Other Netherlands

For immigrants and expats living in the Netherlands, access to local news is an important aspect of integrating into the local community and understanding current events. Here are some ways to receive current news in the Netherlands, both in English and in Dutch.

 

English-language news websites

- NL Times and DutchNews.nl offer daily updates in English on all major events in the Netherlands. These sites cover a wide range of topics: from politics and economics to culture and sports.

- IamExpat.nl also provides news and articles targeted at the international audience living in the Netherlands.

 

Dutch-language news websites

- For those who want to improve their Dutch, newspapers like De Telegraaf, Algemeen Dagblad (AD), De Volkskrant, and NRC Handelsblad are popular sources. These publications offer quality journalism and cover both national and international events.

- Regional newspapers such as De Limburger or Dagblad van het Noorden will help you stay abreast of local events.

 

Television and radio

- NOS and RTL Nieuws offer news programs in Dutch that can be watched on TV or online. For English speakers, BVN can be useful, as it broadcasts news and programs from the Netherlands with an international perspective.

- Radio station NPO Radio 1 also provides news and analytical programs in Dutch.

 

Social media and mobile apps

- Many Dutch news sources actively maintain their social media pages, such as Facebook and Twitter, which allows staying up to date in real-time.

- There are also various news apps that you can install on your phone for convenient access to news.

 

Podcasts

- For those who prefer listening to the news, there are English-language podcasts such as the Dutch News Podcast or Broadcast Amsterdam, which discuss events in the Netherlands and beyond.

In the Netherlands, as in any other country, there are many stereotypes that can influence the perception of this nation abroad. Let's consider the main ones and analyze how true they are.

 

All Dutch people are very direct

Dutch directness is often perceived as rudeness, especially by people from cultures that tend to soften messages. In reality, directness in communication here is valued for its honesty and transparency, rather than a desire to offend someone. This is a cultural feature that helps avoid misunderstandings but requires some adjustment for those who are not accustomed to this style of communication.

 

All Dutch people ride bicycles

Bicycles are indeed an integral part of life in the Netherlands, especially in cities. However, this does not mean that everyone solely travels by bicycle. The Dutch also actively use public transport, especially for longer distances.

 

The Dutch constantly smoke marijuana

The Netherlands is known for its liberal policy on soft drugs, but this does not mean that all residents of the country smoke marijuana. In fact, the level of consumption among the Dutch is lower than in some countries with stricter laws. Legalization has made marijuana use less attractive and has reduced its consumption among the population.

 

The Netherlands is a country of tulips and windmills

While tulips and windmills are symbols of the country, they do not define the entire culture of the Netherlands. Tulips were brought to the country from Central Asia, and although the Netherlands is the largest exporter of these flowers, they are far from being the only ones in the world. Windmills also exist, but these are more historical monuments than everyday reality.

 

The Dutch are cold and reserved

This stereotype often arises due to cultural differences. The Dutch may seem less emotional and reserved in expressing emotions, but this does not mean they are cold. They value sincerity and usually prefer deeper, long-term relationships over superficial displays of friendliness.

 

 

The Dutch are very frugal or even stingy

Many believe that the Dutch always split the bill in restaurants and are not prone to generosity. In fact, splitting the bill is more related to equality and fairness than saving money. Furthermore, the Netherlands is one of the largest donors in the field of international aid, which debunks the myth of stinginess.

 

These stereotypes highlight the importance of understanding cultural features and avoiding simplified views of a country. Knowledge and respect for differences are key to successful integration and positive interaction with the local population.

For immigrants in the Netherlands, there are many useful mobile apps that can significantly ease life and adaptation in a new country. Here is a list of the most recommended apps:

 

DigiD

This app is mandatory for everyone interacting with Dutch government services. DigiD allows you to securely identify yourself to access various online services, including tax returns, benefit applications, and much more.

 

9292 and NS

If you plan to use public transport, the 9292 and NS apps will be invaluable. 9292 provides information on all types of transport (buses, trams, metro), while NS specializes in trains. Both apps help plan routes, provide information on delays, and purchase tickets online.

 

Tikkie

This is a popular app for instant money transfers and splitting bills. It is especially convenient for quickly reimbursing friends for a shared dinner or purchase.

 

Too Good To Go

If you want to save on food and help reduce food waste, this app is for you. It offers "magic boxes" of food from restaurants and cafes at reduced prices.

 

Thuisbezorgd

For ordering food delivery. The app supports a large number of restaurants across the country and makes it easy to order your favorite dishes.

