Dutch names: tussenvoegsel and how to address someone
Dutch given names are almost always clearly gendered, and the main structural quirk to know about is the "tussenvoegsel", a lowercase surname prefix such as van, de, van der or ten (Rob van der Berg) that is not capitalised mid-name and is often dropped when the name is alphabetised or abbreviated. This guide covers the tussenvoegsel, the formal address used in Dutch business correspondence, how reliable gender guessing is, and a safe neutral option when a name does not clearly signal gender.
Name order and structure
The order is given name then family name, as in English: Rob van der Berg, given name Rob, family name "van der Berg" including the lowercase prefix. In alphabetised lists the prefix is often moved or dropped, so "van der Berg, Rob" may also appear as "Berg, Rob van der" or simply "Berg, R.". When writing to someone, keep the prefix lowercase and attached to the surname unless it starts a sentence, where Dutch convention still keeps it lowercase (van der Berg arrived...) though many English style guides capitalise it at the start of a sentence.
Honorifics and titles in business email
Dutch business letters open with "Geachte heer [surname]," for a man or "Geachte mevrouw [surname]," for a woman. In English-language email to a Dutch contact, "Dear Mr./Ms. [surname]," is the natural equivalent once gender is known. The Netherlands has an unusually informal business culture for a Western European country, and first-name-only address ("Hi Rob,") is common and generally welcomed even in a first professional email, more so than in Germany or France.
Gender and names
Most Dutch given names are unambiguous, though some shortened forms are shared: Sam, Robin and Joan are used for both men and women in the Netherlands. Traditional long-form names (Willem, Johannes, Hendrik for men; Anna, Maria, Johanna for women) are almost always gender-reliable, while the newer trend toward short, modern names increases the chance of a genuinely unisex one.
What to write when unsure
Given how informal Dutch business culture already is, "Hi [full name]," or "Dear [full name]," with no title is a completely normal opener when gender is unclear, and will not read as a mistake the way it might in a more formal culture. Avoid guessing "Mr." or "Ms." from a short name like Sam or Robin without other context.
Examples
Formal letter, gender known (male)
Dear Mr. van der Berg,
Formal letter, gender known (female)
Dear Ms. van der Berg,
Formal letter, gender unclear
Dear Sam van der Berg,
Everyday email, first contact
Hi Sam,
Names to try
Frequently asked questions
What is a tussenvoegsel in a Dutch name?
A lowercase surname prefix such as van, de, van der or ten, as in "van der Berg". It stays lowercase mid-name and is sometimes dropped when the name is alphabetised or abbreviated.
How formal should I be in Dutch business email?
Less formal than in Germany or France; first-name-only address is common and generally welcomed, even in a first professional email.
Is Sam a male or female name in the Netherlands?
Both. Sam, along with Robin and Joan, is used for men and women in the Netherlands, so it needs other context to determine gender.
Where does the tussenvoegsel go in an alphabetised list?
It is often moved after the surname or dropped, so "van der Berg, Rob" may also appear as "Berg, Rob van der" in a directory or database.