Books About the Netherlands
I moved to the Netherlands in 2000. You could say I’m a dab hand at this living in the Netherlands thing by now. But that doesn’t stop the quest for great reads about the country I now call home. These books about the Netherlands, or about living abroad in general, are worthy of a coveted place on your bookshelf. Click on the pictures for the link. If there is a book you highly recommend for this list, let me know in the comments.
Language
Dutch in 3 Months with Free Audio App
Your Essential Guide to Understanding and Speaking Dutch (Hugo in 3 Months)
Before I left England and set foot in the Netherlands with my worldly possessions, I was already dipping hungrily into this book to get at least a basic grasp of the Dutch language.
This book – and the accompanying audio (a CD back in those days!) – helped me enormously. It gave me a useful starting point and, more importantly, helped me feel a little less daunted about arriving in a country where I didn’t speak the language.
A personal favourite and the first Dutch language learning book I’d recommend.
Here are a few more Dutch language books that will help you on your quest to get to grips with the language of the Netherlands.
Easy Dutch Phrase Book: Over 1500 Common Phrases For Everyday Use And Travel
It does what is says on the tin (if you know, you know – it’s a Brit thing) – this is a book that gives you common phrases that you can regularly use.
If you need help with Dutch grammar, and believe me you will because sometimes the grammar rule is ‘there is no rule, you just have to learn it’, then try one of these reads.
Essential Dutch Grammar
All The Grammar Really Needed For Speech And Comprehension
A handy reference for getting to grips with the grammar you actually need to understand and speak Dutch.
Basic Dutch
(Routledge Grammar Workbooks)
If you want to go beyond every day phrases (and sorry to preach, but if you are coming to live here in the Netherlands then you really should), then this is a good new step. It covers vocabulary, grammar and exercises, so you can start putting the pieces together rather than just memorising useful phrases.
Dutch: A Comprehensive Grammar (Routledge Comprehensive Grammars)
Looking to level up your Dutch language game? Here’s your next step.
But remember, you can keep your language learning fun so conversation and short story reads are ideal too.
Conversational Dutch Dialogues
Dutch Short Stories for Beginners
20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Dutch & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way! (Easy Dutch Stories)
For Children
Holland
Charlotte Dematons, ‘Holland’ is a picture book about the things that makes the Netherlands Dutch.
Winter in Wartime (Oorlogs Winter)
Jan Terlouw’s Winter in Wartime (a translation of Oorlogs Winter, a great book which has also been made into film) is a historical read for 10 to 14-year-olds based on the writer’s boy time experience during WW2 in the Netherlands. The book has also been made into a film, which is well worth watching for a historical and cultural insight into your new home country.
Dutch Culture
Looking to get an understanding of the Dutch and what makes the Dutch, well, Dutch? These are a good books to add to your bookshelves.
Why the Dutch are Different – written by Ben Coates
-If you’ve ever wondered why the dutch do things the way they do, this is a fascinating place to start. Ben Coates looks at the history, culture and habits that make the Netherlands the country it is today.
If you’re new to the Netherlands, you’ll probably recognise a few things along the way – and perhaps understand why they happen.
Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality
And when in the Netherlands, cycle like the Dutch! If you have been on Dutch soil for more than five minutes you will have noticed the penchant for bikes here.
This book looks at how the Netherlands became such a cycling-friendly country and what other cities can learn from the Dutch approach to getting around.
It’s particularly interesting if you’ve ever wondered why cycling here feels so different from cycling in many other countries.
Stuff Dutch People Like – written by Colleen Geske
Amusing and informative at the same time? Zeker!
This book takes a look at Dutch habits and culture through the eyes of a non-Dutchie – making it a fun way to understand some of the quirks of the people around you.
Dutch Food
A spot of Dutch cooking? There’s nothing like assimilating with food.
Delectable Dutch Recipes
A Complete Cookbook of Delicious Dutch Dish Ideas!
If you’re keen to try your hand at some traditional Dutch dishes, this is a good addition to your (albeit probably small) Dutch kitchen. From everyday favourites to more typical Dutch concoctions, there’s plenty here to get you cooking.
Stuff Dutch People Eat
A celebration of the delightfully delicious food Dutch people eat
Want to know what Dutch people actually eat? This is a fun introduction to Dutch food and the stories and tradition behind it. From hearty dinners and surprising lunches, you’ll soon see that Dutch food is much more than cheese and stroopwafels!
Historical Reads
Want to delve a little deeper into Dutch history? These two books offer very different glimpses into the Netherlands of the past.
The Cut Out Girl – Bart van Es
A fascinating story that weaves together family history, the Second World War and the Netherlands. It’s a very personal way into a difficult and important part of Dutch history. And a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Het Pauperparadijs – Suzanna Jansen
A look at the history of the Dutch poor and the extraordinary social experiment that took place in the nineteenth century. if you’re interested in discovering a side of Dutch history that you probably won’t find in the usual tourist guides, this is well worth a read. If your Dutch is up to it, of course.
*For your convenience, this post includes affiliate links to products and books useful for Turning Dutch readers. They cost you nothing more to buy, but I may get a small commission, which goes towards costs to keep the Turning Dutch site running.*