Dutch Customs and Culture

Every country has its own customs, habits, and unwritten social rules. The Netherlands is no different. If you are new to the country, learning about Dutch culture can make daily life, work, social contact, and local community life easier to understand.

This section helps international residents in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe learn more about everyday Dutch customs, holidays and celebrations, and useful Dutch phrases for daily life.

What are you looking for?

Dutch Holidays and Celebrations
Learn about Dutch public holidays, national remembrance days, King’s Day, Sinterklaas, Christmas, birthdays, personal milestones, and regional celebrations in the North.

Everyday Dutch Customs and Social Life
Learn about everyday Dutch social habits, including planning, punctuality, visiting people, neighbours, direct communication, food habits, borrels, and places of worship.

Handy Dutch Phrases for Daily Life
Learn simple Dutch phrases for greetings, asking for help, shops, cafés, appointments, public transport, and common Dutch words you may hear often.

Learning Dutch and Language Classes
Learn about Dutch language classes, informal practice, NT2 and civic integration, and ways to build confidence using Dutch in daily life.

Learn more through IWCN events!
Dutch customs and culture are easier to understand when you experience them in daily life. IWCN events are a good way to meet people, ask questions, and learn more about life in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe.