This is my first blog post, and since I started my adventure teaching English in the Netherlands, it seemed like a good idea to dedicate it to this country.

It is quite funny, because when I came here about five years ago, I moved to Holland… but now I live in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In 2019, the authorities of the country where I live decided to replace the name “Holland” with “Netherlands” in international communications. However, it is important to know that this was not a formal name change, but rather an image and marketing strategy.

Why this decision? It was likely a change in the international perception of the country. For years, “Holland” was primarily associated with a liberal attitude towards drugs and prostitution. The capital itself attracts tourists as a place with a vibrant nightlife and a relaxed atmosphere.

But the Netherlands is much more than this stereotype.

That is why a more cohesive and official name was chosen: the Netherlands. This approach was illustrated by the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place under the new brand name. Promotional material presented the country from a completely different perspective: as a modern, innovative place with beautiful landscapes, but also with its most distinctive features – tulips, bicycles, and windmills.

And this is what I associate with the country I call home today.

Nevertheless, in English we still call the inhabitants “Dutch.” Where does this word come from?

At first glance, it seems illogical:

Germans live in Germany,
Poles live in Poland,
and Russians live in Russia.

…furthermore:

Dutch people live in the Netherlands.

The explanation lies in the history of the language. Historically, the word “Dutch” (derived from the Old Germanic theodisc) referred to Germanic peoples in general. Over time, its meaning has narrowed, and nowadays we use it exclusively to refer to the inhabitants of the Netherlands. And now for a curiosity that often surprises:

Many people say that the Netherlands has “two capitals.” In reality, Amsterdam is the only official capital. Coronations, for example, take place here.

The Hague, on the other hand, serves as the administrative center: it houses the government, parliament, and the royal family. It can be considered the political heart of the country, even though it is not formally the capital.

Despite all these interesting facts and nuances, the Netherlands remains one of the most popular destinations for immigrants. Life there is comfortable, well-organized, and—most importantly—simply interesting.

I definitely recommend it 😉