@@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands Indeed, a couple people have mentioned this one, and it is certainly something I should have noted. It’s a big one. Thanks for the reminder. Volgende keer. 😃
Hi Mike. Dutch grandpa here. I loved your remark about the connection between Dutch and English language. My granddaughter was 3 years young and in daycare she has a 3 yr older sister that is quite good at her iPad and she had learned English from UA-cam kids channels and helped the younger one. On the daycare there came an English girl and my granddaughter started talking English. Our daughter was called to the daycare women and that woman requested our granddaughter would stop talking English. The little ones comment.. "She only says it a bit different, but she means the same." It's quite true Dutch and English are sibling languages I understood. There are complete sentences written and meaning the same. Making learning Dutch language a bit more simple ... know how Dutch notations are pronounced... you will be surprised with Dutch words sounding like English and meaning the same and the other way around. Both languages have influences from parts of other languages but are still close.
@@dikkiedik53 What a lovely story. Children can be so pure; it is really beautiful. What you say about the links between the two languages is certainly true. Further evidence of the fact that we have more in common than what separates us. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story. ❤️
Both languages belong to the Germanic language family. Also both Dutch and English are since the Viking days heavily influenced by the Nordic language and many words the same or very similar.
Just a few weeks ago, a tourist asked me: "Kunt u mij de weg naar het station vertellen?" Clearly an English accent (Canadian as it turned out), but obviously very proud they were able to remember the sentence. As I do like joking around a bit, I told them: "Die kant uit, bij de tweede brug rechtsaf, alsmaar rechtdoor en u loopt er zo tegenaan." The utter confusion on their faces was priceless 😂 We all had a good laugh and they were indeed quite happy I was able to show them the way in English. I don't mind speaking English at all, but I do like it if people try to speak Dutch (and I'm always willing to help them to do it correctly). If you want to try some cannabis, by all means, please GO to a coffeeshop. There they can help you find what you want. Don't (I repeat: DO NOT) buy it on the street. And especially if you're not used to it, don't mix with alcohol. Be responsible. You don't want to end up in a canal.
@@AbeIJnst It’s irresistible, isn’t it? Teasing the tourists. 😂 Thanks for making the other point about buying cannabis. I should have added that to my DO NOT list. Buying drugs on the street is asking for trouble. And ending up in a canal is a distinct possibility. I understand that it happens a lot in Amsterdam.
@ I agree with no. 3. I don’t agree with your no. 2: I call people who say they hate people who call it Holland, hypocrites. The fact that the government started a campaign in 2020, saying that we should start calling it the Netherlands, while most of the countries websites, yes - even government websites - still mentioned Holland, is just nuts.
Wel eens 'stilgestaan' hoe jij een geïmporteerde mens geboren in de VS, noemt, een "Amerikaan" zielig persoon. Waar maak je je druk om ? In mijn Moederland Engeland, it' still Holland here!
Yeah, but Dutch cyclists tend to hog the bike lane when they're in a group. It's normal to ride side by side and socialise without regard for oncoming traffic or other cyclists who want to overtake and it's also quite normal to not get onto the sidewalk with their bike when they happen upon someone they know and want to have a chat.
As an ADHD Dutchie... - chronically late for unknown reasons - I can confirm, my fellow Dutchies are 'not amused' with this behavior 🙄😅 Also, the person in the comments about, if you want to try weed, go to a coffeeshop and DO NOT EVER buy of the streets! Let the people behind the counter inform you and DO AS TOLD. So no drinking with smoking etc. One 'Dutch rule' I personally really dislike is the 'you get 1 cookie with a cup of coffee' and 'It is time for us to go eat😬' (meaning : you have to go now)
I'm from the southeast of the country, and I'm always amazed how FEW people in Amsterdam speak Dutch anymore! Finding someone who speaks Dutch there is truly a challenge these days!
One more piece of advice for Americans specifically (that also applies to the rest of Europe). Try to lower your volume a notch, especially in public transport, and in restaurants and cafes. What seems a natural volume to you, is often perceived as too ‘loud’, and that is usually not appreciated as it interferes with the conversation of others or even their own ‘quiet space’.
The Dutch really are very loud in public though,they talk very loudly in restaurants etc so I really dont get your point here.I know Americans are loud too but the Dutch are on a par
Quite a number of fellow countrymen do not know -- or are purposely ignorant, because some of the same people use the term all the same when cheering on Oranje with Hup, Holland, Hup -- that Holland is perfectly acceptable colloquial synonym for The Netherlands. Holland is what is known as a pars pro toto (a part for the whole). Ironically enough, inversely America is what is known as a totum pro parte (the whole for a part)
@@forkless Absolutely. And I can tell you, Canadians don’t always take kindly to the term “America” when used as a synonym for the “United States…”. Thanks for your comment. 😃
@@mariadebake5483 You're free to disagree with me, however the fact is that both pars pro toto and totum pro parte are linguistic styleforms -- used in either language.
@@mariadebake5483Why do you disagree? Because the Dutch government decided on January 1, 2020 that they should rebrand Holland to the Netherlands, mainly because Amsterdam is overcrowded by tourists? Does the government really believe that tourists will no longer flock to Amsterdam if they rebrand the name of what we should call the country?
As for #6 - a gesture is nice but I think we even appreciate it more if you are punctual. I guess you could call it agenda-driven but I also wonder about how much it has to do with the fact that we don't really like surprises. Number #7 absolutely true. And for #8 - so glad you pointed this out. It's so silly how much people just don't think about this. It's not only about trains but when ever entering through a door: first let the people out before going in.
@@meticulousgeek Thanks for your comment. I should have mentioned the punctual part because that is absolutely true…more important than brining wine 🍷 or flowers. 💐 Thanks again for watching and commenting. 👍
I really love the relaxed way you're explaining the don'ts about the Netherlands. In general it's all true. But if I speak for myself. If someone visiting me, it is not necessary to bring a gift. I actually wonder if it is common to bring a gift. Of course it is appreciated when it's the first time. And yes you are totally right about Amsterdam. It's a nice city, but the most for the tourist. Amsterdam is certainly not the example of truly Dutch. Have a nice day and a happy new year.
I very often call the Netherlands Holland, it has such a nice nostalgic vibe. And indeed: walking or standing in the bike-lane makes me furious. I see you are living in Haarlem, so do I.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 As they should! Those bike lanes are bicycle highways. I remember riding to school on those through morning rush hour; it can be a struggle not much different from what happened on the A2. Well, before they installed trajectcontrole :)
The "Holland" mistake is not only to blame on foreigners, the country itself used it till very recent in their tourist info. If i remember correctly the term Holland has been removed in 2008 or so.
The thing with rule 1 is that being in you native country and having to speak english is kinda weird. Its like your being forced to do something. There is no issue with speaking english to build bridges with english speakers, but sometimes it just feels off. Rule 2 is also very important, and it extent more then you think. I had americans say upon mentioning I am dutch, that "they love the danish.", which obvious is quite insulting, as denmark and the Netherlands are 2 different countries. I was polite in correcting them and then he was like :"well they are all nordic countries, so what does it mather?"... We are not a nordic country either. We are western european, the netherlands, nederlanders is how you should call it. dutch was actually a slur from the english, because they couldnt make a difference between germans aka deutsch, and the people in the lowlands, the english lost a bunch of wars to us and they started to call us german basicly. And it stuck somehow. Well rant over.
