• 7 Oct 2026Dutch woman causes a stir by winning world porridge-making titleA Dutch woman has won the world porridge-making title after starting to cook porridge as a cost-saving student meal.
• 7 Oct 2026Group of men set to march through Amsterdam to "protect" women, but the wording is a bit offA men's march in Amsterdam aims to support women, but its wording has sparked discussion about how such initiatives are framed.
• 7 Oct 2026Heinen struggling to hit deadline for capital gains tax reformFinance minister Eelco Heinen is struggling to meet his deadline for introducing a new capital gains tax system, which could affect investors and expats in the Netherlands.
• 7 Oct 2026NS Travel Information Outage Hits Digital Station BoardsA brief NS travel information outage left some digital station boards without live departure times for about 75 minutes.
• 7 Oct 2026Unhealthy Food Outlets Dominate Dutch Cities, Researchers SayResearch finds unhealthy food outlets have become more common in 10 major Dutch cities over the past decade, with takeaways and fast food crowding out healthier options.
• 6 Oct 2026Dutch Cabinet Pushes for Phone-Free Schools Starting JanuaryThe Dutch cabinet is calling on all primary and secondary schools to ban mobile phones from January, aiming to improve focus and social interaction.
• 6 Oct 2026Dutch Capital Gains Tax 2028: Cabinet Races to Meet DeadlineThe Dutch government is racing to introduce a new capital gains tax by 2028, but timely advice from the Council of State is uncertain.
• 6 Oct 2026Groningen to Leer train link returns after 11 yearsThe international train service between Groningen and Leer has resumed after an 11-year break, providing a direct link to Germany.
• 6 Oct 2026Netherlands narrowly beat Serbia in Nations LeagueThe Netherlands men's football team beat Serbia 2-1 in the Nations League in Eindhoven on Sunday, marking Xavi Hernández's second win as head coach.
• 6 Oct 2026School textbooks overpriced and poor quality, watchdog warnsThe Dutch consumer watchdog ACM says school textbooks are too expensive and of poor quality, and is calling on publishers to change their practices.
• 6 Oct 2026Sudanese-Dutch lawyer made minister of paramilitary groupA lawyer holding both Dutch and Sudanese nationality has been named justice minister for Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, raising questions about dual nationals in conflict roles.
• 5 Oct 2026Dierendag: huisdieren extra verwend in heel NederlandOp Dierendag kregen huisdieren extra aandacht, met festiviteiten en zegeningen in onder meer Best en Tilburg.
• 5 Oct 2026Dutch Kids Explore Science at Weekend FestivalChildren in the Netherlands explored science hands-on at the Weekend van de Wetenschap, including Amsterdam's Wajo Festival, where they met real scientists and did experiments.
• 4 Oct 2026Demi Vollering wint weer Europees Kampioenschap wielrennenDutch cyclist Demi Vollering won the European road race title in Slovenia, one week after becoming world champion, with Puck Pieterse taking silver.
• 4 Oct 2026Dutch Cabinet May Spare Small Savers from Box 3 Tax HikeThe Dutch cabinet may rethink its Box 3 tax plan to spare small savers and investors from a tax increase.
• 4 Oct 2026Eindhoven Artificial Pitches Deteriorate as Rubber Pellets ClumpTen artificial pitches in Eindhoven have clumping rubber pellets, causing poor field conditions and concerns among clubs.
• 4 Oct 2026Kinderen bij oude club Virgil van Dijk: 'Blij dat hij hier heeft gespeeld'Virgil van Dijk is likely to earn his 100th cap for the Netherlands, prompting pride at his childhood club WDS'19 in Breda.
• 3 Oct 2026Cabinet backtracks on box 3 tax plans for small savingsThe Dutch cabinet is rewriting part of its box 3 tax plan for small savings and investments after facing criticism.
• 3 Oct 2026Dutch Inflation Edges Up in August, CBS Data ShowDutch inflation rose slightly in August, according to preliminary CBS figures.
• 3 Oct 2026Franse scholieren- en studentenorganisaties roepen op tot nieuwe protesten dinsdagFrench education unions have called for fresh protests on Tuesday after thousands demonstrated this week over poor school conditions and teacher shortages.
• 3 Oct 2026Kinderen leren koken en klussen op school: 'Krijg meer zelfvertrouwen'Twenty-six Rotterdam schools now offer practical lessons such as cooking, woodwork and gardening to build pupils' confidence and make school more enjoyable.
• 3 Oct 2026October Train Disruptions in the Netherlands: What to KnowPlanned engineering works will disrupt several Dutch rail routes in October, including Amsterdam Centraal and services around Alphen aan den Rijn.
• 3 Oct 2026Oranje draws 2-2 with Greece in Nations LeagueThe Dutch national team drew 2-2 with Greece after a weak first half and a stronger second-half comeback.
