How To Be Polite in Dutch? 10 Ways to Be Polite to the Dutch

The Dutch are known for being overly direct and blunt to the point of being rude. Nevertheless, Dutch etiquette does exist. The main warning signs are listed below.

Table of Contents

1. Shaking hands

One of the customs and values that all foreigners must adopt in order to truly integrate into Dutch culture is shaking hands. The Dutch frequently shake hands. You enter a party full of strangers and are expected to shake hands and introduce yourself to everyone. When you return from vacation, you shake hands with your coworkers.

You will shake hands with everyone, including your doctor’s germs, your kids’ teachers, the salesman for the used car you’re buying, and, well, just about anyone. If you don’t shake hands with everyone right away, people will assume you’re a foreigner and probably a fundamentalist Muslim.

2. Tutoyeren

You will never get this right if you are from a nation without a formal way to say “you.” To keep things simple, everyone should be referred to as U, with the exception of your friends and children. Zeg maar “jij,” hoor is what they’ll say if they don’t like it. If you want to bribe someone into doing you a favor, using the word “U” excessively along with a lot of “mijnheer” or “mevrouw” is especially effective (like a grumpy council official).

3. Kissing

Naturally, expect to kiss a lot if you’re a woman (three times). If you dislike being kissed by your male coworkers, stay away from the office the days following the new year and on your birthday. Cheek to cheek contact is acceptable, according to Beatrijs Ritsema, a Dutch etiquette expert.

4. Hugging

Unless they’ve got that old university frat house thing going, Dutch men don’t hug, and when they do, there is typically enough room for a coach to pass through. These half-hugs are typically followed by apologetic pats on the back. Dutch women don’t always hug, though. If you’re unsure, avoid trying to hug someone.

5. Tea and coffee

No matter what time of day or night it is, always offer. Moroccan Mint must be among the many herbal tea flavors you offer.

Bonus points if you can plop a few sprigs of mint into a glass of hot water and have your own mint plantation. A good plumber won’t invite you for coffee because it will increase the cost of the job by at least €50.

6. Offer lots of biscuits

There is a misconception that Dutch people only provide one biscuit. That is untrue. A biscuit might not be provided at all. We like to believe that the origin of the “one biscuit” tale is the small cookie that is typically provided with your coffee at cafes. you didn’t order, which.

7. Alsjeblieft

Because they don’t always use the words please or alsjeblieft, Dutch people are frequently thought to be impolite. They don’t, but that’s just how language is; they shouldn’t. On her etiquette page, Beatrijs Ritsema once responded to a question from a man whose girlfriend wanted him to say alsjeblieft all the time by saying that it is acceptable if you are pleading, as in “please stop being unfaithful.” But asking for salt is just referred to as mag ik het zout?

However, liberally sprinkling your conversation with “please” can do wonders if you want to impress your Dutch friends with how polite you are.

8. Appointments

You shouldn’t just show up at a friend’s house uninvited and expect to be given a warm welcome. Appointments are typically made at least three weeks in advance by the Dutch. And if you are invited to a friend’s house and they begin cleaning up and preparing sandwiches for tomorrow’s lunch, you should realize it is time for you to leave. Find out what time you should arrive if you are invited to dinner. Although many of them do, the Dutch make jokes about eating promptly at 18.00 hours. Several times, we have made mistakes.

9. Shall I bring something?

You can be courteous and offer to bring something if you do receive an invitation to a meal or picnic. If this kind offer is accepted, don’t be shocked. There have been reports of requests for people to bring the meat. Additionally, it is customary in the Netherlands to not bring your hostess flowers or chocolates, but rather two bottles of prosecco to disguise your tendency toward alcoholism. Additionally, you won’t be able to consume it.

10. Special occasions

Birthdays have their own set of rules because they are so intricate.

Topic: How To Be Polite in Dutch? 10 Ways to Be Polite to the Dutch

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