@@chinchillatwitch7234 Thanks for weighing in. I hear you. And regarding your unfortunate encounter with Americans, well, there’s no excuse for their ignorance. Embarrassing really. I appreciate the rant. 😊
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I welcome anybody who wants to come to the Netherlands. Mather of fact, I had several american friends visiting me. While the history of the english speaking world isnt kind to the dutch, I would never hold that against a single person like you. For example, did you know that you had a dutch president in the US that could barely speak english (Van Buren)? Did you know that your declaration of indepedence is just a copy and paste of ours? There are allot of contributions the dutch made to the world that are kinda being erased, while bad stuff gets highlighted. That being said, you are not responsible for any of that. You seem like a good person, just wanting to make youtube video's. Thank you.❤
@@chinchillatwitch7234 The Dutch have made many contributions to the United States…and to the world at large. The list of inventions alone is extraordinary…not to mention the dozens, nay, hundreds of Dutch words that have made their way into the English language. Despite all the videos I make about the differences in the two cultures (which I find fascinating), I fundamentally believe that we are more alike than different. Thanks again for your comments.
As a Dutchman i can relate to your observations. However i want to add 11# Don't talk about how much you make for a living . It is just not polite i think !
Indeed Mike, don't go to Starbucks. The way they treat their staff and pull out all the stops to keep the unions out, horrible. By the way, you now have officially entered my personal top 3 of youtubers 🎉 The other two are automotive: Simon Fordman and Sarah 'n' Tuned. As always looking forward to your next video 🤠🚍
It's very Dutch of you Mike to mention that Amsterdam isn't the best representation of the entire country. 😉 I think the Netherlands is a country that is definitely worth a visit, but we don't have massive mountains or jungles or anything impressive like that. But I think it's more a combination of being able to cycle everywhere(which makes a lot of visitors feel like a kid again+the freedom) and us funny, tall, weird Dutchies(or that's what I just tell myself 😂) that makes it an interesting place to visit. Oh another don't is littering, I think most Dutch people find it important to keep the streets clean and livable. (I mean we even pick up our dogs sh*t 😂) Thanks for another good one Mike. 😊🌷
@@BabzV Thanks, Babs. “Do not litter” is an important don’t and worth mentioning, so I’m glad you brought it up. You are so right about the feeling of freedom and being a kid again when cycling. My friend from London insists that we go cycling every time he visits. I can still remember when we rented electric bikes (a first for both of us) in Texel, and we were laughing like giddy children. It felt like riding a magic carpet. Not that I’ve ever done that. Without a doubt, the Netherlands is an interesting place to visit (and live). It never ceases to delight and amaze me. 😃
Don't brag, don't show off, don't do drugs, don't be drunk on a street, or in a car. Don't be late. Never call the country "Holland". Don't lie out of politeness, that is actually very rude. So do not ask "how are you" if you do not want to know...etc..
Especially the “don’t lie to be polite”. We poke right through that and really don’t like it! Way more worse than walking in a bike lane!!! Our directness doesn’t mean being rude it means knowing what theoretical person really wants and really getting to know the other person. We don’t care about “fake”…
"Dont be drunk on the street." This is illegal in the Netherlands for a fact. Even if you walking drunk through the street, you can be fined for public drunkness, or go to jail for participate in traffic while being drunk (yes walking and the bike makes you part of the traffic). Its rare for the police to enact on these laws, but it does sometimes happen.
I think the reason that most people of other countries know the Netherlands as Holland is because of our international trade history. Back in the voc days we had ships all over the world and they (and the people on board) came from our big harbors which are in N and S holland
@@mavadelo Yes, I suppose it is a forgivable offense. 😊 “Holland” could be considered a term of endearment. Certainly, there’s no harm intended by the well-meaning people who use the word. It’s akin to saying “America” instead of “United States…”. I have encountered Canadians who bristle at the use of “America” for “U.S.A.” I am reminded of a line of the poet poet John Lydgate, later adapted by Abraham Lincoln: “You can’t please all of the people all of the time”.
Calling the Netherlands Holland is not such a big deal, at least to me. We just dropped the nickname in 2020, so it’s okay if people in other countries haven’t caught up yet. In fact, in some of those countries the only name for ours is usually a variation on Holland.
I remember having an American guest who stayed for a longer period of time. She was unable to use her phone in Europe. She had to buy a new SIM card. At the time that was possible to do anonymously. Nowadays I think you need a Dutch address. Not sure. So, I wonder how Americans can use their phone in Europe nowadays.
@@ronaldderooij1774 You got me there. I have a friend visiting from the States in April who is expecting to use his phone while he’s here. Hmmm. 🤔 I’ll have to look into it.
Really? Hmmz my American ex gf was able to use her phone just fine. She was from Georgia, maybe it depends on which State their from, a different provider maybe?
@@adriaanwijkhuijs9908 Hi Adriaan 😉 (I noticed your image of Haarlem’s iconic windmill). I have good memories of Holland, Michigan. I went there on a class trip when I was a kid. I still can’t believe we rode 11 hours in a school bus from Maryland to Michigan! Our teacher was named Mr. Slenk and was of Dutch descent. 🇳🇱 🇺🇸
@@dianesgardeninspiration Thanks, Diane. I do hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit. Mind you, I would love to visit California again. Such a beautiful state. Palm trees, sunshine, friendly people. What’s not to love? ❤️😃
Nice vid again. Don't park your bicycle in front of the neighbors window. Don't block the sidewalk ( rolstoelgebruikers en kinderwagens). Did you find the Rolstoelsteeg already, in Haarlem? When you walk into the Vomar (comes from Voordeel Markt) supermarket from the Paul Krugerkade side and look, after you passed the draaideur, to the right on the wall, you will see how the Nelson Mandelapark ( originally it was called Paul Krugerpark) area looked like when it still a scheepswerf from Stork/Holland Nautic. You also see the water around it ( Paul Krugerkade/ Werfstraat).
I 've started not automatically speaking English anymore ... I am Dutch and I am very fond of the language. I like all languages, but Dutchone happens to be mine. And I come to the point that I get a sense of being disrespected when, in what I consider to be my territory, I have to express myself in a language other than that belonging to that territory only because a 'stranger' does not want to go through the same trouble of dealing with the world than I do. That's fine with me, but do that on your own turf. If you plan to stay in this part, be respectful and learn the language. When in Rome, act like the Romans and not like some provincial ... I know, very undutch, but I hope to have compensated this by being blunt.
I do not think we can blame tourists to name our country Holland, as our own gouvernement have sold our country as Holland for decades. It is only since this centrury the rest of the Netherland demanded to be included. And I know that most of America does not wants to be compared with NYC. I get rather annoyed with the "walking on the bike lane" comments by mainly Americans.... try to walk in the USA.... anywhere (you seldom find a sidewalk outside the citiescentres), you will be hooped at.... you just do not walk in the USA, you drive. What if we would all walk as tourists on the streets in the USA... as a bike lane is part of the street!! I have been to the USA and if you just show up at a door, you are NOT welcome.... you alsways have to call up first.... and then they also tell you if you are welcome. We just plan a lot more. MOst of the things you mention are so normal..... it has to do with respect for others!! ooh and Amsterdam is not the Netherlands... a lot of Americans think Amsterdam is a city in Sweden that is close to Spain, just shy of Greece.....
I think we are actually on the same page (maybe not). I certainly did not intend my video to be a criticism of the Dutch. On the contrary, my video is intended for tourists, including Americans, who may wish to visit the Netherlands so that they can do so in a respectful manner. If you watch my videos, I think you will find that I celebrate the country I have chosen to make my home for the past 22 years.
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 l think in most we are on the same page, but l think it should not be necessary to tell people they should not walk on the streets. Bike lane like bus lane are part of the street. People are so selfish and stupid. That remark l made about Amsterdam being in Sweden and so on, was what l experienced in the US as a visiter from another world.....not for nothing we are called alien in the USA. Make me think of the movie Aliens.....we do not look alike...
I'm originally from the very south of the Netherlands, near Maastricht, which is not only geographically different from Holland, its history is also different: only after 1815, after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte its history coincides with Holland's, until then it was more the history of what we call today Belgium. So it would annoy me if someone would say I'm from Holland.
Thank you. I appreciate your comment, especially because a number of people have said that it makes no difference. I am fully aware of the fact that it DOES make a difference to some. p.s. - I love that region of the Netherlands. Maastricht, in fact, ranks as one of my favorite cities. I have visited several times.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Thank you. Yes, Maastricht has a very different vibe as Amsterdam. The influence of the french occupation by Louis XIV is still noticable. Nowadays I live in Amersfoort another beautiful city.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1: Yes that is the same here in this little Country. From North to South there are many different Accents, but not in Friesland, that is a real Language...😄
I did enjoy your video. Just a few thoughts: you forgot in the city list: Den Haag (government, International Criminal Court, geat beaches but do not expect b;lue waters, etc) and Rotterdam (biggest port in Europe, second in the world after Singapore I believe). P.s. there is a small town in the south ot The Netherlands that is called America... last makes me think.... "Holland" is as wrong as "America" because America is not a place nor a country, the closes you come to is The America's. Last, Amsterdam has a lot to offer for toutists who are willing to walk 30 min, take a 10 min bike ride outside the touristy areas. Go to a local "brown" cafe that is NOT in a guidebook.
@@ErikNowhere Thank you, Erik. Excellent tips. I agree with what you say about “Holland” and “America”. Once when crossing the border into Canada, a group of us American tourists were asked where we were coming from. Some responded, “America”. We were sharply told: “That is not an acceptable response to that question”. Ouch! But, hey, it’s true. You’re the second person who has mentioned the small town of “America”. I am intrigued and look forward to checking it out. 😊
Number6: Please do not bother to bring something, when you visit someone. Yes, some cookies or such would be appreciated, but it is not a requirement at all, and I would be sad if it becomes one.
@@tubularap It’s an appreciated gesture according to most etiquette guides: “Don’t assume you can stay for dinner, unless this was explicitly mentioned when you received the invitation. In this case, it’s polite to bring your host something small, like a box of chocolates, some flowers or a bottle of wine.” 🍫 💐 🍷 www.cursor.tue.nl/en/news/2023/augustus/week-4/new-in-the-netherlands-etiquette/#:~:text=Paying%20someone%20a%20visit&text=Don't%20assume%20you%20can,or%20a%20bottle%20of%20wine
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 - Considering the invitation is for dinner I can see that bringing something is appropriate. When just popping in for a short casual visit, one can come empty-handed.
@ I’ll take that as a compliment…haha. Several people have commented on my soothing voice. I never gave it much thought. But I suppose it’s an antidote to this sometimes frenzied world we live in. Glad to have eased you into sleep. Slaap lekker. 💤 😊
Don't say "Holland" to someone from Friesland. And certainly not in the city of Dokkum. Someone has lost their life there before by disrespecting the Frisians.
9:16 out of politeness and valuing otherone's time. I schedulesd to meet up with YOU, so no one can or will interrupt that, I reserved time just for YOU, not interlopers
Best reaction I can give is this, how do Dutch call someone from the USA? Tell me? I lived in Colombia, but how can we call a person from the USA? Tell me!
@@cirrus1964 I would say the accepted term is “American”. However, it is worth noting that Americans live in “the United States of America” or “the USA”…not “America”. Meanwhile, the Dutch are Dutch, and the Colombians are Colombian. 😃
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 It's sort of silly satire. Dutch America is in the south, while the language of the song is flat north-east. They are comparing Limburg with a far foreign culture but it's 200 km away.
Hmm, Not call the country Holland? If you go to an international soccer game, nobody in the stadium will root for the Dutch National team and shout "The Netherlands, The Netherlands." They will all be shouting "Holland, Holland". So I guess, when it comes to soccer, we Dutch can call our country Holland!
That is certainly true. Still, the official name of the country in English is “The Netherlands”. I hope to have informed my American compatriots accordingly. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment. 👍
@@petervanderwoude6316 I’m not so sure. I am by no means an authority on the subject, but I read this (from August 2024): “Dropping the ‘the’ and using just ‘Netherlands’ is grammatically incomplete…. Using ‘the Netherlands’ properly ensures clear and respectful communication, honoring both the geographical and historical identity of the nation”. Yet another great debate. 😂
I would like to add: Be aware of the vibe in the place you are, and if its rather quiet and tranquil, keep your voice down. I dont what it is with Americans, maybe they are not used to public transportation or other shared spaces. But man... you guys can be loud... And its not that you guys just dont care, I dont believe that. Most Americans I meet, especially in the US itself are very friendly and warm people. Its more like that Americans tend to be less aware of their immediate social surroundings? The other day I was in a museum in Amsterdam and these three women were practically shouting at each other.... I mean, like I said, I think they clearly were not aware at all how obnoxious that is. Maybe its also a cultural thing, that Americans are trying much harder to sound confident or whatever, I dont know, but it really is a thing unfortunately. Now The Netherlands is absolutely nothing like Japan where making any noise at all in public transporation is a complete faux pas, it more depends on the situation. But at some point you got to wonder if half the people on the train really want to hear every word of your conversation ;-) . And sure, Dutch people do it too sometimes, especially when its a couple of young lads going in to town and clearly had a few beers already, but that sort of fits the vibe of a weekend night, so then its somehow not as annoying. So, pretty hard to explain correctly. Its not being loud per se, its just more about being loud in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Euhh... cities in Holland, Amsterdam, Haarlem en Leiden and not Rotterdam? You don't make friends. 11th thing you should never do is forgetting Rotterdam. LOL
@@KelgeriaGames Haha. In my defense, I did say “and others”. I didn’t intend to list every city and town in the two Holland provinces, but I promise to do better next time. 😞
Thank you, Mike. In person classes are likely best. @Babzv, I love Duolingo and have recently added Dutch to start learning. I have to say, though, some of the phrases in Dutch are funny 😁 and different from the other languages I have been studying. For example, "Perdon, ik ben een appel," or "De appel spreekt een beetje Nederlands," meaning "Excuse me, I am an apple," and "The apple speaks a bit of Dutch." 🍎 🍏 😄
It seems that opinions are divided, so it’s better - in my opinion - to err on the side of caution and call the country by its chosen name. Not too much to ask, methinks. 😊
I am a fan... but it seems that you have a verry narrow vision of our country. Almost every aspect is aimed at, what we call, the Randstad. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden, The Haque.... But the Netherlands is so much more, the south, the north, the east. And you do notihng with that. If you really want to explore our country... visit Groningen (the North), Maastricht (the South), Den Bosch en especially Nijmegen during the Summerfestivities.
He mentioned those parts as well though. But it makes sense that he speaks from his personal experience, and his personal experience is in the region of Haarlem. But I agree with you on the gorgeous other parts we have here in the Netherlands. I'm originally from Zuid-Holland but have been living in Limburg for over 20 years and it is such beautiful province. But also Groningen, Nijmegen like you mentioned, absolutely lovely cities. 😊
@@paulusbexkens4392 Thanks for saying so. Actually, in this very video, I encourage tourists to get outside of Amsterdam and visit the countryside in the south and north. I mention Friesland, as an example, and also Texel. I’ve been many times to Groningen, Maastricht, Den Bosch and Nijmegen. In fact, they rank as some of my favorite places in the Netherlands. Still, I take your point to heart and will aim to be more inclusive. 😃
@@BabzV I love Limburg! Absolutely beautiful! 🌳🐄🌳🐑🌳 But it’s true what you say. I speak largely from my own experience of living in Haarlem all these years. 😃
I guess you could call me a rule-breaker…in the very spirit of the Dutch. 🤠 I mention that attribute here: ua-cam.com/video/Hita-hyUHuU/v-deo.htmlsi=5ypJn-6AqvagnGyk
I dont agree with ' dont walk in the bike lane' theory. We all walk in the bike lane. We all cycle on pedestrian paths. Some people find it annoying, but we all do it. Just remember to not hinder either in their habitat.
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 no worries. I hear it often, and i think the problem is that visitors are notor less aware of what a bike lane is and what it means. But there are many bike paths without sidewalk. We will use it to walk on. Its also normal to ring the bell if u want to pass. Theres always a small group that will complain, but ringing the bell in itself is not
@@austinpowersfasjer The bell is normal, I know. I once borrowed a bike without a bell (!). Terrible trying to negotiate a busy pedestrian street (without a bike path- i.e. 'fiets te gast') when you don’t have a 🛎️
Holland or Netherlands ... who cares, but then ... I'm not living in Friesland. Don't be afraid of bicycles, but treat them as any mode of trafic. So when you need to step on the bike lane, watch left and right to see if you don't step in front of a bicycle. You can walk on the bike lane, but you're not supposed to hinder trafic. I was halted by an American because I wanted to pass a couple of pedestrias that stood on the sidewalk by stapping of it and pass them. That really pissed me off. Never do that!
@@framegote5152 That’s a good tip: always look left and right before stepping onto a bike lane. So true! Don’t assume that the bikes are coming from only one direction. Thanks for your comment. 👍
@ I’m going to be direct to them and tell them that they used to call it Holland themselves until a couple years ago the government started to change that. Look at the number of people carrying scarves and flags that mention Holland with national events and European and world championships. They also sing or sang “hup Holland hup”. If they hate it now they are hypocritical.
people on the interwebs have started calling our country " Netherlands". Maybe because The Ukraine and The Argentine have dropped the definite article. Whatever, I prefer Holland. Really, who cares what the provincials think.
I suppose “Netherlands” (without the article) is equivalent to “Nederland”. I’m assuming you live in Noord-Holland or Zuid-Holland since your preference is for “Holland”. What do I know? I’m just a gringo living in kikkerland. 🐸
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I’m from Zeeland. Didn’t say I was right. Just stated my preference. The whole thing started some years ago with people from the south feeling underappreciated and taking this Holland thing as their hill to die on. We changed the name. Do you think they feel any better? Of course not.
@ All preferences and opinions are perfectly welcome. I don’t have especially strong feelings about the matter. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. 🌹 Just thought I would set the record straight regarding the official name of the country.
Nobody in Nederland speaks dutch the wordt mains Duits whe are Nederlanders Duitland is is the counrty oost of us and dont say germany becausse there are 95 mil ho wil disagree whit you in that country
@@albertkassenaar7735 I get your point, Albert. But considering the fact that I am speaking English and addressing potential tourists who may wish to visit the Netherlands, it is quite correct of me to say that the people here speak “Dutch”. 😉
No... the word does not mean Duits and yes.. every Dutch person speaks Dutch. Both the Cambridge and Oxford dictionary give: belonging to or relating to the Netherlands, its people, or its language.
Number one of the list should be: Do not be LATE.
@@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands Indeed, a couple people have mentioned this one, and it is certainly something I should have noted. It’s a big one. Thanks for the reminder. Volgende keer. 😃
Hi Mike. Dutch grandpa here. I loved your remark about the connection between Dutch and English language. My granddaughter was 3 years young and in daycare she has a 3 yr older sister that is quite good at her iPad and she had learned English from UA-cam kids channels and helped the younger one. On the daycare there came an English girl and my granddaughter started talking English. Our daughter was called to the daycare women and that woman requested our granddaughter would stop talking English. The little ones comment.. "She only says it a bit different, but she means the same." It's quite true Dutch and English are sibling languages I understood. There are complete sentences written and meaning the same. Making learning Dutch language a bit more simple ... know how Dutch notations are pronounced... you will be surprised with Dutch words sounding like English and meaning the same and the other way around. Both languages have influences from parts of other languages but are still close.
@@dikkiedik53 What a lovely story. Children can be so pure; it is really beautiful. What you say about the links between the two languages is certainly true. Further evidence of the fact that we have more in common than what separates us. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story. ❤️
My nieces and nephews even grow up with 3 languages as soon as they entered primary school
@@frisianmouve Really remarkable. Kids are a force to be reckoned with. 😊
Both languages belong to the Germanic language family. Also both Dutch and English are since the Viking days heavily influenced by the Nordic language and many words the same or very similar.
@ So true. There are dozens of English words of Dutch origin: from Aardvark to Yankee! 👍
Just a few weeks ago, a tourist asked me: "Kunt u mij de weg naar het station vertellen?" Clearly an English accent (Canadian as it turned out), but obviously very proud they were able to remember the sentence. As I do like joking around a bit, I told them: "Die kant uit, bij de tweede brug rechtsaf, alsmaar rechtdoor en u loopt er zo tegenaan." The utter confusion on their faces was priceless 😂 We all had a good laugh and they were indeed quite happy I was able to show them the way in English. I don't mind speaking English at all, but I do like it if people try to speak Dutch (and I'm always willing to help them to do it correctly).
If you want to try some cannabis, by all means, please GO to a coffeeshop. There they can help you find what you want. Don't (I repeat: DO NOT) buy it on the street. And especially if you're not used to it, don't mix with alcohol. Be responsible. You don't want to end up in a canal.
@@AbeIJnst It’s irresistible, isn’t it? Teasing the tourists. 😂 Thanks for making the other point about buying cannabis. I should have added that to my DO NOT list. Buying drugs on the street is asking for trouble. And ending up in a canal is a distinct possibility. I understand that it happens a lot in Amsterdam.
What a beautiful background..you live in that house?
@@Bert_96 Thank you, Bert. Indeed, I have lived in and loved this little benedenwoning (c. 1901) for 20+ years. I love old Dutch houses.
Nr 2: I hate it when they call our country Holland.
Nr 3: Standing on the bike lane is a horrible sin.
@@PieterBreda Thank you, Pieter. The sin of standing in the bike lane is sometimes punishable by death! 😂
@ I agree with no. 3. I don’t agree with your no. 2: I call people who say they hate people who call it Holland, hypocrites. The fact that the government started a campaign in 2020, saying that we should start calling it the Netherlands, while most of the countries websites, yes - even government websites - still mentioned Holland, is just nuts.
Wel eens 'stilgestaan' hoe jij een geïmporteerde mens geboren in de VS, noemt, een "Amerikaan" zielig persoon. Waar maak je je druk om ? In mijn Moederland Engeland, it' still Holland here!
Yeah, but Dutch cyclists tend to hog the bike lane when they're in a group. It's normal to ride side by side and socialise without regard for oncoming traffic or other cyclists who want to overtake and it's also quite normal to not get onto the sidewalk with their bike when they happen upon someone they know and want to have a chat.
Or be heavenly sweared at.... 🫣
Nice to listen to your insights.
About planned social contact: in more rural regions it is usual to stop by spontaneously. Harlem is not the 'norm' 🙂
@@AmelieVeenstra Thank you, Amelie. It’s good to get a broader perspective, so I appreciate your comment.
As an ADHD Dutchie... - chronically late for unknown reasons - I can confirm, my fellow Dutchies are 'not amused' with this behavior 🙄😅
Also, the person in the comments about, if you want to try weed, go to a coffeeshop and DO NOT EVER buy of the streets!
Let the people behind the counter inform you and DO AS TOLD. So no drinking with smoking etc.
