A Fun Way for Expats to Learn Dutch Language & Culture
If you’re learning Dutch, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: the Dutch language is deeply connected to nature, seasons, and daily life.
Long before Google Calendar existed, Dutch people gave nicknames to each month based on what was happening outside, in the fields, the weather, or the village. These traditional Dutch month names are still used in education, culture, and language learning today. And they’re a great way for expats to understand how the Dutch think and speak.
Let’s take a tour through the year:
January/Januari – Louwmaand
Meaning: Winter rest month
Derived from an old Germanic word referring to the heart of winter.
Nature is quiet, the land is resting, and life slows down.
Dutch mindset: winter is for recovery and reflection.
February/Februari – Sprokkelmaand
Meaning: Gathering wood month
From sprokkelen , collecting firewood.
People gathered wood and pruned trees to prepare for spring.
Language tip: many Dutch verbs come from daily activities like this.
March/Maart – Lentemaand
Meaning: Spring month
The start of spring. The soil becomes workable again and farmers return to the fields.
Cultural insight: spring = fresh energy and new beginnings.
April/April – Grasmaand
Meaning: Grass month
Grass starts growing fast. Fields turn green and animals return to pasture.
April is also often called Paasmaand (Easter month).
Dutch life: everything starts moving again.
May/Mei – Bloeimaand
Meaning: Blooming month
Flowers, trees, and fruit blossoms everywhere.
Traditionally associated with love, fertility, and growth.
Fun fact: May is one of the most beloved months in Dutch culture.
June/Juni – Zomermaand
Meaning: Summer month
The beginning of summer with long, bright days.
Also known as Rozenmaand (Rose month).
Dutch habit: enjoying every ray of sunshine.
July/Juli – Hooimaand
Meaning: Hay month
Farmers cut and store hay to prepare for winter.
One of the busiest months in traditional agriculture.
Vocabulary bonus: many Dutch words are linked to farming history.
August/Augustus – Oogstmaand
Meaning: Harvest month
The main harvest season for grains, fruit, and vegetables.
Also called Arenmaand (ears of grain).
Cultural theme: reward after hard work.
September/September – Herfstmaand
Meaning: Autumn month
Leaves change color, temperatures drop, and fruit harvesting continues.
Dutch rhythm: time to slow down again.
October/Oktober – Wijnmaand
Meaning: Wine month
Traditionally linked to grape harvesting and winemaking.
Also known as Zaaimaand, the month to sow winter crops.
Language insight: one month, multiple meanings.
November/November – Slachtmaand
Meaning: Slaughter month
Livestock was slaughtered and preserved for winter survival.
A practical, no-nonsense month, very Dutch.
Cultural note: efficiency before comfort.
December/December – Wintermaand
Meaning: Winter month
Cold, dark days but also warmth inside.
Often called Feestmaand (Festive month) because of Sinterklaas and Christmas.
Dutch balance: coziness (gezelligheid) meets tradition.
Learning Dutch as an Expat?
Language isn’t just grammar, it’s how people experience the world. Understanding small cultural details like this makes a big difference. It turns memorization into meaning and learning into fun.
👉 Which month surprised you the most?
👉 And which Dutch word do you want explained next?
Follow for more practical Dutch language tips for expats.
