Why Kids Love Dutch Culture: Food, Music, and Amazing Facts
Dutch Fun Facts – Holland/Netherlands
The Dutch national soccer team has played in three World Cup finals: in 1974 (against Germany), 1978 (against Argentina), and 2010 (against Spain), but they have never won the cup. It is quite remarkable that such a small country plays such a major role in international soccer. Soccer is the number one sport in the Netherlands, followed by cycling and speed skating.
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. This city is known for its tolerant atmosphere. Historically, during the 1700s, Amsterdam was a safe haven for refugees and free thinkers fleeing dictatorships across Europe. As long as taxes were paid, people were welcomed in the city, regardless of their background.
Dutch Verbal Communication and Dialects
In the Netherlands, it is customary to use the formal form “U” or “Uw” when addressing someone, especially older individuals or in formal settings. The informal form “je/jij” is only used when the other person invites you to do so.
Although the Netherlands is relatively small, it has over thirty different regional dialects. The southern part of the country (below the rivers Rijn, Waal, and Maas) is historically Catholic and culturally connected to Belgium and France, with dialects such as Brabants, Limburgs, and Zeeuws. The northern part is traditionally Protestant and oriented toward Scandinavia, with dialects like Gronings, Drents, and Achterhoeks. Fries is an official language spoken in Friesland.
Dutch Children’s Games
“Sjoelbakken” is a popular Dutch shuffleboard game. Kids and adults alike enjoy sliding wooden disks into numbered slots on a long wooden board. Each player gets three turns to score the highest points.
“Kinkkeren” is a traditional marble game that dates back to Roman times. Dutch children have special names for different marbles, like the large one called “giant giant bonk.” The goal is to shoot other players’ marbles out of a large circle drawn on the ground. The last player with remaining marbles wins.
Dutch Stories
One well-known story is that of Hans Brinker, a young Dutch boy who saved his village from flooding. On a stormy day, Hans noticed a hole in the dyke and held it closed with his finger. His friend ran for help, and together they saved the town. Hans Brinker became a national hero.
Dutch Festivals and Traditions
Sinterklaas is one of the most beloved holidays in the Netherlands. Sinterklaas, a bishop from Spain, travels with his helper to deliver gifts to children. While he rides a white horse on rooftops, the helper places presents in children’s shoes by climbing down the chimney.
Another popular celebration is Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day), now celebrated as Koningsdag (King’s Day) on April 27. People flood the streets in orange outfits to celebrate with music, dancing, and street markets where they sell second-hand items.
Christmas and Easter are also widely celebrated. In the Netherlands, both holidays include a first and second day. Christmas is for family gatherings and meals, but gifts are more commonly given on Sinterklaas rather than Christmas.
Traditional Dutch Clothing
Wooden shoes, or clogs, are traditional Dutch footwear. They are light, sturdy, and protect farmers’ feet on dairy farms. In winter, people place straw inside for insulation. Worn-out clogs are often used as planters outside barns or homes.
Dutch Food
The most popular fast food in the Netherlands is fresh-cut French fries served with a variety of sauces. Other local favorites include eel and raw herring sandwiches, dark bread rolls with Gouda cheese, and mashed potato dishes like hutspot (made from potatoes, carrots, and onions) and boerenkool (mashed kale and potatoes with sausage).
Sweet treats are also plentiful. Stroopwafels, for instance, are thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup. People often warm them by placing them on top of a hot drink. The Dutch also enjoy chocolate and spiced biscuits.
Language and Names
Dutch is a West Germanic language spoken by about 90% of people in the Netherlands. It is also spoken in Belgium (where it’s called Flemish) and Suriname. Dutch is closely related to German and English, and there are over twenty-five dialects in the Netherlands.
The second official language is Friesian, spoken by over 500,000 people in Friesland.
Popular girls’ names include Emma, Julia, Sophie, Lotte, Isa, Lisa, Saar, Lieke, Eva, and Anna.
Popular boys’ names include Daan, Shem, Milan, Levi, Luuk, Luca, Jayden, Thomas, Stijn, and Jesse.
Common Dutch last names often begin with “van” or “van der,” such as van Dijk (from the dike), de Boer (farmer), or de Vries (the Frisian).
Dutch Manners and Customs
A handshake is a common greeting. People often stand up and say the other person’s name when shaking hands. Among close friends, a triple air kiss (left, right, left) is also common. When entering a waiting room, it is polite to say “hello” to everyone.
If invited to someone’s home, guests usually bring a small wrapped gift, like chocolates or flowers. Flowers should be an odd number, but not thirteen.
Dining is formal. Wait to sit until invited, and start eating only when the host begins. It is polite to eat everything on your plate and place your knife and fork parallel across your plate when finished. Helping clean up afterward is appreciated. Dutch people value punctuality and usually plan visits in advance.
About Dutch Culture
Dutch culture varies by region, with four main regions making up the country. Families typically have one or two children, and both parents often work. Children begin primary school at age four.
The Dutch value cleanliness, organization, saving money, and punctuality. They prefer privacy and do not brag about success. Respect for others and education are highly important.
The Netherlands is often associated with wooden shoes, windmills, colorful tulips, and stories like that of Hans Brinker. Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl whose diary became world famous, also represents an important part of Dutch history.
You can learn more about Dutch culture and language by exploring Dinolingo. Dinolingo offers fun, interactive resources to help children learn Dutch through videos, games, songs, flashcards, and more.