A2 KNM: Democratic Values & Rights
The Dutch Constitution (Grondwet) guarantees fundamental rights for all people in the Netherlands. Key values include: freedom of speech (vrijheid van men...
Reviewed against official sources - Updated 2026-05-10
The Dutch Constitution (Grondwet) guarantees fundamental rights for all people in the Netherlands. Key values include: freedom of speech (vrijheid van meningsuiting), freedom of religion (godsdienstvrijheid), equality (gelijkheid), and non-discrimination. These rights come with responsibilities.
| Right (Dutch) | Right (English) | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Vrijheid van meningsuiting | Freedom of speech | You can express your opinion |
| Godsdienstvrijheid | Freedom of religion | Practice any or no religion |
| Recht op gelijke behandeling | Right to equal treatment | No discrimination allowed |
| Kiesrecht | Voting right | Vote in elections from age 18 |
| Recht op privacy | Right to privacy | Your personal life is protected |
| Persvrijheid | Freedom of press | Media can report freely |
Examples
- Iedereen mag zijn mening zeggen.
- Everyone may express their opinion.
- Discriminatie is verboden.
- Discrimination is prohibited.
- Je mag zelf kiezen of je gelooft.
- You may choose whether you believe.
- Mannen en vrouwen zijn gelijk.
- Men and women are equal.
Study note
The Netherlands was a pioneer in many rights: first country to legalize same-sex marriage (2001), first to allow euthanasia under strict conditions, and has strong protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Tolerance and 'live and let live' are core Dutch values.
Practice after reading
Train A2 knowledge of Dutch society with timed KNM practice questions.
