Ik heb een hondje.
English: I have a little dog.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Zelfstandige naamwoorden en lidwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
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
Wil je een kopje koffie?
English: Do you want a small cup of coffee?
Het meisje speelt met haar poppetje.
English: The girl is playing with her little doll.
Geef mij dat stoeltje.
English: Give me that little chair.
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).