culture

The Dutch culture

Did you know… about our culture?

Dutch people are the tallest in the world!

With an average height of 184cm for men and 170cm for women, Dutchies are the tallest people in the world. Scientists say this is due to their DNA,
nutrition and welfare and others say it is because they can’t stop drinking milk and eating cheese.

Dutchies love their coffee

Outside of Scandinavia, Dutch people are world’s biggest coffee drinkers. They drink no less than 140 litres of coffee a year on average. That’s 3.2 cups a day!

86% of Dutchies speak English as a second language

All Dutch kids learn English in school and visitors to Amsterdam are often impressed with the fluency with which the Dutch speak English.

 

 

culture

Cycling Culture

Whether it’s raining or sunny, the Dutch will be out on their bikes. It’s not only healthy and free, but it’s also part of the daily commute here.
Separate bike lanes which you can find literally everywhere, make it the perfect place to rekindle your love for cycling, without the constant fear of being run over.

Dutchies & Foreigners 

The Dutch are very open towards foreigners, especially in big cities. Dutchies are very open to small talk. And don’t worry about having to
speak Dutch. As said before, 86% of the Dutch has learned English as a second language.

Culture party: King’s Day

King’s Day is the national holiday when the Dutch celabrate the birthday of their king. King Willem Alexander was born on April 27, so naturally this day will be spend partying, walking around on fleamarktes, spending time on local fairs and the king and his family will visit several cities to say “hi”!

Quick and Easy Meals 

A typical Dutch dish usually contains potatoes, veggies and a piece of meat. Farmers used to eat these kind of meals, because they had to work hard on the land and needed a good meal for energy. Most Dutch people eat a simple sandwich for breakfast and lunch and like to start their dinner early (often between 5pm and 6pm)

Carnival

Dutch Carnival marks the start of the Christian fasting season of Lent. It’s celebrated on the sixth Sunday before Easter. The Dutch will dress up in funny costumes and party with friends and family

Sinterklaas

On the fifth of December, the shops will shut early and around 60% of Dutch households will settle down to celebrate Sinterklaas. The kids will get presents delivered in a burlap bag by the old Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) and his helpers.