I know enough Dutch that are not that tall at all, even are frustrated about it. I live in Portugal and once a tiny tiny tiney colleague visited the Netherlands and after that she said.. oooh I discovered you are not that tall at all (1m84) but here in Portugal I am a giant :D
@@BenvanBroekhuijsen i'm also 1,84. It's apparently the average for Dutch man. With roughly 1,70 or so for women. But it seems to be right though. Walking around anywhere in the Netherlands, i often notice i'm indeed smack dap in the middle. Some are taller, Some are shorter. But i'm never the tallest or shortest.
There's a difference between criticising and aimlessly complaining I believe. The weather is a good example of aimless complainig, not much you can do about it besides trying to take a positive perspective. (little known and mostly denied fact; it only rains 7% of the time in the Netherlands. Unbelievable but true).
@@shoelacedonkey The same with a white christmas. We’ve been complaining there are no more white christmasses. Since they started measuring in, I believe 1900, we only had about 7 or 9 white ones. Have to look up the exact amount, but it’s very low. As if we had a white christmas almost every year in the past. For the first part of your reaction, you are right. It might not be complaining, but it is the ability of walking up to your “boss” to say, wait a minute, I don’t agree, I have another idea, without being reprimanded.
If your culture does not distinguish between directness and rudeness, there is a trust issue in the other person's intentions. Holland scores very high in interpersonal trust, and it is this that allows us to be relatively direct without much conflict
There is a big spectrum and understanding of directness I guess. When I came to the Netherlands I was tired of saying: ´´Say it straight!´´. I was thinking: why the Dutch are so indirect and can't say something directly? Then I learned that I know Dutch ppl only from the workplace. To be specific: Ppl were polite to me even if I knew they disliked me and I had to say things like: ´´Why do you act like this? You don´t have to pretend you like me just keep it on the business level.´´. It was also something new for me to call my boss by his first name and I did like it, but whenever he wanted to criticize my work or make me do something he tried to give me an explanation or begin with small talk and that was kind of annoying, I had to say: ´´Get to the point!´´. After a while, however, I learned that this is a business level in the Netherlands, politeness and trying really hard not to make ppl feel bad in the workplace. In Poland, we don´t get offended easily, and it is very normal to show on your face that you dislike something or someone without even saying anything, but I eventually began to like the Dutch way. After a while, I discovered the directness that everyone was saying about, but outside of work: ´´Wat een rare pet heb jij?´´ or ´´Wat kost zo´n ding?´´ or ´´We gaan eten.´´. It´s funny when I think about it. I´ve learned a lot: to be more relaxed at work and to be more direct in my private life when I returned to Poland. Actually, I connected the best of two worlds. Now when I want someone to leave I just say it.
@@elpepe9451 now I also find it strange that I expressed myself so extensively to random comment on random UA-cam video pushed to me by the algorithm. Weird stuff, the Netherlands is weird, but somehow addictive
From $37K to $45K that's the minimum range of profit return I get every week, I thinks it's not a bad one for me now I have enough to pay bills and take care of my family.
I suppose honesty is a part of Dutch culture, but if an elderly lady who owns a charming restaurant asks if the food was good, just say it was good. Your Dutch opinion won't make her cook better or change her cooking style. Just giving my two cents.
Absolutely, we are definitely very honest relative to other cultures, but we still make the conscious consideration whether unfiltered honesty is actually appropriate. White lies are often just necessary to avoid negative tension or conflict when there is no net positive to be gained from it down the line, and you don't have to give your opinion when it's not being asked for.
I work for the last 15 years with dutch people and I can confirm that you are rude. But most of you are getting pissed off if I say the same things. Among other nations I work with are Filipino, Croation, Romanians, Indians, Indonesians, Bulgarian...etc.
They are disrespectful and call it "just being honest" 👎 they are so egoistic and conceited they think everyone is waiting to hear their "opinions" all the time. They do not. I'm just being honest.
@@MusicIsLegal Being polite and respectful to people in public isn't "lying". If you have a bad mood, keep it to yourself. You make the atmosphere toxic.
A lot of the stereotypes the Dutch have are actually more stereotypes of Amsterdammers in particular. Amsterdammers are considered rude and loud in the rest of the Netherlands too.
I never tell other Dutch people i live in Amsterdam, because you tend to get shit on. So i just mention my birth place. But yeah, for some reason we are consider the arrogant ones
I've travelled to most European countries and beyond. More times than I can remember. Amsterdamers aren't just "considered" rude, they truly are! VERY rude and cold people. Don't know how the Dutch in the rest of the country are but the Amsterdamers are definitely a piece of work!
I have a complete different experience of Amsterdam. I was raised in the Hague, lived in Utrecht during studies, and now live in Amsterdam for work. Amsterdam people are so open minded and nice, I actually had to get used to switching from The Hague’s cut throat attitude. Utrecht was ok, but the The Hague mentality is most aggressive, direct and rude.
@@Psychedelicah I do agree with that. The colleagues from The Hague (not all but in general) I founded the most two faced, rude and complaining a lot. I like Rotterdammers more.
One thing that I will never forget with the dutchies: I give a gift to my dutch colleague and he said: *"why did you give it to me? where did you buy this? Do you still have the receipt?"* and I was like: OKAY?!? THAT WAS RUDE!!! But when my birthday came, HE GAVE ME ALMOST THE SAME THING, WITH THE SAME PRICE 😭 But anyway we're dating now
From the outside in (Dutch who immigrated to the US almost 2 decades ago), I do think that many Dutch are more small-minded than they think themselves, especially the whole 'doe maar normaal' en 'brood voor lunch'... how boring :-) And in defense of the American smiling and doing the little 'how are you' dance... after getting used to it I like the positivity people start with over people being grumpy and moody. And it's nice people try to be customer friendly, why would that be a bad thing? What I miss most about Dutch culture is that people are often genuinely interested in each other. It's easy to meet a Dutch person and end up talking for hours about all kinds of stuff, or start a new job and spending the first day just chit chatting with everyone over coffee. America often feels very impersonal and distant once you have the first brief interaction out of the way. That, and that everything is walkable, especially the old towns and cities.
Where do you live, because most "Dutch" stereotypes are mostly Hollands and Randstad, for a country as small as we are we have a lot of diversity. With the creation of the Netherlands, there was a "Dutch" way to do, speak, write, etc. with the Unification of the Lowlands creating the Netherlands, uniting and splitting to get the Netherlands people "know" and think off/associate when hearing the Netherlands. They don't think of the Benelux area. Also a stereotype doesn't mean all Dutch people do/are the same, not all local cultures and dialects are the same there are similarities etc. Because it is fake, and you force the employee to behave like they are in a play for the profit for the company and their commissions. Like working at Disney. Wearing a mask for profits = the public you. Doe normaal dan doe je gek genoeg. In the US everything is a competition, being the best, American excellence/superiority. Similar to the tip cultures, instead of paying a fair wage. It is all about the profit for the owner classes, and the working classes are the monkeys that have to "dance" for their money. Work multiple jobs and still don't earn a living wage. Go bankrupt with medical bills, etc. Also it is not like we don't have these or similar social dances. "Small talk" Wishing people a good day/morning/afternoon/eventing, etc. If you are in a big city you don't greet people you encounter, if you live more urban or rural it is more likely you will greet a stranger passing by.
I lived all over the place in NL: Delft, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Lelystad, Zwolle and Deventer. I think the statements you make are pretty un-nuanced (like, do you really think Americans are 'forced' to greet you like that?), and you may have a different take on things if you'd live here for a while. Though I agree that how the medical system works and how the income disparity is so large in the US are pretty terrible things, and in fact are some of the reasons why I'm considering to move back again at some point.
@@EelcoHillenius South Holland, Flevoland, and Overijssel. How where/are your experiences with the nuances in provinces and their local cultures as well as from the individual cities and their local cultures? True, it was un-nuanced, generalizing and stereotyping. If I have to put nuance in, my reactions would be longer still. And it also all depends on the view on 'forced' and what is or isn't that. The point is as made in the video, to us it comes across as fake. A thing you do, but not sincere. Also a different stereotype of Dutch people/tourists: "Kijken, kijken, niet kopen."
@@schiffelers3944 I know, I don't blame you as I myself thought it was fake when I visited/ just moved to the US. But having lived here for almost two decades, between immigrants from all over the world, and being married to a Thai person, I appreciate how cultures have their own particulars, but the end of the day people aren't really that different once you get past these things. As for the differences between parts of the Netherlands, yeah, there certainly are some. Frankly, I felt most at home in Deventer. I love the midsized cities and the 'nuchtere' attitude of the Dutch East :-) On the topic of 'fake', we even have that in NL, where - in my experience - people from outside of Amsterdam sometimes look at the Amsterdam 'joviaal' attitude as fake.
There's a difference in being direct and being just rude. And a lot of (dutch) people don't know the difference. Main difference is if it is about your persona or of the person you're talking to.
I think we sound rude because our ways of expressing politeness don't translate easily into English and vice versa. We aren't actually quite as fluent in English as we migh appear. Many Dutch people speaking (their version of) English don't add words like 'please' when they are due, because we don't do that in Dutch. We have different ways of expressing that, like 'Zou je even willen...' But that's hard to translate into English on the spot when you're not that fluent. So the Dutch leave it out all together and sound rude as a result.
I know, but it's hard for the average Dutch person trying to speak English. Also, if a Dutch person starts a sentence with 'Could you' but doesn't add a 'please', it still sounds rude. I think that most people would know if you asked them in a classroom setting where they have time to think. In daily practice it often gets lost in translation though. :D
As someone who has travelled a lot and speaks a little bit of many different languages, I have to say that almost all cultures use a word that means "please" and most cultures think that I've encountered think that not saying please is rude.
Wow as an American to see people speak English so well, when it is their second language is just amazing. Their English is so fluid and the comprehension is incredible.
I moved to italy years ago and run an airbnb, my area is quite popular for the dutch and one family explained to me how in schools teachers and students for a set period during the day would only speaking in English. Don't count out the Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians though who also have amazing English comprehension, at least from the ones I've met so far.
@@christianbinamira7879 I love my country but when it comes to education we really do suck. American children should be learning a second language from a young age all the way through high school. It’s an embarrassment compared to other developed nations. Sorry, not sorry. It’s the truth.
that is so interesting. For us in Germany it is complitly different. We are travelling to the netherlands when we need friendly people around. :-) Never heard that there were rude.
As a person who grew up bilingual (dutch/english) in The Netherlands, I believe the problem is two fold, yet compounds. Not only is the culture extremely direct; the dutch LANGUAGE is EXTREMELY to the point as well (not much to grease the wheel, so to say. It stays rather dry. Devoid of niceties that cushion thing). Wich means when the dutch translate it (usually literally) to english it sounds like they are looking for beef! Or at best it sounds passive aggresive. They simply don't NOTICE tone. They think of it in terms of honest/dishonest as opossed to blunt/ tactfully phrased. It's often a 'lost in translation' thing. Thát and the culture that feels that sugarcoating things is a waste of time makes the dutch come across as rather abrasive to many. And then of course to complicate things some of the people you come across may genuinely BE Rude. Lol
I really like the dutch way of living/communicating. I see some people in the comments that say ooh I'm just gonna be rude back. And there lies the problem. Dutch people don't intent to be rude. They are just direct. And other dutch people understand this and don't take it as rude. Foreign people who don't understand it and are like " ooh i'm just gonna be rude back" have very different intentions. Their intent is to be rude.
@@night6724 well that’s more a personality thing than a culture thing. There’s shit people everywhere, but we Dutch generally like it when your upfront with what you think.
Americans are generally really friendly and genuinely mean it. We'll treat people like a best friend within minutes of meeting them, which I know can be off putting for other cultures. It is a genuine in most cases though. Even in stores. We make friends in the grocery store line.
I trust you feel it is genuine. That said to me calling someone you just met in the grocery store line a friend would feel weird towards my long time & actual friends. One can be friendly, even Dutch people can be friendly but to get to a certain point of actual friendship will take time, effort and honesty.