 

Picnic

If you prefer to order groceries online, Picnic is a great choice. This app offers fresh groceries with free delivery straight to your home.

 

Duolingo and Babbel

If you want to learn the Dutch language, these apps will help you start learning with interactive lessons that are easy to fit into your schedule.

 

Flitsmeister

A useful app for drivers that warns about speed cameras, roadworks, and accidents on the road.

 

Bunq

This app from the eponymous Dutch bank is popular among immigrants. It allows you to manage finances in English and open an account even before receiving your BSN.

The Netherlands hosts numerous cultural events and festivals that attract not only locals but also tourists from around the world. These events reflect the diversity and richness of Dutch culture and offer unique opportunities to get acquainted with the traditions and contemporary achievements of this country.

 

Music and Art Festivals

1. North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam) — one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, bringing together renowned musicians and thousands of fans from different corners of the globe. The festival takes place in July and offers unique performances in genres like jazz, blues, and other musical directions.

 

2. Oerol Festival (Terschelling) — a unique art festival that transforms the island of Terschelling into a venue for theatrical performances, installations, and performances. This June event attracts both art lovers and nature enthusiasts.

 

3. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) — the largest electronic music festival in the world, held every October in Amsterdam. ADE unites thousands of artists and electronic music fans from all over the world, offering concerts, workshops, and parties over several days.

 

4. Grachtenfestival (Amsterdam) — a classical music festival held in August, distinguished by concerts taking place directly on Amsterdam's canals, creating an unparalleled atmosphere.

 

Traditional and Cultural Events

1. King's Day — the biggest national holiday, celebrated on April 27 across the country. On this day, the streets of cities are filled with fairs, concerts, and mass festivities, and all participants dress in orange clothing in honor of the royal family.

 

2. Sinterklaas — a traditional holiday celebrated on December 5th. It is one of the most beloved children's holidays in the Netherlands, associated with the arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) and the distribution of gifts to children.

 

3. Dutch Design Week (Eindhoven) — the largest design festival in Northern Europe, held in October and showcasing the latest achievements in design and innovation. The event attracts designers and art enthusiasts from around the world.

 

Food and Drink Festivals

1. Taste of Amsterdam — a culinary festival held in May, offering the chance to try dishes from the best chefs in the city. It's a great opportunity to get acquainted with modern Dutch cuisine and enjoy its gastronomic delights.

 

2. Festival de Rollende Keukens — a street food festival in Amsterdam, where dozens of food trucks offer a variety of dishes for all tastes. The festival takes place in May and attracts thousands of food enthusiasts.

 

These events and festivals are just a small part of the cultural heritage and modern achievements of the Netherlands. Whether you are interested in music, art, traditions, or gastronomy, there is always an event worth visiting in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, as in most European countries, access to public toilets is organized fairly well, but with some peculiarities worth considering.

 

Public Toilets in Cities

In major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, public toilets can be found in key tourist areas, shopping centers, at stations, and in parks. In some places, toilets are free, but most often a small fee is charged for their use, usually from 0.50 to 1 euro. Payment points may accept coins, bank cards, or mobile payments.

 

Apps for Finding Toilets

To ease the search for the nearest public toilet, you can use apps like "HogeNood". This is one of the most popular apps in the Netherlands for finding toilets, showing the location of the nearest public restrooms, their condition, and operating hours.

 

Toilets in Cafes and Restaurants

In most cafes and restaurants, toilets are only available to customers. However, if you ask politely, you might be allowed to use them without making a purchase. In tourist areas, such as the center of Amsterdam, toilets in cafes are often used as public facilities.

 

Toilets at Stations and in Shopping Centers

All major train stations are equipped with public toilets. They are usually paid and cost about 0.70 euros. Shopping centers almost always have toilets, and they might be free for store customers.

 

Mobile and Temporary Toilets

During major events, festivals, or concerts, temporary mobile toilets are often installed. They may not be as clean as permanent ones, but they provide necessary comfort in crowded conditions.

 

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Many public toilets in the Netherlands are equipped for people with disabilities, but access to them may be limited in some old buildings or less developed areas. However, in large cities and tourist locations, access to such toilets is significantly better organized.

Learning the Dutch language can be a key aspect of successful integration in the Netherlands. There are many options for learning, and everyone can find a suitable method based on their preferences and language proficiency level.

 

Language Schools

In the Netherlands, there are numerous language schools offering Dutch courses. For example, Taalthuis and Talencoach offer various learning formats, from group classes to individual lessons. These schools are located in major cities like Amsterdam, Leiden, and Rotterdam. Intensive courses, such as Mr. Dutch Brainwash, are also popular, where training occurs over one week with full immersion in the language.