One 'Dutch rule' I personally really dislike is the
'you get 1 cookie with a cup of coffee' and
'It is time for us to go eat😬' (meaning : you have to go now)
@@viev1054 Ah, yes, I forgot about the “koekje erbij” custom. Thanks for your comment. Now, hurry along…so you won’t be late. 😊
I'm from the southeast of the country, and I'm always amazed how FEW people in Amsterdam speak Dutch anymore! Finding someone who speaks Dutch there is truly a challenge these days!
That's typical Amsterdam. It doesn't count😂
@@peterkeijsers489 So true. Amsterdam is an anomaly.😃
Welnee
@@joris-zuphert Meneer 'IK-weet-het-beter'....
@@peterkeijsers489 ik woon er
One more piece of advice for Americans specifically (that also applies to the rest of Europe). Try to lower your volume a notch, especially in public transport, and in restaurants and cafes. What seems a natural volume to you, is often perceived as too ‘loud’, and that is usually not appreciated as it interferes with the conversation of others or even their own ‘quiet space’.
Well said. It is important to be mindful of others. 😊
The Dutch really are very loud in public though,they talk very loudly in restaurants etc so I really dont get your point here.I know Americans are loud too but the Dutch are on a par
Quite a number of fellow countrymen do not know -- or are purposely ignorant, because some of the same people use the term all the same when cheering on Oranje with Hup, Holland, Hup -- that Holland is perfectly acceptable colloquial synonym for The Netherlands.
Holland is what is known as a pars pro toto (a part for the whole). Ironically enough, inversely America is what is known as a totum pro parte (the whole for a part)
I totally agree.
@@forkless Absolutely. And I can tell you, Canadians don’t always take kindly to the term “America” when used as a synonym for the “United States…”. Thanks for your comment. 😃
@@forkless I absolutely disagree
@@mariadebake5483 You're free to disagree with me, however the fact is that both pars pro toto and totum pro parte are linguistic styleforms -- used in either language.
@@mariadebake5483Why do you disagree? Because the Dutch government decided on January 1, 2020 that they should rebrand Holland to the Netherlands, mainly because Amsterdam is overcrowded by tourists? Does the government really believe that tourists will no longer flock to Amsterdam if they rebrand the name of what we should call the country?
As for #6 - a gesture is nice but I think we even appreciate it more if you are punctual. I guess you could call it agenda-driven but I also wonder about how much it has to do with the fact that we don't really like surprises. Number #7 absolutely true. And for #8 - so glad you pointed this out. It's so silly how much people just don't think about this. It's not only about trains but when ever entering through a door: first let the people out before going in.
@@meticulousgeek Thanks for your comment. I should have mentioned the punctual part because that is absolutely true…more important than brining wine 🍷 or flowers. 💐 Thanks again for watching and commenting. 👍
I really love the relaxed way you're explaining the don'ts about the Netherlands. In general it's all true. But if I speak for myself. If someone visiting me, it is not necessary to bring a gift. I actually wonder if it is common to bring a gift. Of course it is appreciated when it's the first time. And yes you are totally right about Amsterdam. It's a nice city, but the most for the tourist. Amsterdam is certainly not the example of truly Dutch. Have a nice day and a happy new year.
@@AdvdW Thank you so much. I appreciate your encouraging words. Thanks for watching and commenting. All the best to you and yours in 2025. 😊
By the way, some Dutch people consider "Fries" as their native language.
@@jaccovermeulen2762 Not to mention “Friet” and “Patat”. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. 🤪
You're not wrong, good video!
@@VlankeBla Thanks so much for watching. And thanks for your comment. 😊
Thank you for your great and insightful video. Everything you've stated is 100% correct!
@@Weener927 Thanks so much for saying so. 😃
I very often call the Netherlands Holland, it has such a nice nostalgic vibe. And indeed: walking or standing in the bike-lane makes me furious. I see you are living in Haarlem, so do I.
@@mdeleeuw6272 We’re lucky ducks, aren’t we? Living in Haarlem like we do. 😊
I espcially enjoyed the "ting!" on the bikelane :) That was epic.
@@TheHighlander71 Those “tings” are epic! Haha. They scare the living daylights out of me! 🚲
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 As they should! Those bike lanes are bicycle highways. I remember riding to school on those through morning rush hour; it can be a struggle not much different from what happened on the A2. Well, before they installed trajectcontrole :)
@@TheHighlander71 I’ve witnessed the bike rush hour…gaggles of kids hell-bent on getting to school on time. It’s a sight to behold! 😮
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I can imagine. These days they're all battery powered as well!
@@TheHighlander71 Indeed. Like bats out of hell on those battery-powered super bikes with fat tires. ⚡️
The "Holland" mistake is not only to blame on foreigners, the country itself used it till very recent in their tourist info. If i remember correctly the term Holland has been removed in 2008 or so.
The thing with rule 1 is that being in you native country and having to speak english is kinda weird. Its like your being forced to do something. There is no issue with speaking english to build bridges with english speakers, but sometimes it just feels off.
Rule 2 is also very important, and it extent more then you think. I had americans say upon mentioning I am dutch, that "they love the danish.", which obvious is quite insulting, as denmark and the Netherlands are 2 different countries. I was polite in correcting them and then he was like :"well they are all nordic countries, so what does it mather?"...
We are not a nordic country either. We are western european, the netherlands, nederlanders is how you should call it.
dutch was actually a slur from the english, because they couldnt make a difference between germans aka deutsch, and the people in the lowlands, the english lost a bunch of wars to us and they started to call us german basicly. And it stuck somehow.
Well rant over.
@@chinchillatwitch7234 Thanks for weighing in. I hear you. And regarding your unfortunate encounter with Americans, well, there’s no excuse for their ignorance. Embarrassing really. I appreciate the rant. 😊
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I welcome anybody who wants to come to the Netherlands. Mather of fact, I had several american friends visiting me.
While the history of the english speaking world isnt kind to the dutch, I would never hold that against a single person like you.
For example, did you know that you had a dutch president in the US that could barely speak english (Van Buren)? Did you know that your declaration of indepedence is just a copy and paste of ours? There are allot of contributions the dutch made to the world that are kinda being erased, while bad stuff gets highlighted.
That being said, you are not responsible for any of that. You seem like a good person, just wanting to make youtube video's. Thank you.❤
@@chinchillatwitch7234 The Dutch have made many contributions to the United States…and to the world at large. The list of inventions alone is extraordinary…not to mention the dozens, nay, hundreds of Dutch words that have made their way into the English language. Despite all the videos I make about the differences in the two cultures (which I find fascinating), I fundamentally believe that we are more alike than different. Thanks again for your comments.
Thank you Mike 🎉
As a Dutchman i can relate to your observations. However i want to add 11# Don't talk about how much you make for a living . It is just not polite i think !
@@MrSinsummer That’s a good one. I’m with you. It’s distasteful, at best. 👍
Indeed Mike, don't go to Starbucks. The way they treat their staff and pull out all the stops to keep the unions out, horrible. By the way, you now have officially entered my personal top 3 of youtubers 🎉 The other two are automotive: Simon Fordman and Sarah 'n' Tuned. As always looking forward to your next video 🤠🚍
Thank you, as always, Gert for your unwavering support. It is much appreciated and gives me the boost I need to keep going. 😊
It's very Dutch of you Mike to mention that Amsterdam isn't the best representation of the entire country. 😉
I think the Netherlands is a country that is definitely worth a visit, but we don't have massive mountains or jungles or anything impressive like that.
But I think it's more a combination of being able to cycle everywhere(which makes a lot of visitors feel like a kid again+the freedom) and us funny, tall, weird Dutchies(or that's what I just tell myself 😂) that makes it an interesting place to visit.