@@shoelacedonkeyit's funny how when the dutch go abroad they enjoy the advantages of being treated like a welcome guest but that same courtesy isnt there in the Netherlands.😂 thankfully i only surround myself with people who aren't 'stereotypically' dutch. I'm a bit of an oddball so most dutch people I know are odd like me: Sensitive, non-confrontational, welcoming, generous to a fault....😅
I am Canadian and I would second that. We are genuinely warm, friendly and helpful. It does not mean we are best friends but it’s not hard to be considerate and positive towards others. People who are suspicious of that are cynical and entitled.
@@MonsieurChapeau i feel i might be a canadian in a dutch born body😅 i like my own company. I dont like to form close friendships off the bat. Gimme some space, first. Unless you need my help: that is a given. I won't make a big deal out of it. I don't need a 'thank you' nor, does it obligate you or me to become friends. But if we do become friends; it's the real deal. No fakery! Being rude and calling it direct, is fake to me.
@@GullibleTarget But being nice to people isn't fake! If you are helpful to me, then I of course would say thank you because that is a proper and decent way to behave, and it is proper and decent for you to accept my thanks or say you are welcome. And that is all.
In America we have to ask how you are and be super friendly if we work at a store, restaurant or customer service. If our bosses don’t think we’re being friendly enough we can get in trouble. So it’s ingrained in us to be that friendly. I’m naturally nice but hate small talk but I’ve had to do it for my job.
In the Netherlands we appreciate as well if the customer service or a waiter is friendly. But being "friendly enough" is a wrong perspective. Be friendly or kind if you really mean it. If you pretend to be friendly, you can recognize this immediately. Maybe it's better to find another job.
It is funny how countries see themselves as opposed to other people. In Australia, we generally see Americans as rude. They are extremely loud and never say please or thank you to staff.
@@rouky123456 Not just as someone that has to work there. It sounds tiring to interact with as well... I'd rather have customer service get to the point instead of asking how I am feeling. 🙃
One of my favourite things to do is when the native Dutch are direct with me, I am mirroring that back to them, being direct as well... Really funny to see their reactions and how they consider me being rude.😀
I found people in the Netherlands very critical of Australia, even though they had never been there. Yet when I dared to say something critical about the Netherlands, their royal family, or their colonial past they did not like it at all.
Thats the dutch way. We say we're honest but really...we are quite two-faced. They will point at someone ordering a bottle of champagne. And the next day, they'll order the same bottle online and drink it at home. That way they don't have to share😂 but they will break out the cheap bottle when you visit. In other cultures it's usually: give your best to your guests. The dutch will gladly take it(saves money😂) but they are more like:' keep your best for yourself and give your guests the bare minimum😂
Oh and as a dutch person of foreign descend: they say they are tolerant but....I much rather be accepted. Eventhough I'm dutch born and bred, according to the law, I am an 'allochtone/allochtoon'.
@@GullibleTarget I don't know that side at all - to me (a Dutchy) it would make much more sense to get the nicer/more expensive things when having guests. Partly perhaps as a way of showing off, but I think it's mostly about respecting your guests and wanting nice things for them. Like, I'd want to treat them, but want to save money when I'm just eating on my own... I'd think it's a waste to spend money there & will just save it for special occasions (like with guests) 😊
South Africans are perceived the same, we always get told we come across as harsh and blunt. Probably because we all have a bit of Dutch in us too (the Afrikaners). But we just typically say it how it is and get to the point and you more or less know where you stand with us. We aren’t pretentious for the most part.
I think South Africans are cool. I have gotten along with every South African I have ever met. I also met a white guy from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) when I was in Egypt and he was also cool.
As someone who has family and friends in the Netherlands. They are direct and you know where you stand with most of them. Most tourists don't realise there are other provinces besides Holland.
Well most people from Holland would agree. Theres Holland and then theres the other areas which we refer to as "the provinces" or "foreign territory". If someone from a different part of the country is talking about something or some issue that we dont have here, we just laugh and say they live in another country. For reference, besides north and south holland there are 10 provinces. Groningen is in the north, theres nothing to do there, its just used for mining natural gas. Friesland is where the Frisians live, who are foreigners, theyre not Dutch people, we leave them alone and they leave us alone. Then there is Drenthe which is just a bunch of sheep and approximately 5 people live there. Gelderland has some nice forests but the people there are German and we dont care what goes on there as long as the trains are on schedule. Same for Overijssel. Then Utrecht is a lot like Holland but they are just a bunch of wannabes who cant afford the rent here. Brabant is known for 3 things, carnaval, producing illegal drugs and drinking a lot of beer, but they cant even do that right because the people who drink the most beer per capita live right here in Holland. Then theres Limburg which is basically fake Belgium. They even have hills over there. Weird people. Zeeland is also fake Belgium, its main use is for building dams and annoying the real Belgians who are trying to steal our trade with their ports around Antwerp, to which we control the sea route. And lastly we have Flevoland which was reclaimed from the sea to provide housing for people who cant afford the rent in Amsterdam.
@@TheSuperappelflap and then the Holland provinces are not even Dutch anymore because there are only foreigners, criminality and expats there. And the ones that aren't foreigners are extremely poor Hagenezen, Crooswijk Rotterdammers or cultureless YUPpen.
I'm Brazilian, I'm direct, honest, sincere, I choose the most beautiful words, born and raised in Rio, now living in a small city where I'm an alien for telling the truth while everyone else talks behind everyone else's back.
3:474:02 Ah, so much for open-mindedness of other cultures. 🤨 For the record, when most Americans are friendly, it's not always "fake." From a cultural perspective, asking someone how their day is going is a means for conversation, for engagement. Culturally, Americans have conversations with strangers - it's just who we are - and I think that comes from a time when pioneers relied on each other, despite being strangers, to build communities. The same applies for immigrants arriving in America during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries - they talked to strangers to find commonality or to build connection. I know this channel is in the spirit of having fun; however, if there's an expectation that Americans need to be more culturally aware, I think this expectation of awareness needs to be considered when perceiving Americans, as well. There are practical reasons for our behavior. It's not about being "fake."
Don't compare Americans to these soul-less people. They lack a sense of human depth, empathy, and the emotional intelligence to bond with humans. I lived in Europe, Sweden and Holland for the most part and the hypocrisy is real. *they love to talk shit behind your back *they criticize everything not European *they think other nations are less than them especially Americans *You're not pretty if you're not white Europe looks shiny, but the inside is rotten.
Are you culturally aware of how many cultures? The whole world needing to speak your language because you guys can't learn anything else besides English isn't enough?
Not rude, but VERY direct. I found myself wondering if it was bluntness or sarcastic rejection. They are hard to like but I'm sure they are very loyal and supportive friends.
The Dutch are Friendly, Frugal, individualistic, low on politeness, high on life. They talk directly like children do if they're not taught any manners. They live in a remarkable country with an unremarkable landscape. They're super organised and are natural planners. Don't expect a let's go now spontaneous outlook because their agendas don't allow it.
@@Twaloef not everyone of course =) but many. Doesn’t mean they’re being horrible or have any ill will, just that in many areas of daily life, the politeness lacks, where in other cultures like mine, it doesn’t.
Deputy: Interesting and thoughtful observations. I can see how these characteristics have been instrumental in developing a resilient and high achieving culture. That said, I prefer more “fluff”, warmth and some reticence - ie, the English way of doing things. (Not ‘all things’ - they are struggling a good deal these days - but their wit, understated decency and tenacity.)
To me, although there are some common social and professional behavioural expectations/customs e.g. thrifty, cold lunch, be direct, don't waste time, etc, there is no such thing as outright 'Dutch' behaviour. Firstly there are 12 provinces where people's idiosyncrasies tend to be somewhat different. Even within a province, people in different municipalities can have fairly unique collective customs, histories, perceptions, etc. Secondly (and more obviously) because a country is a large diverse mix of everything. Oversimplifying it is only useful for the overly-simple.
Most Dutch people are direct but only when asked for their opinion or when it's needed in the situation. People from Amsterdam are a bit much though, they act like it's their whole identity. It's very easy to spot someone from Amsterdam because they will tell you within the first minute of talking to them. You: Hey how are you doing? Them: Hi I'm fine, I'm from Amsterdam so I always say what's on my mind, cool right? You: Okay, have a nice day. Bye!
The woman saying she cannot recognise Dutch directness since she doens’t feel to be so direct, is suspiciously straight to the point regarding her not being straight to the point.
As a Dutch person, I have things I'm proud if about my country, but I HATE the quote "doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg" ("Just act normal, that's weird enough already") I just hate it soooo much
@@reinhardtburger7108 Also! English just has more words for it. It can mean both. But when you 'do' (doe) gek, it means weird or unusual, when you 'are' gek it usually means crazy or insane or something like that. When we want to say that someone 'is' weird, we mostly use the word 'raar', which can also be translated to weird. So it would be "Je bent raar." (You are weird)
@Nynaranstrom I was interested to see if it still had the same meaning in Afrikaans as in Dutch. In Afrikaans, "mal" is used a lot more commonly to indicate insanity. But "gek" is normally used more for (happy go lucky) in English.
So im dutch, and i live near the southern part of the netherlands. I think that you might find it interesting to do interviews there one day, cause it's culturally quite different, especially the directness thing. I am from the nord and one of my parents is from amsterdam, so i used to be (and parti ally still am) direct, even for dutch standards and I really had to adjust to the way that southerns express themselves and their shocked reactions to my communication style.
about punctuality: true. my wife is pedicure. ALL of her clients ring the bell 5-3 minutes before their appointment. no exception. When you will be late, phone 15 minutes before your appointment !
I have been to Nederlands several times. I find the Dutch so refreshing! I am not ethnically Dutch yet I find all the point of view they express in their lives, well taken.
On being stingy or liking a discount .. In a local pizzeria, a Pizza Roma, had cheese, salami, onions, ham and mushrooms. On 'pizza day', all pizza's cost say 9 Euro A pizza with something added, cost 9 + 1 Euro. So, I want a Pizza Salami with onions, that would be 10 Euro. But a Pizza Roma without ham and mushrooms would be the same thing for 9 Euro. Obviously I order a Roma and ask them to leave the mushrooms and ham away. Why shouldn't I ? The Pizzeria personnel (Egyptians) laughed at it 'Typical Dutch' was their conclusion. Ya .. whatever. I got a Salami with onions for 9.
I lived in the UK and found the roundabout way of approaching things diplomatically, a lot better. 😂 then again; I lived in very poor areas where people are very direct but genuinely kind. It would really make my day if I went to the local off-licence for a pack of cigs and the lady goes: 'Hiya! You're alright, love?' And when you accidentally bump into someone it's: 'safe, bruv. No worries'. Gotta love the brits😂 they are very similar to the Dutch, just nicer.
We’re just clever with our words to avoid conflict. We’d probably call someone who is too lively too early in the morning ‘enthusiastic’ when what we really mean is they’re annoying.
There is a difference between being direct or being tactless. My mother was the second and I hated it so much. She would actually insult people and act all innocent about it.
Nice and kind are two very different things. I do agree that smiling at a stranger, as an Australian isn’t weird but to Europeans it is. They say they think you are are not all mentally there if you walk around smiling😂. A smile from a stranger can make someone’s day or a simple hello as you pass. These things are seen as normal here. As a girl I learnt not to smile while in countries like Italy bc all the men think you are interested in them, which I found sad and disturbing at the same time😂. I do have to say though, seeing Americans in Australia, Americans are not polite to staff. It is customary to say hello, how are you to staff then place your order followed by a pls and thank you. Americans just don’t do this. It is seen as very rude not to in Australia.
For me as a Dutch person i think its great to be direct and to know where you stand exactly. I find it actually baffling that people consider that rude, while wearing a mask, using sarcasm and being indirect, psyop like mindgames is not considered rude in other countries?
Many Dutch are inconsiderate of others, self centered, and having double standards. That is why I agree the Dutch are rude. This has nothing to do with explaining where your standing is, aka straightforwardness. The Dutch would make a fantastic business partner, but not a great family/friend.
Lol even when Dutch people are direct, most off the time you never know how and where you stand with them. They can tell you they appreciate you and then still end up gossiping behind your back. The Dutch put on masks too, their honesty isn’t always genuine.
