News & tips

Karel Appel: The Rebel of Color and Chaos

Karel Appel (1921–2006) was a Dutch painter, sculptor, and one of the founding members of the CoBrA movement.

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Marleen stikker: a pioneer of digital freedom

Marleen Stikker is a Dutch internet pioneer, entrepreneur, and activist dedicated to open technology and digital rights.

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Rutger Bregman: the historian who challenges the status quo

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and thought leader known for shaking up conventional wisdom. Born in 1988, he has gained worldwide recognition for his fresh perspectives on economics, history, and social progress. His ideas challenge pessimism and promote a future where fairness, equality, and innovation thrive.

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Johanna Westerdijk: the trailblazing fungal queen of science

Johanna Westerdijk (1883–1961) was the first female professor in the Netherlands, but she was much more than just a pioneer—she was a scientist with a sense of humor, a love for music, and an undeniable passion for fungi.

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Louis Couperus: the elegant rebel of Dutch literature

Louis Couperus (1863 – 1923), born in the Hague and raised partly in the Dutch East Indies, was a living bridge between worlds.

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Multatuli – A Literary Icon: Eduard Douwes Dekker

Multatuli, the pen name of Eduard Douwes Dekker (1820–1887), is one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in Dutch literature. Born in Amsterdam, he didn’t initially aspire to be a writer.

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Rineke Dijkstra: The Art of Capturing Humanity

Rineke Dijkstra, one of the most celebrated Dutch photographers of our time, has a knack for capturing the raw essence of humanity.

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Jan Adriaenszoon Leeghwater: the man who tamed the waters of the Netherlands

Jan Adriaenszoon Leeghwater (1575 – 1650), born in the picturesquevillage of De Rijp, North Holland, was more than just an engineer – he was a dreamer with a hammer and a plan.

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Mathilde Willink: the eccentric muse of Dutch glamour

From ordinary beginnings to extraordinary style Mathilde Willink – born Mathilde Maria de Doelder in 1938 in the picturesque town of Terneuze – was anything but ordinary.

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From Canals to Medals: Embracing Dutch Winter Skating

Once temperatures start to drop in the Netherlands, the Dutch feel an unmistakable “itch in their legs”—an urge to head for frozen waters and strap on their skates.

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Eat, Celebrate, Repeat: Dutch Christmas & New Year’s Traditions Explained

Towards the end of each year, the Dutch embrace traditions that are all about indulging in seasonal foods and (to put it mildly) ‘chasing away the old year’s ghosts.’

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Well Cares Expat Swimming – From Fear to Fun

Welcome to the Netherlands, a country where water is much more than just rainfall – it’s EVERYWHERE! From the charming canals and serene lakes to random ditches that appear out of nowhere, water is deeply embedded in Dutch daily life.

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The Real Santa: Saint Nicholas aka Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’

If you’ve wandered through Dutch shops in early November, you might have noticed shelves packed with mysterious treats like “pepernoten,” “kruidnoten,” and big chocolate letters.

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Dutch Culinary Loanwords in English

When you think of Dutch contributions to the English language, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, Dutch culture has left a lasting mark on our kitchens, not just through iconic dishes but also in the words we use to describe them. From hearty comfort foods to spirited beverages, the Dutch have given us more than just flavors—they’ve enriched our vocabulary.

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Discovering Innovation: Why You Should Visit Dutch Design Week 2024

If you’re living in the Netherlands as an expat and have an interest in creativity, innovation, or design, Dutch Design Week (DDW) in Eindhoven is an event you don’t want to miss. Running from October 19 to 27, 2024, this yearly event showcases cutting-edge design from the Netherlands and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future of design across industries.

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Dutch Maritime Loanwords in English

Dutch has had an extensive impact on global languages, thanks to its history as a seafaring nation and its colonial ventures. Loanwords from Dutch often reflect the practical, everyday life of a society deeply involved in trade, exploration, and the development of infrastructure.

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Navigating the Dutch Educational System

Moving to the Netherlands with children comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most important being the education system. While the Dutch are proud of their strong educational traditions, recent world rankings have highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in reading.

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Confusions about the Netherlands and the Dutch

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.

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