Dutch Culture
You probably want to embrace and learn more about the new culture when moving to a different country. It can really help you get acclimated. This section provides some basic but useful information about Dutch culture to help you on your way.
Dutch habits
Let’s start with some nationals and local habits.
1. In the Netherlands, it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It’s just a friendly way of saying hello to friends or family. However, when meeting a person for the first time or someone you are not really close to, it is common to shake hands.
2. The Dutch are pretty well organised. Almost every ‘appointment’, including having dinner with friends or events, will be noted in a diary. Furthermore, most Dutch people are never late. So, make sure you arrive on time.
3. When thinking about the Netherlands, you probably think about bicycles. The Netherlands has more bikes than people! So, why not buy a bicycle and live like a local? It’s a cheap and fun way to get about and a bike is always easy to park.
4. You have probably heard: Dutch people can be quite straightforward. If a Dutchie doesn’t like something, they will tell you. To many expats, this give-it-to you-straight mentality can come across as inconsiderate, perhaps even rude. But people are just trying to be transparent and clear. In fact, directness and transparency are much valued in the Netherlands.
5. UUUUUUUUUU! Utrechters have a habit to respond 'UUUUU' as a greeting instead of a cheer at events or concerts. Together with the 'UUUUU' sound they make a U-gesture with their hands as a referal to the city of Utrecht. It is a local habit that may confuse you if you have not heard about it before. Next time, you can join them!
6. Have you heard about the Inkpot? And the Verrekijker? Maybe as items but in Utrecht these terms are used to refer to typical Utrecht locations looking like these items.
7. Talking about using different names for things: next time try referring to Utrecht as Domstad and Amersfoort as Keistad.
Get to know your neighbourhood
Starting with social life, one important aspect of creating your home is getting in contact with your neighbours. You probably have already found out that privacy is quite a big thing in the Netherlands. Therefore, what is the best way to say hello?
Most of the Dutch, if they move to a new neighbourhood, introduce themselves by knocking on the door of their directs neighbours and invite them for a coffee. Sometimes the coffee may wait for months (sometimes even never), but it can also be a spontaneous get together.
What about making friends?
One thing to keep in mind is that is takes time to make friends with the Dutch. If you realise after all your efforts that you still don’t have a big crowd of Dutch friends, it is not you, but rather the privacy focused and busy Dutch mindset. You might have better chances if you register with a sports club. The Dutch like sports and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The International Welcome Centre also organise bimonthly free get-togethers for internationals: the perfect opportunity the meet some new people. Click here to check out the events. And don't forget the fun activities organised by our ambassador club the UR-Glocals. Another possibility is to post a message in the international Facebook group for Utrecht Region called Expats Utrecht. You will be surprised how many people would love to go out of a drink, movie or walk.
Tips
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Learn to speak Dutch
It is really easy to speak English in the Netherlands. Studies have shown that Dutch people are the most proficient English speakers in the world, of course without taking into account the English-speaking nations. Moving to a different country, however, is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language. It will help you integrate. You may be surprised how fast you can learn and how rewarding it is. You will be able to read the local news, understand the culture better, make friends with locals, get some of their jokes and feel more at home in Utrecht Region. You can take lessons or use free language apps that can help you on your way.
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Try some Dutch food
There are some typical Dutch meals, snacks and delicacies that you should try. When thinking of Dutch food, you probably think of Gouda cheese. However, if you ask a Dutch person to name a traditional Dutch meal, you will probably get the answer ‘stamppot’ – a dish made of mashed potatoes combined with vegetables, such as kale, carrot or endive, and most of the time served with jus (gravy) and rookworst (a smoked Dutch sausage). It is definitely something you should try along with the typical Dutch stroopwafel, poffertjes, bittergarnituur and, if you are a real dare devil, drop (Dutch liquorice).
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Learn to ride a bike
Dutch people love to ride bikes. It is their favourite form of transport. A very healthy way of moving around and highly convenient because a bike can be parked anywhere. So, why not ride a bike and enjoy the freedom and health benefits of cycling as you morph into a real Dutch person?