In my experience and opservations Canada is very Dutch / french You have good healthcare you eat the pouten thats just alot of cheese and fries You have the weed I think When the people moved from Europe to the new land merica What Americans often forget is were did you came.from.yourself Most of your ancestors came from Europe So prob they just gave alot of people That wanted to start a new love or actually earned it But also the more radical people the treats om society And what sounds better then Land of the freee Marketing If your running a country you probably Better of having them over seas That also can explain Why Americans are such a agressif country Couse it were alot of loonies from Europe 😂😂 But getting back to the point In alot of states in America you can see the Dutch influence Like for example That 70 showww whoooo minesootttaaaaa Is about a bunch of stoners in a basement Minnesota mainly know for productions of cheese Hmmmm Weed and cheese Were did we hear that before 😅
The Dutch have been my companion for the last 20 years. They can be arrogant and humble at the same time. I hear about French, Germans and British and I must say I feel quite lucky I ended up living among the Dutch.
I studied French in Aix en Provence, France with students from around the world. The Dutch students were universally disliked for talking loudly and incessantly in class.
I think the guy in white hit it spot on: "Calvinism" - the reason for almost every Dutch stereotype! (Seriously, I tell every other foreigner I meet this and it is like a lightbulb goes on!) (I still remember the look of horror on the faces of my ex's parents when I put the meat AND the cheese on the same sandwich ::gasp:: the horror!) Also, the complaining is mostly about the weather, the NS (trains), or how expensive things are/becoming, lol. Now I will go make a pindakaas and hagelslag sandwich 😅
I'm Dutch and I can totally agree with the guy in the video saying that things like weed become less appealing when it's legalized. In my surroundings, I know more international people smoking weed than Dutch people. I can also remember having an exchange with other European countries in high school, and all they could think about was to buy weed and they also thought that every average Dutch family has weed at home (which is not the case)
@@The_LivingdudeI am Australian not Dutch but I really don’t understand why you are watching a video about Dutch people, if as you say, you don’t care😂.
The English accent of the Dutch is a copy and paste for many of us South Africans. It's amazing how that linguistic similarity remains so strong after a couple of centuries. I loved this video, thank you!
You have to understand, American staff are overly nice bc they mostly rely on tips to live. That is absolutely fake nice. Americans are actually not polite to staff.
It's unfair that criticizing America is viewed differently than criticizing other countries. Insert the guy on video saying how he doesn't like Americans.
Unfair or not, the US is over present in many things all over the world so they're an easy victim for critisism. That said I thought that specific couple came across as ignorant and presumptuous. They werent a good example of a Dutch stereotype imho. Especialy the younger people are much more open minded towards new people from other countries/cultures.
@@shoelacedonkeythat guy is every teacher I've had. Typical middle-upperclass mentality. I wish she'd go to Rotterdam or the Hague and ask people, there. Amsterdam is a tourist trap where only the wealthy can live. Utrecht is a city you move to when you can't afford Amsterdam but still want to be fancy. Lots of students from wealthy backgrounds who have no idea what goes on beyond their own social circle, live there. I must say that most people Marina interviewed are the kind of people I avoid😂 would be nice to have her interview dutch people outside her comfort zone.
The dutch guy at the end said there isn’t really an english translation to the word “genieten”, but it really just means enjoying. I think we just use it in different contexts, not so much about food maybe but more so when we are in a relaxed environment and such. A typical dutch wordt that actually doesn’t have translation tho, is the word “gezellig” which all my foreign collegues joke about since its really hard to put the word into context when you don’t know what it means for the dutch. Edit: shit i paused the video right before the guy explains exactly this💀
@@night6724 because you can be direct and "direct". You can feel it in the tone people will get with you, and if you felt like all of them were narcistic and said things to offend you. Probably your "direct" response was projecting those feelings and people can feel that. I was planty direct with Dutch people, without meaning to "get back at them" or to be mean, and they were fine with it. Or we maybe met different Dutch people I guess.
I was going to bring up Calvinism being born there remembering the Dutch Reformed Church back in the 1940's. Even though I left when I was 8 you have revealed a lot of the issues my friends bring up in the USA
"Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg." means "Just be normal, that's crazy enough.". It's a way to tone down irrational excitement, overly dramatic persona's and delusions of grandeur. We don't disapprove of ordering champagne, we have a distaste for the accompanying social hysteria and showing off your wealth in an obnoxious manner.
A good way to compare it for me has always been visiting the cinemas. A dutch cinema will usually be very quiet and respectful of those around you, trying not to make too much noise so we all can take in the movie better. Then you see recording of some other countries cinemas where people lose their absolute shit during a movie: clapping and screaming during it. It's a sign of shared excitement and respect for the movie... Part of the experience for them. This is VERY different culturally.. In a dutch cinema this would be considered rude, annoying and disrespectful.
@@FlorentiusIV absolutely, though it does matter what kind of movie is on display. I remember one edition of the Lowlands Festival in the cinema tent, where it was rowdy, people walking in and out, cheering and clapping for the action scenes in Face/Off. Under the right circumstances we do appreciate it.
So nice one dutch person here said why not save the money for tomorrow?. A friend in Spain said when i wanted to open a lesser good wine later: "oh no we'll open up the great wine now. Don't know what Will happen later. We could be dead! " Really a difference of culture. Spain learned me to live at the moment.
I orginally posted this comment on a different reaction video but also wanted to share it here☺: Queen Maxima once said, "The Dutchman does not exist." This really captures how multicultural the Netherlands is. We have a lot of people with different backgrounds living here. Some were born in the Netherlands to at least one parent from abroad, while others moved here from other countries. We have many population groups with people of Moroccan, Turkish, Ghanaian, Surinamese, and Caribbean descent. But even with all this diversity, stereotypes about what it means to be Dutch are often still tied to being white. Many people still think being Dutch means being white. There’s also this unspoken idea that "real" Dutch people are white, which leads to others-who may have been born here-being seen as "not fully" Dutch just because of their background or skin color. So videos about Dutch stereotypes, like 'Dutch hospitality' or directness, they're usually talking about white Dutch people. It’s not really fair to say 'Dutch' as if it includes everyone. It’s kind of like an Asian Indian in the U.S. making generalizations about Americans based only on stereotypes about Asian Indians. Greetings from a Dutch person
I disagree. English is a language of many layers. Most Dutch people are only capable of speaking the top and most superficial layer. Worse, this is generally garnished with a gratuitous bad imitation of a colonial accent. I've only heard two Dutch people who really do speak beautiful English: (1) Frans Timmermans (2) Princess Beatrix.
I believe directness is different from rudeness. I learned to be direct from working abroad, a former Western boss taught me. I speak my mind especially when I see something wrong.
I’m Dutch but born in America my father is very straightforward so I was raised to speak my mind, I never knew why people in America were so uptight and offended by people being straightforward
I am happy to see I am not typically Dutch. I am 1.55 meters tall. I also don't understand why people should not eat a warm meal twice a day. When I eat something warm for lunch coworkers often say "Oh, now you don't need to cook tonight!" Of course I need to cook tonight! I like my breakfast, lunch and dinner to be warm! (Hagelslag and peanutbutter? Seriously???? 🤮). I am also not punctual. It comes in handy when you meet at a trainstation, but when you can get somewhere on your own it is not that important to be so punctual. "I will come around lunchtime" is enough, does it? I also like to spend my money. It is nice when I get a discount, but I will not wait for it. Gezellig in English is cozy.
If you don't shout everything and you say it calmly and don't say you love everything and everyone, it should be fine. It helps to mention specific things if you want to give a compliment, instead of "Love it!"
I have to say, I am dutch and I am not as direct as people are saying in this video. You can be subtle about things. I think it also differs from where you are in the Netherlands. I am from the south. Overhere it is not excepted to be to direct. So there is a difference in the Netherlands also.
As an Australian I have only ever had one experience with a Dutch person. It was quite a few years ago. He came to our small town in Australia and formed a friendship with my friend group. We all hung out together but could not understand a word he said. We were having farewell drinks on his last night before going back to his home. In the clearest English he said… women should be in the kitchen at all times with their legs spread. My friend, a girl wanted to kill him but me, also a girl just couldn’t stop laughing😂😂. This guy couldn’t speak a word of English the whole time we knew him but that, THAT, he said in perfect English😂.
Happy Friday, Marina 🍷! My parents went to Amsterdam in 2019 on a cruise around Europe for almost a month and they had enjoyed it. As an American born, I like to be punctual when it comes to making plans with friends, girlfriend because I like to value my time to people and I hope in return people value their time to me. I do hope to experience one day to take a trip to the Netherlands and other areas of the world as well. Hope you had an awesome experience over there!
Sadly, a trait that I noticed was the Dutch willingness to rat on you. I worked there for several years as part of a Dutch team. One of the team was known as, the 'Spion'---In English the spy or the grass! There were other instances too.
feel like that's common in a lot of cultures where there's a hierarchical system no? ratting for the boss to climb the corporate ladder not saying that I participate in that, but now working in germany I notice it's not rare to know who you can trust and who you can't.
@@rainc3318 They are also very good at twisting their negatives as positives. Rudeness is covered as directness, pessimism is covered as practicality, inflexibility is covered as discipline and pre-planning, penny pinching frugality as Nordic minimalism, scapegoating as root cause analysis, shirking personal accountability as collective and democratic decision making, racial discrimination as discretion.
@@val-schaeffer1117 agree, especially on the rudeness, pessimism, inflexibility, and racial discrimination. It was not a massive surprise they got a far-right government, a lot of Dutch are racists. I even heard this ridiculous comment made to an expat: do not connect to my wifi, you will pass your virus. They may be an efficient business partner, but not ideal as friends and lovers.
@@rainc3318 Indeed. They are basically same as Germans. But get lesser criticism because Dutch are apparently jolly and happy, as opposed to serious and militaristic Germans.
@@rainc3318 Since 2018 my wife moved from Brazil to the Netherlands and fortunately she didn't have your experiences on this. She made a big effort on speaking the language well and made a bunch of very good friends, inspit having passed her fifties.
Hm, interesting 🤔... I'm very direct but not a Dutch and I've noticed cleary that people who are low key mean, kind of rude on the sly, are easily offended by my straightforwardness, complaining that my 'attitude' is not nice. Also been asked to sugarcoat a little...🤭 On the contrary, people who are nice, really appreciate that I'm honest and straight to the point, they like that they don't have to second guess me.
Then you won't like the Dutch.😂 They're not always direct. Oftimes they are deliberately confrontational to make you feel bad about doing things differently. I pick up on vibes very easily. I know this Finnish lady who is very direct and can come across as rude. But she is ACTUALLY honest. Even if she doesn't crack a smile, I sense that she's genuine. As a Dutch person myself, I see how the Dutch will just blurt something out with an evil glint in their eye. And if you react its:" I'm just being honest? If you can't take it: that's not my problem....hey, you aren't mad are you...?" U-huh....I lived here all my life and I can smell insincerity. I'm very selective with the people I surround myself with. Thankfully...like attracts like. So all the dutchies in my life are great people😊
Have a look at Dutch people in the diaspora. After World War 2, they were one on the largest sources of immigrants into Australia, and there was a strong feeling among Australians that they were arrogant. I've known a lot of them, and, sad to say, they genuinely were arrogant.
Like the king of the Netherlands said , "If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much.", during his state visit to the US. years ago, with queen Maxima and by the way I am Dutch and I agree with the king..
The punctuality thing is SO true. I met a friend from the Netherlands in Paris, and I was constantly late since it was my first time abroad. He sent me this text message, basically calling me the rudest, most ill-mannered, and unprofessional person he has ever met. As a New Yorker, I found it amusing.
There is a difference between "stingy" which has a very ugly connotation and denotation, and "frugal" which is being responsible and cautious. Perhaps their fiscal conservatism at a personal level is why they are so prosperous.
some dutch stores are expensive but we dutch like to get a discount and thats why many people go through folders to get discounts, our stores are structured to feed our cheapskate mindset
I've been in Nederlands before, I want to tell about an event I experienced. There were discount posters hanging in a market I went to, but none of them had pictures on them, they were all completely written. "Tabak ÷20" was written on a poster. The word Tabak means Plate in my language (Im Turkish). I was a little child at the time, so I thought it was funny and said it out loud. Everyone in that market turned and looked at me shamefully. I think it's because I was too young. I'm ready to go there again, I really love Nederlands seaside villages ＼(^^)／
I'm from Amsterdam, and personally I hate (!) the stereotype ''Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg.'' It literally means in english; ''don't be yourself, blend in with society.'' Sounds awful right?
