The Dutch culture is unique. This can, of course, be said of each culture. However, the Dutch culture is one of the few cultures with many contradictions. The Dutch want to be modern and progressive, but also wish to preserve their standards and values. The following are a number of pointers to help you understand the complex way of life of the Dutch.

Getting acquainted

The Dutch are known for their professionalism; they like to get down to business straight away and have a no-nonsense culture. At the first meeting hands are shaken. When introducing someone, his/her function is explained briefly and any applicable titles are mentioned. After this, people are called by their surnames only or even by their first names. Titles are not used after the introduction. Many foreigners who come to Holland to work find it surprising that even the managing director of the company is called by his/her first name! It is not done for the managing director of a Dutch company to drive too large a car. 

Presents

It is a custom in Holland that presents are unwrapped straight away. People in the group are often curious as to what is in the parcel. The person receiving the present is supposed to show it or even hand it around. The person giving the present is thanked on the spot. It is not the custom in Holland, as it is in many other cultures, to give someone a gift in return straight away. A Dutch person who is invited for dinner at someone’s house, will usually bring some flowers or chocolates. The Dutch like to receive items which they cannot buy in their own country. 

Communications

The Dutch make a clear distinction between their private lives and their business lives. When negotiating they use a straightforward business strategy. They do not spend days getting to know their business partners, in contrast to Asian cultures. The Dutch are used to getting to the point straightaway. It is not done to start negotiations all over again after a contract has been signed. To the Dutch a contract means the end of the negotiations: agreed is agreed. Words, invitations and promises are often taken literally. 

Food

Food is, no two ways about it, the motor for everyone’s daily activities, is essential. To the Dutch the social aspect, the being together, is more important than the food itself. Many Dutch skip breakfast on workdays. Lunch, in contrast, is an important meal. To the non-Dutch this is a somewhat simple meal, including bread and coffee, tea, dairy products (very popular) and some fruit. Many people, mainly women, are on a never-ending diet. Most Dutch people like meat dishes, especially beef and pork. 

Talking about….

Informal is not the same in Holland as emotional or very personal. At informal gatherings people do talk about more personal topics. However, the Dutch are reserved about their private lives. Some Dutch people consider certain topics too personal, however, there are no specific topics that you cannot discuss. It is not done to ask a Dutch acquaintance how much he or she earns, something which is quite acceptable in some other cultures.