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KNM: Familie & Relaties

The Netherlands recognizes different forms of partnerships: marriage (huwelijk), registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap), and cohabitation con...

Dutch family relationships and legal partnership choices.

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.

EnglishDutchLegal Status
MarriageHuwelijkFull legal union, ceremony required
Registered partnershipGeregistreerd partnerschapAlmost same rights as marriage
Cohabitation contractSamenlevingscontractPrivate agreement, fewer rights
DivorceEchtscheidingCourt procedure required
AlimonyAlimentatieFinancial support after divorce
CustodyGezagParental authority over children
SituationDutchCommon Custom
Living togetherSamenwonenCommon before marriage; couples may make a contract
Birth registrationGeboorteaangifteRegister a birth at the gemeente
Funeral or cremationBegrafenis / crematieSend condolences and be quiet and respectful
Visiting someoneOp bezoek gaanMake an appointment first and arrive on time
BirthdayVerjaardagBring a small gift, congratulate close family too, and children may trakteren at school
Birth visitKraambezoekMake an appointment; visitors may get beschuit met muisjes
Exam passedGeslaagdSome families hang the school bag with the Dutch flag outside
NeighboursBurenIntroduce yourself and keep noise reasonable
Social/Legal FactDutchWhat to Remember
Choose your partnerZelf je partner kiezenAdults choose their own partner
Equal rightsGelijke rechtenMen and women have the same rights
Same-sex marriageHuwelijk voor paren van hetzelfde geslachtSame-sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands
One legal partnerEen partnerMarriage or registered partnership is with one partner
Domestic violenceHuiselijk geweldViolence at home is forbidden; contact police or Veilig Thuis for help
Female genital mutilationVrouwenbesnijdenisForbidden by law
AbortionAbortusLegal under conditions; medical help is available
EuthanasiaEuthanasieOnly allowed under strict legal conditions with a doctor

Voorbeelden

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.

Studienotitie

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.

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Officiële bronnen

Redactionele notitie: AI-ondersteund en gecontroleerd met bronnen door Dutch Exams. Controleer actuele regels, kosten, data en registratie altijd via officiële links. Bijgewerkt 2026-05-14.