Posts tagged Etiquette from the Learn Dutch For Expats team.
In the Netherlands, a clear 'no' is more respected than a vague maybe. Here is how to decline invitations, requests and plans directly, and politely, in Dutch.
A Dutch wedding or birthday invite with an envelope symbol or 'enveloppe' note usually means one thing: they'd prefer cash. Here is how to read the gift hints.
Open a Dutch work email with the wrong word and you misjudge the room. Here is when to use Geachte, Beste or Hallo, how to close, and the etiquette behind it.
Going on holiday? A clear Dutch out-of-office (afwezigheidsbericht) covers you professionally. Here is what to include, the phrasing, and ready templates.
Sorry, het spijt me, mijn excuses: Dutch has registers for apologising, and over-doing it backfires. Here is how to say sorry in Dutch the way locals actually do.
When a Dutch friend or colleague loses someone, a handwritten condolence card matters. Here is how to condole properly, what to write, and the phrases that comfort.
Do you tip in the Netherlands? How much? And what's a Tikkie? Here is the Dutch etiquette of tipping, paying, and splitting the bill without the awkwardness.
Wondering if you can haggle at Amsterdam's Albert Cuyp market, and whether English is fine? Here is the honest etiquette, plus the Dutch that gets you the friendly price.
The Dutch speak great English, so when is leading with it fine, and when does it land as rude? Here is the etiquette of starting in English, and the better opener.
Meeting the Dutch in-laws for dinner? The Dutch prize sincerity over fluency. Here is the etiquette, the coffee ritual, and the warm phrases that win them over.