He lived with his four older brothers, Arnold, Johan, Berend, and Edmond. Maurits attended both elementary and secondary school in Arnhem between 1912 and 1918, where he failed to shine in many of his subjects, but exhibited an early interest in both music and carpentry.
Siya ay nanirahan sa kanyang apat na mas lumang mga kapatid na lalaki, Arnold, Johan, Berend, at Edmond. Maurits pumasok sa parehong elementarya at sekundaryong paaralan sa Arnhem sa pagitan ng 1912 at 1918, kung saan siya ay nabigo sa magningning sa marami sa kanyang paksa, ngunit exhibited isang maagang interes sa parehong musika at aalwagi.