 

Online Courses and Apps

For those who prefer to learn online, there are courses and apps such as Babbel, Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Memrise. These apps allow you to study the language at a convenient time and pace, including exercises on pronunciation, grammar, and real-life situations.

 

Free Opportunities

Many municipalities, such as Amsterdam, offer free Dutch language courses for those who meet certain requirements. Libraries also host conversation clubs, such as Taalcafé in Rotterdam, where you can practice the language with other students and volunteers.

 

Learning in the Work Environment

If you work in the Netherlands, your employer may offer Dutch language courses. This can be group training with colleagues or individual lessons, which will help you adapt more quickly in the professional environment.

 

Special Courses for Expats

Special courses like Dutch for Expats are oriented towards the needs of international employees, diplomats, and their families. These courses offer flexible learning options, including online lessons and sessions on reading Dutch literature.

 

Practice in Everyday Life

Don’t forget to use the language in everyday situations: communicate with local residents, watch Dutch films with subtitles, listen to local podcasts. This will help you better understand cultural nuances and more rapidly master the language.

 

Choosing the right learning method depends on your preferences and goals. It is important to remember that even basic knowledge of the Dutch language will significantly simplify your life in the Netherlands and help you adapt more quickly to the new environment.

The Netherlands is a country with a rich history and cultural traditions reflected in its national holidays and public events.

 

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Date: April 27

King’s Day is one of the most beloved national holidays in the Netherlands. It is celebrated in honor of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. On this day, people wear orange clothing (in honor of the Royal House of Orange), and there are parades, fairs, and music festivals. Cities host "free markets" (vrijmarkt), where everyone can sell their goods.

 

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

Date: May 5

This holiday is celebrated in honor of the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in 1945. Throughout the country, there are concerts, parades, and official ceremonies to commemorate those who fought for freedom. Liberation Day follows Remembrance Day (May 4), when people honor the victims of World War II.

 

Sinterklaas (Sinterklaas)

Date: December 5

Sinterklaas is a traditional Dutch holiday celebrated in honor of Saint Nicholas. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands in mid-November on a ship from Spain, and he is greeted in various cities across the country. Children write letters to Sinterklaas, and on the night of December 5, he leaves gifts in children's shoes. This holiday is especially loved by children and is similar to Christmas.

 

Christmas (Kerstmis)

Date: December 25-26

Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated with family, featuring a traditional dinner that includes dishes like turkey or venison. The second day of Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag) is also a public holiday, when many families visit relatives or go for walks.

 

New Year (Oud en Nieuw)

Date: December 31 - January 1

The New Year's celebration starts with a family dinner, after which people go out to see fireworks and congratulate each other on the new year. There is also a tradition to jump into icy water on the first day of the new year (Nieuwjaarsduik), which is especially popular in Scheveningen.

 

Labor Day (Dag van de Arbeid)

Date: May 1

Although Labor Day is not an official public holiday in the Netherlands, it is marked by trade unions and organizations, who hold rallies and meetings dedicated to workers' rights.

 

Carnival (Carnaval)

Date: In February or March (dates depend on Easter)

Carnival is especially popular in the southern regions of the Netherlands, such as Limburg and North Brabant. This holiday precedes Lent and is celebrated with colorful parades, costume parties, and public festivities.

 

Saint Martin’s Day (Sint Maarten)

Date: November 11

This holiday is especially popular among children, who go from house to house with lanterns, sing songs, and receive treats. It's a sort of equivalent to Halloween but with more ancient Christian roots.

 

The Netherlands is a country with a rich cultural heritage and many unique traditions. Holidays here are often accompanied by family gatherings, fairs, and parades, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Knowing these holidays and participating in them will help immigrants better understand and integrate into Dutch society.

The Netherlands is a country rich in culture, history, and unique natural landscapes. Here are some of the best places and attractions worth visiting during your stay in this amazing country:

 

Amsterdam

- The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are the two main museums where you can enjoy the works of masters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

- Anne Frank House is a historical museum that tells the story of Anne Frank and her family, who hid during World War II.

 

Keukenhof

Located near Leiden, Keukenhof is the largest flower park in the world, especially famous for its tulips. In spring, the park transforms into a sea of colors, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world.

 

Zaanse Schans

This is a picturesque open-air museum village where you can see traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and workshops. Here you can learn more about traditional crafts such as cheese making and wooden shoe production.

