Learn the quirks and charms of living in the Netherlands! From tulips to bicycles and birthday calendars, explore 12 surprising aspects of Dutch life.
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12 Surprising Things I Have Learned About Life in the Netherlands
When you think of the Netherlands, what comes to mind?
Tulips, windmills, and bicycles?
After living here for years, I realize there is so much more to this fascinating country.
The Netherlands is a delightful mix of practicality, quirkiness, and traditions that might leave you scratching your head—or falling in love with their charm.
Here are 12 surprising things I have learned about life in the land of tulips and canals.
1. Bedtime Is Sacred for Kids
Dutch parents take bedtime seriously; children here are usually tucked in by 7 p.m. sharp.
The reason?
It is still a mystery, but I suspect it is to give parents some well-earned quiet time.
Imagine the streets eerily quiet by early evening—it is an unusual sight if you are used to kids playing outside until sunset.
When I first moved here, I found it strange—why such an early bedtime?
However, then, I realized how peaceful the evenings are, with parents unwinding while their kids sleep soundly.
I have come to admire this parenting habit.
2. Birthday Celebrations Start in the Bathroom
Forget party invites—the Dutch keep track of birthdays with a bathroom calendar!
This calendar, hanging in nearly every restroom, lists family and friends’ birthdays, ensuring no one is forgotten.
My first encounter with one baffled me, but now I appreciate its practicality.
After all, who does not need a reminder while brushing their teeth?
I will always remember walking into a friend’s house’s restroom and seeing my name on the calendar.
It felt oddly touching—a sign that I had been embraced into their world.
3. The Dutch Have a Love-Hate Relationship with the Mountains
The Netherlands is famously flat, but the Dutch adore mountains.
They will name towns after them, like Zevenbergen (Seven Mountains), even when the “mountains” are just speed bumps!
Their longing for peaks is both endearing and amusing.
Once, while visiting Zevenbergen, I asked a local where I could find the mountains.
They laughed and said, “You are looking at one right now!”
It was a speed bump.
The Dutch creativity never ceases to amaze me.
4. One Cookie, Please
Do not expect a lavish spread when invited to a Dutch home.
Guests are typically offered one cookie with their tea or coffee.
Taking a second might raise eyebrows and a third?
You are officially bold!
It is not stinginess—it is just their way of keeping things modest and under control.
During my first Dutch visit, I naively reached for a second cookie and immediately noticed the silence in the room.
Lesson learned—one cookie is the unspoken rule.
5. Clean Streets, Clean Conscience
Keeping the streets spotless is almost a national pastime in the Netherlands.
Throwing out garbage requires a special card for designated bins, and breaking garbage-sorting rules can land you a hefty fine.
It is a deeply ingrained habit, and neighbors will quickly call you out if your garden or balcony needs to be updated.
One morning, I found a broom placed neatly at my doorstep after a particularly windy night scattered leaves from my garden.
It was a gentle nudge from my neighbor—cleanliness here is a shared responsibility.
6. Kids Start Working at 13
Dutch kids learn responsibility early.
By 13, they can do simple jobs, like stacking shelves or handing out flyers.
By 15, they are working as cashiers or servers.
It is about earning money and learning the value of hard work and independence.
A teenager I know proudly told me how she saved up for her first bike, saying, “It is mine because I earned it.”
It is inspiring to see such a strong work ethic fostered so young.
7. Honesty Over Politeness
Dutch people are known for their blunt honesty.
At first, it can feel shocking, but over time, you realize it comes from a place of trust.
Whether it is your messy hair or cooking skills, they will tell you exactly what they think.
While refreshing to some, it is a cultural quirk that can take some getting used to.
Once, a cashier told me I looked “tired” after a long day of travel.
I was unsure whether to laugh or cry, but they were honest.
I have learned to embrace their straightforwardness as a sign of respect.
8. The Bicycle Is King
Bicycles rule the roads in the Netherlands, and the entire infrastructure is built around them.
The Dutch can carry everything on their bikes, from groceries to furniture.
Rain or shine, you will see cyclists navigating the streets with impressive skill.
It is not just transportation—it is a way of life.
One unforgettable sight was a man riding his bike while balancing an entire Christmas tree.
Moments like these make you appreciate the Dutch commitment to their bikes.
9. Quarrels with Neighbors Are an Art Form
Neighbors in the Netherlands take their disputes seriously but handle them methodically.
Even a TV show, Rijdende Rechter (Traveling Judge), mediates neighborly quarrels.
From loud music to barking dogs, there is a formal process for everything—talk it out first, then escalate to mediation if necessary.
My friend once parked on a patch of lawn for a quick errand.
The following day, we found a ticket and a note politely suggesting we stick to the driveway.
Dutch neighborly conflicts are handled with structure and surprising civility.
10. Dutch Fashion Is Practical, Not Flashy
Style in the Netherlands revolves around practicality.
Waterproof jackets and sturdy sneakers replace high heels and designer outfits.
Shopping at secondhand stores is common, and Dutch women embrace a natural look with minimal makeup.
It is a refreshing break from fashion’s often demanding standards.
Seeing a TV host in sneakers and a raincoat was a cultural shock and a breath of fresh air.
It is empowering to see fashion focused on function rather than form.
11. Hygiene Habits That Surprise
The Dutch have a relaxed attitude toward hygiene.
Washing hands after coming home or before eating is only sometimes a priority, and shoes inside the house are daily.
It is all about building immunity, they say.
However, their homes are impeccably clean, and you rarely see dust.
At first, I found it strange that doctors do not wash their hands before an appointment, but now it feels oddly normal.
Somehow, it is part of their broader philosophy of practicality.
12. A Unique Way to Handle Marriage
The Dutch offer three types of legal relationships: marriage, registered partnerships, and cohabitation agreements.
Each comes with different rights and responsibilities.
For example, cohabiting couples can agree on finances and property—no wedding bells are required.
This pragmatic approach reflects the Dutch love for simplicity.
When I asked a Dutch friend why they had not “officially” tied the knot, they responded, “Why complicate what works?”
This sentiment perfectly captures their approach to life.
Final Thoughts: The Charm of Dutch Life
Living in the Netherlands has been filled with surprises, quirks, and heartfelt moments.
From their obsession with bicycles to straightforward honesty, the Dutch have taught me to embrace practicality and find beauty in simplicity.
Life here is anything but ordinary, which makes it so unique.
Which Dutch custom do you find the most fascinating?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us celebrate the uniqueness of this beautiful country!
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