Dutch people
Dutch people (Dutch: ) or the Dutch are a Germanic ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Aruba, Suriname, Guyana, Curaçao, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States. The Low Countries were situated around the border of France and the Holy Roman Empire, forming a part of their respective peripheries, and the various territories of which they consisted had become virtually autonomous by the 13th century. Under the Habsburgs, the Netherlands were organised into a single administrative unit, and in the 16th and 17th centuries the Northern Netherlands gained independence from Spain as the Dutch Republic. The high degree of urbanization characteristic of Dutch society was attained at a relatively early date. During the Republic the first series of large-scale Dutch migrations outside of Europe took place.
Germany–Netherlands relations
German–Dutch relations refer to interstate relations between Germany and the Netherlands. Relations between the modern states started after 1871, even though the German people and Dutch people have had centuries of interactions. Both countries have had their respective territories governed by various states such as the Western Roman Empire, the Frankish Empire, and the Holy Roman Empire. An important factor in Dutch-German relations is the fact that William the Silent, Prince of Orange – leader of the Dutch Revolt and Vader des Vaderland of the Netherlands – belonged to the German House of Nassau.