, as ‘Nora’ tops the list of the most popular baby girl names in the Netherlands, and she’s joined by:
Liv
Mae
Noor
Mila
Noa
Emma
Olivia
Juul
Luna
Trending Dutch girl names in 2026
As with the list of trending Dutch baby boy names, when it comes to Dutch girl names, the Netherlands dips a toe (or perhaps an entire foot with ‘Nine’ 👀) into the pool of all things hype.
“Ja hoor, we decided on ‘Feline’ because it’s so feminine and elegant!” Image: Depositphotos
According to 24baby, these are the girl names that have been rising in popularity in recent months:
Fien
Nine
Mare
Nila
Lux
Vive
Lua
Millie
Jolie
Lizz
The Dutch roepnaam
“A roop-what?” we hear you ask.
Don’t worry, we aren’t roop-ing you into anything! A roepnaam is actually a name that many Dutch people use instead of their legal first name.
It’s a bit like a nickname, except a roepnaam carries a bit more weight and can be used on legal documents.
In fact, after the birth of a new child, it isn’t out of the ordinary to send out a card with a child’s official name and a line underneath mentioning their roepnaam. 👶🏼
Some names just won’t fly with the Dutch
Of course, it goes without saying that there are some names that you definitely shouldn’t saddle your kids with.
One reason why Dutch kids are so happy? They’re spared crazy names! Image: Depositphotos
Generally, names that consist of offensive or embarrassing words or existing surnames are off the table and will be rejected by the Registrar.
However, even if the Registrar refuses to approve your child’s name, you’re still free to think up a new one before they choose a name for you (yes, they can do that).
So, if, like one Dutch father, you’d love to name your son after your favourite football club, you may need to hop over to Belgium to do it.
What the…?! Weird Dutch names
For every few Jeroens you come across, you’ve got a smattering of Tacos, Freeks, and Harms. Of course, we can’t talk about Dutch names without mentioning some of the most bizaar (bizarre) ones.
Fokje
Puck
Boudewijn
Floor
Joke
Reinder
Jet
Splinter
Greet
Sicco
(We also must mention that there’s a Dutch politician called Tiny Kox 🤭).
A lot of the perceived weirdness of these names actually stems from our shocking pronunciation of Dutch names, which our buitenlandse (foreign) ears often can’t make heads or tails of.
Pronouncing some Dutch names can be a skill in and of itself. Image: Freepik
For example, the girl’s name, ‘Joke’, initially sounds like some parents played a cruel… err, joke on their daughter. In Dutch, however, the name is pronounced similarly to ‘yo-kuh’.
Similarly, Dutch names have their own diminutives. Much like ‘Richard’ becoming ‘Dick’ in English, ‘Greet’ is actually a shortened form of ‘Greta’ or ‘Margaretha’.
Common Dutch surnames
Many Dutch surnames contain a tussenvoegsel (a sort of affix that goes along with their surname), such as the ‘van’ in ‘van Gogh’ and the ‘de’ in ‘de Vries’.
According to data from the Meertens Instituut, we see several of these tussenvoegsels in the list of the top ten surnames in the Netherlands:
De Jong
Jansen
De Vries
Van de/den/der Berg
Van Dijk
Bakker
Janssen
Visser
Smit
Meijer/Meyer
FAQ: Dutch names common questions
How can you change your surname in the Netherlands?
You can only apply for a change of surname in the Netherlands if you’re a Dutch national, stateless, or an asylum seeker.
Applicants must submit an application for a name change to the Justis (the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security). There’s even a handy dandy Name Change Brochure that you can leaf through for more information on the process and requirements.
Be aware, though, that a surname change in the Netherlands will set you back a whopping €835 for an adult and €1,670 for three or more minor children (excluding VAT). 💸
When can you use your Dutch partner’s surname?
According to Justis, you can only use your partner’s last name if you’re legally married or in a registered partnership. (RIP to all the madlads that were hoping to nab ‘Fokker’ as a fabulous surname. 🥲)
After you’ve tied the knot or signed the paperwork with your schaatje, you’ll need to inform the Basisregistratie Personen (Personal Records Database) of the municipality you’re registered in of your surname change.
However, all official documents, such as passports, IDs, and driver’s licences, will still carry your own last name.
