Tag Archives: Belgium
6 Ways to Read More News in Dutch Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Feb 23, 2016
Especially when learning a small cultural language like Dutch, it’s nearly impossible to separate the language from the culture of the people who speak it. That’s why jezelf op de hoogte houden (keeping yourself up to date) on current events in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other parts of the nederlandstaalgebied is a great way to…
Lockdown in Brussels and Security in the Netherlands Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Nov 24, 2015
After last week’s attacks in Beirut and Paris, Brussels is on lockdown. Brussels is the capital of Belgium, the European Union, and NATO, and is only a two hour train ride from Rotterdam, bringing this international conflict close to home in het nederlandse taalgebied in the Netherlands and Flanders. Many of the Dutch words used to describe security situations and…
8 Things You Have To Know About The Dutch Verzuiling Posted by Sten on Oct 2, 2015
A significant development in the history of the Netherlands is the so-called verzuiling. It could be translated as pillarization (zuil = pillar). So what does that mean? When did it happen? Who is it about? And, maybe most importantly… Why? 1. It divided society Yes, this is a very bold point, and tells you a bit…
The Netherlands in April – Things to Do Posted by heather on Apr 3, 2012
It is April in the Netherlands. That time of year when just as spring seems to be finally arriving, nature throws you a curveball in the form of night-time temperatures that are below zero. Luckily, the events calendar for the month more than makes up for the confusion. Here are some of the things happening…
The Netherlands in March – Things to Do Posted by heather on Mar 1, 2012
Despite predictions of a “horror winter,” we seem to have sailed right into the month of March, complete with hints of spring. The events calendar in the Netherlands is really starting to heat up and below, with descriptions courtesy of Holland.com, are some of the highlights happening in March: HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show (March 6th) – More…
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…
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…