The comfort of gezelligheid and other Dutch autumnal words

Autumn in the Netherlands brings many changes. The air gets cooler, the days grow shorter, and rain becomes part of the routine. But instead of fighting it, many Dutch people welcome the season. They turn inward. They slow down. They make things gezellig.

Gezellig is more than just a word. It’s a feeling. It means cosy, social, warm, relaxed, and comfortable, all at once. Autumn is when you’ll see this idea everywhere: in homes, cafes, food, and everyday moments.

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Indoors becomes the place to be

As temperatures drop, the Dutch make their homes extra cosy. You’ll notice candles on tables, soft lighting, throws on the sofa, and autumn decorations like pumpkins, dried leaves or chestnuts in a bowl. It’s all about creating atmosphere and comfort.

Evenings at home become longer. Friends and family gather for shared meals: stamppot, stoofpot, or a big pot of soup. People cook with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin or cabbage. And baking becomes popular again, especially appeltaart. Warm, spiced, and homemade if possible.

The little rituals of the season

Autumn invites new routines. Lighting the first candle. Drinking your first bakje troost (a comforting cup of tea or coffee). Pulling a blanket over your legs while reading. These simple things mark the season and give it rhythm.

People still go outdoors, especially for the classic herfstwandeling (autumn walk). Dutch forests and parks turn golden, red and orange. Even in drizzle or fog, a walk is a chance to smell the wet leaves, hear them crunch (knisperen) underfoot, and enjoy the peace. Afterwards? Back indoors, for tea or hot chocolate.

Creative indoors, cultural outdoors

When it’s rainy or cold, people look for indoor inspiration. Activities such as reading by the window, movie nights, and creative workshops like candle-making, leaf crafts, and pumpkin carving are popular. Children and adults alike find ways to stay entertained inside.

Autumn is also the season of cultural outings. Museums, film festivals, concerts, theatres and literary evenings fill the calendar. With fewer outdoor distractions, many people plan visits to places they’ve been meaning to see.

Cafes as your second living room

Cafes and tearooms become warm shelters in the colder months. Expats often enjoy finding their favourite local spot: somewhere with a good view, a relaxed atmosphere, and warm drinks. It’s not unusual to spend an hour watching people, reading a book, or chatting with a friend.

You might hear someone say they’re going to neerstrijken, which means to settle down somewhere comfortable, usually with coffee. In this season, cafes offer a moment of peace in a busy world.

Dutch words and expressions for an autumn mood

Learning Dutch? Autumn gives you a perfect chance to expand your vocabulary.

• Gezellig:  An untranslatable core Dutch word: warm, cosy, pleasant, social, all at once
• Knus: Cosy and intimate. Often used for spaces or moments
• Knisperend: Crackling, like dry leaves or a fireplace
• Kacheltje or Haardvuur: A small stove or open fire
• Kaarslicht: Candlelight
• Dekentje: A little blanket
• Binnenshuis: Literally “indoors,” but also a social space
• Appeltaart: Dutch apple pie
  
• Stoofpot or Stamppot: Hearty Dutch comfort food for cold days
• Herfstwandeling: Autumn walk
• Verstilling: The stillness that autumn brings
• Behaaglijk: Snug, safe and comfortable

Dutch expressions and sayings

If you want to stretch yourself, these are some phrases that can come in handy this time of year:

• Het is weer om lekker binnen te zitten: It’s time to enjoy being indoors
• De dagen worden korter: Days are getting shorter
• Gezelligheid kent geen tijd: When it’s gezellig, time doesn’t matter
• Onder elkaar zijn: Spending time in a small, trusted group
• Een warm nest: A home that feels safe and loved
• In goed gezelschap verkeren: Being in good company, where warmth and conversation matter

Be Dutch and embrace the season

So don't despair just because it's a little greyer and a little darker than it was. Be like the Dutch and embrace it. Break out the candles and the blankets, start slow-cooking your meals and, most importantly, get together with friends and family for hot drinks and good conversation.