Small-talk is very common and acceptable in big parts of The Netherlands. Especially the south and east regions, where the people are warmer and friendlier than in the west and less standoffish than in the north.
That depends on what kind of small talk you're talking about. Do you ask people that you do not know how they are, etc.? Because, while we do have certain small talk about the weather, or say hi to plenty of strangers, it's a completely different thing to ask other kinds of questions. Also, I am from the North and we are the kind of people to say hi to everyone when walking, cycling or in a boat; I find only people in the Randstad area generally a bit more standoffish than in the rest of the country.
@@ahmedmohammed5350 are you okay? 😂😂 Like I mentioned in this comment above; there’s a difference between small talk & ‘small talk’. You don’t ask strangers how they are, etc. but you can ask them other things, which indeed happens. But; many foreign visitors think about small talk the ‘how are you part’, which is obviously why I included it.
@@TheDutchcountryside Your response helps me, thanks. I was worried when you said "you don't ask someone how they are when you don't know them because truly, you don't care". Because I do care! I love talking to strangers. I was born in New York, where people love sharing crazy stories, jokes, pieces of personal wisdom, etc. with strangers. People will open up if they are having a hard day, hard year, etc. and personally I enjoy lending a kind ear; it makes my day more meaningful. Currently I live in the Midwest USA where strangers are too "polite" to enjoy interacting with each other beyond small talk. Here, people do ask "how are you" without caring. They seem afraid of being too real. I am planning to move to the Netherlands to live with my partner and I'm hoping it will be a bit more like New York than the Midwest.
@@TheDutchcountryside yes and you are right. The people in the west are always more stand off-ish. im from the north as well and confirm that people here are friendlier
Addition to point 5 : For people who want to travel very much with trains , buses etc there is also the ‘ob chipkaart’. It costs 7,50€ and you also can get it from the internet. I personally really like it , because I like how the Dutch trains are built up.(much better than in Germany) oh, sorry saw u saying that…To point 6: as a German who learns Dutch for 9 month now, it’s weird to think that y’all are speaking German 😅 It’s so much different, but many people can speak German .
Love You’re Videos … i Fall in love with the City of Maastricht 😍 it’s so funny That i lived only an 1 Hour Ride away in Germany and Never Visited this beautiful City before :) i‘m German and learning dutch, and I LOVE IT ❤️
Most frequently accepted credit cards are the VISA or the Mastercard. American express or Diner club you will find out will give you lots of headaches 😛
As a swede, salty licorice is fully normal for me. As in most other Nordic countries. 🙂. But i think the finns are the biggest fans of salty licorice of all.
That’s because you’ve got good taste in Sweden and the other Nordic countries💁🏼♀️😌 Yess, it seems like the Finnish eat the salted licorice the most and we eat the most licorice in general
True. I actually thought it's some weird Finnish thing and was surprised to hear it's normal in some other countries too. I'll have to try some Dutch ones when I visit that country.. 😄
I am embarrassed by people who don't have curtains, regardless of whether they want me to look in or not, because in my country everyone has curtains; there are sheer white ones that block the view in but don't block the view out, it's not rocket science (where I live). But hey, it's totally fine to have it your way, I can handle the embarrassment (and try not to look inside).
I realle enjoyed your video, it was so nice, I come from Spain and I've been living in The Netherlands for 10 months already (Im thinking about to settle down here) and by this kind of videos I learned a lot of how to do/dont a few things. I wanted to taste some of the Dutch cuisine so this video is gonna be a life savior for me, thank you. Also, my favorite city so far is Haarlem but I only visited North and South Holland and a little bit of Flevoland, i have a lot more to explore! :D
I’m glad you enjoyed it and have learned a few things :) I’m also happy that you enjoy living in The Netherlands; I’m curious to know how you would like the salted licorice (as many foreigners, except for scandinavians) despise it😅 Haarlem is a wonderful city, so I definitely understand why it’s your favourite so far!
@@Kazardas Ahh I see, we've got someone with excellent tastebuds here haha! Yes, let me know; I'm very curious (especially since you already like the regular licorice!). We also have double salted, which is my favourite.
@@TheDutchcountryside I finally tryed the salted licorice! It was good, not a really big fan of it but i dont mind to eat it time to time but not all the time hahaha
I Love the names of the cities and towns that many are the same but spelled different than new york, USA, since it was originally named New Amsterdam especially in brooklyn area.
I would not have titled this “What NOT to do in the Netherlands”, but something more like: “Things to know or keep in mind while in the Netherlands”. It sounds less judgmental. ....but well done, in any case! I’m sooooo glad you said that all of the Netherlands is not like Amsterdam. It’s like thinking all of California is like LA or San Francisco. Which incidentally many Dutch people have asked me about, i.e. “Have you seen many movie stars in California?”
Because I told you things you need to take in account when visiting and because there are cultural differences (as in every country you visit)? We don't bite, don't worry: you'll be fine. If you're anxious about the small talk; then just talk to people about the weather instead. That's basically one of the only ways that small talk is acceptable to people that you don't know. Enjoy your trip!
lol, just what I wrote to her. Who still dares to come here? She is a great advocate of not visiting, but guess she means it the other way around! Don't worry, relax. And may I require at least 5 dumb mistakes from you? Would that be doable? Lol, lol, lol. Manon is not a good representative of how the Dutch are. A bit too tight. Sorry, Manon, but it's bordering on ridiculous. Laugh a bit. Go tickle yourself if needed. You look like a rabbit in the headlights, waiting to be run over and left for dead. Go dance in your underwear, go piss in a fountain. Do something forbidden, for once in your life :)
@@gardenjoy5223 you obviously don’t know me, and I find it hilarious how you are only in the comments of the few that agree with you😂 There are tons of comments from people finding it useful, and here you are, thinking you know anything about my life, how I am and what I’ve experienced🤣 Look, if you can’t handle - or don’t like straight to the point information, then that’s okay: no hard feelings. But the way you’re getting a bit obsessed with my life and the way I look on a video is truly sad. I hope that (if you celebrate Christmas) your holidays were better than the way you sound💁🏼♀️
@@gardenjoy5223 oh sweetheart, you’re so caring aren’t you? 🤣 not everyone does things in the way that you like. Because frankly, my content is not for you then; and that’s okay. Plenty of other people do like it, which means it caters to them💁🏼♀️ I think it’s hilarious that you think that your opinion is the most important of them all.
I would love to visit The Netherlands to see where us South African ancestors are from. The video was great, most of the things said I knew just because it's very similar to being an afrikaner South African. Even the Dutch language we understand as afrikaners. Didn't know about the alarm, the orange king day and weapons. So I did learn something new.
You’re very welcome, I’m glad you’ve found it useful! Yess, I can guarantee you won’t regret trying some delicious lesser known beer; also try the La Trappe beer from Brouwerij Koningshoeven (you can go on a tour here or/and have a tasting) and beer from Brouwerij De Kievit. These two breweries are two of the twelve remaining breweries still led by monks in the world.
Hi everyone! I hope you're staying safe in these crazy times :) Here's a new video about things you shouldn't do in The Netherlands. I hope it's useful! Join me on a bike tour along the hidden tulip fields in The Netherlands in 2023: www.viator.com/tours/North-Holland/Bike-tour-along-Dutch-tulip-fields-in-Noord-North-Holland-with-a-Dutch-local/d26222-385146P1 You can now pre-order by 'Visiting tulip fields in The Netherlands' ebook, which is filled with 100+ pages of tulip fields tips; from history to exact routes in every region to the best places to stay. Only the first 100 people get a 40% discount, so be quick, it's not waiting around: visiting-the-dutch-countryside.myshopify.com/nl/products/ebook-visiting-tulip-fields-in-the-netherlands
As far as I'm concerned as a German and based on my experiences with the Dutch, it is indeed offensive to take for granted that all the Dutch speak German so I wouldn't speak German to them straightforardly. It's pretty much the same between Spain and Portugal. As long as you ask if they speak German, that shouldn't be a problem. You will probably be luckier offering English but many Dutchies speak German. Natuurlijk is het beter als je kan een beetje nederlands praten. Het geeft geen plaats in de wereld waar de mensen het niet leuk vinden, als je de taal probeerd te spreken.
