View source for De Grootste Nederlander

{{Short description|Television program}}
{{italic title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
'''''De Grootste Nederlander''''' ('The Greatest Dutchman') was a public poll held in 2004 by the broadcasting company [[KRO]] of the [[Netherlands Public Broadcasting|''Publieke Omroep'']]. The series has the [[BBC]]'s ''[[100 Greatest Britons]]'' [[TV format]]. During the series, it included individual programmes on the top ten, with viewers having further opportunities to vote after each programme.

The recently [[assassination|assassinated]] [[politician]] [[Pim Fortuyn]] was announced as the winner in a live television broadcast on 15 November 2004, two weeks after [[Theo van Gogh (film director)|Theo van Gogh]] was murdered. This was controversial, and was said to be an "embarrassing" choice by several journalists and historians.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.degrootstenederlander.pi.net/nieuws.php?id=27 |website= DGN {{!}} Nieuwsoverzicht |title=Keuze voor Fortuyn is 'beschamend' |language=nl |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050924230516/http://www.degrootstenederlander.pi.net/nieuws.php?id=27 |archivedate=24 September 2005 }}</ref> Later it became revealed that [[William I of Orange|William of Orange]] had received the most votes in total, but only the votes that were tallied before the end of the live programme counted (the number of calls was so large that not all could be counted before the end of the show). And thus Fortuyn remained the official number one according to the rules, as announced originally.

== Top 10 ==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Rank
!colspan=2|Personality
!class="unsortable"|Notability
!Nomination defended by
!class="unsortable"|Ref.
|-
|1
|{{sort|Pim Fortuyn|[[File:Pim Fortuyn - May 4.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Pim Fortuyn]]
| Politician. Admired by his followers for breaking with [[political correctness]] and criticizing Dutch politics. His murder made him a martyr for his case. His high position in the list was affected by the murder of [[Theo van Gogh (film director)|Theo van Gogh]] only a few days before the contest was held. The program later revealed that William of Orange had received the most votes, but many could not be counted until after the official closing time of the television show (and the proclamation of the winner), due to technical problems. The official rules of the show said that votes counted before the end of the show would be decisive, but it was suggested that all votes correctly cast before the closing of the vote would be counted. Following the official rules, the outcome was not changed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nu.nl/algemeen/443284/pim-fortuyn-toch-niet-de-grootste-nederlander.html|title='Pim Fortuyn toch niet de Grootste Nederlander'|date=16 November 2004|website=NU|accessdate=16 January 2019}}</ref>
| [[Yoeri Albrecht]], journalist.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl">{{cite web|url=https://zoeken.beeldengeluid.nl/|title=[gp] NISV client|website=zoeken.beeldengeluid.nl|accessdate=16 January 2019}}</ref>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl">{{cite web|url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/archief/even-slikken-pim-fortuyn-als-grootste-nederlander~a678732/|title=Cookies op de Volkskrant|website=www.volkskrant.nl|accessdate=16 January 2019}}</ref> 
|-
|2
|{{sort|William the Silent|[[File:WilliamOfOrange1580.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[William the Silent|William of Orange]]
| Politician. Led the Dutch people during the [[Eighty Years' War]] against Spain, which eventually led to their independence. He himself never lived to see this, as he was assassinated. Is considered the "[[Pater Patriae|Father of the Nation]]" to this day.
| [[Jacobine Geel]], theologist, TV presenter and columnist.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|3
|{{sort|Willem Drees|[[File:Drees, W. - SFA002019221.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Willem Drees]]
| Prime Minister (1948–1958). Re-elected four times in a row. Admired for helping the post-war country to get back on its feet and for his introduction of various social reform laws.
| [[Wouter Bos]], Dutch politician.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|4
|{{sort|Antonie van Leeuwenhoek|[[File:Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723). Natuurkundige te Delft Rijksmuseum SK-A-957.jpeg|100px]]}}
|[[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]]
| Biologist and microbiologist. Inventor of the [[microscope]]. Did pioneer work in [[cell biology]] and [[microbiology]].
| [[André Kuipers]], astronaut.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|5
|{{sort|Desiderius Erasmus|[[File:Holbein-erasmus.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Desiderius Erasmus]]
| Philosopher and novelist. Author of ''[[In Praise of Folly]]''. Admired for his [[humanism|humanist]] philosophies.
| [[Herman Pleij]], medievalist.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|6
|{{sort|Johan Cruyff|[[File:Ajax-selectie presenteert zich aan de pers, nummer 15 Heinz Stuy, nummer 16 Ruud Krol, nummer 13 Johan Cruyff, nummer 14 Wim Suurbier (allen koppen).jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Johan Cruyff]]
| Association football player and trainer. Universally considered to be one of the greatest and most influential football players of all time.
| [[Michael van Praag]], association football trainer and administrator.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|7
|{{sort|Michiel de Ruyter|[[File:Bol, Michiel de Ruyter.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Michiel de Ruyter]]
| Dutch admiral. Successfully defended his country during the 17th century from invaders at sea.
| [[Rob de Wijk]], historian.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|8
|{{sort|Anne Frank|[[File:AnneFrankSchoolPhoto.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Anne Frank]]
| Victim of the [[Holocaust]], famous for her posthumously released [[Diary of Anne Frank|diary]] which gives an unforgettable eyewitness account of her tragic life.
| [[Xandra Schutte]], journalist.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|9
|{{sort|Rembrandt van Rijn|[[File:Rembrandt Self-portrait (Kenwood).jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Rembrandt van Rijn]]
| Painter (''[[The Night Watch]]'', ''[[The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp]]'', ''[[The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis]]'', ''[[The Jewish Bride]]'', ''[[Syndics of the Drapers' Guild]]'', ''[[Self-Portrait with Two Circles]]''). Considered one of the greatest painters of all time, admired for his humanity and amazing mastery of the brush.
| [[Ronald de Leeuw]], art historian.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|-
|10
|{{sort|Vincent van Gogh|[[File:Vincent van Gogh - Self-Portrait - Google Art Project.jpg|100px]]}}
|[[Vincent van Gogh]]
| Painter (''[[Sunflowers (Van Gogh series)|Sunflowers]]'', ''[[The Starry Night|Starry Night]]'', ''[[Bedroom in Arles]]'', ''[[Café Terrace at Night]]''). Admired for his groundbreaking techniques, which weren't recognized in his own lifetime. Lived and died as the classic example of the "suffering artist" and "misunderstood genius".
|[[Jochum ten Haaf]], actor.<ref name="beeldengeluid.nl"/>
| <ref name="volkskrant.nl"/>
|}

== From 11–50 ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
<ol start="11">
<li>[[Aletta Jacobs]] (1854–1929) (Feminist)</li>
<li>[[Christiaan Huygens]] (1629–1695) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Annie M.G. Schmidt]] (1911–1995) (Writer)</li>
<li>Queen [[Juliana of the Netherlands]] (1909–2004) (Monarch)</li>
<li>[[Johan Rudolf Thorbecke]] (1798–1872) (Politician, social reformer) </li>
<li>[[Majoor Bosshardt]] (1913–2007) (Prominent member of the Dutch [[Salvation Army]])</li>
<li>[[Anton Philips]] (1874–1951) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Freddy Heineken]] (1923–2002) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Hannie Schaft]] (1920–1945) ([[Dutch resistance|World War II resistance]] fighter)</li>
<li>Queen [[Wilhelmina of the Netherlands]] (1880–1962) (Monarch)</li>
<li>[[Baruch de Spinoza]] (1632–1677) (Philosopher)</li>
<li>[[Toon Hermans]] (1916–2000) (Comedian, poet)</li>
<li>[[Prince Claus]] (1926–2002) (Prince of the Netherlands)</li>
<li>[[Johan van Oldenbarnevelt]] (1547–1619) (Politician, executed)</li>
<li>[[Marco van Basten]] (1964–) (Football player)</li>
<li>[[Piet Pieterszoon Hein]] (1577–1629) (Admiral, national hero)</li>
<li>[[Joop den Uyl]] (1919–1987) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Jan Adriaenszoon Leeghwater]] (1575–1650) (mill builder and hydraulic engineer)</li>
<li>[[Fanny Blankers-Koen]] (1918–2004) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Van Kooten en De Bie]] (Comedians)</li>
<li>[[Hugo de Groot]] (1583–1645) (Philosopher)</li>
<li>[[Johan de Witt]] (1625–1672) (Politician, murdered)</li>
