Social customs and values
Understand social customs that can differ by setting and group.
All knowledge points: Understanding different customs · Speaking Directly and Listening Well · Making and Keeping an Appointment · Different Forms of Living Together · Public holidays and days of remembrance
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Understanding different customs
There is not one way in which all people in the Netherlands live or interact with each other. Customs vary by family, region, age, education, income, workplace, and individual. A social manner is a way of dealing with others. A norm is…
Read this knowledge pointSpeaking Directly and Listening Well
Many people in the Netherlands say quite directly what they think or want. A colleague might say: 'Can you finish this today?' This may sound brief, but it does not necessarily mean the colleague is angry. Pay attention to tone and…
Read this knowledge pointMaking and Keeping an Appointment
For a visit to the general practitioner (GP), the municipality (gemeente), a school or your employer, you often have to make an appointment first. This can be done by telephone, online, or at a service desk. Briefly explain the reason for…
Read this knowledge pointDifferent Forms of Living Together
People live together in different ways. Someone may live alone, with family, or with a partner. Partners can be of different or the same sex. There are single-parent families, two-parent families, and couples without children. When in…
Read this knowledge pointPublic holidays and days of remembrance
In the Netherlands, there are days of celebration and days of remembrance. On King's Day, people celebrate the King's birthday. On 4 May, many people remember victims of war and violence. On 5 May, they celebrate liberation. Remembrance is…
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