Confusions about the Netherlands and the Dutch

The Netherlands – Geographical Size

The Netherlands is a small European country situated along the North Sea, similar in size to 2x New Jersey, USA. Despite its modest area, the population reached 18 million in 2024, making it rank nr.5 of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a high number of people per square kilometer.

The Randstad – One Big City?

Foreigners often wonder if the Netherlands is just one sprawling city with suburbs, like London. When you look at the map, it’s easy to see why. Amsterdam, with 931,000 inhabitants (2024), is the capital and largest city. As Amsterdam continues to expand, it’s almost merging with other major cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague, forming the so-called ‘Randstad’. This urban cluster often feels like one giant city, but each has its own character and charm (and dialects). Though Amsterdam is the capital, the Dutch government is seated in The Hague. Other significant cities with populations over 250,000 include Arnhem (east), Eindhoven (south), and Groningen (north).

Country Confusion – Why ‘Holland’?

Many expats are puzzled by the country’s name. Why is it called ‘Holland’? Well, the name Holland originates from ‘Houtland’, or ‘Wooded Land’, which was originally given to one of the medieval cores of what later became the modern state. The geo term ‘Holland’ is still used for 2 of the 12 provinces called North-Holland and South-Holland. However by calling the Netherlands “Holland” we would be skipping over the other 10 provinces like Utrecht, Gelderland and North-Brabant. So, the correct name is simply ‘the Netherlands’.

Dutch vs. Deutsch – Clearing Up the Language Confusion

Is Dutch the same as Deutsch, the language spoken in Germany? This confusion has even led to historical misunderstandings, like mistaking the Amish, who speak Old German, for people from Holland. The truth is, while we’re called ‘Dutch,’ we speak ‘Nederlands,’ not ‘Deutsch.’ We share Germanic language roots with our neighbors, but that’s a topic for another blog!

Traffic Confusion – Why All the Bikes?

One of the most striking aspects of Dutch life is the overwhelming presence of bicycles. Expats often wonder: Isn’t biking everywhere dangerous? For the Dutch, the answer is a resounding ‘no’. In fact, we believe that over the years, too much space in cities and towns has been given to cars and parking. The current trend is to reclaim space for residents, adding more trees and green zones, and pushing cars to the outskirts of town. The result? More livable cities. So, better start practicing your biking skills!

Embrace Dutch Culture with Flowently

If you’re eager to dive deeper into Dutch culture, including our quirks and unique way of life, consider hiring a private Dutch tutor from Flowently. Our Flowently tutors are native speakers who can help you master everyday Dutch and speak ‘Nederlands’ fluently.