<li>[[Anthony Fokker]] (1890–1939) (Aviation pioneer)</li>
<li>[[Multatuli]] (1820–1887) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Prince Bernhard]] (1911–2004) (Prince of the Netherlands)</li>
<li>[[Wim Kok]] (1938–2018) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[M. C. Escher]] (1898–1972) (Graphical artist)</li>
<li>[[Marco Borsato]] (1966–) (Singer)</li>
<li>[[Eric Hazelhoff Roelfzema]] (1917–2007) ([[Dutch resistance|World War II resistance]] fighter)</li>
<li>DJ [[Tiësto]] (1969–) (DJ)</li>
<li>Queen [[Beatrix of the Netherlands]] (1938–) (Monarch)</li>
<li>[[Titus Brandsma]] (1881–1942) (Priest, [[Dutch resistance|World War II resistance]] activist, murdered)</li>
<li>[[Cornelis Lely]] (1854–1929) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Hans Teeuwen]] (1967–) (Comedian)</li>
<li>[[Joseph Luns]] (1911–2002) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Leontien van Moorsel]] (1970–) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Willem Kolff]] (1911–2009) (inventor of [[hemodialysis]])</li>
<li>[[Godfried Bomans]] (1913–1991) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Hendrik Lorentz]] (1853–1928) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Abel Tasman]] (1603–1659) (Explorer)</li>
</ol>
{{div col end}}

== From 51–100 ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
<ol start="51">
<li>[[Joop van den Ende]] (1942–) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[André van Duin]] (1947–) (Comedian)</li>
<li>[[Joost van den Vondel]] (1587–1679) (Poet, Writer)</li>
<li>[[Rinus Michels]] (1928–2005) (Football Coach)</li>
<li>[[Mies Bouwman]] (1929–2018) (Television personality)</li>
<li>[[Willem Barentsz]] (Explorer) (c.1550–1597)</li>
<li>[[Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis]] (1846–1919) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Ruud Lubbers]] (1939–2018) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Jan Tinbergen]] (1903–1994) (Economist)</li>
<li>[[Wim Sonneveld]] (1917–1974) (Comedian)</li>
<li>[[Joke Smit]] (1933–1981) (Feminist)</li>
<li>[[Frits Bolkestein]] (1933–) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Hieronymus Bosch|Jeroen Bosch]] (c.1450–1516) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Johnny Kraaykamp, sr]] (1925–2011) (Actor)</li>
<li>[[Marga Klompé]] (1912–1986) (Politician, first female minister)</li>
<li>[[Johannes Vermeer]] (1632–1675) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Dick Bruna]] (1927–2017) (Writer, illustrator)</li>
<li>[[Albert Plesman]] (1889–1953) (Aviation pioneer)</li>
<li>[[Joop Zoetemelk]] (1946–) (Cyclist)</li>
<li>[[Hella Haasse]] (1918–2011) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Thomas à Kempis]] (c.1380–1471) (Monk)</li>
<li>Koning-Stadhouder [[William III of England|Willem III of Orange]] (1650–1702) (Stadholder of Holland, King of England)</li>
<li>[[Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer]] (1526–1588) ([[Resistance movement|Resistance]] fighter in the [[Eighty Years' War]])</li>
<li>[[Johannes Diderik van der Waals]] (1837–1923) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Wubbo Ockels]] (1946–2014) (Astronaut)</li>
<li>[[Anna Maria van Schurman]] (1607–1678) (17th century female genius)</li>
<li>[[Herman Boerhaave]] (1668–1738) (botanist, humanist and physician)</li>
<li>[[Ruud Gullit]] (1962–) (Football player)</li>
<li>[[Monique van de Ven]] (1952–) (Actor)</li>
<li>[[Freek de Jonge]] (1944–) (Comedian)</li>
<li>[[Anton Pieck]] (1895–1987) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Boudewijn de Groot]] (1944–) (Singer)</li>
<li>[[Willem Frederik Hermans]] (1921–1995) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Pieter Jelles Troelstra]] (1860–1930) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Albert Heijn (businessman)|Albert Heijn]] (1865–1945) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Paul de Leeuw]] (1962–) (Television personality)</li>
<li>[[Jac. P. Thijsse]] (1865–1945) (Environmentalist)</li>
