Question 20/80 · KNM · Social customs
You have an appointment but cannot come. What is normal in the Netherlands?
🇳🇱 Je hebt een afspraak, maar je kunt niet komen. Wat is in Nederland normaal?
Answers
- Je zegt de afspraak ruim van tevoren af (You cancel the appointment well in advance)
- Je komt gewoon niet (You simply don't show up)
- Je komt een uur later (You come an hour late)
- Je stuurt een vriend (You send a friend)
Show the answer
✓ Correct answer: A. Je zegt de afspraak ruim van tevoren af
Explanation: Nederlanders vinden op tijd zijn en afspraken nakomen belangrijk. Kun je niet, dan zeg je dat zo vroeg mogelijk. Soms moet je anders betalen.
Translation: You cancel the appointment well in advance
Dutch people value punctuality and keeping appointments. If you can't come, say so as early as possible. Otherwise you sometimes have to pay.
Dutch people value punctuality and keeping appointments. If you can't come, say so as early as possible. Otherwise you sometimes have to pay.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- B. You simply don't show up: Simply not showing up is rude. Sometimes you still have to pay for the appointment.
- C. You come an hour late: Arriving an hour late without telling anyone is rude. Dutch people expect you to be on time.
- D. You send a friend: You cannot just send someone else. You cancel the appointment yourself.
💡 Tip: At the GP or dentist you often have to cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
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