Oh another don't is littering, I think most Dutch people find it important to keep the streets clean and livable. (I mean we even pick up our dogs sh*t 😂)
Thanks for another good one Mike. 😊🌷
@@BabzV Thanks, Babs. “Do not litter” is an important don’t and worth mentioning, so I’m glad you brought it up. You are so right about the feeling of freedom and being a kid again when cycling. My friend from London insists that we go cycling every time he visits. I can still remember when we rented electric bikes (a first for both of us) in Texel, and we were laughing like giddy children. It felt like riding a magic carpet. Not that I’ve ever done that. Without a doubt, the Netherlands is an interesting place to visit (and live). It never ceases to delight and amaze me. 😃
Don't brag, don't show off, don't do drugs, don't be drunk on a street, or in a car. Don't be late. Never call the country "Holland". Don't lie out of politeness, that is actually very rude. So do not ask "how are you" if you do not want to know...etc..
@@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands All good “do nots”. Definitely enough to warrant a follow-up video. Thank you for sharing them. 👍
Especially the “don’t lie to be polite”. We poke right through that and really don’t like it! Way more worse than walking in a bike lane!!! Our directness doesn’t mean being rude it means knowing what theoretical person really wants and really getting to know the other person. We don’t care about “fake”…
@ That’s right, Cynthia. 👍 Precisely the points I made in this video: ua-cam.com/video/AYRuIbfHnzs/v-deo.htmlsi=0nVx-7q7VOvG9hSr
I you do like that we are all happy 😂
"Dont be drunk on the street." This is illegal in the Netherlands for a fact. Even if you walking drunk through the street, you can be fined for public drunkness, or go to jail for participate in traffic while being drunk (yes walking and the bike makes you part of the traffic).
Its rare for the police to enact on these laws, but it does sometimes happen.
I think the reason that most people of other countries know the Netherlands as Holland is because of our international trade history. Back in the voc days we had ships all over the world and they (and the people on board) came from our big harbors which are in N and S holland
Holland was then still a single province.
That could well be the case. Thanks for providing a bit of background. 😊
Hallo!There are also debet cards!!!Instead of the creditcard.Also usable in the public transport(bus/tram/train etc)
@@jooproos6559 True. I love that I can use my debit card in the bus/train/tram now. 🚌 🚆 🚊
Tbf most of us really don't care about the use of Holland (I am Utrechter myself) but we appreciate it when people use the correct name.
@@mavadelo Yes, I suppose it is a forgivable offense. 😊 “Holland” could be considered a term of endearment. Certainly, there’s no harm intended by the well-meaning people who use the word. It’s akin to saying “America” instead of “United States…”. I have encountered Canadians who bristle at the use of “America” for “U.S.A.” I am reminded of a line of the poet poet John Lydgate, later adapted by Abraham Lincoln: “You can’t please all of the people all of the time”.
Calling the Netherlands Holland is not such a big deal, at least to me. We just dropped the nickname in 2020, so it’s okay if people in other countries haven’t caught up yet. In fact, in some of those countries the only name for ours is usually a variation on Holland.
I remember having an American guest who stayed for a longer period of time. She was unable to use her phone in Europe. She had to buy a new SIM card. At the time that was possible to do anonymously. Nowadays I think you need a Dutch address. Not sure. So, I wonder how Americans can use their phone in Europe nowadays.
@@ronaldderooij1774 You got me there. I have a friend visiting from the States in April who is expecting to use his phone while he’s here. Hmmm. 🤔 I’ll have to look into it.
Really?
Hmmz my American ex gf was able to use her phone just fine.
She was from Georgia, maybe it depends on which State their from, a different provider maybe?
Hi Mike How are your memories of your remarks Holland US
@@adriaanwijkhuijs9908 Hi Adriaan 😉 (I noticed your image of Haarlem’s iconic windmill). I have good memories of Holland, Michigan. I went there on a class trip when I was a kid. I still can’t believe we rode 11 hours in a school bus from Maryland to Michigan! Our teacher was named Mr. Slenk and was of Dutch descent. 🇳🇱 🇺🇸
Great tips! If I ever visit I will definitely have to rewatch this video. 🇳🇱❤️🇺🇸
@@dianesgardeninspiration Thanks, Diane. I do hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit. Mind you, I would love to visit California again. Such a beautiful state. Palm trees, sunshine, friendly people. What’s not to love? ❤️😃
Hilarious and so true! Thanks for making me laugh, Mike!
@@CarpeDiem-gi3yz My pleasure. I had fun with this one. 😊
Nice vid again. Don't park your bicycle in front of the neighbors window. Don't block the sidewalk ( rolstoelgebruikers en kinderwagens). Did you find the Rolstoelsteeg already, in Haarlem?
When you walk into the Vomar (comes from Voordeel Markt) supermarket from the Paul Krugerkade side and look, after you passed the draaideur, to the right on the wall, you will see how the Nelson Mandelapark ( originally it was called Paul Krugerpark) area looked like when it still a scheepswerf from Stork/Holland Nautic. You also see the water around it ( Paul Krugerkade/ Werfstraat).
@@gerhard6105 Thanks, Gerhard. Those are some good “don’ts”. Maybe I will record another video at some point with some more “thou shall nots” 👍
Spot on! You're a dear.
@@evanherk Thank you for watching, and thank you for the encouraging comment. ❤️
I 've started not automatically speaking English anymore ... I am Dutch and I am very fond of the language. I like all languages, but Dutchone happens to be mine. And I come to the point that I get a sense of being disrespected when, in what I consider to be my territory, I have to express myself in a language other than that belonging to that territory only because a 'stranger' does not want to go through the same trouble of dealing with the world than I do. That's fine with me, but do that on your own turf. If you plan to stay in this part, be respectful and learn the language. When in Rome, act like the Romans and not like some provincial ...
I know, very undutch, but I hope to have compensated this by being blunt.
Thanks, Marius. I hear you loud and clear, and I get where you’re coming from. It makes perfect sense to me. 👍
I do not think we can blame tourists to name our country Holland, as our own gouvernement have sold our country as Holland for decades. It is only since this centrury the rest of the Netherland demanded to be included.
And I know that most of America does not wants to be compared with NYC.
I get rather annoyed with the "walking on the bike lane" comments by mainly Americans.... try to walk in the USA.... anywhere (you seldom find a sidewalk outside the citiescentres), you will be hooped at.... you just do not walk in the USA, you drive. What if we would all walk as tourists on the streets in the USA... as a bike lane is part of the street!!
I have been to the USA and if you just show up at a door, you are NOT welcome.... you alsways have to call up first.... and then they also tell you if you are welcome. We just plan a lot more.
MOst of the things you mention are so normal..... it has to do with respect for others!!
ooh and Amsterdam is not the Netherlands...
a lot of Americans think Amsterdam is a city in Sweden that is close to Spain, just shy of Greece.....
I think we are actually on the same page (maybe not). I certainly did not intend my video to be a criticism of the Dutch. On the contrary, my video is intended for tourists, including Americans, who may wish to visit the Netherlands so that they can do so in a respectful manner. If you watch my videos, I think you will find that I celebrate the country I have chosen to make my home for the past 22 years.
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 l think in most we are on the same page, but l think it should not be necessary to tell people they should not walk on the streets. Bike lane like bus lane are part of the street. People are so selfish and stupid.
That remark l made about Amsterdam being in Sweden and so on, was what l experienced in the US as a visiter from another world.....not for nothing we are called alien in the USA. Make me think of the movie Aliens.....we do not look alike...
I'm originally from the very south of the Netherlands, near Maastricht, which is not only geographically different from Holland, its history is also different: only after 1815, after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte its history coincides with Holland's, until then it was more the history of what we call today Belgium. So it would annoy me if someone would say I'm from Holland.
