Dutch traits: 5 things that make you realise you are becoming a bit Dutch (2024)

Often, even after living in the Netherlands for a while, you notice yourself adopting some Dutch traits. Sending Tikkies, eating Hagelslag, biking in a thunderstorm… here are five habits to confirm: you are truly becoming Dutch.

The Dutchies are admirable people: not just anyone can push the ocean aside to make space for a country. With all their quirks and weirdly cute habits, it’s hard not to become intrigued by them.

READ MORE | The guide to immigrating to the Netherlands: becoming Dutch in 12 steps

But what if you’re starting to become one of them? How can you know you’ve been hanging out in the lowlands too long? Well, you’ve likely adopted these Dutch traits.

1. You hit the beach as soon as the thermometer registers 12 degrees

Even if it’s not springtime yet, you turn into a true sun-worshipper — and if you are not dependent on the school holidays, you probably leave for the sun during cold, dark February, like a migratory bird.

Hey, we get it. Anything to make you forget about the bleak midwinter in the Netherlands, right? ❄️

READ MORE | Best beaches in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch beaches

But there are plenty of amazing beaches on offer in the Netherlands, and we’ll take a pretty confident bet you’ve graced the pier at Scheveningen (AKA ticking off the ultimate new-to-the-Netherlands experience).

2. You start collecting coupons and studying catalogues

You have become obsessed with getting the best deals, buying everything at a discount or, better yet, second-hand. You may even collect, trade, and send coupons to friends.

The Dutch kringloop (second-hand shop) is renowned for looking more like an IKEA showroom than a thrift shop because there is so much second-hand furniture available.

READ MORE | Guide to furnishing your house in the Netherlands (cheaply)!

It’s like a sport. There is a thrill that comes from buying stuff we normally buy anyway, like detergent, toothpaste, or bread at half price. (Side note: is this what being an adult is?)

3. You understand the HEMA hype

Often the only shop open on cold, breezy Dutch mornings, HEMA at 9 AM is best. For two euros, you can have a more or less complete breakfast.

It’s always nice to see anyone and everyone peering out of the store’s big windows or picking up cute new pieces from HEMA’s ever-growing collection of random things.

Whether it’s the business people, the construction workers, the moms with their kids, the old Dutch, the new Dutch — everybody gathers there. And now you do, too.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #85: Put all their national pride into HEMA

In fact, HEMA is so loved by the Dutchies that there are already two volumes of a book gathering stories of Dutch citizens abroad: check out Ik mis nog steeds de Hema (“I still miss HEMA”).

4. You love your bike (like REALLY love it)

Living in the Netherlands means cycling quickly becomes not just your trusty transportation but also a method to carry all your things (an umbrella, of course, but we’ve also seen a mattress from time to time).

Becoming Dutch means appreciating that your beloved bike keeps you fit and relaxed because there’s no mindfulness like cycling, even in the rain (an extremely regular occurrence). ☔

READ MORE|How the Netherlands became a cycling country

But on a good day, there are few things more relaxing and grounding than grabbing your bike and heading in whatever direction you wish. Suddenly you end up in the countryside and realise you’ve been biking for two hours. And now, somehow, you have to find your way home.

5. You carry an agenda, and it is full of appointments

Maybe you still try to arrange spontaneous meetings with friends but have noticed that you have to double-check before making a date. You’ve started losing the ability to randomly leave your house to meet a friend without agreeing beforehand.

Geen probleem, That’s where the Dutch agenda comes in!

READ MORE | The Dutch agenda: plans to take over the world

Dutchies are famous for planning ahead, so you better get your agenda out. Keep track of your very exciting social life, complete with hanging out with the same person every other day and where. Your house or theirs today? Your agenda will know.

What Dutch traits have you adopted? Let us know in the comments below!