Archive for May, 2014
A bus on water – the Waterbus! Posted by Sten on May 30, 2014
In the Dutch west, to be exact in the surroundings of Rotterdam called the Rotterdam-Drechtsteden, the people have developed an interesting, peculiar way of transport. They call it the waterbus (water bus). It is, as its name suggests, a bus on the water. It is much like a regular ferry. The waterbus uses the OV-chipkaart, so you can…
A Cookie From Your Own Dough and Other Dutch Idioms Posted by tiffany on May 28, 2014
What would a language be without its own unique sayings? In English, for instance, we color our communication with a number of clichés. How often have you heard someone talk about it being just the way the cookie crumbles or wax poetic about home, sweet home? Turns out, the Dutch also love their expressions. But…
Santé! or should I say: op uw gezondheid!? – Dutch Wines. Posted by Sten on May 28, 2014
Nederlandse wijn. Yes, you read that right, it is a thing. However, wijn in the Netherlands is very rare and scarce. That has not always been the case. Before the Middeleeuwen (Middle Ages), wine was very popular, and the Netherlands actually had a climate that allowed for wine production. Wine grapes were probably already planted during the reign of the Romans…
European Elections! Posted by Sten on May 22, 2014
Europese verkiezingen (European Elections) always have a lower turnout than national elections. That is not different in the Netherlands. Here, people have the opportunity to vote today for the new European Parliament. They vote for national and local parties, that will then represent them in the European Parliament in the European parties. This year, the new Commission President…
Language Listening Lesson – Het Verhaal van Mark Posted by Sten on May 17, 2014
Summer is slowly approaching. However, these past two weeks have been rainy, very windy, cold… Nothing you would expect from a great summer! So while we are reviving the cold winter months with blankets and hot chocolates, why also not some cozy Dutch? Let’s start off with the first Triple L! (Language Listening Lesson) The following story…
Eindexamen – Could you do it? Posted by Sten on May 14, 2014
The Dutch high school students are shivering and fearful these days. The next two to three weeks will be crucial for their future – heel belangrijk (very important).What they have done in the last three years and what they will do in these few weeks is going to decide what university they can go to, what job they…
The Joke’s on You: How to Make Funnies in Dutch Posted by tiffany on May 9, 2014
They may have a reputation for being conservative and straight-laced, but the Dutch like to laugh just as much as anyone else. Lachen is het beste medicijn, as they say. Here are some jokes you can tickle your Dutch friends’ funny bones with. Let the laughter (or eye rolling) begin! Advocaat tijdens een rechtszitting: ‘Tenslotte…