@@jodidoest2389 No, it means you have to blend in with the rest. I also don’t like that sentence but maybe because I live in Amsterdam too. My family is from Twente (the east) and this sentence could be their motto. I don’t like it, it is not tolerant at all.
That's not a literal translation at all, might wanna look up what that word means. A literal translation would be. Just act normal, that's scrub weird enough.
@@mormacil there is a difference what it literally means and how Dutch use it. It is mostly used by people outside the cities, ‘just don’t do too weird’. It fits some more Calvinistic people and they also say ‘we zijn zo nuchter’ but they are not. Just in their own bubble.
@@Annaseptember1978 That's an entirely different point. What something literally means is a word for word translation. That's what the word literally in English means. As a lifelong Dutch guy I'm well aware of what it means. I was pointing out that rosavisser5764 was completely wrong to use the word "literally" here. I do also disagree with your interpretation of how the saying is used in Dutch culture. It means there's no need to act out. Which is a very Calvenist worldview. It's of course not remotely intolerant. Also being in your own bubble and being nuchter are entirely separate things. Nuchter has a wide variety of meanings and I can't recall a single one that's incompatible with being in a bubble. Assuming you mean something like a social bubble.
In Leiden I was informed fictionally the Dutch and Irish swopped their countries. Dutch Ireland prospered, they sent a mission back to the old Netherlands, but there was only water it had fallen back to the North Sea 😅
The discount part is so true. Im living in Spain right now and compared to NL there are hardly any discounts here in shops and especially supermarkets. For me it always gives me a good feeling when I do shopping and get many things that are discounted
I'm a Dutchie in Canada. What I feel about the enormous amount of discounts is that we are normally paying too much for everything. If things can be discounted THAT much, it's too expensive in 'normal' pricing.
I am a Portuguese immigrant in the Netherlands and I have heard that stereotype about Dutch people being rude and I do not agree. If you need help with something you will be helped. But don't be whiny and expect empathy for that or don't expect fake sympathy. If people are being nice they are being nice for real. That's my opinion about the Netherlands people 🇳🇱
As a dutch person I would say: Use the autofocus or use the manual focus right. There is this setting in the camera called: Focus Peaking. You will see a red or blue line around the subject that is in focus.
Don't record on the lowest aperture either. you see this a lot so you can use low ISO but trust me. Newer camera's can handle up to 1600 ISO so you can record with F/11 - F/14 easily so you can keep everything in focus and don't have blurry subjects
The Dutch are kind people at their cores, but their emotional expression comes across as very rude. I don't think they intend to offend anyone, it is just their forward-moving nature. They are very busy and efficient people, but simultaneously, they are quite relaxed (which seems like a big paradox). I think a lot of it comes down to the weather, though it is confusing how the Danish can have even worse weather than the Dutch, and have much better emotional expression than they do. The Dutch are very reliable people, though, and at least...they don't promise more than they can deliver. At least they don't say yes, when they actually meant no. And at least they are not in your business like the Germans...the Germans are both in your business, but they are in your business because of their own egos, not because they care. With the Dutch, there is an honest attitude of, "I don't really care, but you can do what you like, and it doesn't bother me." The Germans will report you to the police for hanging your laundry out to dry on Sunday.
I suggest the reporter first ask another question: do you take into account other person’s feelings? Will you treat others with respect? I think most of these people will say ‘Sure I do’. And they will be more reserved when the question about being direct is asked. These people are proud to confirm a stereotype that does not hold for many Dutch people.
Frankly, I don't like any culture.I don't like people,I find most people full of it. I don't care much for this world.I can't wait to be in the next world,a better place.I am a born again Christian, so I can't wait to be in heaven. But, while I'm in this world I can't help it,i just have to be a misanthrope.
...and by the way, rather than saying the opposite of what you think, you can just as well keep silent. As they say in Sicily 'The best word is the one left unsaid'
@@karlos1060 I have seen Dutch people be blunt and abrupt with the other person but taking offense when the other person replied by the same token. Plus we have ALL said something while meaning the opposite at some point in our lives. I intensely dislike it when people use such language as "I hate" "can't stand"...such phrases are telling of a very aggressive, disagreeable and uncivilized attitude
@@LOKI77able I said i can't stand...not hate. I don't mind to be on the other side of the barrel. What i ment with my comment is more like be honest to people. Even if it hurts. I get crazy if someone lies because they don't want to directly say something to you and you find it out later they lied about it. I feel like lying is far worse then beying a bit rude sometimes. That does not mean i try to hurt people by being blunt. If i can i will always try to say it on a non offensive way. But beying honest is very key. If you say something but you mean the opposite then don't say anything at all. Saying i don't know or have an opinnion about it is easy done. Thats why i like it a lot in the Netherlands the way we say. We also have people that are there just to try and hurt someone. I don't like that as well ofc.
I’m half Dutch and half American. I find the Dutch a lot more fake and less blunt. In my own experience living in both countries I think Americans are way more direct and say what’s on their mind. One things that still strikes me when watching Dutch Tv or interviews. People are always fake smiling constantly. Many times people are answering directly laughing or smiling without a joke or reason. The Dutch are definitely a lot more cheap and less giving then Americans. In America people really dislike cheap and stingy people. I’ve heard a lot of Dutch people refer to employees in stores when shopping in the US. Its just costumer services, friendly costumer services. Americans are more customer friendly. I believe most Americans are genuinely interested in how someone is doing and would love to converse. Americans are definitely more social with strangers and enjoy and spontaneous conversation. Dutch are more punctual and definitely plan things more. People have to make a appointment to see their own family members. In the USA people just by randomly for dinner for example.
I agree most are direct but others are straight up rude. Not all know the difference. In contrast when you meet a dutch person outside the Netherlands they are much more friendly.
It’s unfortunately not like this there when you living there, I have been 4 years and Dutch people are direct when it’s comfortable, I’m not saying that they are not nice people, but not everything I found here to be meeting reality
let me be direct: the tallness is not a stereotype but a fact.
Me being 5'3/160 😂
That's because the Dutch live below sea level and constantly have to look over the dyke to see if water is coming in
I know enough Dutch that are not that tall at all, even are frustrated about it. I live in Portugal and once a tiny tiny tiney colleague visited the Netherlands and after that she said.. oooh I discovered you are not that tall at all (1m84) but here in Portugal I am a giant :D
@@BenvanBroekhuijsen i'm also 1,84. It's apparently the average for Dutch man. With roughly 1,70 or so for women.
But it seems to be right though. Walking around anywhere in the Netherlands, i often notice i'm indeed smack dap in the middle.
Some are taller, Some are shorter. But i'm never the tallest or shortest.
@@p.m-audio Not really. Studies show that is has to do more with our general diet than anything dyke related.
(edit was a typo fix)
If you don’t complain, nothing will ever change for the better, except for the weather.
There's a difference between criticising and aimlessly complaining I believe. The weather is a good example of aimless complainig, not much you can do about it besides trying to take a positive perspective. (little known and mostly denied fact; it only rains 7% of the time in the Netherlands. Unbelievable but true).
@@shoelacedonkey The same with a white christmas. We’ve been complaining there are no more white christmasses. Since they started measuring in, I believe 1900, we only had about 7 or 9 white ones. Have to look up the exact amount, but it’s very low. As if we had a white christmas almost every year in the past. For the first part of your reaction, you are right. It might not be complaining, but it is the ability of walking up to your “boss” to say, wait a minute, I don’t agree, I have another idea, without being reprimanded.
Proost
@@deetgeluid u guys r too conservative and fundamentalist....
If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.
''I'm like nee''
fucking dying, real dutchie right there.
I was just about to post the exact same thing!
BAHAHAHA jaaaaaaaa klopttt
If your culture does not distinguish between directness and rudeness, there is a trust issue in the other person's intentions. Holland scores very high in interpersonal trust, and it is this that allows us to be relatively direct without much conflict
Yeah but a soon as a foreigner points out any flaw all you hear is: Ga dan terug naar je eigen land.
There is a big spectrum and understanding of directness I guess. When I came to the Netherlands I was tired of saying: ´´Say it straight!´´. I was thinking: why the Dutch are so indirect and can't say something directly? Then I learned that I know Dutch ppl only from the workplace. To be specific: Ppl were polite to me even if I knew they disliked me and I had to say things like: ´´Why do you act like this? You don´t have to pretend you like me just keep it on the business level.´´. It was also something new for me to call my boss by his first name and I did like it, but whenever he wanted to criticize my work or make me do something he tried to give me an explanation or begin with small talk and that was kind of annoying, I had to say: ´´Get to the point!´´. After a while, however, I learned that this is a business level in the Netherlands, politeness and trying really hard not to make ppl feel bad in the workplace. In Poland, we don´t get offended easily, and it is very normal to show on your face that you dislike something or someone without even saying anything, but I eventually began to like the Dutch way. After a while, I discovered the directness that everyone was saying about, but outside of work: ´´Wat een rare pet heb jij?´´ or ´´Wat kost zo´n ding?´´ or ´´We gaan eten.´´. It´s funny when I think about it. I´ve learned a lot: to be more relaxed at work and to be more direct in my private life when I returned to Poland. Actually, I connected the best of two worlds. Now when I want someone to leave I just say it.
@@piecia66 Your speaking a lot of text here, but I still agree
@@elpepe9451 now I also find it strange that I expressed myself so extensively to random comment on random UA-cam video pushed to me by the algorithm. Weird stuff, the Netherlands is weird, but somehow addictive
Wow Interesting Thinking 🤔
From $37K to $45K that's the minimum range of profit return I get every week, I thinks it's not a bad one for me now I have enough to pay bills and take care of my family.
Could you please explain how beginners like me can start making this much
Last week, I tried trading on my own and ended up losing $3K
I have Charlotte Junko Walsh to thank
She is a licensed broker and a FINRA AGENT here in the States.
Sounds familiar, I have heard her names on several occasions.. And both her success stories on wall street journey!
We don’t brag about how expensive stuff we own is. We brag about how much discount we got when we bought it.
The discount thingy sounds like an Asian parent would flex to their friends LMAO
One of mine is when I buy a few things, I keep like one or two and I resel the rest for more than I bought it for. So proud of myself
I think I might be Dutch
This is kind of fake.
@@kaarthuisplus its real?
I suppose honesty is a part of Dutch culture, but if an elderly lady who owns a charming restaurant asks if the food was good, just say it was good. Your Dutch opinion won't make her cook better or change her cooking style. Just giving my two cents.
In most cases that is exactly what will happen in the Netherlands.
I mean, as long as it's edible & has a taste to it I'm game!
I'd probably focus on the one thing that *was* decent and not mention the rest. Still honest but decent enough to not offend.
@@patrickreuvekampexactly. The complaints are done later, behind people's backs. 😂
Absolutely, we are definitely very honest relative to other cultures, but we still make the conscious consideration whether unfiltered honesty is actually appropriate. White lies are often just necessary to avoid negative tension or conflict when there is no net positive to be gained from it down the line, and you don't have to give your opinion when it's not being asked for.
I work for the last 15 years with dutch people and I can confirm that you are rude. But most of you are getting pissed off if I say the same things. Among other nations I work with are Filipino, Croation, Romanians, Indians, Indonesians, Bulgarian...etc.
They are disrespectful and call it "just being honest" 👎 they are so egoistic and conceited they think everyone is waiting to hear their "opinions" all the time. They do not. I'm just being honest.
Philipino people are really polite and kind
@@MonsieurChapeau We could also lie to you if you prefer that but thats not in our culture 😂
@@MusicIsLegal Being polite and respectful to people in public isn't "lying". If you have a bad mood, keep it to yourself. You make the atmosphere toxic.
@@MonsieurChapeau Lying is not polite or respectful. Being honest is polite and respectful.