Yess, exactly this! We all love it when people try to speak Dutch - and we definitely don't think anyone needs to be fluent. But the entitlement that some Germans seem to have when it comes to their language (in another country) is quite bizarre.
@@TheDutchcountryside Ik vind nederlands leuk en ben nu aan het leren. In mijn stad in Spanje ken ik twee. Als we samen zijn, spreken we vaak een mix tussen nederlands, duits, engels en spaans.
As an American who has lived in NL, you are 10X better off just politely asking "Do you speak English" instead of trying German. (I speak Dutch but I like to judge others English. Haha!)
"Het geeft geen plaats in de wereld". I find it very funny how you translate a typical German expression literally into Dutch (Es gibt kein...). In Dutch we would say 'Er is geen plaats in de wereld waar...' or 'Er bestaat geen plaats...' (literally in German: 'Da ist kein' or 'Da besteht kein'). These are funny differences which show you're indeed a German learning Dutch. 😉 Keep on the good work!
I would like to add that in most places its not allowed to smoke weed or drink alcohol in the open, in a park or so. Make sure it is allowed or you'll risk a big fine!
Drinking alcohol in public is generally more or less tolerated though, unless you’re disturbing people, etc. But you’re right and fines are definitely hefty in The Netherlands
@@TheDutchcountryside I live in The Haque; the fine is 230,- if you are caught drinking alcohol or have it with you, even if the bottle is closed. Smoking weed: same even if you are sitting on a bench in a park, or having a picknick. I had a ticket once; in the most cities its the same. They dont wait untill you are disturbing other people anymore.. ;-)
Here's another don't do in The Netherlands. Do not walk along the cycling trails from the opposite direction. Women wear short skirts, and you can see their under wears while cycling. I'm pretty sure 2 women said something bad to me about it, but I did not understand a thing. I was just following Google maps arrows, no ill intention, you can't memorize a "straat" name for more than 5 seconds.
Hiii, I’m learning stuff because I’m planning to visit my girlfriend! Of course I’m gonna learn from her! But I also want to do some research!! I’ll keep this in mind!! Thank you:33
@@TheDutchcountryside thank you so much!!! How can I be respectful to parents and my elders in Netherlands. What are ways that I can look out for danger? What are some manners I should know in Netherlands? Thank you once again! I
@@astroam0r So, it depends on the family what they do exactly when you meet them for the first time. 1. Often people shake hands when they meet for the first time, but considering the fact that you're going to visit her parents and elders that sometimes can be different. If they shake your hand, then it's simple as that. But if they go in for the cheeks, then you need to know that we do three kisses in The Netherlands. For men and women it's different; men kiss the women 3 times on the cheek (left, right, left)- not men (with men it's a simple handshake), whereas women kiss men and women 3 times on the cheek. 2. Ask whether you need to take your shoes off when you enter their house through the door. Some families don't mind shoes inside, but many do. 3. Some Dutch people will give you only one cookie for one cup of tea or coffee (again depends on the family) and might think you're greedy if you simply take more. 4. If you know a little bit of Dutch, then you need to know that in Dutch we say 'u' (meaning you) if we want to be formal (usually said to people that are older than you; so her parents, elders, etc.), instead of 'je' (also meaning you). This is what comes up in my head right now, if I think of something else, I will let you know!
@@astroam0r You will do great! Just be yourself and it'll be wonderful. The fact that you're learning stuff for your girlfriend etc. already speaks volumes (in a fantastic way).
by being uncareful and talking on the phone I got run over by a biker. given unspeakable curses, two broken ribs and a night at the local hospital... lesson learnt
Ohhh, this is really surprising to me! So, do you think if I approach a Dutch person and speak German to them, would it be as disgusting for that person as if I spoke English to a French one?