<li>[[Jan Wolkers]] (1925–2007) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Piet Mondriaan]] (1872–1944) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Simon Stevin]] (1548–1620) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Guillaume Groen van Prinsterer]] (1801–1876) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Rutger Hauer]] (1944–2019) (Actor)</li>
<li>[[Harry Mulisch]] (1927–2010) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Abraham Kuyper]] (1837–1920) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Maarten Tromp]] (1598–1653) (Admiral, national hero)</li>
<li>[[Wim Kan]] (1911–1983) (Comedian)</li>
<li>[[Paul Verhoeven]] (1938–) (Director)</li>
<li>[[Belle van Zuylen]] (1740–1805) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Ramses Shaffy]] (1933–2009) (Singer)</li>
<li>[[Abe Lenstra]] (1920–1985) (Football player)</li>
</ol>
{{div col end}}

== From 101–202 ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
<ol start="101">
<li>[[Gerard Reve]] (1923–2006) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Anton de Kom]] (1898–1945) (World War II resistance fighter of Surinamese descent, executed)</li>
<li>[[Max Euwe]] (1901–1981) (World Champion Chess)</li>
<li>[[Ko van Dijk]] (1916–1978) (Actor, director)</li>
<li>[[Gerrit van der Veen]] (1902–1944) (Sculptor, World War II resistance fighter, executed)</li>
<li>[[Hendrik Petrus Berlage]] (1856–1934) (Architect)</li>
<li>[[Heike Kamerlingh Onnes]] (1853–1926) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Anton Geesink]] (1934–2010) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Bert Haanstra]] (1916–1997) (World War II resistance fighter, director)</li>
<li>[[Gaius Julius Civilis|Claudius Civilis]] (Hero of the Batavian rebellion)</li>
<li>[[C.H.D. Buys Ballot]] (1817–1890) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Jan Pieterszoon Coen]] (1587–1629) (Admiral, Governor of the [[Dutch East Indies]])</li>
<li>[[Samuel van Houten]] (1837–1930) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Ard Schenk]] (1944–) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Nico Tinbergen]] (1907–1988) (Biologist, [[Nobel Prize]] winner)</li>
<li>King [[Willem I of the Netherlands]] (1772–1843) (Monarch)</li>
<li>[[Mary Dresselhuys]] (1907–2004) (Actress)</li>
<li>[[Simon Carmiggelt]] (1913–1987) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[John de Mol]] (1955–) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Gerrit Rietveld]] (1888–1964) (Architect, designer)</li>
<li>[[Frank Martinus Arion]] (1936–2015) (Poet, writer, linguist)</li>
<li>[[Hans van Mierlo]] (1931–2010) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Hadewych]] (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck]] (1562–1621) (Composer)</li>
<li>[[Geert Groote]] (1340–1384) (Theologist)</li>
<li>[[Sonja Barend]] (1940–) (Feminist, television personality)</li>
<li>[[Joan van der Capellen tot den Pol]] (1741–1784) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Jan van Speijk]] (1802–1831) (National hero)</li>
<li>[[Anton Corbijn]] (1955–) (Photographer)</li>
<li>[[Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft]] (1581–1647) (Poet, historian)</li>
<li>[[Bernard Haitink]] (1929–2021) (Conductor)</li>
<li>[[Willem van Loon]] (1891–1975) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Karel Appel]] (1921–2006) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Johan Huizinga]] (1872–1945) (Historian)</li>
<li>[[Suze Groeneweg]] (1875–1940) (Politician)</li>
<li>Graaf [[Floris V]] (1254–1296) (Monarch)</li>
<li>Koning [[Louis Bonaparte]] (1778–1846)</li>
<li>[[L.E.J. Brouwer]] (1881–1966) (Mathematician)</li>
<li>[[Tobias Asser]] (1838–1913) (Lawyer, [[Nobel Prize]] winner)</li>
<li>[[Rem Koolhaas]] (1944–) (Architect)</li>
<li>[[Jacob Cats]] (1577–1660) (Poet, politician)</li>
<li>[[Alexandra Radius]] (1942–) (Ballet dancer)</li>
<li>[[Eva Besnyö]] (1910–2003) (photographer)</li>
<li>[[Jan Rutgers]] (Activist)</li>
<li>[[Reinier Paping]] (1931–2021) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Paul Huf]] (1924–2002) (Photographer)</li>
