Netherlands Quiz Part 2: Windmills, Tulips, and Dutch Culture

How well do you know the Netherlands?

Test your knowledge of the Netherlands with these 10 questions. Choose the best answer for each question and see your score at the end!

• 1. A significant portion of the Netherlands is below sea level. What is the extensive system of dams, dikes, and floodgates that protects the country called?

  • (A) The Hoover Dam
  • (B) The Panama Canal
  • (C) The Delta Works / Zuiderzee Works
  • (D) The Great Wall

• 2. What is the Dutch attitude towards making appointments for social visits?

  • (A) Spontaneous, unannounced visits are preferred
  • (B) Appointments are considered rude
  • (C) It is polite to call ahead and make an appointment, even with friends
  • (D) Only written invitations are acceptable

• 3. What are "Stroopwafels," a famous Dutch treat?

  • (A) Salty licorice
  • (B) Two thin waffles with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle
  • (C) Small, fluffy pancakes
  • (D) Fried dough balls

• 4. The concept of "polderen" or the "polder model" in Dutch culture refers to what?

  • (A) A style of landscape painting
  • (B) A method of farming on reclaimed land
  • (C) A consensus-based approach to decision-making and problem-solving
  • (D) A traditional folk dance

• 5. While Amsterdam is the capital, where is the seat of the Dutch government and parliament located?

  • (A) Rotterdam
  • (B) Utrecht
  • (C) The Hague
  • (D) Maastricht

• 6. What does the Dutch phrase "Doe normaal" (act normal) reflect about their cultural values?

  • (A) A desire for everyone to be eccentric
  • (B) A high value placed on modesty, egalitarianism, and not showing off
  • (C) A strict code of formal behavior
  • (D) A love for theatrical performance in daily life

• 7. What is a key characteristic of Dutch directness in communication?

  • (A) They often use vague and indirect language to avoid offense
  • (B) They prefer to communicate through gestures
  • (C) Honesty and straightforwardness are highly valued, even if it seems blunt
  • (D) They only speak about business matters

• 8. The Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, famous for its spectacular display of what flower?

  • (A) Roses
  • (B) Sunflowers
  • (C) Tulips
  • (D) Lilies

• 9. In Dutch family life, what is a common value instilled in children from a young age?

  • (A) Dependence on parents until marriage
  • (B) The importance of hierarchy and strict obedience
  • (C) A high degree of independence and self-reliance
  • (D) Avoidance of expressing personal opinions

• 10. What is a "borrel" in Dutch social culture?

  • (A) A formal, multi-course dinner
  • (B) An informal social gathering with drinks and snacks, often held in the late afternoon
  • (C) A traditional wedding ceremony
  • (D) A children's birthday party