Netherlands🕣
State in Western Europe. Official name – Kingdom of the Netherlands. Population – 17.1 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Amsterdam. Official language – Dutch. Government type – parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Main religion – Christianity.
Netherlands
Greeting
Every business meeting begins and ends with a handshake. The handshake should be vigorous, firm, and short.
During the greeting it is customary to shake hands with both men and women.
While communicating, it is important to maintain direct but unobtrusive eye contact. This helps to create a relationship of sincerity and trust with your partner.
If you have been introduced to a small group of people, shake hands with each of them while saying your last name.
If you are not formally introduced at a business event, take the initiative to introduce yourself. Shake hands with each person and give your last name.
It is impolite to keep your other hand in your pocket while shaking hands.
Close friends exchange light kisses on the cheek when they meet, but this occurs when men say hello to women or between female friends. Men, even in friendly relations, usually greet each other by shaking hands.
Among young people, it is common to address each other immediately by name.
Introduction
Traditionally, people in the Netherlands use their surname when greeting each other. However, in recent years the communication style has become increasingly informal and your business partners may suggest that you call each other by your first name at the start of the contact.
In official situations, the communication style remains formal. In such cases, people address each other u...
Exchange of Business Cards
In the Dutch business community it is customary to exchange business cards. This often takes place at the end of a meeting rather than at the beginning.
There is no special ritual for exchanging business cards in the Netherlands....
Small Talk: Overview
When communicating with a partner from the Netherlands, do not refer to the country as Holland, as this is not true anymore. By the way, North and South Holland are just two of the twelve provinces of the present Netherlands, which throughout history have been the most developed and therefore best known outside the country.
Not much time should be spent on small talk in a negotiation or...
Preferred Topics
Travelling.
Sport and above all football, speed skating and cycling.
Sights in the Netherlands and places you have visited in the country.
International, and national events and current news can serve as a topic of conversation. However, make sure that the topic you propose is not controversial.
Family, family events, or news.
Weekend or holiday plans....
Taboo Topics
Avoid making harsh judgements or categorical statements about government policy or about issues related to religion, immigration, drugs or prostitution.
Your interlocutor in the Netherlands may be one of those people who are annoyed by questions and comments about liberal attitudes towards drug use and sex trafficking. It is best to refrain from these topics.
When communicati...
Personal Space
The comfort zone in Dutch society is at arm's length (or slightly more) in both business and social situations. This distance should be respected in conversation, as it is important to your Dutch partner that his or her personal space is not violated.
Physical contact during communication is not accepted in any of its forms, be it patting, hugging, etc. The exception is the handshake, w...
Communication Specifics
The Dutch have a direct style of communication, they are quite clear and open in their thoughts, trying to rely on facts and reliable information.
"Everything can be discussed and everything can be solved by discussing" - this is the approach that Dutch society adheres to, even in difficult situations, trying not to keep silent or avoid uncomfortable or unpleasant topics.
Your ...
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