Dutch Business Etiquette Tips

Business people looking to establish and grow a presence in new Dutch markets will benefit greatly from practicing proper Dutch business etiquette. Being familiar with and practicing this etiquette will give you an advantage when working with your Dutch colleagues.

Dutch business culture is formal and reserved. Business people should keep this in mind and respect the personal space of Dutch colleagues. By demonstrating proficiency in Dutch business etiquette, you will impress your colleagues and demonstrate your aptitude in the business world.

Dutch Business Meeting Etiquette

Proper business etiquette for Dutch meetings is distinct from that in the United States and in many other European countries. Here are some Dutch business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your Dutch colleagues:

• Use rational arguments - Dutch business people use facts and rationality to back up arguments. They do not often make emotional arguments.
• Do not expect small talk - Dutch negotiators like to get to business soon after a meeting begins.
• Be punctual - If you are going to be late, please call. If you are late to a meeting you could be seen as untrustworthy. If you don't speak Dutch, consider hiring a Dutch translator or interpreter to demonstrate your professionalism and facilitate communication.
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• Do not use exaggerated speech or gestures - The Dutch take a person’s word very seriously, so do not make exaggerated promises you cannot keep. It is vital to respect personal space and not touch or stand too close to your Dutch colleagues. Do not put your hands in your pockets, as it is considered rude.
• Be modest - The Dutch do not appreciate displays of wealth or status. Flashy displays are seen as being in bad taste. Dutch people do not boast about their material possessions. This conflicts with their egalitarian beliefs.

Other Helpful Dutch Business Etiquette Tips:

• The Netherlands is an egalitarian society. Dutch business people expect to have the chance to express their opinions. Business decisions are made by consensus.
• Shake hands with everyone individually. This includes children. Your handshake should be brief and firm. Repeat your name as you shake hands. Do not address your Dutch colleague by first name until you are invited to do so.
• Pay attention to details. The Dutch are very detail-oriented, disciplined and conservative.
• Do not ask personal questions. This is considered rude and Dutch people will not answer you. Dutch people prefer to keep their personal lives separate from their business lives.
• Dutch people communicate directly. They will expect a clear “yes” or “no” in business interactions. They do not use hyperbole or superlatives. Go that extra mile and impress your Dutch colleagues by getting a Dutch translation of all pertinent documents.
• Do not schedule meetings from June-August. Many Dutch people vacation during this time. Please refrain from asking the Dutch to work on the weekends. Weekends are personal time.
• Make arrangements for a third party introduction if possible. Some companies will judge you based on how you are introduced to them.
• Have your academic credentials available. Your Dutch colleagues will also want to know how long your company has been in business.
• Dress neatly. The Dutch value appearances highly. Cleanliness and neatness are very important.

Values Honored in Dutch speaking countries:

• Privacy
• Egalitarianism
• Self-Control
• Tolerance
• Honesty
• Integrity

About Foreign Translations, Inc.

Foreign Translations, Inc., is a 13-year-old foreign language translation, interpreting and website localization firm. With over 3,000 native translators located in over 30 countries, we frequently translate documents that range from 1,000 words to over several million in all the major languages of the world.