In the Netherlands, a promise or a statement is formulated as follows: one starts with "I promise / declare that I ..." and one confirms with "That declare and I promise". In that case it is not necessary to raise the two front fingers of the right hand. This is regulated in the Law form of the oath of 17 July 1911.

When an oath is taken, it is done with the words: "I swear that I ..." or "Do you swear that you ...". The sworn one finally validates the oath by raising the two foremost fingers of the right hand, saying, "So help me, God Almighty."

The law also provides for the possibility to take the oath, promise or declaration in another way, if the religious convictions of the person concerned so dictate. For Muslims this means that one could take the oath on the Koran. Furthermore, an individual can decide on a different way if the sworn in is unable to take the oath in the prescribed manner due to a physical defect - for example, he may raise the fingers of the left hand if he cannot use his right hand.

Taking the pledge is legally equivalent to the oath or affidavit. Terms such as being under oath and perjury also apply to someone who has made a promise or statement. Because legal regulations often only refer to the taking of the oath, this equation has been expressly included in the 1971 Oath Act.