Everyday etiquette in the Netherlands

At a first meeting Dutch people shake hands firmly with eye contact and a smile and say their names, and you say Aangenaam meaning pleased to meet you.

• People use the first name directly.
• Between friends and family the cheek is kissed three times (drie zoenen) on occasions such as birthdays, and among men a handshake is enough.
• Goedemorgen, Goedemiddag and Goedenavond are said when entering a shop or small lift and meeting neighbours.
• And people say Doei or Tot ziens when leaving.
• If you do not shake hands with women or men for religious reasons explain that kindly and put your hand on your chest with a smile, and Dutch people usually respect that.

An invitation to the home is appreciated, and is often simple: coffee or tea with cake, or a family dinner.

• Be punctual, and bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolate, sweets or a bottle of juice, and do not bring a guest without permission.
• Many Dutch people take off their shoes at the door, so look at what others do or ask.
• Sit when asked, and do not start eating before the host.
• Express your gratitude with Bedankt voor de uitnodiging.
• Tell your host beforehand about your dietary restrictions, and he understands.
• You may be expected not to stay long, and many finish before ten in the evening.
• And return the invitation later with a similar one.

People queue in an orderly way and respect the turn, and in shops and offices there are queue numbers (nummertje) drawn from a machine, so draw your number and wait.

• Do not interrupt anyone, and say Pardon or Sorry when bumping.
• In public places the voice is lowered on the train and bus, and music is not heard without headphones.
• Cycle paths (fietspad) must be respected so do not walk on them or stop in them, since bicycles are fast.
• Give priority to bicycles when crossing.
• And do not reserve a seat with your bag on transport.
• And do not be bothered if strangers address you frankly and do not hesitate to ask others politely to respect the rules.

Cleanliness and order are important values.

• Waste is separated: paper, plastic, glass, organic and residual, and each type has a place and collection time announced by the municipality, and glass is thrown into street containers by day.
• Rubbish is not left in the street nor thrown from the window, otherwise you are fined.
• Respect quiet after ten in the evening and tell your neighbours in advance about a party.
• Neighbours greet and do not visit without an appointment.
• Gardens and entrances are cared for.
• Do not park your bicycle in front of others' doors.
• And if you have a problem with a neighbour talk to him first kindly and directly, since this is the usual way before turning to management or a mediator.

Dress in the Netherlands is practical and informal, and a wide range of clothes is accepted as long as it is clean and suitable for the place.

• Freedom of religious dress is respected, and wearing the headscarf is allowed in public life and at work, with restrictions in some jobs such as the police and judiciary.
• Children's participation is appreciated and parents give space for their independence, and shouting at children in public places is criticised.
• People respect the elderly and care for them through state services.
• For Muslims there are mosques and prayer rooms in most cities, and halal meat is available, and you can ask politely for a place to pray at work or school.
• Muslims are sometimes told Gelukkig Suikerfeest on Eid and their initiative in inviting neighbours to sweets is appreciated.

What do you bring when invited to a home?