I would first ask that specific person whether they speak German or not. I notice that a lot of German visitors who come to The Netherlands never try to speak any Dutch, but just straight away start speaking in German and expect everyone to understand them. We don’t mind speaking other languages and helping people, but if you have the same sort of entitlement that some Germans seem to have, then many Dutch people think you’re rather rude yes. I think it’s more about basic politeness of asking first :)
Hello, Please explain why you say you live in the Netherlands and not I live in Holland? When I was young in the 70s I said I’m from Holland for instance. I remember taking food out of the little glass doors at the train stations hot deep fried foods was nice. My mother came to Canada after the war and then I was born. At Age 5 we moved back to Holland and I love these videos they bring back wonderful memories. I miss poffertjes,the most 😢 Bye stay well.
Hi! Of course, no problem. So, The Netherlands is the country and we have twelve provinces in the country. Of those provinces only two have the name Holland in them: Noord- Holland (where you can find Amsterdam and Haarlem) and Zuid- Holland (where you have Rotterdam and The Hague). Many people in The Netherlands do not like it that some people call it Holland, because frankly it's not the name (it was the name of the most powerful region for centuries, which is why it's often named that way) and it leaves the other 10 provinces out of it. And yesss, we still have those delicious fried foods in the sort of vending machines haha.Those are great memories to have! Thank you for the nice compliment! You can actually easily make poffertjes at home, even if you don't have a poffertjespan. I hope this helps! 😄
You seems so sure and just blunt when you explain these things. I actually did not benefit from this. There is not much truth to this. Especially, the tip part. No, the waitors do not get good money. Many of them work so hard and not appreciated. But when they get tips, that makes their day and gives extra money. The amount of bluntness in this video is just unbelievable 😂
There’s not much truth to it? 😂 So you should walk into the tulip fields? Public toilets are everywhere and free? We speak/ are German (not Dutch) ? You should walk on cycle paths? Restaurants kitchens are open until 00:00 and later? Etc. Are you serious?😂 Look, if you didn’t enjoy it; that’s fine; we all have things we don’t like; no hard feelings. But don’t spread lies dude. Also, for the tip part; like I said you can always tip & appreciated, but it is not expected and definitely no 20% is expected as in the US for instance. I do agree that - especially nowadays- waiters should get more money, as in higher wages. And I'm more than happy to pay a little extra on food and drinks if that means that waiters get a higher wage.
Dutch facts to set the record straight: - Small talk is not that big of a deal depending on the person. - Licorice is a personal preference, so start with whatever you like. - Eating out for dinner has no time indication, 17-20 pm would be normal. - How people view sex work in The Netherlands is divided, so let's not pretend there is an overall moral Dutch ethics regarding sex work. - Depending on the waiters of the restaurant they will check on you. - It's totally fine to not wear orange on Kingsday, not everyone in The Netherlands will wear orange, as not everyone agrees with The Netherlands being an constitutional monarchy or care about the king.
#2. Can you recommend a good beer besides Heineken and amstel? I am in zuid limburg with Brand and Gulpener. Those are lekker. Anything else local? Bedankt allemaal
Brand and Gulpener are great beers yes! In Limburg there are quite a few small and bigger beer breweries, that sell their beer in many bars and restaurants. You can try: Grand Prestige, Nog eine dan (from De Brouwschuur), Gouverneur, Ur-Hop, Visioen, Hertog Jan Tripel, Klinker Dubbel, Euleteul Zomer, Venloosch Alt, etc. There are lots of them!🙌🏻
Haha I can imagine that. It seems a bit weird to me; talking about the weather is a normal thing here for instance, but not those kind of 'intruding' questions.