<li>[[P. J. H. Cuypers]] (1827–1931) (Architect)</li>
<li>[[Paul Crutzen]] (1933–2021) (Scientist)</li>
<li>[[Samuel Sarphati]] (1813–1866) (Doctor)</li>
<li>[[Frits Fentener van Vlissingen (1882)|Frits Fentener van Vlissingen]] (1882–1962) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Joris Ivens]] (1898–1989) (Director)</li>
<li>[[Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Pieter Brueghel]] (1525–1569) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Frans Hals]] (1582–1666) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Simon Vestdijk]] (1898–1971) (Poet)</li>
<li>[[Olivier van Noort]] (1558–1627) (Explorer)</li>
<li>[[Hendrik Colijn]] (1869–1944) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Gibbing|Willem Beukelszoon]] (Fisherman)</li>
<li>[[Viktor & Rolf]] (Designers)</li>
<li>[[Cornelis Verolme]] (1900–1981) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Lucebert]] (1924–1994) (Poet)</li>
<li>[[Sjoukje Dijkstra]] (1942–2024) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Henri Polak]] (1868–1943) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Loe de Jong]] (1914–2005) (Historian)</li>
<li>[[Ed van der Elsken]] (1925–1990) (Photographer)</li>
<li>[[Hans van Manen]] (1932–) (Ballet dancer)</li>
<li>[[Theo Thijssen]] (1879–1943) (Writer)</li>
<li>[[Jan Steen]] (c.1626–1679) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Anton Dreesmann]] (1923–2000) (Businessman)</li>
<li>[[Jaap Eden]] (1873–1925) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Willem Marinus Dudok]] (1884–1974) (Architect)</li>
<li>[[Johnny Jordaan]] (1924–1989) (Singer)</li>
<li>[[Benno Premsela]] (1920–1997) (Architect)</li>
<li>[[Louis Davids]] (1883–1939) (Comedian)</li>
<li>[[Marlene Dumas]] (1953–) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Erwin Olaf]] (1959–2023) (Photographer)</li>
<li>[[Martinus Nijhoff]] (1894–1953) (Writer, poet)</li>
<li>[[Cristina Deutekom]] (1931–2004) (Singer)</li>
<li>[[Jacob Olie]] (1834–1905) (Photographer)</li>
<li>[[Willem de Kooning]] (1904–1997) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Remco Campert]] (1929–2022) (Writer, poet)</li>
<li>[[Herman Gorter]] (1864–1927) (Poet)</li>
<li>[[Faas Wilkes]] (1923–2006) (Football player)</li>
<li>[[W.A. Visser ‘t Hooft]] (1900–1985) (Theologist)</li>
<li>[[Ada Kok]] (1947–) (Athlete)</li>
<li>[[Herman Daendels]] (1762–1818) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Rudi Carrell]] (1934–2006) (Television personality)</li>
<li>[[Pierre Bokma]] (1955–) (Actor)</li>
<li>[[Louis Andriessen]] (1939–2021) (Composer)</li>
<li>[[Henk Hofland]] (1927–2016) (Reporter)</li>
<li>[[Jacob van Campen]] (1596–1657) (Architect)</li>
<li>[[Pieter Cort van der Linden]] (1846–1935) (Politician)</li>
<li>[[Jacob van Ruisdael]] (c.1629–1682) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Theo van Doesburg]] (1883–1931) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Pieter Jansz. Saenredam]] (1597–1665) (Painter)</li>
<li>[[Ootje Oxenaar]] (1929–2017) (Graphic artist)</li>
<li>[[Rineke Dijkstra]] (1959–) (Artist/Photographer)</li>
<li>[[Hendrik Doeff]] (1764–1837) (Dutch commissioner in the [[Dejima]] trading post)</li>
<li>[[Fons Rademakers]] (1920–2007) (Director)</li>
<li>[[Reinbert de Leeuw]] (1938–2020) (Conductor)</li>
<li>[[Erik de Vries]] (Television pioneer)</li>
<li>[[Jan Dibbets]] (1941–) (Artist)</li>
<li>[[Johan van der Keuken]] (1938–2001) (Director)</li>
</ol>
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Greatest Britons spin-offs]]
* {{portal-inline|Netherlands}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051217174201/http://www.degrootstenederlander.pi.net/ Official website]

{{Countries' greatest people TV series}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grootste Nederlander, De}}
[[Category:Greatest Nationals|Netherlands]]
[[Category:Lists of Dutch people|Grootste]]
[[Category:2004 Dutch television series debuts]]
[[Category:2004 Dutch television series endings]]
[[Category:Dutch television series based on British television series]]