A lot of the stereotypes the Dutch have are actually more stereotypes of Amsterdammers in particular. Amsterdammers are considered rude and loud in the rest of the Netherlands too.
I never tell other Dutch people i live in Amsterdam, because you tend to get shit on. So i just mention my birth place. But yeah, for some reason we are consider the arrogant ones
I've travelled to most European countries and beyond. More times than I can remember. Amsterdamers aren't just "considered" rude, they truly are! VERY rude and cold people. Don't know how the Dutch in the rest of the country are but the Amsterdamers are definitely a piece of work!
Most people who live in cities are the same. You get fed up with being an unpaid tourist guide eventually.
I have a complete different experience of Amsterdam. I was raised in the Hague, lived in Utrecht during studies, and now live in Amsterdam for work. Amsterdam people are so open minded and nice, I actually had to get used to switching from The Hague’s cut throat attitude. Utrecht was ok, but the The Hague mentality is most aggressive, direct and rude.
@@Psychedelicah I do agree with that. The colleagues from The Hague (not all but in general) I founded the most two faced, rude and complaining a lot. I like Rotterdammers more.
One thing that I will never forget with the dutchies: I give a gift to my dutch colleague and he said: *"why did you give it to me? where did you buy this? Do you still have the receipt?"* and I was like: OKAY?!? THAT WAS RUDE!!!
But when my birthday came, HE GAVE ME ALMOST THE SAME THING, WITH THE SAME PRICE 😭
But anyway we're dating now
🙂🙃😆🥲🤨😞😠😥
aw thats cute
From the outside in (Dutch who immigrated to the US almost 2 decades ago), I do think that many Dutch are more small-minded than they think themselves, especially the whole 'doe maar normaal' en 'brood voor lunch'... how boring :-)
And in defense of the American smiling and doing the little 'how are you' dance... after getting used to it I like the positivity people start with over people being grumpy and moody. And it's nice people try to be customer friendly, why would that be a bad thing?
What I miss most about Dutch culture is that people are often genuinely interested in each other. It's easy to meet a Dutch person and end up talking for hours about all kinds of stuff, or start a new job and spending the first day just chit chatting with everyone over coffee. America often feels very impersonal and distant once you have the first brief interaction out of the way. That, and that everything is walkable, especially the old towns and cities.
Where do you live, because most "Dutch" stereotypes are mostly Hollands and Randstad, for a country as small as we are we have a lot of diversity. With the creation of the Netherlands, there was a "Dutch" way to do, speak, write, etc. with the Unification of the Lowlands creating the Netherlands, uniting and splitting to get the Netherlands people "know" and think off/associate when hearing the Netherlands.
They don't think of the Benelux area.
Also a stereotype doesn't mean all Dutch people do/are the same, not all local cultures and dialects are the same there are similarities etc.
Because it is fake, and you force the employee to behave like they are in a play for the profit for the company and their commissions. Like working at Disney. Wearing a mask for profits = the public you.
Doe normaal dan doe je gek genoeg. In the US everything is a competition, being the best, American excellence/superiority.
Similar to the tip cultures, instead of paying a fair wage.
It is all about the profit for the owner classes, and the working classes are the monkeys that have to "dance" for their money. Work multiple jobs and still don't earn a living wage. Go bankrupt with medical bills, etc.
Also it is not like we don't have these or similar social dances. "Small talk"
Wishing people a good day/morning/afternoon/eventing, etc.
If you are in a big city you don't greet people you encounter, if you live more urban or rural it is more likely you will greet a stranger passing by.
I lived all over the place in NL: Delft, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Lelystad, Zwolle and Deventer.
I think the statements you make are pretty un-nuanced (like, do you really think Americans are 'forced' to greet you like that?), and you may have a different take on things if you'd live here for a while. Though I agree that how the medical system works and how the income disparity is so large in the US are pretty terrible things, and in fact are some of the reasons why I'm considering to move back again at some point.
@@EelcoHillenius South Holland, Flevoland, and Overijssel. How where/are your experiences with the nuances in provinces and their local cultures as well as from the individual cities and their local cultures?
True, it was un-nuanced, generalizing and stereotyping. If I have to put nuance in, my reactions would be longer still. And it also all depends on the view on 'forced' and what is or isn't that.
The point is as made in the video, to us it comes across as fake. A thing you do, but not sincere.
Also a different stereotype of Dutch people/tourists: "Kijken, kijken, niet kopen."
@@schiffelers3944 I know, I don't blame you as I myself thought it was fake when I visited/ just moved to the US. But having lived here for almost two decades, between immigrants from all over the world, and being married to a Thai person, I appreciate how cultures have their own particulars, but the end of the day people aren't really that different once you get past these things.
As for the differences between parts of the Netherlands, yeah, there certainly are some. Frankly, I felt most at home in Deventer. I love the midsized cities and the 'nuchtere' attitude of the Dutch East :-) On the topic of 'fake', we even have that in NL, where - in my experience - people from outside of Amsterdam sometimes look at the Amsterdam 'joviaal' attitude as fake.
Maar niet in het zuiden Eelco .@@EelcoHillenius
There's a difference in being direct and being just rude. And a lot of (dutch) people don't know the difference. Main difference is if it is about your persona or of the person you're talking to.
They know the difference - their bar for being offended is simply a lot higher.
That might be true but I can assure you there are a lot of plain rude people here.@@DeusMerdaeEst(I am Dutch myself) 😆
I think we sound rude because our ways of expressing politeness don't translate easily into English and vice versa. We aren't actually quite as fluent in English as we migh appear.
Many Dutch people speaking (their version of) English don't add words like 'please' when they are due, because we don't do that in Dutch. We have different ways of expressing that, like 'Zou je even willen...' But that's hard to translate into English on the spot when you're not that fluent. So the Dutch leave it out all together and sound rude as a result.
"zou je" is the conditional tense, often used for politeness. In English we would say "could you" or "voudriez vous" in French.
I know, but it's hard for the average Dutch person trying to speak English.
Also, if a Dutch person starts a sentence with 'Could you' but doesn't add a 'please', it still sounds rude.
I think that most people would know if you asked them in a classroom setting where they have time to think. In daily practice it often gets lost in translation though. :D
You are right
I think it depends on the generations as well. My generation and after me are usually good at speaking and understanding English@@anniehope8651
As someone who has travelled a lot and speaks a little bit of many different languages, I have to say that almost all cultures use a word that means "please" and most cultures think that I've encountered think that not saying please is rude.
Wow as an American to see people speak English so well, when it is their second language is just amazing. Their English is so fluid and the comprehension is incredible.
I moved to italy years ago and run an airbnb, my area is quite popular for the dutch and one family explained to me how in schools teachers and students for a set period during the day would only speaking in English. Don't count out the Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians though who also have amazing English comprehension, at least from the ones I've met so far.
@@christianbinamira7879 I love my country but when it comes to education we really do suck. American children should be learning a second language from a young age all the way through high school. It’s an embarrassment compared to other developed nations. Sorry, not sorry. It’s the truth.
Cause Dutch is super close to English. That’s also why us Scandinavians rank on top every year.
@@MarkyTeriyaki0 I have relatives in Sweden and their English was always very good.
@@MarkyTeriyaki0 although we did have a couple guys from Amsterdam stay with us and asked me why Americans can speak such good English 😂
that is so interesting. For us in Germany it is complitly different. We are travelling to the netherlands when we need friendly people around. :-) Never heard that there were rude.
As a person who grew up bilingual (dutch/english) in The Netherlands, I believe the problem is two fold, yet compounds. Not only is the culture extremely direct; the dutch LANGUAGE is EXTREMELY to the point as well (not much to grease the wheel, so to say. It stays rather dry. Devoid of niceties that cushion thing). Wich means when the dutch translate it (usually literally) to english it sounds like they are looking for beef! Or at best it sounds passive aggresive. They simply don't NOTICE tone. They think of it in terms of honest/dishonest as opossed to blunt/ tactfully phrased. It's often a 'lost in translation' thing.
Thát and the culture that feels that sugarcoating things is a waste of time makes the dutch come across as rather abrasive to many.
And then of course to complicate things some of the people you come across may genuinely BE Rude. Lol
I really like the dutch way of living/communicating. I see some people in the comments that say ooh I'm just gonna be rude back. And there lies the problem. Dutch people don't intent to be rude. They are just direct. And other dutch people understand this and don't take it as rude. Foreign people who don't understand it and are like " ooh i'm just gonna be rude back" have very different intentions. Their intent is to be rude.
But I do want to point out that some teenage boys are rude and use the "culture" to hide behind. That is not culture, those are just rude.
Yeah, its nice being told something directly.
No Dutch people are just rude. You can be direct without being rude
@@magical5181being honest isn’t the same as being a jackass
@@night6724 well that’s more a personality thing than a culture thing. There’s shit people everywhere, but we Dutch generally like it when your upfront with what you think.
connecting the dots: direct, pragmatic, stingy, materialistic, not elegant, without a culture in food, but of course! former protestant peasants😂❤
Americans are generally really friendly and genuinely mean it. We'll treat people like a best friend within minutes of meeting them, which I know can be off putting for other cultures. It is a genuine in most cases though. Even in stores. We make friends in the grocery store line.
I trust you feel it is genuine. That said to me calling someone you just met in the grocery store line a friend would feel weird towards my long time & actual friends. One can be friendly, even Dutch people can be friendly but to get to a certain point of actual friendship will take time, effort and honesty.
@@shoelacedonkeyit's funny how when the dutch go abroad they enjoy the advantages of being treated like a welcome guest but that same courtesy isnt there in the Netherlands.😂 thankfully i only surround myself with people who aren't 'stereotypically' dutch. I'm a bit of an oddball so most dutch people I know are odd like me: Sensitive, non-confrontational, welcoming, generous to a fault....😅
I am Canadian and I would second that. We are genuinely warm, friendly and helpful. It does not mean we are best friends but it’s not hard to be considerate and positive towards others. People who are suspicious of that are cynical and entitled.
@@MonsieurChapeau i feel i might be a canadian in a dutch born body😅 i like my own company. I dont like to form close friendships off the bat. Gimme some space, first. Unless you need my help: that is a given. I won't make a big deal out of it. I don't need a 'thank you' nor, does it obligate you or me to become friends. But if we do become friends; it's the real deal. No fakery! Being rude and calling it direct, is fake to me.
@@GullibleTarget But being nice to people isn't fake! If you are helpful to me, then I of course would say thank you because that is a proper and decent way to behave, and it is proper and decent for you to accept my thanks or say you are welcome. And that is all.
In America we have to ask how you are and be super friendly if we work at a store, restaurant or customer service. If our bosses don’t think we’re being friendly enough we can get in trouble. So it’s ingrained in us to be that friendly. I’m naturally nice but hate small talk but I’ve had to do it for my job.
In the Netherlands we appreciate as well if the customer service or a waiter is friendly. But being "friendly enough" is a wrong perspective. Be friendly or kind if you really mean it. If you pretend to be friendly, you can recognize this immediately. Maybe it's better to find another job.
This just sounds annoying & exhausting to me 😅
It is funny how countries see themselves as opposed to other people. In Australia, we generally see Americans as rude. They are extremely loud and never say please or thank you to staff.
@@MLWJ1993then don't work in customer service 😂 it's the standard in North America to be friendly.
@@rouky123456 Not just as someone that has to work there. It sounds tiring to interact with as well... I'd rather have customer service get to the point instead of asking how I am feeling. 🙃
One of my favourite things to do is when the native Dutch are direct with me, I am mirroring that back to them, being direct as well... Really funny to see their reactions and how they consider me being rude.😀
You weren't being rude. You probably just were wrong. Greetings from a Dutchman.
couldn't agree with you more !
that's also I am happy to do while visiting Netherlands.
If they consider you rude, you probably were being rude and you don't really get the difference between Dutch directness and being rude
The Dutch are direct but so am I. It shocks them but things get done quickly 😐
I found people in the Netherlands very critical of Australia, even though they had never been there. Yet when I dared to say something critical about the Netherlands, their royal family, or their colonial past they did not like it at all.
