8 Things the Dutch find Rude (2024)

FAQs

8 Things the Dutch find Rude? ›

Compared to most cultures, the Dutch are reserved in public and do not often touch each other, they maintain the proper distance, and do not use exaggerated gesticulations. However, having your hands in your pockets might be interpreted as a sign of disinterest.

Compared to most cultures, the Dutch are reserved in public and do not often touch each other, they maintain the proper distance, and do not use exaggerated gesticulations. However, having your hands in your pockets might be interpreted as a sign of disinterest.

Dutch people are usually very open, friendly and welcoming. In the Netherlands, only parents and children live together. In general, they do not live with grandparents, aunts, and uncles. During meals, Dutch families usually share their adventures of the day. In Dutch homes, all family members share chores.

Dutch people are known for their spirit of commerce, open-mindedness towards people from different countries, international ambitions and innovative ways of thinking. The ideal place for international education.

Avoid Arrogance: Dutch people dislike arrogance, so avoid coming across as superior or boastful. Humility is appreciated, and displaying arrogance may lead to negative perceptions. 2. Show Tolerance: The Netherlands is known for its tolerance towards ethnic minorities and alternative lifestyles.

The major examples of Taboo include incest, murder, cannibalism, the dead, and adultery.

It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum. Knock before entering a room if the door is shut. Standing with your hands in your pockets can be considered impolite. Compliments are usually given in private directly to the person that deserves them.

The Dutch consider it rude not to identify yourself. The Dutch will shake hands and say their last name, not "Hello." They also answer the telephone with their last name. It is considered impolite to shout a greeting. Wave if greeting someone from a distance.

In Dutch, the cultural division between North and South is also referred to by the colloquialism "below/above the great rivers" as the rivers Rhine and Meuse roughly form a natural boundary between the Northern Dutch (those Dutch living North of these rivers), and the Southern Dutch (those living South of them).

When it comes to building relationships, the Dutch like to take things slow and move with caution. As a result, it might take several weeks or months of dating before two people officially call themselves a couple. And once they do develop a serious relationship, marriage isn't necessarily on the cards.

What do Dutch people value? ›

Freedom, equality and solidarity are very important in the 'Grondwet'. The Netherlands has also signed up to international human rights treaties (such as the European treaty for Human rights) which also encompass these values. In the Netherlands, you are responsible for making a living.

The Netherlands is a liberal country with a progressive outlook, and Dutch people are characteristically straightforward, pragmatic, and tolerant.

Most Dutch guys are pretty direct and straightforward. If you're not in constant contact with this person (i.e. a classmate, colleague or already friend), you will probably meet, end up chatting/drinking the night away, he will offer to bring you home and go in for the kiss (if not already happened).

No religion (58%) Catholicism (17%) Protestantism (13%) Islam (6%)

1. Poffertjes. Probably one of the most famous Dutch dishes, Poffertjes are small pancakes, baked in an iron skillet, and traditionally served with melted butter and dusted with icing sugar. You can enjoy these all year round, but Christmas and New Year are typically the best times to have them.

Direct approach

Dutch people do not beat around the bush and will often speak their minds. This can seem rather rude and almost feel insulting to foreign people (e.g: 'I have read you report and it is awful').

Manners in the Netherlands

Dutch people always watch the clock and are very punctual. If you have been invited but are running late, let the other person know. The Dutch have a diary for appointments, which they call “agenda.” In general, they are unlikely to drop by uninvited or to expect you to drop by uninvited.

- Slim to athletic build with an active lifestyle and balanced diet. - Fair skin with a tendency to burn rather than tan due to the northern latitude and cloudy weather. - Straight or narrow nose and facial features resembling Germanic or Nordic ancestry. - Large head and pronounced cheekbones.

Verbal, direct and open

The Dutch are highly verbal communicators. Precise communication is important to them and they have a dislike for vagueness. They tend to put their whole message into words and will assume you to do the same. Don't expect a Dutch person to read between the lines!