Series
society
society
Ons Erfdeel vzw
4 min reading time
Farewell to the Quintessential Editor: Frits Niessen (1936-2020)
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we inform you that Ons Erfdeel vzw former deputy editor-in-chief, Frits Niessen, has passed away.
society
Derek Blyth
3 min reading time
Poems for Lonely Funerals
In 2002, the Dutch poet F. Starik came up with the idea of the Poule des doods – a pool of poets who write and read a poem for the people who have no mourners at their funeral.
Series
The DNA of the Netherlands
society
Theo D'haen
12 min reading time
Oh America, Where Art Thou?
The Low Countries' view of the United States has gradually changed from admiration to sadness and frustration.
society
Jan Renkema
4 min reading time
Why the Dutch Often Have Difficulty With Authority
The Dutch like to fend for themselves, for fear of further interference. They love their freedom and independence.
Postcard
society
Jan Renkema
4 min reading time
Why the Dutch Leave Their Curtains Open
Due to the population density, the Dutch have developed a strong sense of individuality and privacy.
society
Hind Fraihi
7 min reading time
How the Flemish and Dutch Far Right Are Planning a ‘Black Wedding’
Flemish and Dutch right-wing extremists mostly convene in online environments. However, it is clear the Flemish-Dutch front formation intends to develop into much more than an army of keyboard warriors.
Hind Fraihi
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
Welcome to Utopia
Utopia is not always an imaginary place. That is what Derek Blyth discovered when he entered the stunning city library of Aalst.
society
Jan Renkema
3 min reading time
Why the Dutch Like to Think They Are Tolerant
The diverse groups in the Netherlands must work together. This might explain why the Dutch have developed a high degree of tolerance.
The L-Spot
language
Nicoline van der Sijs
9 min reading time
Appelflappen and Clog Wogs. On Flemish and Dutch Emigrants in the Anglophone World
A big survey shows that Dutch and Flemish people who move abroad to Anglophone countries don’t speak Dutch quite as often as their other emigrated compatriots do.
society
Ruben Mantels
3 min reading time
Ghent University Museum Shows the Beauty and Doubt of Science
The GUM does not set out to display a number of scientific truths but wants to demonstrate how doubt and beauty are part of the scientific process.
society
Jan Renkema
3 min reading time
Why Thoughts are Free in the Netherlands
Due to the openness and the usually quick acceptance of various groups the Netherlands has been able to develop as a country in which modern ideas can flourish.
society
Luc Devoldere
1 min reading time
FROM THE ARCHIVES: One-Third Land and Two-Thirds Sky
‘One-Third Land and Two-Thirds Sky' – that is how the film director Peter Greenaway saw, and sees, the Netherlands.
society
Jan Renkema
4 min reading time
Why the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rides a Bicycle
In a country of polders, flatness defines everything. This flatness means that nobody can rise above you, nor you above them.
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
The Busy Beehive
The oldest Dutch department store chain De Bijenkorf is celebrating its 150th year.
society
Ons Erfdeel vzw
2 min reading time
Ons Erfdeel vzw Announces Hendrik Tratsaert as Its New Director
Tratsaert will succeed Luc Devoldere as editor-in-chief and managing director of Flemish-Dutch cultural institution Ons Erfdeel vzw.
society
Jan Renkema
4 min reading time
Why You Can Speak Your Mind in the Netherlands
The Dutch have a constant willingness to compromise and whose aim above all is a general consensus.
society
Luc Devoldere
2 min reading time
Beautiful Images and Quintessential Objects
Which image or object would you choose to capture the Low Countries?
society
Jan Renkema
9 min reading time
A Conversation Above the Ocean. Destination: Schiphol
Jan Renkema provides a clear analysis of the Dutch identity in his pamphlet ‘The DNA of the Netherlands’. He starts with a conversation on a flight to Schiphol.
society
Stefan de Vries
9 min reading time
Increasing Drought, a New Enemy for the Netherlands
Water shortage is becoming ever more serious and is now causing problems with shipping, agriculture and subsidence.
society
Luc Devoldere
1 min reading time
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The People’s Bird. On Belgians and Their Pigeons
For decades, pigeon racing was as much part of Belgium as the Atomium, chip stalls and cycle racing.