Thank you. I appreciate your comment, especially because a number of people have said that it makes no difference. I am fully aware of the fact that it DOES make a difference to some. p.s. - I love that region of the Netherlands. Maastricht, in fact, ranks as one of my favorite cities. I have visited several times.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 Thank you. Yes, Maastricht has a very different vibe as Amsterdam. The influence of the french occupation by Louis XIV is still noticable.
Nowadays I live in Amersfoort another beautiful city.
@ Amersfoort! Another favorite. You certainly know how to pick beautiful places to live. 🏡
English with an Accent: That is what most Dutch People speak...☺️💬
@@dittedatte8046 Even I speak English with an accent, according to some Americans, who detect a slight Southern twang. 🤔
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1:
Yes that is the same here in this little Country. From North to South there are many different Accents, but not in Friesland, that is a real Language...😄
@ It really is remarkable how much diversity there is here. ❤️
I did enjoy your video. Just a few thoughts: you forgot in the city list: Den Haag (government, International Criminal Court, geat beaches but do not expect b;lue waters, etc) and Rotterdam (biggest port in Europe, second in the world after Singapore I believe). P.s. there is a small town in the south ot The Netherlands that is called America... last makes me think.... "Holland" is as wrong as "America" because America is not a place nor a country, the closes you come to is The America's. Last, Amsterdam has a lot to offer for toutists who are willing to walk 30 min, take a 10 min bike ride outside the touristy areas. Go to a local "brown" cafe that is NOT in a guidebook.
@@ErikNowhere Thank you, Erik. Excellent tips. I agree with what you say about “Holland” and “America”. Once when crossing the border into Canada, a group of us American tourists were asked where we were coming from. Some responded, “America”. We were sharply told: “That is not an acceptable response to that question”. Ouch! But, hey, it’s true. You’re the second person who has mentioned the small town of “America”. I am intrigued and look forward to checking it out. 😊
2:36 the so called tourist traps..
Number6: Please do not bother to bring something, when you visit someone.
Yes, some cookies or such would be appreciated, but it is not a requirement at all, and I would be sad if it becomes one.
@@tubularap It’s an appreciated gesture according to most etiquette guides: “Don’t assume you can stay for dinner, unless this was explicitly mentioned when you received the invitation. In this case, it’s polite to bring your host something small, like a box of chocolates, some flowers or a bottle of wine.” 🍫 💐 🍷 www.cursor.tue.nl/en/news/2023/augustus/week-4/new-in-the-netherlands-etiquette/#:~:text=Paying%20someone%20a%20visit&text=Don't%20assume%20you%20can,or%20a%20bottle%20of%20wine
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 - Considering the invitation is for dinner I can see that bringing something is appropriate.
When just popping in for a short casual visit, one can come empty-handed.
Bring something with you if you go visite somebody is not neccesary but it will be appreciated.🎉
Never talk to me before coffee! Or covefe, if you’re an American.
😂Same.
@@jhjacobs81 Haha. Loud and clear. I’m with you on that one. ☕️
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 you should do bedtime stories. I fell asleep watching this video. Your voice is calm and soothing 🥰
@ I’ll take that as a compliment…haha. Several people have commented on my soothing voice. I never gave it much thought. But I suppose it’s an antidote to this sometimes frenzied world we live in. Glad to have eased you into sleep. Slaap lekker. 💤 😊
Don't say "Holland" to someone from Friesland. And certainly not in the city of Dokkum. Someone has lost their life there before by disrespecting the Frisians.
@@geekuyl6942 Love Dokkum, by the way. ❤️
Bonifatius had ook gewoon een gebrek aan tact, om het zo maar te noemen.😂
@@Treinbouwer lichtelijk! 🤣
9:16 out of politeness and valuing otherone's time. I schedulesd to meet up with YOU, so no one can or will interrupt that, I reserved time just for YOU, not interlopers
Best reaction I can give is this, how do Dutch call someone from the USA? Tell me? I lived in Colombia, but how can we call a person from the USA? Tell me!
@@cirrus1964 I would say the accepted term is “American”. However, it is worth noting that Americans live in “the United States of America” or “the USA”…not “America”. Meanwhile, the Dutch are Dutch, and the Colombians are Colombian. 😃
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 It was sarcasm, to those who hate called from Holland.
@@cirrus1964 Oops. Got it. 👍 I confess that my sarcasm detector is a little rusty.
Don't ask how much money you make, don't take something out of the fridge just like that without asking and asking is considered rude.
@@jtb357 Good ones. 👍
There's also a Dutch town called America.
ua-cam.com/video/cH4S9wYbk64/v-deo.html
@@manuell3505 How did I not know that? I love the video, by the way. Can’t get that damn song out of my head…haha. What have you done? 😂 🎶
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 It's sort of silly satire. Dutch America is in the south, while the language of the song is flat north-east. They are comparing Limburg with a far foreign culture but it's 200 km away.
@ Yes, yes…but that tune! It’s infectious. After a couple minutes of it, it’s etched in my brain. Good fun! Thanks again for sharing it. 😃
Hmm, Not call the country Holland? If you go to an international soccer game, nobody in the stadium will root for the Dutch National team and shout "The Netherlands, The Netherlands." They will all be shouting "Holland, Holland". So I guess, when it comes to soccer, we Dutch can call our country Holland!
That is certainly true. Still, the official name of the country in English is “The Netherlands”. I hope to have informed my American compatriots accordingly. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment. 👍
This can only mean that soccer is stupid 😇
Wanneer je zelf eens nederlands?
Als het nodig is. Hetzelfde als jij met Engels, neem ik aan. I don’t speak Dutch on UA-cam because my audience is international. 👍
@ mooi man. Zen aai doe not niet toe spiekie die inglies
Number eleven, for Americans: Don’t be loud. Lower your volume.
:
@@tuby1502 That’s a good one. I try to make up for all those boisterous Americans in my mellow videos. 😆
As far as I know the official name "the Netherlands" has been changed to just "Netherlands" in 2024.
Dat dacht ik dus ook, De Lage Landen, The Netherlands.
@@petervanderwoude6316 I’m not so sure. I am by no means an authority on the subject, but I read this (from August 2024): “Dropping the ‘the’ and using just ‘Netherlands’ is grammatically incomplete…. Using ‘the Netherlands’ properly ensures clear and respectful communication, honoring both the geographical and historical identity of the nation”. Yet another great debate. 😂
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 it's a bit odd. I recall that the "the" is dropped in government documents.
I have just coined the term "accursed vehicle of imperialism" for English. Rather proud of that. Now we'll switch to Nederlands.
@@1aapmens Ah, so you’re switching from “the accursed vehicle of imperialism” to “the tongue of corporate colonialism”. Nice. 👍
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 no right answers. That’s life. Any suggestions? Klingon?
@@1aapmens Klingon sounds good: NuqDaq ‘oH tach’e’ (Where's the bar?) 🍺
I would like to add: Be aware of the vibe in the place you are, and if its rather quiet and tranquil, keep your voice down. I dont what it is with Americans, maybe they are not used to public transportation or other shared spaces. But man... you guys can be loud... And its not that you guys just dont care, I dont believe that. Most Americans I meet, especially in the US itself are very friendly and warm people. Its more like that Americans tend to be less aware of their immediate social surroundings? The other day I was in a museum in Amsterdam and these three women were practically shouting at each other.... I mean, like I said, I think they clearly were not aware at all how obnoxious that is.
