A book of rules for children, written more than 400 years ago by the famous Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus, is now housed in the Rotterdam city archive. The small book offers guidance on behaviour, including advice such as not talking about poop and pee. Erasmus, who was born in Rotterdam, is one of the most influential figures in European history, and the city's iconic Erasmus Bridge is named after him. The archive is delighted to have the book in its collection.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
This story is a reminder that the Netherlands has a long history of written rules and educational texts. For Dutch learners, it can be interesting to see how language and manners were taught centuries ago, though the Dutch in the book is old and not useful for everyday practice. For newcomers, it is a light-hearted example of Dutch directness and the country's emphasis on clear agreements, even for children. It also shows how historical figures like Erasmus remain part of national identity, with names and monuments across Rotterdam. You do not need to know the book to settle in, but it can be a fun cultural footnote.