About Dutch Culture

Dutch culture (of the Netherlands) is very diverse.  There are cultural differences within the Netherlands because of the four regions that make up this country. The regions are divided into counties, provinces and cities.  Foreigners who have come to live and work in this country have helped to broaden the Dutch culture, also.

The Role of the Family

Family is very important.  Families who have children usually choose to have one or two.

Most of these families have two parents working outside of the home.

Other Values

Children go to daycare during the day. Primary school for all children begins at age four in the Netherlands.  

• Cleanliness and neatness are important.
• Saving money, being organized and working hard are also valued.
• They are very punctual people.  Being even five minutes late is not acceptable.
• Dutch people like their privacy.
• They do not boast of success or material wealth.
• Dutch people are accepting of others.
• They like to hear other people’s opinions and treat others with respect.
• A good education and successful performance at school are important.  Many children go on to further education after high school.

What Images Do You Think Of?

The Netherlands and Dutch people bring to mind such things as wooden shoes, windmills and dikes.  We may think of the traditional clothing or folk tales about Hans Brinker and his silver skates.  Other pictures that remind you of the Netherlands might be fields of colorful tulips in spring time.  You might have heard about Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who kept a diary during WW II.  This diary was later published and is known throughout the world.    

Online Dutch lessons for kids: dinolingo.com