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Dutch Words for Emotions Posted by noortje on Apr 30, 2010
Emotions are what set us apart from robots. They are not always right or useful, but to a certain extent, do make us who we are. And because we often use words to express our feelings, even in Holland, let me write down how you say and spell them in Dutch. Mad (angry) : boos…
Dutch Food: What is hutspot? Posted by noortje on Apr 23, 2010
I personally hate the winter: the cold, the countless layers of clothing, the cold, the pale and kranky people, the snow which prevents you from riding your bike normally and again, the cold! But I have to admit there is one good thing about the winter and it’s called hutspot. Hutspot is made out of…
Dutch Politics and Government: What is het poldermodel? Posted by noortje on Apr 19, 2010
Let’s discuss it. Let’s discuss it some more. And some more. And now let’s discuss the results. Maybe I exaggerate a little, but this is what we call ‘het poldermodel’, the economic political way of ruling based on discussion. After World War Two The Netherlands were taking in by the consultation system, in which the…
Learn Dutch: A conversation with the cashier Posted by noortje on Apr 15, 2010
A lot of things in our world get replaced by machines. When you go to the cinema, buy tickets online or in some countries even when you go to a supermarket, you don’t have to talk to anyone. You just click and type in what you want. But since the cashier is (for now) not…
Colors in Dutch Posted by noortje on Apr 8, 2010
Imagine meeting a really attractive Dutch woman or man. You date, you have fun and then you want to buy them flowers. You are standing in front of the flower lady and are desperately pointing at the flowers you want in your bouquet. You don’t want to end up making it a whole adventure with…
Dutch Words for Pets Posted by noortje on Mar 30, 2010
Holland is small country, so we don’t have exotic animals like bears and kangaroos as pets. But we absolutely believe that an animal can be a great friend, so some sorts we welcome into our homes. Sometimes even in our beds. Mainly we love everything that is furry, not bigger than the size of a…
Annie M.G. Schmidt and the Adults Posted by noortje on Mar 26, 2010
We covered Annie M.G. Schmidt’s work for kids and teenagers, which leaves one group missing: what did Annie M.G. Schmidt write for adults? Although I kept this topic until last, Schmidt actually started out with writing for the adults. In 1938 she got herself out there by writing two poems that were both published in…