• 2 Oct 2026Ebola patient with MSF arrives at Leiden hospitalAn Ebola-infected aid worker from Doctors Without Borders has been repatriated from Congo and is being treated at Leiden University Medical Center.
• 2 Oct 2026Kabinet zit woensdag weer om tafel met bonden en werkgevers na maanden uitstelAfter months of delay, the Dutch cabinet will meet unions and employers on Wednesday to discuss the future of social security.
• 2 Oct 2026Katwijk stemt in met komst miljardenfabriek Amerikaanse farmaceut Eli LillyKatwijk council has approved Eli Lilly's plans for a $3 billion diabetes and weight-loss pill factory, expected to employ around 500 people.
• 2 Oct 2026Sorry travellers, Eindhoven Airport will close for nearly six months in 2027Eindhoven Airport is scheduled to close for nearly six months in 2027 for major runway and infrastructure work.
• 2 Oct 2026Switching energy companies in the Netherlands in 2026: the expat’s guideSwitching energy suppliers in the Netherlands is a straightforward online process that expats can complete without much hassle.
• 2 Oct 2026Writer and cabaret performer Paulien Cornelisse dies at age 50Paulien Cornelisse, celebrated for her accessible books and performances about the Dutch language, has died at age 50.
• 1 Oct 2026Dutch savers could face wealth tax from just €30,846 in 2027: here's what to knowThe Dutch government has proposed lowering the wealth tax threshold to €30,846 in 2027, meaning more savers and investors could owe tax on their assets.
• 1 Oct 2026Education cuts loom if talks with unions on welfare reforms failThe Dutch education budget may be cut by €1.2 billion if negotiations with unions over social security reforms do not produce sufficient savings.
• 1 Oct 2026Juf Tessa woont in een vakantiehuisje: wonen op vakantieparken toegestaanDoor het woningtekort mogen mensen tijdelijk in vakantiehuisjes wonen, maar dit leidt tot discussie.
• 1 Oct 2026Rail Union Calls for Action on Violence Against Train StaffRail union VVMC is calling on politicians to address violence against train staff, highlighting safety concerns on the Dutch railway network.
• 1 Oct 2026The box 3 tax changes: what they are and what they mean for youThe Dutch cabinet has proposed a major overhaul of the box 3 asset tax, which may affect how savings and investments are taxed for residents.
• 30 Sept 2026Bike Fishing in the Netherlands: A Surprising Dutch JobBike fishing is a Dutch occupation that involves retrieving bicycles from canals, highlighting the Netherlands' cycling culture and practical job opportunities for newcomers.
• 30 Sept 2026Coalition may cut education if social security talks failCoalition parties have agreed to cut 1.2 billion euros from education if talks on social security fail to deliver savings.
• 30 Sept 2026More Dutch Savers to Pay Tax from 2028From 2028, more people in the Netherlands will owe tax on savings and investments, according to NOS.
• 30 Sept 2026Schiphol Baggage Checks on Israel Passengers Spark Diplomatic RowThe Netherlands' ban on goods from illegal settlements has led to stricter baggage checks at Schiphol for passengers from Israel, causing a diplomatic row.
• 30 Sept 2026The IamExpat Fair is back in Eindhoven: what’s new this year?The IamExpat Fair returns to Eindhoven on October 3 with an expanded programme for internationals.
• 30 Sept 2026UvA Bans Laptops and Phones in Lecture HallA University of Amsterdam sociology course has banned laptops and mobile phones from its lecture hall, requiring students to take notes by hand.
• 29 Sept 2026Amir speelt in een film met zijn moeder: 'Leuk om de hoofdrol te hebben'A 12-year-old boy stars with his real mother in the Dutch film De Alpenkauw, which premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht.
• 29 Sept 2026Beste gamers van de wereld in België voor WK FortniteThe Fortnite World Cup is being held in Antwerp, Belgium, with 100 top players competing in duos for a €1.75 million prize pool.
• 29 Sept 2026Laptops, telefoons en tablets verboden bij UvA-opleiding interdisciplinaire sociale wetenschapA University of Amsterdam programme has banned laptops, phones and tablets during lectures to help students concentrate.
• 29 Sept 2026Market watchdog calls for transparency on AI in price settingThe ACM is calling for clearer information on how AI influences ticket prices, which could affect consumers in the Netherlands.
• 29 Sept 2026Why the Netherlands Has So Many Cultures: A Simple ExplanationA Dutch children's news segment answers why the Netherlands is home to so many different cultures, a question many newcomers and language learners may share.
• 15 Sept 2026Inside a Dutch Language Course: What to ExpectAn intensive Dutch course aims to get learners speaking quickly, but it is worth checking the method and cost before enrolling.
