Do's and Don'ts
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- Respect a Dutch person’s personal space. Many value their physical and personal privacy.
- Engage in deep conversations with your Dutch counterpart if possible. People are generally open to converse about most topics. The Dutch enjoy discussing and rationally debating topics.
- The Dutch enjoy a good joke, so feel free to use humour when appropriate and if you’re comfortable doing so.
- In a shop or restaurant, people are expected to help themselves as much as possible before asking a service provider. Always show service providers the same level of respect you would show your friends. Many Dutch frown upon those who display a sense of superiority.
Don'ts
- Avoid displaying intolerance towards minorities or alternative lifestyles. This will likely lead to disapproval from your Dutch counterpart as many have a strong sense of tolerance.
- Do not ask a Dutch person how much they earn.
- Try not to make pretentious or boastful comments that give the impression that you see yourself as superior to others. Your Dutch counterpart is unlikely to appreciate this.
- Do not criticise the Dutch royal family without a strong justification. For many, the monarchy is considered to be the heart of the country.