@@TheDutchcountryside yeah you should see it a look on a person's face when you really tell him how you're doing lol. They're like. Why are you telling me this? Hahaha
OK so if I would not be living in NL already I would definitely not want to go there after watching this. It felt like a lecture from a teacher. Don't do this and don't do that and you have to wear orange. Ecuse me "dat maak ik zelf wel uit" and not everyone is into the royal family and celebrates King's Day. Also weed is not dangerous. You can't overdoze on weed. If you consume too much of it you'll get sick and throw up or you just need a couple of hours of sleep to feel sober again. The Netherlands is great place and Dutch people are friendly and tolerant and won't hate you for asking them " how are you". Oh yeah and try riding a bike in Berlin, Paris or any other big city. That's dangerous. Why do you think German tourists wear bike helmets. Because riding a bike is way more dangerous there than in NL. I assume she wasn't being pretentious on purpose but my authority issues got triggered hahahaha
Each to their own- many people thought it was helpful and didn’t feel as triggered as you (probably depends on personalities etc.), but that’s okay! :) I do find it funny that you’re watching a video that says ‘things you should not do in The Netherlands’ - but then go on a rant that you don’t want to be told what to do😂 Also; no one says that everyone is into King’s Day or the Royal family. And if you took one second to look in the comments you’d know what I meant with the ‘how are you’ part. But, I do hope you’re enjoying NL so far💁🏼♀️
Hi, thank you! Quite a few shops are taking credit cards nowadays and that has definitely been sped up a bit in some places due to covid (so people don’t have to touch each others money etc). But many small shops don’t, and they either accept a Dutch ‘debit’ card or cash. So, not a general debit card, but only a special Dutch card that follows the maestro or V pay network. The general debit card uses the mastercard or visa system and that is not the case here and cannot be used on those systems. You can use a debit card in shops that accept visa and mastercard payments.
@@TheDutchcountryside OK thanks so much for the reply your video has given me the travel bug to come and see your beautiful and I intend to bring my Brompton folding bike... do you think that’s a good idea or am I better of hiring one when I get there?
I’m so glad to hear that! You can definitely bring a folding bike (it’s easy to take it in trains, trams and busses). But you will also be fine without one (depending on where you’re thinking of visiting, as not every village or town has a bike rental place, and folding bikes can’t be rented everywhere either)
That's one thing that annoys me about England aka my own country when u go into a shop and people start asking how are you I pm thinking mate I just want to get in and out of the store
Hahah, I get that. Whenever I visit the UK it's the first thing that always catches me off guard as it feels so fake and intruding (I know it's a simple greeting, but still, it feels different for me haha).
@@TheDutchcountryside Manon, you actually scare people away! What did you do? Follow a LOI course on tourism and now your are the tourism police? This is not healthy anymore.
@@gardenjoy5223 what?😂😂😂 No, I did not follow an LOI course, I’m simply stating things and am giving people tips. If they want to do something with it -or not, is their choice. The fact that you feel so attacked by me simply stating useful things says more about you than me.
Don't come to Amsterdam, we don't need your visit. It is too crowded and you will only see other tourists and tourist traps. The money that you will spent here only goes to multinational Arab companies. We don''t get a cent and are thrown out of this once beautiful centre of freedom and respect. Now it is a cash cow with shareholders from Egypt to Dubai. Go to there. It is much more needed. Please!!!
@@TheDutchcountryside Als het je goed staat! Maar ik zie er niet uit in die kleur! Zal ik dan voortaan op die dag met een oranje vlaggetje gaan wapperen? 🤣
Hahaha, met oranje vlaggetjes wapperen, een Nederlandse vlag om je nek hangen en schminkvlaggetjes over je hele gezicht, kun je met een gerust hart Koningsdag vieren😆
Just because prostitution is the oldest "profession" in history doesnt make it right. If thats even true. You have no argument. Its a disgusting seedy business. Ga gewoon normaal werken ergens. Liever WC's schoonmaken. Have some self respect. Stop normalizing it on your platform. Nice video though :)
'Nice video though :)', after disrespecting sex workers, dude no. Get out. 'Have some self respect', this says a whole lot about you and your attitude towards sex workers, and not in a good way. I will never stop with normalising sex work on my platform and you can most certainly leave if you don't like it: I won't miss you. People can do whatever they want with their bodies: if you don't want to do sex work, don't do it, but don't demonise people who do sex work just because you don't think it's right.
Het is naar mijn idee toch echt een kwestie van vraag en aanbod. Als er geen vraag naar het 'product' is, is er ook geen aanbod. Beter het aanbod reguleren dan het in de illegaliteit laten verdwijnen. Meeste mensen die vragen naar en gebruik maken van het 'product' zijn naar mijn idee mannen, dus richt je disrespectvolle woede op hun!