• 11 Sept 2026Dutch Government to Ban Employers from Deducting Rent from Migrant Workers' WagesThe Dutch government will ban employers from deducting rent from migrant workers' wages starting mid-2028.
• 10 Sept 2026Inburgering Exam Myths Tested Against Real ExamsCommon test-taking myths for the Dutch inburgering exam are tested against real exams, showing that solid language skills matter more than shortcuts.
• 9 Sept 2026Cabinet considers visa blocks for Russian athletesThe Dutch cabinet is exploring visa restrictions to stop Russian athletes from competing under their national flag in the Netherlands.
• 21 Aug 2026More permits issued for newbuilds but pipeline is filling upDutch construction saw higher turnover and more newbuild permits in Q2 2026, but a fuller pipeline means new homes may take time to arrive.
• 20 Jul 2026Save yourselves while you still can an assimilated introductionColumnist Molly Quell playfully questions if her inburgering success has made her lose touch with her foreign roots, offering a humorous perspective on integration.
• 15 Jul 2026Adults with migrant backgrounds wait months for swimming lessonsAdults with a migrant background face long waits for swimming lessons in the Netherlands as drowning incidents increase, highlighting a gap in water safety for newcomers.
• 5 Jul 2026Dutch ministry repays 9 million euros for wrongful integration finesThe Dutch government is refunding 9 million euros to 3,300 people who were incorrectly fined for not completing integration requirements, highlighting the importance of knowing your rights.
• 4 Jul 2026DutchNews Podcast: Permit Deadlines and Voting Paper CampaignThe latest DutchNews podcast covers permit deadline confusion and a campaign to preserve larger voting papers for clarity.
• 3 Jul 2026Passing the A1 Dutch Exam: Tips for New ArrivalsThis article offers practical advice on passing the A1 Dutch language exam, a requirement for many immigrants before relocating to the Netherlands.
• 21 Jun 2026Afghan Interpreters Denied Permanent Residence in NetherlandsAfghan interpreters who aided Dutch missions are denied permanent residency under an EU agreement, prompting calls for exceptions. Understand Dutch immigration policies.
• 20 May 2026Dutch Craft & Conversation: practice Dutch while making something with your handsEvery 2nd Friday of the month, Direct Dutch Institute runs Dutch Craft & Conversation, a relaxed evening where you practice speaking Dutch while keeping your hands busy with a craft project.
• 11 May 2026Discover Dutch: free introductory session on Sunday May 31, 2026Direct Dutch Institute is running a Discover Dutch Sunday on May 31, 2026. A free sample lesson where absolute beginners can try the Direct Dutch method before committing to a course.
• 27 Apr 2026Ruud Hisgen interview: learning Dutch through poetry in the age of AIThe Hague International Centre interviewed Ruud Hisgen, founder of Direct Dutch Institute, about the 40th anniversary poetry project and why human language learning matters in an AI world.
• 22 Apr 2026Five reasons to LOVE learning Dutch (not just tolerate it)Written by Ruud Hisgen of Direct Dutch Institute for IamExpat. Five honest, practical reasons learning Dutch is worth your time, from career doors to Koningsdag singalongs.
• 16 Apr 2026Direct Dutch event calendar 2026: conversation afternoons, book clubs, and moreDirect Dutch Institute runs regular free and low-cost events in The Hague throughout 2026, from the Spreek Nederlands Middag at the Central Library to reading clubs and Discover Dutch days.
• 24 Mar 2026This is how we celebrated 40 years of Direct DutchOn Saturday March 21, 2026, World Poetry Day, Direct Dutch Institute celebrated its 40th anniversary at Hoeve Essesteijn in Voorburg with students, teachers, and former staff.
• 19 Mar 20268 proven tips to improve your Dutch (fast and fun)After 40+ years of teaching, Direct Dutch Institute shares the 8 practical tips that actually work: reading aloud, the 888 subtitle trick, recording yourself, and more.
• 19 Mar 2026In a time of translation apps, learning Dutch remains essentialGoogle Translate and ChatGPT make instant translation easy. But Direct Dutch Institute's 40th anniversary campaign argues that real language learning matters more than ever, for connection, culture, and telling reality from fake.
• 18 Mar 2026Dicht Nederlands met mij: a poetry collection that bridges languagesFor its 40th anniversary, Direct Dutch Institute invited students, staff, and friends to translate their favourite poems into Dutch. The result is a multilingual anthology where emotions cross all borders.
• 17 Mar 2026Why learn Dutch? 6 compelling reasons to master the local languageLiving in the Netherlands without Dutch keeps you in a bubble. Here are six concrete reasons learning Dutch transforms your experience, from career doors to daily independence and real friendships.