Inside Dutch student drinking culture: why the dutch love a drink
Drinking culture in the Netherlands runs deep. In this final episode, Pim explains why booze, borrels and drinking games are essential to Dutch student life.
If there is one thing the Dutch are good at, it is turning any occasion into a reason to drink. Whether it is King’s Day, a football match or a Thursday evening, a borrel is never far away. In this season finale of Going Dutch, Daria and Natasha sit down with their friend Pim, who shares his honest take on drinking culture in Groningen, as a born-and-bred Dutch student.
From post-shift beers to wild house parties, Pim has seen it all. ‘Being tipsy is the sweet spot,’ he says. ‘You want to have fun, but still remember it the next day.’ According to him, most Dutch students drink socially: at home, on terraces, or even on the pavement. ‘We are not picky about the location. A crate of beer and some friends is all you need.’
Beer is the national drink of choice, no surprise there. Pim recommends a German white beer called Erdinger, his personal favourite on a summer day. But students are also getting into mixed drinks and canned options like seltzers. ‘It is a generational thing,’ he adds. ‘My parents drink wine. My friends drink mixers.’
The social aspect of drinking is huge. Pim explains that Dutch students do not always aim to get drunk — though that does happen, especially on big nights out or holidays. ‘Football parties, King’s Day, student association events — that is when people go wild.’ But more often, it is about relaxing, laughing, and bonding.
A unique aspect of Dutch drinking culture is the circle party. Yes, it is a thing. Guests sit around a living room in a circle, each with a drink in hand. ‘At first it feels a bit stiff,’ Daria says, ‘but once people get up for refills, the mingling begins.’ And with that, the circle slowly dissolves.
No episode on drinking would be complete without drinking games. Pim walks listeners through two crowd favourites: Bussen and Mexxen. One is a chaotic card game that ends with someone on an imaginary bus ride to oblivion. The other involves dice and fast-paced sipping rounds. ‘They are a fun way to get everyone talking,’ Pim says. ‘Even people who do not know each other.’
But what about the non-drinkers? According to Pim, they are welcome too. ‘You can still hang out, join the party, and just have a soda. Nobody cares what is in your glass.’ Still, Daria and Natasha note that with so many social events built around alcohol, it can take a bit more effort to feel included.
The episode ends with the woord van de dag: borrel. A borrel is more than just drinks, it is a casual social moment, often with snacks, where people gather to unwind. ‘Somewhere between a hangout and a party,’ Pim explains. ‘It is the heart of Dutch student life.’
So cheers to a season of culture shocks, conversations and gezelligheid. Until next time, Going Dutch is your podcast for getting your degree in the Dutch.