Where do Dutch surnames come from?
Like first names, Dutch surnames mainly tend to be of Germanic origin.
A handful of Dutch surnames are also patronymic (derived from an ancestor’s name) and, as such, contain a possessive form of a father or grandfather’s name. For example, ‘Pieterszoon’ would refer to a son of Pieter.
Others refer to occupations such as ‘Molenaar’ (miller), ‘Visser’ (fisher), and ‘Boer’ (farmer).
Dutch names can be weird, wonderful, and, much like biking in Amsterdam, need some getting used to. When you do, however, you won’t fail to realise how leuk they can be!
What’s one Dutch name that’s caught your eye? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
You know you need to take the Dutch integration exam — but is the level A2? B1? Something else completely? It’s normal to be confused, but here’s the easy guide.
For the longest time, the Dutch integration exam was pretty straightforward: everyone did it at A2 unless they wanted to take a Dutch university course. Simple, right?
However, the Dutch government decided that A2 wasn’t enough to, well, integrate. To change the level, they had to change the whole integration law, which took a long time.
Now, if you’re wondering what language level the Dutch integration exam is, the answer is: it depends!
Some people are under the old system, some people are under a new system, and others are still undecided.
Here’s the easy guide to knowing at which language level you might need to take the Dutch integration exams in 2025.
We teamed up with the pros for this article: InburgeringOnline! Bart and his team have guided thousands of internationals through the Dutch integration process with affordable online courses designed to take you from zero Dutch to A2 or B1 in a flash. Find out more.
But first…
A2, B1? Are we speaking in code? If you’re feeling a little confused, we’re using terms from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It looks a little like this:
The CEFR language levels are used across Europe. Image: DutchReview
At what language level do I need to take the Dutch inburgering exams?
The language level of your Dutch integration exams has two main factors:
Your visa or residency type and,
The date the IND formally decided you must begin to integrate
I have a partner/relationship visa, or I am a refugee
If you have a partner or relationship visa or are a refugee, the IND will automatically decide that you must integrate. This typically happens shortly after the date that you registered at your local municipality.
You will receive a letter advising that you are required to integrate, or as DUO, the Dutch education authority, will write, “U moet verplicht inburgeren.”
Your official letter from DUO will have an important date. Image: Samantha Dixon
The most important thing here is the date of the letter. That’s because there are two laws at play: The Civil Integration Act 2013, and the Civil Integration Act 2021 (which affects people from 2022 onwards).
You can tell which law you fall under by your letter’s date.
Your letter is dated before January 1, 2022
If the date of the letter is before January 1, 2022, then congratulations: the language level you will take the Dutch integration exams at is A2.
Your letter is dated after January 1, 2022
If the date of your letter is after January 1, 2022, you’ll need to study for a while longer: your language level will most likely be B1.
Why “most likely”? Technically, the municipality can decide for you to follow one of three routes:
The B1 route: where you learn Dutch to a B1 level, mostly for integration and working or volunteering.
The education route: where you learn Dutch to a B1 level or higher to prepare for higher education.
The self-reliance route: an exemption given for people who must integrate but find the first two routes too difficult. Instead, you learn Dutch to an A1 level and have non-mandatory exams.
However, the first route is supposed to be the most common option. The upside? You’ll speak pretty decent Dutch by the end!
To create your plan, you’ll first be invited for an initial meeting at your municipality: the brede intake or “broad intake.” Here, you’ll answer questions about your integration so far in the Netherlands, your education, your home life, and so on.
You will also take a basic exam called the leerbaarheidstoets, or “learning ability test.” This test requires no preparation or practice; it’s simply a test of understanding and comprehension.
After the initial meeting, your municipality will create a personal integration and participation plan (PIP). This plan details the steps of your integration process and the route that you will take.
What if the exams are too difficult? A municipality can make some rare exceptions to the language levels stated above — but typically only if you have health problems or would truly struggle to learn Dutch due to circumstances beyond your control.
I am integrating to apply for permanent residency or citizenship
If you don’t fall into the category of having a relationship visa or being a refugee, you likely:
Are here on a temporary visa (such as a working visa),
Have lived here for around five years, and
Have decided to make your stay in the Netherlands more permanent.
