Dickens Festival Deventer Posted by heather on Dec 8, 2011
Begging vagabonds, stealing thieves, wealthy ladies and gentleman with top hats – it sounds like something out of a Dickens novel and that isn’t too far from the truth. Every year the 19th century of Charles Dickens is brought to life in the Bergkwartier in Deventer, in the form of the Dickens Festival. Historical buildings…
Things to Do in December Posted by heather on Dec 6, 2011
If you haven’t realised it already, it is December – one of my favourite months in the year. And just what Dutch goodies can you look forward to for the month? Here’s a small selection. Dickens Festival – Visiting Deventer from the 17th of December until the 18th of December might make you think you…
Pepernoten and Kruidnoten Posted by heather on Nov 29, 2011
As the studio lights dim and two spotlights focus on two white plates with brown cookies on each, you hear the presenter ask, “and Transparent Language reader, which plate has the pepernoten on them?” You glance to the plate on the left and then you glance to the plate on the right. While both plates…
Folders, Folders Everywhere Posted by heather on Nov 27, 2011
folder (de) – leaflet; brochure If you are going to live in the Netherlands, then the word “folder” is one you are going to get to know well. On an almost daily basis, these folders – advertising the current items on sale and the special offers being made – will shoot through your mailbox. There…
The Joy of Chocolate Letters Posted by heather on Nov 15, 2011
It is that time of year again. The time of year when you head into a shop, spot the chocolate letter display and search for a chocolate letter that matches the first letter of your name. Infuriated that your letter is no longer available, you begin the process of coming up with a “letter alternative”…
Het Sinterklaasjournaal Posted by heather on Nov 10, 2011
Sinterklaas will arrive in the Netherlands on Saturday. In the weeks between his arrival and his departure on December 5th, he will fill shoes that have been left out by children, with goodies. He will also package up any naughty children in a sack and take them back to Spain with him when he goes…
Using Online Newspapers to Improve Your Dutch Posted by heather on Nov 8, 2011
Have you been looking for a way to improve your Dutch? Maybe you were looking for a way to increase your vocabulary, or to improve your comprehension skills or you just wanted some real-world examples of Dutch in use. Well, perhaps online newspapers/news sites are something for you. Not only do online newspapers/new sites provide…