What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Utrecht?

We asked people in Utrecht if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"There are so many to list, I could write pages worth. The two very best are language related. My first was (thankfully) while practicing with my husband what to say to his parents at my first meeting with them. I wanted to say "It (the food) was delicious" which is "Het was lekker". What I said was "Ik ben lekker" which means "I'm hot." Oops! The other was when I was asking for directions to someone's house. I translated it incorrectly and ended up asking for psychological help. Oh the difference one wrong word can make! There were also some pretty excellent bicycling disasters, but luckily, nothing too incredibly embarrassing," said another expat in Utrecht, Netherlands.

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Utrecht. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to be respectful of the Dutch language and to avoid speaking English too loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the Dutch culture and to avoid making any jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive," wrote a member who made the move to Utrecht, The Netherlands.

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