It sounds contradictory how the dutch are known for be so tolerant with diversity and at the same time being jugful if someone doesn't act "normal" 🤔
Thats the dutch way. We say we're honest but really...we are quite two-faced. They will point at someone ordering a bottle of champagne. And the next day, they'll order the same bottle online and drink it at home. That way they don't have to share😂 but they will break out the cheap bottle when you visit. In other cultures it's usually: give your best to your guests. The dutch will gladly take it(saves money😂) but they are more like:' keep your best for yourself and give your guests the bare minimum😂
Oh and as a dutch person of foreign descend: they say they are tolerant but....I much rather be accepted. Eventhough I'm dutch born and bred, according to the law, I am an 'allochtone/allochtoon'.
Stop whining Roddo.@@GullibleTarget
It's spelled "libtard"
@@GullibleTarget I don't know that side at all - to me (a Dutchy) it would make much more sense to get the nicer/more expensive things when having guests. Partly perhaps as a way of showing off, but I think it's mostly about respecting your guests and wanting nice things for them. Like, I'd want to treat them, but want to save money when I'm just eating on my own... I'd think it's a waste to spend money there & will just save it for special occasions (like with guests) 😊
South Africans are perceived the same, we always get told we come across as harsh and blunt. Probably because we all have a bit of Dutch in us too (the Afrikaners). But we just typically say it how it is and get to the point and you more or less know where you stand with us. We aren’t pretentious for the most part.
I think South Africans are cool. I have gotten along with every South African I have ever met. I also met a white guy from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) when I was in Egypt and he was also cool.
You stole another's people land
As someone who has family and friends in the Netherlands. They are direct and you know where you stand with most of them. Most tourists don't realise there are other provinces besides Holland.
No one knows Holland is a province. But here's some directnes for the dutch - nobody cares Holland is a province in the Netherlands. :)
Well most people from Holland would agree. Theres Holland and then theres the other areas which we refer to as "the provinces" or "foreign territory". If someone from a different part of the country is talking about something or some issue that we dont have here, we just laugh and say they live in another country.
For reference, besides north and south holland there are 10 provinces. Groningen is in the north, theres nothing to do there, its just used for mining natural gas. Friesland is where the Frisians live, who are foreigners, theyre not Dutch people, we leave them alone and they leave us alone. Then there is Drenthe which is just a bunch of sheep and approximately 5 people live there.
Gelderland has some nice forests but the people there are German and we dont care what goes on there as long as the trains are on schedule. Same for Overijssel.
Then Utrecht is a lot like Holland but they are just a bunch of wannabes who cant afford the rent here.
Brabant is known for 3 things, carnaval, producing illegal drugs and drinking a lot of beer, but they cant even do that right because the people who drink the most beer per capita live right here in Holland.
Then theres Limburg which is basically fake Belgium. They even have hills over there. Weird people. Zeeland is also fake Belgium, its main use is for building dams and annoying the real Belgians who are trying to steal our trade with their ports around Antwerp, to which we control the sea route.
And lastly we have Flevoland which was reclaimed from the sea to provide housing for people who cant afford the rent in Amsterdam.
@@TheSuperappelflap and then the Holland provinces are not even Dutch anymore because there are only foreigners, criminality and expats there. And the ones that aren't foreigners are extremely poor Hagenezen, Crooswijk Rotterdammers or cultureless YUPpen.
@@TheSuperappelflap Hahaha you made my (dutch) weekend :)
The only good thing about Amsterdam is the train to Eindhoven.
I'm Brazilian, I'm direct, honest, sincere, I choose the most beautiful words, born and raised in Rio, now living in a small city where I'm an alien for telling the truth while everyone else talks behind everyone else's back.
3:47 4:02 Ah, so much for open-mindedness of other cultures. 🤨
For the record, when most Americans are friendly, it's not always "fake." From a cultural perspective, asking someone how their day is going is a means for conversation, for engagement.
Culturally, Americans have conversations with strangers - it's just who we are - and I think that comes from a time when pioneers relied on each other, despite being strangers, to build communities. The same applies for immigrants arriving in America during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries - they talked to strangers to find commonality or to build connection.
I know this channel is in the spirit of having fun; however, if there's an expectation that Americans need to be more culturally aware, I think this expectation of awareness needs to be considered when perceiving Americans, as well. There are practical reasons for our behavior. It's not about being "fake."
Don't compare Americans to these soul-less people. They lack a sense of human depth, empathy, and the emotional intelligence to bond with humans. I lived in Europe, Sweden and Holland for the most part and the hypocrisy is real.
*they love to talk shit behind your back
*they criticize everything not European
*they think other nations are less than them especially Americans
*You're not pretty if you're not white
Europe looks shiny, but the inside is rotten.
triggered american spotted
@@perlabianca155 No. It's about noting hypocrisy. Or, as to paraphrase Scandinavians, "I'm just being direct and honest."
@@perlabianca155 nothing's triggering about people who pretend to be happy but in fact 80% of them are depressed.
Are you culturally aware of how many cultures? The whole world needing to speak your language because you guys can't learn anything else besides English isn't enough?
Not rude, but VERY direct. I found myself wondering if it was bluntness or sarcastic rejection. They are hard to like but I'm sure they are very loyal and supportive friends.
The Dutch are Friendly, Frugal, individualistic, low on politeness, high on life.
They talk directly like children do if they're not taught any manners. They live in a remarkable country with an unremarkable landscape. They're super organised and are natural planners. Don't expect a let's go now spontaneous outlook because their agendas don't allow it.
low on politeness lol ? not every one in Holland is the same shm
@@Twaloef not everyone of course =) but many. Doesn’t mean they’re being horrible or have any ill will, just that in many areas of daily life, the politeness lacks, where in other cultures like mine, it doesn’t.
@@DeputyChiefWhip yeahh ok fair
Depends on your definition of politeness, what is polite to one culture is rude in another
Deputy: Interesting and thoughtful observations. I can see how these characteristics have been instrumental in developing a resilient and high achieving culture.
That said, I prefer more “fluff”, warmth and some reticence - ie, the English way of doing things.
(Not ‘all things’ - they are struggling a good deal these days - but their wit, understated decency and tenacity.)
To me, although there are some common social and professional behavioural expectations/customs e.g. thrifty, cold lunch, be direct, don't waste time, etc, there is no such thing as outright 'Dutch' behaviour. Firstly there are 12 provinces where people's idiosyncrasies tend to be somewhat different. Even within a province, people in different municipalities can have fairly unique collective customs, histories, perceptions, etc. Secondly (and more obviously) because a country is a large diverse mix of everything. Oversimplifying it is only useful for the overly-simple.
Most Dutch people are direct but only when asked for their opinion or when it's needed in the situation. People from Amsterdam are a bit much though, they act like it's their whole identity. It's very easy to spot someone from Amsterdam because they will tell you within the first minute of talking to them.
You: Hey how are you doing?
Them: Hi I'm fine, I'm from Amsterdam so I always say what's on my mind, cool right?
You: Okay, have a nice day. Bye!
The woman saying she cannot recognise Dutch directness since she doens’t feel to be so direct, is suspiciously straight to the point regarding her not being straight to the point.
As a Dutch person, I have things I'm proud if about my country, but I HATE the quote "doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg" ("Just act normal, that's weird enough already") I just hate it soooo much
Is "gek" not like "mal" or crasy/ insane?
I have a Dutch friend when we talk he iwalys tell me just act normal am shock how
@@reinhardtburger7108 Also! English just has more words for it. It can mean both. But when you 'do' (doe) gek, it means weird or unusual, when you 'are' gek it usually means crazy or insane or something like that. When we want to say that someone 'is' weird, we mostly use the word 'raar', which can also be translated to weird. So it would be "Je bent raar." (You are weird)
When someone 'is' gek, it would be 'Je bent gek.' (You are crazy/insane)
@Nynaranstrom I was interested to see if it still had the same meaning in Afrikaans as in Dutch. In Afrikaans, "mal" is used a lot more commonly to indicate insanity. But "gek" is normally used more for (happy go lucky) in English.
Being Rude and being Honest are mixed often. As a Dutchman I think not being honest is what’s rude.
So im dutch, and i live near the southern part of the netherlands. I think that you might find it interesting to do interviews there one day, cause it's culturally quite different, especially the directness thing. I am from the nord and one of my parents is from amsterdam, so i used to be (and parti
ally still am) direct, even for dutch standards and I really had to adjust to the way that southerns express themselves and their shocked reactions to my communication style.
Congratulations if ur Dutch👏👏👏
BS. You guys always pretend you are more special. Yeah, special needs.
Nah, even Limburgers are more direct compared to Belgians let alone compared to Anglo or Asian cultures.
Limburgs kwartiertje . We can be 15 minuten later .
about punctuality: true. my wife is pedicure. ALL of her clients ring the bell 5-3 minutes before their appointment. no exception. When you will be late, phone 15 minutes before your appointment !
If you are 15 minutes before time, you might still think you can be on time, why would you call?
I have been to Nederlands several times. I find the Dutch so refreshing! I am not ethnically Dutch yet I find all the point of view they express in their lives, well taken.
On being stingy or liking a discount .. In a local pizzeria, a Pizza Roma, had cheese, salami, onions, ham and mushrooms.
On 'pizza day', all pizza's cost say 9 Euro
A pizza with something added, cost 9 + 1 Euro.
So, I want a Pizza Salami with onions, that would be 10 Euro.
But a Pizza Roma without ham and mushrooms would be the same thing for 9 Euro.
Obviously I order a Roma and ask them to leave the mushrooms and ham away.
Why shouldn't I ?
The Pizzeria personnel (Egyptians) laughed at it 'Typical Dutch' was their conclusion.
Ya .. whatever. I got a Salami with onions for 9.
When English people say “it’s interesting”, they mean it’s NOT interesting…..Why, because it is polite to lie ??
They say that the English are too decent to be honest, whilst the Dutch are too honest to be decent.
@@PetraStaal Haha, I will remember that one. Very accurate.
I lived in the UK and found the roundabout way of approaching things diplomatically, a lot better. 😂 then again; I lived in very poor areas where people are very direct but genuinely kind. It would really make my day if I went to the local off-licence for a pack of cigs and the lady goes: 'Hiya! You're alright, love?' And when you accidentally bump into someone it's: 'safe, bruv. No worries'. Gotta love the brits😂 they are very similar to the Dutch, just nicer.
We’re just clever with our words to avoid conflict. We’d probably call someone who is too lively too early in the morning ‘enthusiastic’ when what we really mean is they’re annoying.
There is a difference between being direct or being tactless. My mother was the second and I hated it so much. She would actually insult people and act all innocent about it.
Some Americans are friendly and actually mean it. They just want to spread happiness to others by being happy and nice.
Honestly most Americans are like this. Some are fake obviously but the majority actually do care.
Nice and kind are two very different things. I do agree that smiling at a stranger, as an Australian isn’t weird but to Europeans it is. They say they think you are are not all mentally there if you walk around smiling😂. A smile from a stranger can make someone’s day or a simple hello as you pass. These things are seen as normal here. As a girl I learnt not to smile while in countries like Italy bc all the men think you are interested in them, which I found sad and disturbing at the same time😂. I do have to say though, seeing Americans in Australia, Americans are not polite to staff. It is customary to say hello, how are you to staff then place your order followed by a pls and thank you. Americans just don’t do this. It is seen as very rude not to in Australia.
For me as a Dutch person i think its great to be direct and to know where you stand exactly. I find it actually baffling that people consider that rude, while wearing a mask, using sarcasm and being indirect, psyop like mindgames is not considered rude in other countries?
Many Dutch are inconsiderate of others, self centered, and having double standards. That is why I agree the Dutch are rude. This has nothing to do with explaining where your standing is, aka straightforwardness.
The Dutch would make a fantastic business partner, but not a great family/friend.
Lol even when Dutch people are direct, most off the time you never know how and where you stand with them. They can tell you they appreciate you and then still end up gossiping behind your back. The Dutch put on masks too, their honesty isn’t always genuine.