Maybe its also a cultural thing, that Americans are trying much harder to sound confident or whatever, I dont know, but it really is a thing unfortunately. Now The Netherlands is absolutely nothing like Japan where making any noise at all in public transporation is a complete faux pas, it more depends on the situation. But at some point you got to wonder if half the people on the train really want to hear every word of your conversation ;-) . And sure, Dutch people do it too sometimes, especially when its a couple of young lads going in to town and clearly had a few beers already, but that sort of fits the vibe of a weekend night, so then its somehow not as annoying. So, pretty hard to explain correctly. Its not being loud per se, its just more about being loud in the wrong place at the wrong time.
@@ageoflove1980 Thanks for raising this point. I guess it’s a matter of being less oblivious and more aware of the situation and surroundings. 👍
One of the don’ts is also: no intro’s beyond 20 seconds.
@@paulusbexkens4392 Rules are meant to be broken, but you should know that…you’re Dutch. 😉
Euhh... cities in Holland, Amsterdam, Haarlem en Leiden and not Rotterdam? You don't make friends. 11th thing you should never do is forgetting Rotterdam. LOL
@@KelgeriaGames Haha. In my defense, I did say “and others”. I didn’t intend to list every city and town in the two Holland provinces, but I promise to do better next time. 😞
Curious Mike, if you have a language learning program that you used?
Actually, I took lessons at the Volksuniversiteit here in Haarlem. 😀
I've started to learn Spanish(just for fun) with Duolingo, and I have to say it's been a nice way to learn so far. 😊👍
Thank you, Mike. In person classes are likely best. @Babzv, I love Duolingo and have recently added Dutch to start learning. I have to say, though, some of the phrases in Dutch are funny 😁 and different from the other languages I have been studying. For example, "Perdon, ik ben een appel," or "De appel spreekt een beetje Nederlands," meaning "Excuse me, I am an apple," and "The apple speaks a bit of Dutch." 🍎 🍏 😄
@ I would certainly be impressed if my apple spoke Dutch. But it’s a very quiet apple. 🍎 I think it may be planning an escape. 😆
Go to the wild, wild EAST, not to the South, or North.
@@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands Ah, yes, Enschede, Deventer, Zwolle and Nijmegen…just to name a few. 😃
Still sounds good to me, I come from Holland. No offence at all. Come on, no issue at all.
It seems that opinions are divided, so it’s better - in my opinion - to err on the side of caution and call the country by its chosen name. Not too much to ask, methinks. 😊
I am a fan... but it seems that you have a verry narrow vision of our country. Almost every aspect is aimed at, what we call, the Randstad. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden, The Haque.... But the Netherlands is so much more, the south, the north, the east. And you do notihng with that. If you really want to explore our country... visit Groningen (the North), Maastricht (the South), Den Bosch en especially
Nijmegen during the Summerfestivities.
He mentioned those parts as well though.
But it makes sense that he speaks from his personal experience, and his personal experience is in the region of Haarlem.
But I agree with you on the gorgeous other parts we have here in the Netherlands.
I'm originally from Zuid-Holland but have been living in Limburg for over 20 years and it is such beautiful province.
But also Groningen, Nijmegen like you mentioned, absolutely lovely cities. 😊
@@paulusbexkens4392 Thanks for saying so. Actually, in this very video, I encourage tourists to get outside of Amsterdam and visit the countryside in the south and north. I mention Friesland, as an example, and also Texel. I’ve been many times to Groningen, Maastricht, Den Bosch and Nijmegen. In fact, they rank as some of my favorite places in the Netherlands. Still, I take your point to heart and will aim to be more inclusive. 😃
@@BabzV I love Limburg! Absolutely beautiful! 🌳🐄🌳🐑🌳 But it’s true what you say. I speak largely from my own experience of living in Haarlem all these years. 😃
Just don't call The Netherlands "Holland" in Limburg or Friesland and you are ok :)
"10 Things You Should NEVER Do in the Netherlands" .. nr 11 is don't wear a cap/hat indoor :)
I guess you could call me a rule-breaker…in the very spirit of the Dutch. 🤠 I mention that attribute here: ua-cam.com/video/Hita-hyUHuU/v-deo.htmlsi=5ypJn-6AqvagnGyk
I dont agree with ' dont walk in the bike lane' theory. We all walk in the bike lane. We all cycle on pedestrian paths. Some people find it annoying, but we all do it. Just remember to not hinder either in their habitat.
@@austinpowersfasjer OK. 👍 I guess it’s more nuanced. “Do not deter cyclists or pedestrians” might have been better. Thanks for your comment.
@BetterTogether-UnIr1 no worries. I hear it often, and i think the problem is that visitors are notor less aware of what a bike lane is and what it means. But there are many bike paths without sidewalk. We will use it to walk on. Its also normal to ring the bell if u want to pass.
Theres always a small group that will complain, but ringing the bell in itself is not
@@austinpowersfasjer The bell is normal, I know. I once borrowed a bike without a bell (!). Terrible trying to negotiate a busy pedestrian street (without a bike path- i.e. 'fiets te gast') when you don’t have a 🛎️
Holland or Netherlands ... who cares, but then ... I'm not living in Friesland.
Don't be afraid of bicycles, but treat them as any mode of trafic. So when you need to step on the bike lane, watch left and right to see if you don't step in front of a bicycle. You can walk on the bike lane, but you're not supposed to hinder trafic. I was halted by an American because I wanted to pass a couple of pedestrias that stood on the sidewalk by stapping of it and pass them. That really pissed me off. Never do that!
@@framegote5152 That’s a good tip: always look left and right before stepping onto a bike lane. So true! Don’t assume that the bikes are coming from only one direction. Thanks for your comment. 👍
Stick to your story.
@@franstijssen3879 Thanks, I will. Not to worry. 😊
Just call it Holland. I’ve not heard or seen anybody get upset with that. I even use it myself.
@@davidc.w.2908 Fine by me, but if I look at the comments, it seems that not everyone agrees. 🤔
@ I’m going to be direct to them and tell them that they used to call it Holland themselves until a couple years ago the government started to change that. Look at the number of people carrying scarves and flags that mention Holland with national events and European and world championships. They also sing or sang “hup Holland hup”. If they hate it now they are hypocritical.
people on the interwebs have started calling our country " Netherlands". Maybe because The Ukraine and The Argentine have dropped the definite article. Whatever, I prefer Holland. Really, who cares what the provincials think.
I suppose “Netherlands” (without the article) is equivalent to “Nederland”. I’m assuming you live in Noord-Holland or Zuid-Holland since your preference is for “Holland”. What do I know? I’m just a gringo living in kikkerland. 🐸
Our county is officially called The Netherlands and just like Mike says only Noord- and Zuid-Holland were called Holland in the past.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1officially our country is called The Netherlands. So you are just right Mike.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I’m from Zeeland. Didn’t say I was right. Just stated my preference. The whole thing started some years ago with people from the south feeling underappreciated and taking this Holland thing as their hill to die on.
We changed the name. Do you think they feel any better? Of course not.
@ All preferences and opinions are perfectly welcome. I don’t have especially strong feelings about the matter. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. 🌹 Just thought I would set the record straight regarding the official name of the country.
Nobody in Nederland speaks dutch the wordt mains Duits whe are Nederlanders Duitland is is the counrty oost of us and dont say germany becausse there are 95 mil ho wil disagree whit you in that country
@@albertkassenaar7735 I get your point, Albert. But considering the fact that I am speaking English and addressing potential tourists who may wish to visit the Netherlands, it is quite correct of me to say that the people here speak “Dutch”. 😉
Volgens mij spreek jij Double Dutch
Wat?
No... the word does not mean Duits and yes.. every Dutch person speaks Dutch. Both the Cambridge and Oxford dictionary give: belonging to or relating to the Netherlands, its people, or its language.
Kassenaar, volgens mij is je keyboard (toetsenbord) helemaal van slag...