KNM: omgangsvormen, normen en waarden

In the Netherlands people make appointments (afspreken), also with friends and family. Want to visit someone? Send a message first. Just dropping by (langskomen) is not normal for everyone.

Being on time (op tijd) matters at the doctor's, at school and at work. Running late (te laat)? Send a message. Can't come? Cancel (afzeggen) as early as possible.

Many Dutch people are direct. They say what they think, also to their boss. They don't mean to be rude (onbeleefd), they just want to give their opinion and make progress. You may say what you think too, in a calm and polite (beleefd) way.

Men and women are equal. Both men and women can be a boss, doctor or teacher. People often shake hands (een hand geven) when they meet.

At a birthday (de verjaardag) you congratulate (feliciteren) the birthday person and the family: "Gefeliciteerd met je moeder!" At work the birthday person often brings a treat (trakteren).

If you are visiting at dinner time and nobody asks you to stay, you usually go home before the meal.

Neighbours (de buren): say hello (groeten). Planning a party? Tell your neighbours first. Loud noise (het lawaai) late at night is not normal. In a shop or at a desk, you wait your turn (je beurt).

Holidays (de feestdagen) include Koningsdag, Easter and Christmas. Are you free that day? That depends on your contract. For your own religious holiday you can ask your employer for a day off (een vrije dag).

Component · KNM, official theme Omgangsvormen, waarden en normen.

• Task type · Multiple choice: a short situation with a name, often a photo, and three answers. "Wat is in Nederland normaal?", "Wat doet X het beste?"
• The real task · On the computer, 45 minutes, simple Dutch. DUO publishes no fixed number of questions or raw pass mark; prep providers work with about 40 questions.

Most common mistakes

1. Choosing the "indirect" answer. In KNM, saying honestly and politely what you think is normal.
2. Just not showing up. If you can't come, you cancel in time.
3. Thinking every holiday is a day off for everyone. That depends on your contract.
4. Thinking men and women have different roles at work. In the Netherlands they are equal.