I'm really a direct person and don t like small talk and I'm canadian😅
In my experience and opservations
Canada is very Dutch / french
You have good healthcare you eat the pouten thats just alot of cheese and fries
You have the weed
I think
When the people moved from
Europe to the new land merica
What
Americans often forget is were did you came.from.yourself
Most of your ancestors came from Europe
So prob they just gave alot of people
That wanted to start a new love or actually earned it
But also the more radical people the treats om society
And what sounds better then
Land of the freee
Marketing
If your running a country you probably
Better of having them over seas
That also can explain
Why Americans are such a agressif country
Couse it were alot of loonies from Europe 😂😂
But getting back to the point
In alot of states in America you can see the Dutch influence
Like for example
That 70 showww whoooo minesootttaaaaa
Is about a bunch of stoners in a basement
Minnesota mainly know for productions of cheese
Hmmmm
Weed and cheese
Were did we hear that before 😅
The Dutch have been my companion for the last 20 years. They can be arrogant and humble at the same time. I hear about French, Germans and British and I must say I feel quite lucky I ended up living among the Dutch.
I studied French in Aix en Provence, France with students from around the world. The Dutch students were universally disliked for talking loudly and incessantly in class.
Really? I think French people are one of the most disliked people in the Netherlands.
We know 😂But atleast were enjoying our lifes haha
I know that the Dutch have people like this, this really depends in The Netherlands where they would be from.
We don’t care if we offend people.. if you’re not used to that I get you can be offended. Problem is that mostly we’re right 😀
Everyone dislikes you.
I am direct, because I value honesty, an I am honest because I value trust. It's called being honest, not ruse.
"Honest" can be egocentric. Not everyone needs to know one's every opinion on everything.
I think the guy in white hit it spot on: "Calvinism" - the reason for almost every Dutch stereotype! (Seriously, I tell every other foreigner I meet this and it is like a lightbulb goes on!)
(I still remember the look of horror on the faces of my ex's parents when I put the meat AND the cheese on the same sandwich ::gasp:: the horror!)
Also, the complaining is mostly about the weather, the NS (trains), or how expensive things are/becoming, lol.
Now I will go make a pindakaas and hagelslag sandwich 😅
I am 'positive direct'. If I say that I like somebody, I completely mean it. If I dislike people, I just avoid them silently.
I'm Dutch and I can totally agree with the guy in the video saying that things like weed become less appealing when it's legalized. In my surroundings, I know more international people smoking weed than Dutch people. I can also remember having an exchange with other European countries in high school, and all they could think about was to buy weed and they also thought that every average Dutch family has weed at home (which is not the case)
Interesting your name is sedathefarmer. The thing I always think when I think about the dutch is farmers :)
Congratulations if ur Dutch as if we care about it👏👏
@@The_LivingdudeI am Australian not Dutch but I really don’t understand why you are watching a video about Dutch people, if as you say, you don’t care😂.
@@soullessnight6539This guy has been commenting this all over the comment section lol
Lol
The English accent of the Dutch is a copy and paste for many of us South Africans. It's amazing how that linguistic similarity remains so strong after a couple of centuries. I loved this video, thank you!
Quite clearly the rudest people in Europe in my experience - at least as far as customer service is concerned!
You have to understand, American staff are overly nice bc they mostly rely on tips to live. That is absolutely fake nice. Americans are actually not polite to staff.
100 procent
@@sonnysantino7849100% bs
You never been to France? Go there, they will show you what being rude really looks like 😂😂
Yesz closely followed by Nordic people.
I believe you can say what you think, but there is a WAY to say it.
You CAN be honesty but still think of other people's feelings.
It's unfair that criticizing America is viewed differently than criticizing other countries. Insert the guy on video saying how he doesn't like Americans.
Unfair or not, the US is over present in many things all over the world so they're an easy victim for critisism. That said I thought that specific couple came across as ignorant and presumptuous. They werent a good example of a Dutch stereotype imho. Especialy the younger people are much more open minded towards new people from other countries/cultures.
That guy is a typical 'grachtengordel' person😂.
@@shoelacedonkeythat guy is every teacher I've had. Typical middle-upperclass mentality. I wish she'd go to Rotterdam or the Hague and ask people, there. Amsterdam is a tourist trap where only the wealthy can live. Utrecht is a city you move to when you can't afford Amsterdam but still want to be fancy. Lots of students from wealthy backgrounds who have no idea what goes on beyond their own social circle, live there. I must say that most people Marina interviewed are the kind of people I avoid😂 would be nice to have her interview dutch people outside her comfort zone.
That guy would be a prick no matter where he was from.
Honestly, lol, those two-the older couple-are simply obnoxious!
The dutch guy at the end said there isn’t really an english translation to the word “genieten”, but it really just means enjoying. I think we just use it in different contexts, not so much about food maybe but more so when we are in a relaxed environment and such. A typical dutch wordt that actually doesn’t have translation tho, is the word “gezellig” which all my foreign collegues joke about since its really hard to put the word into context when you don’t know what it means for the dutch.
Edit: shit i paused the video right before the guy explains exactly this💀
I moved to Netherlands around 1,5 year ago, and... I love Dutch directness
You make me sick
i lived there and i hated “directness” which was more like narcissism and they always hated when i was “direct” to them
dutch people are just rude and inconsiderate. Living there was the worst years of my life
@@night6724 because you can be direct and "direct". You can feel it in the tone people will get with you, and if you felt like all of them were narcistic and said things to offend you. Probably your "direct" response was projecting those feelings and people can feel that. I was planty direct with Dutch people, without meaning to "get back at them" or to be mean, and they were fine with it.
Or we maybe met different Dutch people I guess.
No mind games 🎯?
Wauw
Naturlich
Nice video, thanks for sharing and good luck!✌🏼
3:39 "we like discounts" while there are 3 big "SALE" signs behind them. Spot on 😆
Once you enter the kruitvat your being spammed with : “40% SALE NOW + 1 FREE IF YOU BUY 3”
I just love that so many liked your comment and didn't even realize you mistyped the timestamp. 😁
Llllloooolllll 😂😂😂 I noticed that in the video 📹
Yeah we do like it lol. We always on the hunt for discounts.
Who dosent like discount s.
I was going to bring up Calvinism being born there remembering the Dutch Reformed Church back in the 1940's. Even though I left when I was 8 you have revealed a lot of the issues my friends bring up in the USA
French , German, French, Luxembourgeois, Dutch are very direct and have zero filter
"Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg." means "Just be normal, that's crazy enough.". It's a way to tone down irrational excitement, overly dramatic persona's and delusions of grandeur. We don't disapprove of ordering champagne, we have a distaste for the accompanying social hysteria and showing off your wealth in an obnoxious manner.
A good way to compare it for me has always been visiting the cinemas.
A dutch cinema will usually be very quiet and respectful of those around you, trying not to make too much noise so we all can take in the movie better.
Then you see recording of some other countries cinemas where people lose their absolute shit during a movie: clapping and screaming during it. It's a sign of shared excitement and respect for the movie... Part of the experience for them.
This is VERY different culturally.. In a dutch cinema this would be considered rude, annoying and disrespectful.
@@FlorentiusIV absolutely, though it does matter what kind of movie is on display. I remember one edition of the Lowlands Festival in the cinema tent, where it was rowdy, people walking in and out, cheering and clapping for the action scenes in Face/Off. Under the right circumstances we do appreciate it.
So nice one dutch person here said why not save the money for tomorrow?. A friend in Spain said when i wanted to open a lesser good wine later: "oh no we'll open up the great wine now. Don't know what Will happen later. We could be dead! " Really a difference of culture. Spain learned me to live at the moment.
Hahaha, i am randomly appearing on 3:13 speedwalking to the work 😆
And being really Dutch by wearing orange 🍊😂
@@dianacastaneda7928 indeed 😂
Hahaha that’s how I walk to university on mornings when I don’t feel like getting out of bed but I end up late and have to speed walk
😂 that’s very funny
😂😂😂. Did you get there on time
I orginally posted this comment on a different reaction video but also wanted to share it here☺: Queen Maxima once said, "The Dutchman does not exist." This really captures how multicultural the Netherlands is. We have a lot of people with different backgrounds living here. Some were born in the Netherlands to at least one parent from abroad, while others moved here from other countries. We have many population groups with people of Moroccan, Turkish, Ghanaian, Surinamese, and Caribbean descent. But even with all this diversity, stereotypes about what it means to be Dutch are often still tied to being white. Many people still think being Dutch means being white. There’s also this unspoken idea that "real" Dutch people are white, which leads to others-who may have been born here-being seen as "not fully" Dutch just because of their background or skin color. So videos about Dutch stereotypes, like 'Dutch hospitality' or directness, they're usually talking about white Dutch people. It’s not really fair to say 'Dutch' as if it includes everyone. It’s kind of like an Asian Indian in the U.S. making generalizations about Americans based only on stereotypes about Asian Indians. Greetings from a Dutch person
Always impressed by how beautifully Dutch people speak English. The same cannot be said for many in my New York neighborhood.
Subtitles! 🎉
I disagree. English is a language of many layers. Most Dutch people are only capable of speaking the top and most superficial layer. Worse, this is generally garnished with a gratuitous bad imitation of a colonial accent. I've only heard two Dutch people who really do speak beautiful English: (1) Frans Timmermans (2) Princess Beatrix.
@@mfjdv2020 Hahaha what a load of BS stupid lefties
What languages do you speak?@mfjdv2020
@@voxx9449 Belgisch denk 🤣🤣🤣
I believe directness is different from rudeness. I learned to be direct from working abroad, a former Western boss taught me. I speak my mind especially when I see something wrong.
I’m Dutch but born in America my father is very straightforward so I was raised to speak my mind, I never knew why people in America were so uptight and offended by people being straightforward
It's called having social graces.
I am happy to see I am not typically Dutch. I am 1.55 meters tall. I also don't understand why people should not eat a warm meal twice a day. When I eat something warm for lunch coworkers often say "Oh, now you don't need to cook tonight!" Of course I need to cook tonight! I like my breakfast, lunch and dinner to be warm!
(Hagelslag and peanutbutter? Seriously???? 🤮).
I am also not punctual. It comes in handy when you meet at a trainstation, but when you can get somewhere on your own it is not that important to be so punctual. "I will come around lunchtime" is enough, does it?
I also like to spend my money. It is nice when I get a discount, but I will not wait for it.
Gezellig in English is cozy.
As an american hoping to move to the netherlands, i hope that my niceness is not seen as fake:(
Just be yourself. That's enough.
No worries, if niceness is a sincere part of your character you'll love the Netherlands. (And we'll love you)
Please continue being you, because we know we are damn nice and the world needs it
If you don't shout everything and you say it calmly and don't say you love everything and everyone, it should be fine. It helps to mention specific things if you want to give a compliment, instead of "Love it!"
Its only seen as fake if its not sincere
I have to say, I am dutch and I am not as direct as people are saying in this video. You can be subtle about things. I think it also differs from where you are in the Netherlands. I am from the south. Overhere it is not excepted to be to direct. So there is a difference in the Netherlands also.
Absolutely right. You can get the same message across in many different ways.
Dutch: We're very open and direct.
American: Hello, how are you?
Dutch: Jesus Christ, the audacity. Scared the shit out of me.
It's not that.
American: Hello, how are you?
Dutch: Ah, actually, didn't sleep so well, headache, and I might be depre..
American: .............
When you ask a Dutch person how are you, expect a real answer. We don't get asking this question out of politeness without expecting a real answer lol
@@sonneh86 Thats true 100% The Americans I've met so far do ask " how are you" but don't expect a reply.
They expect a little dance of "I'm fine/I'm good" to be replied with the same thing lmao@@dancelover020
@@mahadevovnlamerican: same bro same
As an Australian I have only ever had one experience with a Dutch person. It was quite a few years ago. He came to our small town in Australia and formed a friendship with my friend group. We all hung out together but could not understand a word he said. We were having farewell drinks on his last night before going back to his home. In the clearest English he said… women should be in the kitchen at all times with their legs spread. My friend, a girl wanted to kill him but me, also a girl just couldn’t stop laughing😂😂. This guy couldn’t speak a word of English the whole time we knew him but that, THAT, he said in perfect English😂.
