Values and norms in the Netherlands

Article 1 of the Constitution says that everyone in the Netherlands is treated equally in equal cases. Discrimination on grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other ground is forbidden.

• Discrimination is forbidden at work, in school, when renting a home, in shops, and in bars and restaurants. It is a punishable offence.
• You can report discrimination to the municipality’s anti-discrimination service (antidiscriminatiebureau) or to the police, and ask for help at the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights.
• Men and women are equal. Both may study, work, vote, drive, own a bank account, choose a partner and divorce. Girls and boys go to school together.
• People may love and marry who they choose. In 2001 the Netherlands was the first country in the world to open civil marriage to same-sex couples.

Exam tip: Whatever the question, the answer that treats people equally and refuses discrimination is the right one.

The Constitution protects many freedoms. Everyone may believe or not believe, say their opinion, and demonstrate peacefully, within the limits of the law.

• Freedom of religion (vrijheid van godsdienst): you may follow any religion or none, and change it. Nobody may force you. Church and state are separate.
• Freedom of speech (vrijheid van meningsuiting): you may express your opinion, also in the press and online. But insulting groups, inciting hatred or violence, and threatening people are punishable.
• Freedom of assembly and demonstration (vrijheid van vergadering en betoging): you may demonstrate, often with notice to the municipality, as long as it is peaceful.
• Privacy and the freedom to organise: you may join a trade union, a club or a party, and your home and your correspondence are protected.
• Freedom has limits: your freedom ends where you harm the freedom or safety of someone else.

Some behaviour is clearly against Dutch law, even if it is accepted in other countries or families. The exam wants you to recognise the most important of these.

• Violence is forbidden: against partners (domestic violence), against children, and against anyone else. “Honour”-related violence and forced marriage are crimes. You can get help from Veilig Thuis.
• Female genital mutilation is forbidden, also when done abroad to a girl who lives in the Netherlands.
• Marriage requires the free consent of both people, and both must be at least 18.
• Everyone must carry an identity document from the age of 14 and show it to the police when asked.
• Hard drugs are forbidden. Soft drugs such as cannabis are illegal, but small amounts are tolerated in licensed coffee shops under strict rules (gedoogbeleid).
• Alcohol may only be sold to people of 18 and older.

Exam tip: If a question describes a family or community rule that conflicts with the law, the law wins.

Besides the law there are unwritten rules. People in the Netherlands are usually direct and honest, value equality, and prefer to say things plainly rather than hide them.

• Be on time. If you are going to be late, call or send a message. Make an appointment before you visit somebody.
• Greet people. A handshake is normal when meeting someone, and eye contact shows respect. Colleagues and neighbours are usually greeted with “hallo” or “goedemorgen”.
• Wait for your turn in a queue and do not push in. Respect other people’s space and privacy.
• Say what you think politely and directly. It is not rude to say “no” or to disagree; it is expected that you are honest.
• Do things in the Dutch way of equality: you can address teachers, managers and older people informally in many places, but use “u” (formal you) when you do not know someone or in formal situations.