The Netherlands
The Do's and Dont's of the Dutch Culture
Generally, the Dutch are an open-minded people, but there are certain customs and courtisies a visitor should be aware of.
Greetings
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DO give firm, swift handhshakes to all individuals, including children, when being introduced.
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DON'T move onto first-name basis before being invited to do so.
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DO greet with three air kisses (starting on the left cheek) IF greeting a close friend
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DO smile and repeat last name when being introduced
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DONT shout a greeting, it is considered impolite.
Gestures
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DON'T tap the center of your forehead with your index finger. This is a way of saying, "You're crazy" and is considered very rude.
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DO keep your hands out of your pockets when talking to someone.
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DO be reserved in public, DONT excessively touch others in public.
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DO move your finger around your ear (the American "crazy" sign) if you have a phone call.
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DONT give a slighlt upnod of the head. Although this only means, "what's up?", this gesture is mildly rude because of how informal it is.
Visiting
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DON'T ask personal questions or discuss money or prices.The Dutch value their privacy, and will generally think you fooliish and won't answer if you do.
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DO bring gifts such as a high quality box of chocolates, a potted plant or a book to the hostess if invited to a Dutch home.
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DO give flowers in odd numbers, but DONT give 13 flowers, that is considered unlucky.
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DONT bring wine if invited to a dinner, because the wine will have already been selected by the host.
Eating
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DO remain standing until invited to sit down when dining.
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DON'T begin eating until the hostess has begun eating.
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DO finish everything on your plate, otherwise it may be offensive if you don't.
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DON' T take huge servings. Always have small amounts so you can accept seconds, and finish eating everything on your plate.
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DO cross your knife and fork over the middle of the plate with the fork over the knife if you have finished eating.
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DO eat most food with untensils, even sandwiches!
Works Cited
Netherlands (Holland) - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette.Netherlands (Holland). N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/netherlands.html>.
"Netherlands - Cultural Etiquette - E Diplomat." EDiplomat. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2015. <http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_nl.htm>.
Cultures of the World Netherlands. Tarrytwon, NY: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 1995. Print.