KNM: Family & Relationships
The Netherlands recognizes different forms of partnerships: marriage (huwelijk), registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap), and cohabitation con...
The Netherlands recognizes different forms of partnerships: marriage (huwelijk), registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap), and cohabitation contracts (samenlevingscontract). Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2001. Divorce (echtscheiding) requires legal procedures through the court.
| English | Dutch | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage | Huwelijk | Full legal union, ceremony required |
| Registered partnership | Geregistreerd partnerschap | Almost same rights as marriage |
| Cohabitation contract | Samenlevingscontract | Private agreement, fewer rights |
| Divorce | Echtscheiding | Court procedure required |
| Alimony | Alimentatie | Financial support after divorce |
| Custody | Gezag | Parental authority over children |
| Situation | Dutch | Common Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Living together | Samenwonen | Common before marriage; couples may make a contract |
| Birth registration | Geboorteaangifte | Register a birth at the gemeente |
| Funeral or cremation | Begrafenis / crematie | Send condolences and be quiet and respectful |
| Visiting someone | Op bezoek gaan | Make an appointment first and arrive on time |
| Birthday | Verjaardag | Bring a small gift, congratulate close family too, and children may trakteren at school |
| Birth visit | Kraambezoek | Make an appointment; visitors may get beschuit met muisjes |
| Exam passed | Geslaagd | Some families hang the school bag with the Dutch flag outside |
| Neighbours | Buren | Introduce yourself and keep noise reasonable |
| Social/Legal Fact | Dutch | What to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Choose your partner | Zelf je partner kiezen | Adults choose their own partner |
| Equal rights | Gelijke rechten | Men and women have the same rights |
| Same-sex marriage | Huwelijk voor paren van hetzelfde geslacht | Same-sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands |
| One legal partner | Een partner | Marriage or registered partnership is with one partner |
| Domestic violence | Huiselijk geweld | Violence at home is forbidden; contact police or Veilig Thuis for help |
| Female genital mutilation | Vrouwenbesnijdenis | Forbidden by law |
| Abortion | Abortus | Legal under conditions; medical help is available |
| Euthanasia | Euthanasie | Only allowed under strict legal conditions with a doctor |
Examples
- Wij zijn getrouwd.
- We are married.
- We hebben een geregistreerd partnerschap.
- We have a registered partnership.
- Zij gaan scheiden.
- They are getting divorced.
- De kinderen wonen bij beide ouders.
- The children live with both parents.
Study note
In the Netherlands, both parents usually share custody (gezamenlijk gezag) after divorce - children typically live alternately with each parent. Financial arrangements are handled through court. For marriage, you must register at the gemeente at least 2 weeks before the ceremony.
Practice after reading
Train knowledge of Dutch society with timed KNM practice questions.