The German city of Münster is turning orange today as King Willem-Alexander visits for the 30th anniversary of the German-Dutch army corps and the academic event. The king is stepping onto historic ground, where the Eighty Years’ War ended in 1648.
- King Willem-Alexander visits Münster today.
- The Peace of Münster was signed in 1648.
- German universities maintain Dutch studies programs.
- More Germans study Dutch than vice versa.
- The Haus der Niederlande promotes mutual understanding.
- The royal couple is popular in Germany.
According to the source, “The Germans say that the Netherlands has its origin here,” remarks Jacco Pekelder, director of the Haus der Niederlande, where the Peace of Münster was signed. Students currently follow Dutch and Netherlands-Germany studies here.
According to the source, German universities maintain Dutch studies, unlike universities in the Netherlands that cease German studies. In addition to Münster, programs exist in Berlin, Duisburg-Essen, Cologne, and Oldenburg.
According to the source, Pekelder notes that the decline in German studies in the Netherlands is concerning. “There are many more Germans studying Dutch than the other way around. That is painful for the Netherlands.”
According to the source, job opportunities exist for German students of Dutch, particularly as teachers in border areas. Graduates from the master’s program, followed by both Germans and Dutch, work in politics, business, and as communication experts.
According to the source, walking through Münster feels somewhat like being in a Dutch city, with influences from Dutch merchants and builders visible in the historical gabled facades. There are also many cyclists, and businesses that operate on both sides of the border bring numerous Dutch to the city.
According to the source, German student Johanna Patz is interning with the army corps while pursuing her master’s in Netherlands-Germany studies. She chose this program because she loves the western neighbors, stating, “When I used to shop in the Netherlands, I always thought: I want to live here.”
According to the source, the “open” character of the Dutch attracts her. “Even during my internship, I notice it. Germans are more serious, while Dutch come to you first to ask how your weekend was. First chat and then work, that is.”
According to the source, Johanna collaborates with Dutch student Famke Minnee, who previously studied German. “Economically, we are enormously intertwined. You might speak English among each other, but projects go much better if you speak each other’s language and understand the culture well.”
According to the source, mutual understanding is why the Haus der Niederlande was established. One reason was a surprising study showing that Dutch youth had a very negative image of Germany, while Germans had an unrealistically positive view of the Netherlands. An institution like this was needed to counteract the alienation.
According to the source, this will be one of the themes addressed during the king’s visit. Pekelder expects many spectators, stating, “In Germany, and especially here along the border, the royal couple is extremely popular. They certainly evoke warm feelings.”
Originally reported by nos.nl as “Koning op bezoek in Münster, waar Nederland zeer gewaardeerd wordt” on 2025-09-25 09:59:00.
