School

Dutch schools have a very relaxed atmosphere - very few have any kind of uniform. However, pupils are expected to work hard and do well. There aren't many activities or sports in Dutch schools, although this isn't as bad as it sounds. All villages, towns and cities have loads of community clubs where kids can play their favourite sports or activities and make new friends.

Dutch kids go to primary school from 4-12 years old. After that children have a few different options. They can choose to go on to MAVO, a four year study course; HAVO, a five year course; or VWO, a six year course. MAVO and HAVO are for kids who want to train for particular jobs straight after school. VWO is for those who want to go on to university. Dutch children decide which option to go for with their parents.

At the table

The Dutch live in close-knit families and enjoy each other's company. Dutch families like to get together around the table at meal times and catch up on what they've each been doing. But what do they eat? Here's the lowdown on a few Dutch favourites:

Stamppot: a very down-to-earth meal consisting of mashed potatoes with carrots, usually served with rookworst, a juicy sausage.

Haring: a real Dutch delicacy is eating a raw herring (fish) with raw onions! You pick the fish up by the tail and slide it into your mouth.
 

Patat: patat is the Dutch word for chips - in the Netherlands these are very thin and served with mayonnaise, not tomato sauce!

Vla: a thick, sweet pudding made mainly from milk. It comes in many different flavours including vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.
 

Poffertjes: small, fried pancakes served warm, with lots of powdered sugar sprinkled on top.

Hagelslag: a kind of powdered chocolate which the Dutch spread on their bread.

Special Occasions

Dutch people really know how to celebrate their birthdays - in fact it's seen as a bit strange for a person to ignore their own birthday. On a person's birthday they can usually expect family and friends to visit them at home, or to telephone or send a birthday card. At work people usually bring cakes in on their birthday for their workmates to enjoy with their coffee. It is normal to congratulate not only the person whose birthday it is, but also their relatives, friends and even neighbours! To say "Congratulations on your brother's birthday" would be quite normal!

Koninginnedag

The Queen's official birthday on 30 April is called Koninginnedag, and is a national holiday in the Netherlands. Celebrations and activities take place all over the country on Koninginnedag, ranging from parades to street markets and sporting events. The Queen, Prince Claus and other members of the royal family visit the festivities in various parts of the country each year. The royal visits are always broadcast live on television.

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