Holland: Culture Shock

In the Netherlands you may be confronted with many new and unknown experiences. And it may not always be easy to keep an open mind. It may, in fact, be a real shock! We will provide you with a little more information on customs and etiquette. If you want to read more about this subject, take a look in '99 tips for dealing with the Dutch' (by Kaldenbach, 1999). The weather The Dutch spend a lot of time talking about the weather. Many conversations begin with: 'Nice weather, isn't it? Or: It just won't clear up, will it?' If you want to strike up a conversation with a stranger, talk about the weather: you can't go wrong. Many people complain about the weather, but most Dutch wouldn't want to live in another climate. Hello and good-bye Dutch people meeting each other for the first time do not usually wait to be introduced. They hold out their hand to shake, make eye contact, say their name, and listen for the name of the other person. Traditionally, the person who is older has higher status extends their hand first, but the younger or lower status person says their names first. If for some reason a lower status person extends their hand first, they will first ask permission to introduce themselves. In a growing number of situations, however, people behave as equals, so that names are often spoken simultaneously and no one hears them clearly. Punctuality Dutch people often keep track of the exact time. And, in general, they are punctual. If you are late, this irritates them very much. The Dutch equate not being on time with not being trustworthy, they can't count on you. A person who is late for a job interview will not be hired. Tip: always be on time. In the Netherlands, it is better to be ten minutes early than five minutes late. Coffee Coffee is an essential part of Dutch life. When the Dutch invite you to their homes, they often promptly serve you a cup of coffee or tea. Is this a hint that you should not stay too long? Quite the contrary: In the Netherlands, a steaming 'kopje koffie' is a hearty welcome. Dropping by unannounced The Dutch almost never visit each other without making an 'appointment' first. This includes close friends. Even a mother will phone her daughter to find out when it's convenient to come by. People almost never drop by unannounced. Getting straight to the point When the Dutch have to discuss a difficult topic, their usual approach is to plunge right into it. They hardly even take the time to sit and relax. They do not gradually work up to the difficult subject, but come straight to the point. To you this probably makes a blunt and tactless impression.//CHN university