Dutch grammar: verkleinwoorden

What this grammar point covers

In Dutch, 'verkleinwoorden' are diminutives: special forms of nouns that make something sound smaller, cuter, or more familiar. You create them by adding endings like '-je', '-tje', or '-pje' to a word.

When to use it

Use verkleinwoorden to talk about small objects, to sound friendly or cute, or when speaking to children. They are also common in everyday conversation for emphasis or affection.

Key forms

• Most words: add -je (boek → boekje)
• Words ending with -m, -n, -l, -r: add -etje, -tje, -pje (tafel → tafeltje, boom → boompje)
• Words ending in -ing: add -etje (woning → woninkje)

Examples

Tips

• All diminutives in Dutch are neuter (use 'het').
• Be careful with spelling: sometimes the word changes before the ending is added.
• Not every noun can be made into a diminutive, but most can.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some words change spelling: 'glas' becomes 'glaasje', 'kip' becomes 'kipje'.
• Words ending in -je already: add -tje (basje → basje).