Netherlands Culture

Taking listeners beyond the stereotypical images of windmills, clogs, and tulips, this audio guide helps visitors understand the complex layers of identity in this small, densely populated country on Europe's northwestern seaboard. With roots as a maritime nation that built a network for transportation, defense, and trade, the Netherlands of today is still a prime economic hub of Europe. The Netherlands is also famous for its liberal attitudes, recently challenged by high levels of immigration, and is home to an intelligent, cosmopolitan, enterprising, tolerant, and modest people.

Most people in the Netherlands ride bicycles to get to work, enjoy the landscape, and for sport. They look forward to spring when they can pedal past world-famous tulip fields in full bloom. This introduction to the Netherlands will get young listeners' wheels turning by giving them a glimpse of this small relaxed European country.

This 14-day audio course teaches you basic Dutch words and phrases that you can instantly put to use, with bite-sized daily sessions that are 10-20 minutes long. In addition, this course gives you some important details on Dutch traditions and culture. That way, your visit to the Netherlands will be even more fulfilling as you'll be able to speak the language at a basic level and have a good understanding of Dutch culture.

Thirteen-year-old Dirk has been the man of the house since his papa disappeared while fighting against the Nazis with the Dutch Resistance. When the Gestapo arrests Dirk's older sister, who is also a Resistance fighter, Dirk fears that he and his little sister, Anna, might be next. With only pockets full of food and his sister asleep in his arms, Dirk runs away to find his father. As Dirk leads Anna across the war-torn Netherlands, from farmyards to work camps, he must rely on his wits and his father's teaching to find his way.