Chat with GPT: Why is the Netherlands often called ‘Holland’ in German?

In this blog series, I ask ChatGPT on a variety of topics, from world politics to everyday issues, to get concise summaries and answers.

Disclaimer

In this blog series, I ask ChatGPT on a variety of topics, from world politics to everyday issues, to get concise summaries and answers. The answers provided by ChatGPT are generated from large datasets, which may include biases, for example from Western perspectives. While the model strives for accuracy, it can sometimes produce incorrect or misleading information. I do not take responsibility for the validity of the content. Though I aim to ensure that the answers reflect common sense, I encourage you to cross-check facts and verify information through trusted sources. You are also welcome to reach out to me with suggestions for improvement.

ChatGPT’s answer

“Holland” is a historically conditioned but geographically incorrect term for the Netherlands, which has long been used in German. Although the term is imprecise, it is still used mainly in informal language and in sport. Even in 2024, “Holland” was still used in reporting, for example in 2024 on ZDF (German television). The Dutch are mostly relaxed about this, but “the Netherlands” is the official name and the better choice to respect the diversity of the country.

The historical use of “Holland” has its roots in the so-called “Golden Era” of the 17th century, when the Holland region was the economically and politically dominant province of the United Netherlands. At that time, Holland consisted of the current provinces of North Holland (Noord-Holland) and South Holland (Zuid-Holland), home to important cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. During this time, the name “Holland” was often used synonymously for the entire Republic of the United Netherlands due to the region’s supremacy. The region also played a central role in trade and cultural concepts, such as tulips, windmills and canals, which reinforced the equation.

In the German-speaking world, “Holland” became naturalized mainly for practical reasons: the term was shorter, easier to pronounce and corresponded to the perception of many Germans, as most trade relations and travel took place with Holland and not with the other provinces of the Netherlands. Even today, “Holland” is a frequently used term in everyday life and in sport, although it is increasingly being replaced by “the Netherlands”, especially in official media and international contexts.

The Dutch themselves are usually relaxed about the term ‘Holland’, even if people from other provinces such as Limburg or Friesland might point out that this ignores their homeland. To respect the diversity of the country, it is advisable to use the correct name “the Netherlands”. Nevertheless, “Holland” remains a term that is deeply rooted in cultural memory and will probably endure in everyday language for a long time to come.