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Dutch Language and Culture

This category is for the questions and answers relating to Dutch, the West Germanic language of the Netherlands, its people and culture.

686 Questions

Did the Dutch ever own Manhattan?

Yes, until they exchanged it with the UK for Suriname. In those times, Suriname had many plantations; which meant money. But the UK saw prosperity, a new start in taking over America and beginning with Manhattan.

What does the Dutch word hazel mean?

The Dutch word "hazel" translates to "hazelnut" in English. It refers to the small edible nut of the hazel tree.

Why do Dutch wear clogs?

Dutch people wear clogs because they are practical and comfortable footwear that keep their feet warm and dry in the wet climate of the Netherlands. Clogs are also a traditional part of Dutch culture and heritage, making them a popular choice for many people.

What are Dutch character traits?

Like other northern Europeans, the Dutch tend to be logical rather than emotional. They hold strong opinions and freely express their opinions. For the most part they have a "no nonsense" attitude. When speaking, they tend to be direct and literal. They may come across as somewhat insensitive, obstinate or morally righteous. In fact they are the most tolerant and liberal-minded people in the world. Despite their affluence, they are inclined to be thrifty and frown on those who flaunt their wealth

Answer 2.

I live in Holland, my husband is Dutch. I am English, born and raised in London, with Irish roots. I mention this because it might explain my viewpoint to those readers who see or experience the Dutch differently to me.

Generally, I find the Dutch would shun the idea of open, deep or honest expressions. Many of the Dutch I've met tend to be duplicitous in their interactions in that they rarely say what they truly mean or think, if the subject is anything deep and meaningful, preferring to keep quiet and silent or say the opposite of the truth. Sometimes, brutal honesty will explode from a Dutch person, usually in a comical vein, but still that's not common, I think. Expect friendly banter, but all very much on the surface of things. Expect to be quizzed about yourself, but don't expect the quizzer to share much about themselves. If you are also a quizzer, which I'm not, that might work OK for you here. I prefer relaxed, fluid conversations.

The first impression is that the Dutch are very friendly and smiley, but one can expect to be always kept at 'arm's length' by a typical Dutch person. It is almost impossible to break past the invisible barrier into a real connection with a true Dutch native. I don't wish to sound critical, I'm just observing the way life here.

Also, the people tend to have a basically selfish or self-serving attitude to things. They hate to follow rules in general, and cannot see that this makes life difficult everybody.

Examples:

-Most hate to stand in an orderly queue and some will attempt to create two lines, or wheedle in front somehow.

-Too many allow their dogs to defecate in childrens' play areas and not pick it up, even though there are designated dog parks nearby.

-Driving too close for safety in all weathers and overtaking very close and without indicating is normal here.

The Dutch love to shake hands on every meeting, which is delightful in this day and age, but not so delightful when you discover that most rarely wash their hands after toileting! Yes, really.

The average person here seems focused on having the right clothes and shoes, on looking and smelling clean, having clean windows and a tidy garden and two holidays each year. In short, everything is done for the 'eye', for appearances sake. But don't look too closely or try to connect a little deeper, because the reality is not always pleasant and can be disappointing.

On the plus side, if you prefer 'friends' and neighbours to keep their distance, never come to borrow a 'cup of sugar' or 'drop-in' for a cup of coffee - unless they've first made an appointment - then this is the place for you!

This is a general observation. I'm sure there are plenty of Dutch people who also frown upon these character traits, and know perfectly well how to take their place in an orderly queue!

Does Dutch capitalize nouns as German does?

Dutch does not capitalize all nouns like German does. In Dutch, only proper nouns are capitalized, while common nouns are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence.

Where did the dutch colonists come from?

The Dutch colonists primarily came from the Netherlands, which is located in Western Europe. They were a part of the Dutch East India Company and were involved in establishing colonies in various parts of the world, including present-day New York (formerly New Amsterdam), South Africa, and the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia).

Do Dutch people have accents?

Yes, Dutch people have accents that vary based on the region of the Netherlands they are from. Some common accents are from regions like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Limburg, each with distinct pronunciation and intonation patterns.

What is the meaning of the Dutch word Vaarwel?

"Vaarwel" in Dutch translates to "farewell" in English. It is used to say goodbye to someone with a sense of finality or permanence.

What is the English translation of dutch word initials?

The English translation of the Dutch word "initials" is also "initials." It refers to the first letters of a person's names arranged in a specific order.

What language is Goddag in?

"Goddag" is a Danish word that translates to "good day" in English. It is commonly used as a greeting in Denmark.

What is the dutch word for grassland?

"Weiland" if it is one grassland, if there are more then it is "Weilanden".

When did the Dutch settle in the Hudson valley?

The Dutch settled in the Hudson Valley in the early 17th century, specifically in 1624. They established trading posts and colonies in the area, including the settlement of New Amsterdam (later renamed New York City).

What is the dutch translation for grandmother?

Grootmoeder

But that's a pretty 'stiff' term, 'oma' is used most of the time.

Are Dutch and Flemish the same?

Dutch and Flemish are closely related languages, but they are not the same. Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, while Flemish is a variant of Dutch spoken in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. Flemish has some differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar compared to standard Dutch.

What Caribbean countries speaks dutch?

Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten are Caribbean countries that speak Dutch as one of their official languages. They are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

About How much did the dutch pay for Manhattan island in American money?

The Dutch paid Native Americans the equivalent of about $24 worth of goods in American money for Manhattan island in 1626.

What do Dutch people do in their spare time?

Dutch people actually spend their time in a variety of ways, like people all over the world do. Many practice sports, play computer games or watch television. Biking and hiking are also favored pastimes of the Dutch, as well as trips to musea, fairs, concerts, theatres and the movies.

What does panasexual mean?

Pansexual is a sexual orientation characterized by the attraction to individuals regardless of their gender or gender identity. Pansexual individuals are open to forming romantic or sexual relationships with people of any gender.

Fillbuster is a Dutch word meaning?

Fillbuster is not a Dutch word. The term "filibuster" is used in the context of parliamentary procedure to refer to a tactic where a member of a legislative body prolongs speech in order to delay or block a vote on a particular issue.

How is 'Vrolijk kerstfeest' pronounced in Dutch?

VROH-layk* KEHRST-fayst is the way in which 'Vrolijk kerstfeest' is pronounced. The words are in Dutch. They're one of the holiday wishes for a 'Merry Christmas' among Dutch language speakers.

*The sound 'ay' is similar to the sound 'ay' in the English noun 'hay'.

This is not perfect but you should hear it, it's very hard to pronounce Dutch words.

Is dutch the same as danish?

No, Dutch and Danish are not the same. Dutch is spoken in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, while Danish is spoken in Denmark. They belong to different language families - Dutch is a Germanic language, while Danish is a North Germanic language.

What river did the dutch take control of?

Hudson is it I just took a quiz and it was correct so it's Hudson river.