So here’s your crash course in Dutch etiquette, with six handy Dutch words to add to your growing vocabulary!

1. Hoi!

Let’s start with the basics: greetings. In the Netherlands, people greet each other in a friendly but straightforward way. Meeting someone for the first time? A firm handshake is your go-to move. Among friends or family, you might experience the famous three cheek kisses (start on the right!) – though this is less common among men.

Want to say hello? A casual “Hoi” (Hi) or “Hallo” (Hello) does the trick. Feeling a bit more formal? Try “Goedemorgen” (Good morning), “Goedemiddag” (Good afternoon), or “Goedenavond” (Good evening). And no, nobody expects you to master the ‘g’ sound on your first day.

2. Boterham

Say goodbye to elaborate three-course lunches. The Dutch love their boterham (a sandwich), and they love them simple: a slice of bread with cheese, ham, or chocolate sprinkles (yes, really – hagelslag is a thing). You’ll see students eating lunch at their desks, in a park, or even on a bike (true story).

So when someone offers you a “boterham met kaas” (a cheese sandwich), don’t expect anything fancy. It’s quick, it’s efficient, it’s Dutch.

3. Gefeliciteerd!

Ah, birthdays. If you’re invited to a Dutch birthday party, prepare for a slightly different vibe. You don’t just congratulate the birthday person – you congratulate everyone around them. It’s totally normal to shake hands, give kisses, and say “Gefeliciteerd!” (Congratulations!) to their parents, siblings, dog-sitter… you get the idea.

Also, expect a cozy circle of chairs, coffee, and a slice of cake. It’s gezellig (look that word up too – it’s essential)!

4. Tikkie

In many countries, having someone pick up the bill might feel generous or even expected. Not here. The Dutch take pride in fairness and independence, which is why “going Dutch” means everyone pays their own way.

Enter the Tikkie – a magic little app that lets your friend send you a payment request after buying you that cappuccino. Forgot your wallet? Don't worry… but don’t be surprised when a Tikkie lands in your inbox 15 minutes later.

5. Afspraak

Spontaneity is great, but in the Netherlands, planning is life. Even casual social visits often require an afspraak (appointment). Want to have coffee with a Dutch friend? Schedule it – possibly two weeks in advance. Dropping by unannounced might be considered, well… a little weird.

The upside? Dutch people are super punctual and reliable. You’ll always know when and where things are happening. So get that digital calendar ready.

6. Direct

Dutch communication is famously direct (spelled the same, but pronounced more like dee-rekt). People here say what they mean and mean what they say. It’s not meant to be rude – they just value honesty and clarity. If you ask for feedback, be ready for the unfiltered truth. But don’t take it personally – being straightforward is simply how the Dutch believe communication should be: clear, honest, and efficient. So go ahead and speak your mind. You’re not being impolite – you’re just going full Dutch.

Final tip

Adjusting to Dutch habits can take time, but don’t worry – no one expects you to master it all on day one. Offer to split the bill, plan your coffee dates in advance, speak your mind, and maybe offer to share your fancy lunch. And if all else fails, just smile, say “Hoi,” and bring a boterham to the party. You’ll fit right in.

Veel succes! (Good luck!)

A version of this article appeared earlier in Cursor's Intro Magazine. View the full magazine here.