KNM 2: Omgangsvormen, waarden en normen
Manners, values and norms. This theme is about the customs, values and norms you meet in daily life. The new targets say plainly that customs differ between groups, regions and generations; what you need is to know the common ones and where to find out more.
Practice this theme
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Practice questions
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Study notes
Customs differ
- Manners, values and norms can differ by social group, region, generation and class. Ask and watch to learn what is usual in the places you spend time.
- Many people in the Netherlands say directly what they think.
- Making appointments in advance is usually important: at work, with organizations and with doctors or other services. Many people value being on time and cancelling in time if you cannot come.
Ways of living together
- Marriage and registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap) are both set out in law, for partners of different or the same sex.
- Living together without being married (samenwonen) is common.
Holidays and days of remembrance
- Official holidays include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter, King's Day (Koningsdag, 27 April), Liberation Day (5 May), Ascension Day, Whitsun and Christmas.
- On 4 May the Netherlands remembers the dead (Nationale Dodenherdenking); on 5 May it celebrates liberation (Bevrijdingsdag).
- Other days matter in some circles. The KNM targets name Sinterklaas, Carnaval, Suikerfeest and Keti Koti as examples.
- No law says a holiday is a day off. Whether you are free is in your cao or contract.
Social life
- There are many social, cultural and sports clubs and organizations (verenigingen). Volunteering (vrijwilligerswerk) and joining a club help you build a network.
- Family occasions have their own customs: birthdays, a birth, passing an exam, weddings and funerals.
- Anyone may hang out the Dutch flag on any day, for example at a wedding or a passed exam; there is no law against it.
Words to know
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| de afspraak | appointment |
| afzeggen / afmelden | to cancel |
| op tijd | on time |
| samenwonen | to live together |
| het geregistreerd partnerschap | registered partnership |
| de feestdag | public holiday |
| de vereniging | club, association |
| het vrijwilligerswerk | volunteering |
| feliciteren | to congratulate |
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Official sources
Rules and amounts change: your letter from DUO and Mijn Inburgering always win.