Why don’t Dutch people say sorry?
It’s not accurate to say that Dutch people don’t say sorry, as apologising is a universal behaviour that exists in every culture.
However, it is true that the Dutch culture places less emphasis on using the word “sorry” in daily interactions than other cultures.
One possible reason for this is that the Dutch place a high value on directness and honesty in communication.
They tend to be straightforward in expressing their thoughts and opinions and may not feel the need to apologize as frequently for their words or actions.
For example, it is common for Dutch people to offer a gesture of goodwill or a practical solution to rectify a situation.
They may also use indirect phrases such as “excuse me” or “pardon” to acknowledge a mistake or show politeness.
When a more formal apology is necessary, such as in a professional or legal context, Dutch people may use the word “sorry” or “excuse me” to express regret and take responsibility for their actions.
Overall, while the Dutch culture may have different ways of expressing regret or taking responsibility compared to some other cultures, apologizing and showing respect for others is still an important aspect of their social interactions.
Additionally, the Dutch culture values personal responsibility and accountability, which means that people are expected to take ownership of their mistakes and make things right without necessarily using the word “sorry” as an explicit acknowledgement of fault.
It’s important to remember that cultural norms and communication styles can vary widely between different countries and communities, and it’s always a good idea to be respectful and attentive to the customs and expectations of the people you are interacting with.