 

Delft

A city famous for its blue-and-white ceramics and historical buildings. Here you should visit the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Prinsenhof — a museum dedicated to the history of William of Orange and his role in the Dutch struggle for independence.

 

Efteling

For families with children, this theme park is a must-visit. Efteling offers numerous attractions, including a fairy-tale forest where you can meet characters from fables.

 

Utrecht

Visit Castle De Haar — one of the largest and most impressive castles in the Netherlands. The city is also renowned for its cozy canals and the Gothic Dom Church with its high Dom Tower, offering magnificent views of the city.

 

Zandvoort

This is a popular resort town on the North Sea coast, where you can enjoy beach recreation and beautiful dunes. Zandvoort is also known for its racetrack, where Formula 1 races are held.

 

Gouda

The city known for its famous cheese offers visitors a historical cheese market and numerous museums. Additionally, you can see beautiful buildings here, such as the Gothic-style Gouda Town Hall.

 

These attractions offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making your journey through the Netherlands unforgettable.

Understanding the features of local etiquette and social norms in the Netherlands will help you integrate into the local community faster and avoid potential cultural misunderstandings.

 

Straightforwardness and honesty

The Dutch are known for their directness. They value honesty and straightforwardness in communication, so do not be surprised if your interlocutor expresses their opinion openly and without obfuscation. This is not considered rudeness but, on the contrary, a sign of respect and a desire to avoid misunderstanding. It's important to respond in the same manner — clearly and concisely express your thoughts.

 

Punctuality

Time is taken very seriously in the Netherlands. Being late for a meeting, especially a business one, is considered disrespectful. If you are invited as a guest, expect the hosts to be ready to meet you on time, and you should do the same. Planning meetings and events often occurs in advance, and unplanned visits are not encouraged.

 

Etiquette at meetings

When meeting unfamiliar people or in a formal setting, it is customary to shake hands. In a closer circle, especially among women, exchanging three kisses on the cheek (right-left-right) is practiced. If you feel uncomfortable, a handshake is perfectly acceptable.

 

Social equality

The Dutch place great importance on equality, whether between genders, ethnic groups, or social classes. Showcasing wealth or social status is not encouraged, and such displays may be met with negativity. This reflects a culture of equality and modesty that is deeply rooted in society.

 

Coffee culture and hospitality

Coffee plays a significant role in Dutch culture. If you are invited for coffee, expect to be offered not only a drink but also a treat such as a cookie or pastry. If you are hosting guests, it is customary to offer them coffee and something to accompany it. It is customary to bring a small gift to the hosts, such as flowers or sweets.

 

Discussion of Sensitive Topics

The Dutch are not afraid to discuss complex or sensitive topics, whether it be politics, religion, or personal issues. This is part of their culture of openness, known as "bespreekbaarheid" — the ability to discuss any topic. It is important that such discussions are conducted with respect and without excessive emotion.

 

These features of Dutch etiquette will help you better understand and adapt to life in the Netherlands, respecting local traditions and customs.

Local government in the Netherlands has a clearly structured and decentralized organization, which provides for effective management at various levels.

 

General Structure

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The state is organized as a unitary state, but with decentralized administration, meaning that much of the power is delegated to the local level, namely provinces and municipalities. The main levels of governance are the central government, provinces, municipalities, and water boards (waterschappen).

 

Provinces

The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, each with its own government. The province is headed by the King’s Commissioner (Commissaris van de Koning), appointed by the central government. The Provincial Council (Provinciale Staten) is elected by residents of the province and is responsible for developing regional policies in areas such as planning and environmental protection.

 

Municipalities

Municipalities (Gemeenten) are the basic level of local government. There are 342 municipalities in the Netherlands, each governed by a municipal council (Gemeenteraad), a mayor (Burgemeester), and a college of mayor and aldermen (College van Burgemeester en Wethouders). The municipal council is elected by the residents of the municipality every four years and is responsible for local policy and oversight of its implementation. The mayor is appointed for six years and plays an important role in maintaining public order and representing the municipality at the national level.

 

Water Boards

Water boards (Waterschappen) are a unique feature of the Netherlands, given the country’s geographical location and constant threat of flooding. These bodies are responsible for water management, flood protection, water quality maintenance, and wastewater treatment.

 

Functions and Powers

Local authorities in the Netherlands have significant autonomy in addressing issues related to housing construction, transportation, social services, education, and healthcare. They also play a key role in implementing national policies at the local level, making them an important link in the system of state governance.

 

This local government structure allows for effective management of the country, taking into account the interests and needs of residents at all levels.