What a stupid creature he was
( you left a comment below my comment hence I simply had owed you one)
i think he probaly meant that as a joke
Happy Friday, Marina 🍷! My parents went to Amsterdam in 2019 on a cruise around Europe for almost a month and they had enjoyed it. As an American born, I like to be punctual when it comes to making plans with friends, girlfriend because I like to value my time to people and I hope in return people value their time to me. I do hope to experience one day to take a trip to the Netherlands and other areas of the world as well. Hope you had an awesome experience over there!
Sadly, a trait that I noticed was the Dutch willingness to rat on you. I worked there for several years as part of a Dutch team. One of the team was known as, the 'Spion'---In English the spy or the grass! There were other instances too.
feel like that's common in a lot of cultures where there's a hierarchical system no? ratting for the boss to climb the corporate ladder
not saying that I participate in that, but now working in germany I notice it's not rare to know who you can trust and who you can't.
As a Dutchman I can say that the statements in this video are very accurate 😂 and I think Marina is a very good host of the show 😄
Wow good for you if ur a Dutch man seeing you’re comments getting a heart by this UA-camr
As an American who lived in The Netherlands, I love the Dutch and their directness.
Dutch people love being "direct" to others, but not much when it is dished out to them.
Completely agree, essentially they pursue what is convenient for them and greatly lack concerns for others
@@rainc3318 They are also very good at twisting their negatives as positives. Rudeness is covered as directness, pessimism is covered as practicality, inflexibility is covered as discipline and pre-planning, penny pinching frugality as Nordic minimalism, scapegoating as root cause analysis, shirking personal accountability as collective and democratic decision making, racial discrimination as discretion.
@@val-schaeffer1117 agree, especially on the rudeness, pessimism, inflexibility, and racial discrimination. It was not a massive surprise they got a far-right government, a lot of Dutch are racists. I even heard this ridiculous comment made to an expat: do not connect to my wifi, you will pass your virus. They may be an efficient business partner, but not ideal as friends and lovers.
@@rainc3318 Indeed. They are basically same as Germans. But get lesser criticism because Dutch are apparently jolly and happy, as opposed to serious and militaristic Germans.
@@rainc3318 Since 2018 my wife moved from Brazil to the Netherlands and fortunately she didn't have your experiences on this. She made a big effort on speaking the language well and made a bunch of very good friends, inspit having passed her fifties.
Hm, interesting 🤔... I'm very direct but not a Dutch and I've noticed cleary that people who are low key mean, kind of rude on the sly, are easily offended by my straightforwardness, complaining that my 'attitude' is not nice. Also been asked to sugarcoat a little...🤭 On the contrary, people who are nice, really appreciate that I'm honest and straight to the point, they like that they don't have to second guess me.
Then you won't like the Dutch.😂 They're not always direct. Oftimes they are deliberately confrontational to make you feel bad about doing things differently. I pick up on vibes very easily. I know this Finnish lady who is very direct and can come across as rude. But she is ACTUALLY honest. Even if she doesn't crack a smile, I sense that she's genuine. As a Dutch person myself, I see how the Dutch will just blurt something out with an evil glint in their eye. And if you react its:" I'm just being honest? If you can't take it: that's not my problem....hey, you aren't mad are you...?"
U-huh....I lived here all my life and I can smell insincerity. I'm very selective with the people I surround myself with. Thankfully...like attracts like. So all the dutchies in my life are great people😊
We pay according to what we think it's worth it, tourists are getting taken advantage of and we know it, we're not cheep we're sensible
Have a look at Dutch people in the diaspora. After World War 2, they were one on the largest sources of immigrants into Australia, and there was a strong feeling among Australians that they were arrogant. I've known a lot of them, and, sad to say, they genuinely were arrogant.
Like the king of the Netherlands said , "If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much.", during his state visit to the US. years ago, with queen Maxima and by the way I am Dutch and I agree with the king..
The punctuality thing is SO true. I met a friend from the Netherlands in Paris, and I was constantly late since it was my first time abroad. He sent me this text message, basically calling me the rudest, most ill-mannered, and unprofessional person he has ever met. As a New Yorker, I found it amusing.
🤣🤣🤣👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 as a Dutch person I can only imagine he said that. I’m Dutch but timing is also not my strong suit
So yr friend was right. Who are y to decide over someones else his time? His time us not yours! 2 times late friendship is gone. Its disrespectfull!
There is a difference between "stingy" which has a very ugly connotation and denotation, and "frugal" which is being responsible and cautious. Perhaps their fiscal conservatism at a personal level is why they are so prosperous.
Finally a good and accurate interview about the Dutch people in the Netherlands. I'm also Dutch and agree what the people say. Well done Marina. 👍🏻
some dutch stores are expensive but we dutch like to get a discount and thats why many people go through folders to get discounts, our stores are structured to feed our cheapskate mindset
Is anyone else finding it a critical oversight to claim that a populace can be ‘direct’ in their communication *without* being aggressive ?.
The Dutch are not direct everyone is direct no matter which country. They're just plain boring & rude.
I've been in Nederlands before, I want to tell about an event I experienced. There were discount posters hanging in a market I went to, but none of them had pictures on them, they were all completely written. "Tabak ÷20" was written on a poster. The word Tabak means Plate in my language (Im Turkish). I was a little child at the time, so I thought it was funny and said it out loud. Everyone in that market turned and looked at me shamefully. I think it's because I was too young. I'm ready to go there again, I really love Nederlands seaside villages ＼(^^)／
I'm from Amsterdam, and personally I hate (!) the stereotype ''Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg.'' It literally means in english; ''don't be yourself, blend in with society.'' Sounds awful right?
Doesn't it mean "just being yourself is good enough" ?
@@jodidoest2389 No, it means you have to blend in with the rest. I also don’t like that sentence but maybe because I live in Amsterdam too. My family is from Twente (the east) and this sentence could be their motto. I don’t like it, it is not tolerant at all.
That's not a literal translation at all, might wanna look up what that word means.
A literal translation would be. Just act normal, that's scrub weird enough.
@@mormacil there is a difference what it literally means and how Dutch use it. It is mostly used by people outside the cities, ‘just don’t do too weird’. It fits some more Calvinistic people and they also say ‘we zijn zo nuchter’ but they are not. Just in their own bubble.
@@Annaseptember1978 That's an entirely different point. What something literally means is a word for word translation. That's what the word literally in English means.
As a lifelong Dutch guy I'm well aware of what it means. I was pointing out that rosavisser5764 was completely wrong to use the word "literally" here.
I do also disagree with your interpretation of how the saying is used in Dutch culture. It means there's no need to act out. Which is a very Calvenist worldview. It's of course not remotely intolerant.
Also being in your own bubble and being nuchter are entirely separate things. Nuchter has a wide variety of meanings and I can't recall a single one that's incompatible with being in a bubble. Assuming you mean something like a social bubble.
In Leiden I was informed fictionally the Dutch and Irish swopped their countries. Dutch Ireland prospered, they sent a mission back to the old Netherlands, but there was only water it had fallen back to the North Sea 😅
The discount part is so true. Im living in Spain right now and compared to NL there are hardly any discounts here in shops and especially supermarkets. For me it always gives me a good feeling when I do shopping and get many things that are discounted
I'm a Dutchie in Canada. What I feel about the enormous amount of discounts is that we are normally paying too much for everything. If things can be discounted THAT much, it's too expensive in 'normal' pricing.
I am a Portuguese immigrant in the Netherlands and I have heard that stereotype about Dutch people being rude and I do not agree. If you need help with something you will be helped. But don't be whiny and expect empathy for that or don't expect fake sympathy. If people are being nice they are being nice for real. That's my opinion about the Netherlands people 🇳🇱
I'm an American and when I ask how someone is doing, I mean it. My favorite people are the ones who answer honestly, too!
Emotions are for my family and my gang members... rest is definitely business...
@@kalebind1😂
As a dutch person I would say: Use the autofocus or use the manual focus right. There is this setting in the camera called: Focus Peaking. You will see a red or blue line around the subject that is in focus.
Don't record on the lowest aperture either. you see this a lot so you can use low ISO but trust me. Newer camera's can handle up to 1600 ISO so you can record with F/11 - F/14 easily so you can keep everything in focus and don't have blurry subjects
The Dutch are kind people at their cores, but their emotional expression comes across as very rude. I don't think they intend to offend anyone, it is just their forward-moving nature. They are very busy and efficient people, but simultaneously, they are quite relaxed (which seems like a big paradox). I think a lot of it comes down to the weather, though it is confusing how the Danish can have even worse weather than the Dutch, and have much better emotional expression than they do. The Dutch are very reliable people, though, and at least...they don't promise more than they can deliver. At least they don't say yes, when they actually meant no. And at least they are not in your business like the Germans...the Germans are both in your business, but they are in your business because of their own egos, not because they care. With the Dutch, there is an honest attitude of, "I don't really care, but you can do what you like, and it doesn't bother me." The Germans will report you to the police for hanging your laundry out to dry on Sunday.
I suggest the reporter first ask another question: do you take into account other person’s feelings? Will you treat others with respect? I think most of these people will say ‘Sure I do’. And they will be more reserved when the question about being direct is asked. These people are proud to confirm a stereotype that does not hold for many Dutch people.
As a southwest German I don't see any difference between the cultures 😃
You don't like to be called German either? 🤣😉
Frankly, I don't like any culture.I don't like people,I find most people full of it. I don't care much for this world.I can't wait to be in the next world,a better place.I am a born again Christian, so I can't wait to be in heaven. But, while I'm in this world I can't help it,i just have to be a misanthrope.
I just love our being direct. I can't stand people that tell you one thing and mean the opposite! Even if it hurts, be true and we will accept it.
Exactly
We all do one thing and mean the opposite from time to time...I really dislike black and white ways of portraying reality
...and by the way, rather than saying the opposite of what you think, you can just as well keep silent. As they say in Sicily 'The best word is the one left unsaid'
@@karlos1060 I have seen Dutch people be blunt and abrupt with the other person but taking offense when the other person replied by the same token. Plus we have ALL said something while meaning the opposite at some point in our lives. I intensely dislike it when people use such language as "I hate" "can't stand"...such phrases are telling of a very aggressive, disagreeable and uncivilized attitude
@@LOKI77able I said i can't stand...not hate. I don't mind to be on the other side of the barrel.
What i ment with my comment is more like be honest to people. Even if it hurts. I get crazy if someone lies because they don't want to directly say something to you and you find it out later they lied about it.
I feel like lying is far worse then beying a bit rude sometimes.
That does not mean i try to hurt people by being blunt. If i can i will always try to say it on a non offensive way.
But beying honest is very key. If you say something but you mean the opposite then don't say anything at all.
Saying i don't know or have an opinnion about it is easy done.
Thats why i like it a lot in the Netherlands the way we say.
We also have people that are there just to try and hurt someone. I don't like that as well ofc.
they are direct because they know that the other party won't overreact...
I’m half Dutch and half American. I find the Dutch a lot more fake and less blunt. In my own experience living in both countries I think Americans are way more direct and say what’s on their mind.
One things that still strikes me when watching Dutch Tv or interviews. People are always fake smiling constantly. Many times people are answering directly laughing or smiling without a joke or reason.
The Dutch are definitely a lot more cheap and less giving then Americans. In America people really dislike cheap and stingy people.
I’ve heard a lot of Dutch people refer to employees in stores when shopping in the US. Its just costumer services, friendly costumer services. Americans are more customer friendly.
I believe most Americans are genuinely interested in how someone is doing and would love to converse. Americans are definitely more social with strangers and enjoy and spontaneous conversation.
Dutch are more punctual and definitely plan things more. People have to make a appointment to see their own family members. In the USA people just by randomly for dinner for example.
Oh ur Dutch mom or dad thinks they’re now American by making you a half Dutchie that’s new
What's that then when we were invited by americans to come for dinner and see how disappointed they were when we showed up?
Are you for real?😂
I agree most are direct but others are straight up rude. Not all know the difference. In contrast when you meet a dutch person outside the Netherlands they are much more friendly.
Directness, punctuality, not faking, no spendthrift... I'd prefer that.
It’s unfortunately not like this there when you living there, I have been 4 years and Dutch people are direct when it’s comfortable, I’m not saying that they are not nice people, but not everything I found here to be meeting reality