What a great insight into the Dutch life! I’ve found that (trying to) learn Dutch makes me feel a lot more at home here. Boterhammen, as they call them, most often consist of just cheese and butter. I’m American as well haha, Ah so exciting! There are roughly 17 million people crammed into the Netherlands and around 90 per cent of the country’s populations live in urban areas.

Many Americans think the Dutch way of working is time-consuming.

I love this.

Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. For having some of the best BMI’s in Europe, the Dutch sure do eat some junky food. As for your private agenda, with some friends you may plan an evening at the cinema six weeks from today. Vacation days, depending on the labour contract, run from 21 to as many as 35 working days a year. Then I saw you live in Holland! ALL the instances of lekker?! It sounds like such an interesting blend of culture! Those who are unable to handle their job within the office hours may not be fit for the job. Especially since I’m going to be moving to Rotterdam next year and I’m so excited/stressed. And what people are on the no kiss list?

I doubt that there are any foreigners who still do not know our meaning of the word , I used to have a book (can’t find it) that you might like. The Dutch are perhaps a little stingy. Take for example hagelslag, literally chocolate/vanilla/fruit sprinkles for your breakfast bread or toast. Working hours may run from 9am to 5–6pm. However, expatriates have reported that being direct back to the Dutch doesn’t always sit so well. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a speed racer anyways Love ya and hope to see you in the not-so-distant future! Live in condos and multiplexes. How we look upon and judge the lifestyle and workplace of other cultures depends on how we view the world from our own cultural background.

Hee, i live in Utrecht. Why did you want to go to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has an egalitarian society. The Dutch feel that in the end, one learns from his mistakes.

I can only imagine what a hot topic the weather would be on a sunny day (I’ll keep you posted, haven’t experienced one of those in Rotterdam yet).

Yes I’ve moved here!

Actually Sinterklaas isn’t Christmas, kind of has the same ring with it with the gift giving and stuff but has a whole another history. They will tell you what they think of you and criticise your work indifferent of your status if you are a superior or a subordinate. I mean, we all knew this about Dutch people, right? Due to invasions, rebellions, secessions and unions, the Netherlands has been known by many names over the past millennium. I really enjoyed your article. In the case something does go wrong, the Dutch individual will take full responsibility for the consequences. We have ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas and then actual Christmas, so that’s great right?

Kari I had my very first fresh-off-the-iron stroopwafel in the Markthal last week and…I think I will probably need to invest in my very own stroopwafel iron in the near future.

Besides urban tracks, this network also includes many rural bike paths that trail between basically every settlement in the Netherlands. Lots of people from here also live in the Netherlands.

Though where I live they’re few and far between .

Maybe you’ve seen him on tv there. The Dutch are famous in the Western world for the many hours a week they spend in meetings. This could also be listed under “Things Sarah Does…A Lot”, because these little Dutch cookies are magical. Over the past century, the four largest cities in the country, namely Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague and Utrecht have been moving closer together to form one of the most densely populated places in the world which is known as the Randstad. Salespersons feel free to openly disagree and criticize their clients. Please try again. I look forward to reading more about your new life there, and hopefully a few Dutch recipes? Therefore they will prefer to reduce working hours instead of having an increase in salary. You Hollanders are quite complex people, us foreigners need a manual! The Dutch may have great work relationships with their colleagues, but they rarely invite them to their homes.
There is no moral obligation to take care of extended family members or elderly parents. The contrary takes place when Dutch businessmen and women travel.
Decision-making processes are complex. I thought it was too weird to try, but now I wish I had. The Dutch usher in the start of spring with Rokjesdag, or skirt day, the day women start showing off bare legs and wearing short skirts again. I sure do miss SA (and the Pearl area especially!) are pencilled into the agenda at least a week or so in advance.

In this last part of the series, I’ll round off with a random trivia about Holland – things that didn’t fit …

Forgot to add that one in there. Stay tuned for new recipes coming shortly!

11. Well, there are so many things that you need to know and understand about the Dutch business culture.

Looking forward to some new recipes and updates for sure. I’m talking last-longer-than-4-seconds real hugs.

Christmas was so nice, the whole family being together again Haha and I’ll be safe! Been living on Curacao (was a colony of the Netherlands for many many years, we’re still part of the kingdom though). 12. I mean…I’m definitely not complaining. But try to find anyone wearing a helmet and you have your work cut out for you.

So many fascinating and fun customs. Many neighbourhoods around Amsterdam, for example, rest on human made islands, whereas the entire province of Flevoland lies on artificial ground that was retrieved from Zuiderzee bay during the mid-twentieth century. Be safe on those bikes!!

Happy to help! Then there’s Christmas Day, where Santa Clause (or the Kerstman) brings more gifts. The family nucleus is detached from the extended family. Stand-alone houses are few and far between. Holland sounds fantastic and all of the culture and customs are really heartwarming. The English word Dutch derives from an old Germanic word that meant popular or common and referred to the languages spoken by native people in western Europe in the Middle Ages, as opposed to Latin which was used by the ruling Catholic Church. I'd like to receive the free email course.

It’s a great city/country and you’re going to love it!

And yes yes Dutch recipes definitely to come! Any tips? Dutch global traders are much more flexible abroad than at their home office. I like the “blunderput” and the ” koopgoot”.

The Dutch love time off to spend with their partner, kids and friends, for vacation or to study. I was born and raised in the Netherlands and I love it there. They speak in a friendly tone in rather short, clear, sober sentences lacking any form of politeness or courtesy. However, once you do have a Dutchman (or woman) as a friend, you have a friend for life. Once you know the rules here it is very pleasant and productive to work in such an open society.”, A visiting Japanese CEO asked, “If the CEO is pouring his own coffee, what kind of power can he hold in the company?”. The Dutch directness in the communication with foreigners regularly causes misunderstandings.

Why? This is the last part of a 7-part travel series on Holland, including how to travel to Holland, the Dutch culture, Dutch lifestyle, Dutch environment and essential things to know about the country. No! The elderly don’t automatically receive respect in the corporate world. Your choices will not impact your visit.

About 3 weeks ago, so still all pretty new. And when it was time to replace the VHS in 1997, Philips created the DVD. Status and respect are through study and work and not through family ties or old age. 7. Eat stroopwafels.

Thanks for stopping by, Rachel! In the Netherlands, however, goods and services are exchanged on an equal basis.