Tussenuren

Tussenuren are the periods of time between scheduled classes or main activities in schools and other educational settings. In Dutch schools, they are officially known as “between-school times” and are often referred to as “de pauze” or “tussenpauze.” These intervals serve several functions: they provide students with a brief break to rest, eat, or socialize; they allow teachers to prepare for the next lesson or complete administrative tasks; and they help maintain a rhythm and structure in the daily timetable that promotes both learning and well‑being.

The length of a tussenuren period typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the grade level and the school’s timetable. In primary schools, the intervals are usually shorter and more frequent, while secondary schools may combine several shorter breaks into a longer lunch period. During the COVID‑19 pandemic many schools introduced additional short moetolon with increased emphasis on hygiene and distancing.

Research in educational psychology suggests that short, regular breaks enhance attention, memory retention, and overall academic performance. The National Institute for Educational Research (NIVR) has recommended at least one 10‑minute break per hour for younger children, and for adolescents at least two breaks of 15 minutes each. In practice, Dutch schools aim for a combination of morning, midday, and afternoon breaks to match children’s circadian rhythms.

Governments and school boards often create guidelines for the content and supervision of tussenuren, encouraging healthy snack options, sport or creative activities, and opportunities for meaningful peer interaction. Some schools also integrate structured “breeft” sessions, offering mindfulness or brief movement breaks to further support student mental health.

The concept of tussenuren has gained interest outside of educational institutions. Workplaces, airports, and public transport systems have incorporated “break-lunch” periods between meetings or travel segments, citing the same benefits observed in classrooms. As such, the principle of spaced rest embedded in the term tussenuren is growing as an educational and productivity strategy in the Netherlands and beyond.