Culture and Customs of the Netherlands

Arts, crafts and architecture

Arts

Crafts

Architecture

Museums

Customs and traditions

Local traditions

Etiquette

Dress and behavior

Sensitive or taboo topics

Languages

Dutch is the country’s official language. Frisian is also spoken in the province of Friesland; it is the only regionally recognized language, while others like Limburgish, spoken in the south, are not.

In terms of foreign languages, German and English are widely spoken, not just among younger people. French is also somewhat practiced among the population (a number of Dutch people have "tourist ties" with France), especially since around 2% of the Netherlands' population is of Moroccan origin.

Glossary

A few useful local words and expressions to know while traveling:

Festivals and celebrations

Public holidays

January 1: New Year’s Day

April: Good Friday and Easter

April 27: King’s Day

May 5: Liberation Day

Late May: Ascension Day

Early June: Pentecost

December 25: Christmas