Dictionary of Dutchness

Ontgroening

If you keep seeing groups of young people cycling round in silly outfits and looking only slightly embarrassed in September, don’t worry. What you are witnessing is the process of ontgroening which literally mean ‘de-greening’, a traditional initiation ceremony for new students hoping to get into a particular student society. The ceremonies can get out of hand – alcohol poisoning being one of the most common complaints.

All typical untranslatable Dutch words and expressions translated in the Dictionairy of Dutchness
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation