🔹 Too polite? You might sound uncertain.
🔹 Too blunt? You might sound… rude.
🔹 Too indirect? Dutch people stopped listening five minutes ago.
🔹 Not maintaining eye contact? You might seem like you’re hiding something.
🔹 Speaking too quietly? No one will hear you—seriously.

If you’re an expat from a culture that values indirect communication and politeness, you might feel like you have to become rude, brutal, or even “bad” to fit into Dutch work culture. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Most cultures fall somewhere in the middle of the directness vs. indirectness scale—but compared to the Dutch, almost every country leans more toward politeness. The Netherlands sits on the extreme edge of directness, making it quite a cultural shock for expats from:
🌍 Eastern & Southern Europe
🌏 Eastern countries (Asia, Middle East, etc.)
🇺🇸 North & South America

Even countries known for their efficiency—like Germany and Switzerland—aren’t quite at the same level of directness as the Dutch (correct me if I’m wrong, Leif! 😉).

When I first moved to the Netherlands, I practiced in front of the mirror, trying to speak like a gangster (or at least that’s what I thought Dutch directness sounded like back then 😂). But here’s what I learned:

Dutch directness is a gift

It’s not about being rude—it’s about:
✅ Honesty – Saying what you mean, clearly and respectfully.
✅ Precision – Getting straight to the point without fluff.
✅ Efficiency – No endless small talk, just action.

And let’s be real—it takes guts to be direct! (Or maybe just being born Dutch 😅). But once you master it, it’s empowering.

7 Ways to Crack Dutch Communication Like a Pro

1️⃣ Drop the over-apologizing. Saying “Sorry, but…” before every opinion makes you sound unsure. Just say it!

2️⃣ Be clear and confident. No long intros—get to the point fast.

3️⃣ Learn to handle criticism like a Dutchie. It’s rarely personal. If someone says “That’s a bad idea,” they mean the idea, not you.

4️⃣ Speak up. Dutch meetings can be loud and fast-paced. If you wait for a pause, you might never speak. Jump in!

5️⃣ Be prepared for direct feedback. Your boss might say, “This presentation is weak.” Instead of feeling crushed, ask what you can improve.

6️⃣ Practice safe directness. Start with people you trust before testing your skills in high-stakes conversations.

7️⃣ Use humor. Dutch people love sarcasm and dry humor—it softens even the most direct messages.

The best insight I’ve gained as a coach? The most powerful transformations happen when people are honest, straightforward, and precise with themselves. That’s the best gift you can give yourself. 

🚀 So while you’re in the Netherlands, use this chance to master honest, precise, and straight-to-the-point communication with yourself and others.