We get it, the Netherlands is a leuk place to live!
If this is you, and you’re not an EU, EEA, Swiss, or Turkish citizen, then you’re integrating “voluntarily”, and it’s good news: the language level you will need to integrate is still A2 — for now.
While learning Dutch might seem like a long journey, an online course can let you do it on your own terms and in your own time. In fact, those using InburgeringOnline reported that an online course was quicker, cheaper, and way more effective than traditional schools! Take a peek at the courses. 👀
While the Dutch government wants to raise the level to B1 for people in your position, they haven’t made a final decision on when to do so.
That means that if you can fully integrate and pass your exams to apply for permanent residency or citizenship before they decide to raise it, you shouldn’t have to study further than A2 level — based on the information the government has given so far.
The level you take your integration exams depends on a few different factors. Image: DutchReview
TIP: Still not sure at which level you need to take your exams? Check out DUO’s inburgeren plan generator.
Do I need to take the Dutch integration exams?
Whether you need to take the Dutch integration exams is mostly determined by your nationality. If you’re not from an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, or Turkey, and you’re coming to live in the Netherlands long-term, you’ll likely need to take the Dutch integration exams.
Whether you’re A2 or B1, we can tell you this: taking the Dutch integration exams is really achievable and worth it — especially if it leads to permanent residency or a Dutch passport!
At what language level do you need to take your Dutch integration exams? Share it in the comments below!
Dutch integration exam language level: Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to complete the inburgering exams?
If you are required to integrate in the Netherlands, you have three years to earn your Dutch integration certificate. Most people can study and take all the exams within a year, or even a few months.
Who has to take the integration exam in the Netherlands?
Anyone seeking to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period and who is not a member of an EU/EEA state, Turkey, or Switzerland must take the Dutch integration exams.
What language level is the Dutch integration exam in 2025?
The language level of the Dutch integration exam depends on your visa and when you became required to integrate.
For those on a relationship or refugee visa who became required to integrate before January 1, 2022, the level is A2, for those after that date, it is B1.
For people who are voluntarily integrating the language level is currently A2 but may rise to B1 in the future.
Is the Dutch integration exam level still A2?
The Dutch integration exam level is still A2 for people who became required to integrate before January 1, 2022 and (so far) for people who are voluntarily integrating in 2025. For everyone else, the level is likely to be B1.
How difficult is the Dutch integration exam?
The Dutch integration exam is taken at either A2 (basic) or B1 (intermediate) level, depending on your personal situation and when you became required to integrate. It’s possible to prepare for and pass the Dutch A2 integration exams within a few months. The preparation time for the B1 integration exam can take between six and 12 months, depending on your learning speed.
From 2026, renters paying sky-high prices will finally be able to apply for huurtoeslag (rental allowance), regardless of how much their rent costs.
The change could help 170,000 extra people, including internationals stuck in the expensive private rental market.
Up until now, if you were paying more than €900 per month in basic rent (excluding g/w/e and service charges), you were completely shut out from receiving government help with housing costs. That’s changing next year, reports NU.nl.
Who can apply for rental allowance?
From 2026, the Dutch government is scrapping the €900 rent ceiling that previously excluded many renters from claiming huurtoeslag. Anyone aged 21 and over can now apply, no matter how high their rent is.
There’s a catch, though (isn’t there always?).
The government will only provide benefit payments on rent up to €933 per month. If you’re paying €1,500 in basic rent, you’ll only get help with the first €933 of it.
For younger renters aged 18 to 20, the threshold is lower at around €500.
The amount you receive also depends on your income and assets. Curious to know if you can receive anything? You can make a test calculation on the government’s website.
The conditions (because there are always conditions)
Before you start mentally spending that extra cash, there are requirements. Your home must be self-contained (with its own front door, kitchen, and toilet), and your income and assets need to fall below certain thresholds.
For single renters, the benefit stops if you have more than €38,479 in savings or assets.
The exact income cap isn’t entirely clear yet, but you can be fairly certain the government won’t be handing out huurtoeslag to those earning a ton. (Fun Dutch fact: a ton is €100,000.)
Meanwhile, couples face different limits based on their combined income.
These changes are particularly relevant for internationals who often end up in the private rental sector by default.
