Mentality
Sep 29, 2009
The Netherlands is a ‘self-service country’. The Dutch try to manage most things themselves, which makes them very independent and organized.
They take their own shopping bags to the supermarket, they weigh the vegetables themselves, they perform all kinds of repair jobs and, in the eyes of the Dutch, the best remedy for the flu is good rest and not immediately medicines.
Another distinctive characteristic of the Dutch people is their openness and direct manner of acting and speaking. You will notice that you can say exactly what is on your mind, as the Dutch are not easily offended.
Dutch society is organized in a non-hierarchical way. For example, teachers tend to be very accessible and true interlocutors for their students. You will be on familiar terms with everybody in almost no time.
Some typical Dutch expressions
- “We’re all equal"
- “One thing at a time"
- “It’s a Dutch treat (everybody pays for himself)”
- “All individual opinions are important"
- “Act normal and you’ll be acting crazy enough"