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The Other Diminutives Pages:
 
Introduction and Formation
  Examples of Usage
All diminutives are 'het'-words
  
 het 
 
 2
 3  
 - 't
     
 
 
 ‑>>
Plurals always take 'de'
   
 
  2
 a: (een) - 'n   
 
  
 / one:  één
 
 
 
 2
 3 
 
 
The diminutives in the list below ending in ‑S are plurals
  
afspraakje 
   
 
  2
  date, romantic meeting
  
(de) afspraak 
 
  appointment // agreement 
  
apenstaartje 
   
 
   'monkey's tail': @
  
(de) staart 
 
  tail 
  
aperitiefje 
    
 
 before-dinner drink
  
asperientje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 aspirin pill 
 
(de) asperine
  
 
 2
 3
 aspirin 
baantje 
   
 
  2
  small, 'side' job, minor employment // swimming lane
 
(de) baan   
 
 2
 3 
 4
  job // lane 
baasje 
   
 
  2
 busy person // pet 'father' 
 
(de) baas   
 
  boss, person in charge 
baby'tje 
   
 
  2
 
(de) baby  
 
  (English) - baby 
bakfietsje 
   
 
 2
 
(de)  bakfiets
 
 
 2
  ['box-bike'] - cargo bike 
bakje 
   
 
 2
 small open box // cup (slang)
   ‑>> 
 
(de)  bak  
 
 2
  open box 
ballonnetje 
   
 
  2
  3 
(de)  ballon 
 
  2
  3 
 balloon 
bankje 
   
 
 2
(de) bank   
 
  bench // bank 
balletje 
   
 
  2
(de) bal   
 
  ball (sports, play) 
bedragje 
   
 
  2
  3
 ironic use, usually not a small amount of money
 
(het) bedrag 
 
 2
 3 
 4
  sum, amount of money 
bedrijfje 
   
 
(het) bedrijf  
 
 2
  company, business, enterprise
beeldje 
   
 
(het) beeld 
 
  2
  statue // image 
beestje 
   
 
  2
 either affectionate (a pet) or for small animals like bugs,
 maybe  irritating 
(het) beest 
 
  beast 
een beetje 
   
 
 a little, a little bit
  ‑>> 
 [(de)] beet 
 
  means '(animal) bite' of 'caught, gotcha!' - not 'bit'
beginnetje 
   
 
  2
(het) begin 
 
  beginning, start
 
bekertje 
   
 
 2
 3 
(de) beker 
 
 2
  mug, large cup
 
belletje 
   
 
 2
 small bell or its sound // telephone call // bubble
 
(de) bel 
 
  bell
 
bellen 
 
 2
 3
  4
 ring a bell // make a telephone call
  ‑>> 
 
berichtje 
   
 
 2
(het) bericht 
 
  report, message
  ‑>> 
 
beschuitje 
   
 
 (het) beschuit  
 
 2
 3 
  rusk, crispbake
bezempje 
   
 
 2
(de) bezem 
 
  broom
 
biertje 
   
 
 a glass of beer 
 
 (het) bier   
 
  beer
  ‑>> 
bietjes 
   
 
 2
 red beets 
 
(de) biet 
 
  beet
 
biggetje 
   
 
  2
  3 
 very young pig 
(de) big 
 
  young pig
 
bijbaantje 
   
 
 2
 side job   - more   'bij' side- 
 
(de) baan   
 
 2
 3 
 4
  job
 ‑>> 
blaadje 
   
 
(het) blad 
 
  leaf - notice vowel lengthening
  ‑>> 
blikje 
   
 
 2
 
(het) blik 
 
 2
  can, tin, tin can // tinplate
 ‑>> 
een bloedpropje 
   
 
   2
 blood clot
 (de) prop  
 
  wad, ball, clot, something crumpled 
bloemetje 
   
 
 2
 small flower // bouquet, bunch of flowers
 
 (de) bloem  
 
 2
 3 
  flower 
  ‑>> 
  // flour
bloemkoolsausje 
   
 
 2
 white, 'cauliflower'  sauce
  ‑>> 
 
(de) saus  
 
 2
  sauce 
bloempje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) bloem  
 
 2
 3 
  flower // flour 
bloesje 
   
 
  2
 
from (French)  (de) blouse
 
 
  ladies' shirt
 ‑>> 
boefje 
   
 
 2
  endearment for a somewhat naughty boy 
(de) boef
 
2
criminal (often jocular)
  ‑>> 
boekje 
   
 
 2
 
(het) boek 
 
  2
  3 
  book
  ‑>> 
boerderijtje 
   
 
 
(de) boerderij
 
 
  farm
 ‑>> 
bolletje 
   
 
  2
 
(de) bol 
 
  round item: ~ball, globe, sphere, bulb
 
bonnetje 
   
 
 cash register receipt
  ‑>> 
 
The common meaning of  (de) bon
 
  is 'traffic ticket' or 'voucher' 
boodschappenlijstje 
   
 
  2
  3 
 shopping list
 ‑>> 
 
 (de) lijst   
 
  list // picture frame 
boompje 
   
 
(de) boom 
 
 2
 3 
  tree  ‑>> 
boortjes 
   
 
 drill bits
 
(de) boor 
 
  drill
 
bootje 
   
 
(de) boot 
 
 2
  boat
 
borreltje 
   
 
 2
 3
a glass of liquor - also used for the whole event of pre-dinner
   drinks and snacks 
 
een borrel  
 
  glass of liquor - also used for a reception-like social event
   with drinks and snacks
 
bosje 
   
 
 2
 small forest or brush area // a bunch (fill in
 bloemen
  
 
 2 
 flowers) 
(het) bos 
 
 forest  ‑>> 
  // bunch
botjes 
   
 
[(het)] bot 
 
  bone // rude, blunt, bad manners // dull (knife)
 
bouillonblokje 
   
 
 2
 beef cube
 
(het) blok 
 
 2
  block, cube
briefje 
   
 
 small note, short letter // banknote
(de) brief 
 
 2
  letter (mail) 
  ‑>> 
briesje 
   
 
 breeze 
(de) bries - breeze (unusual)  
broekje 
   
 
 small pants // ladies' underpants // whippersnapper - young,
   inexperienced person
 
(de) broek   
 
  2
 pants, trousers 
broertje 
   
 
 
(de) broer  
 
2
  brother
  ‑>> 
broodje 
   
 
 2
 bun, small piece of bread 
 (het) brood   
 
 2
 3 
  bread, a loaf of bread
 ‑>> 
bruggetje 
   
 
(de) brug 
 
  bridge
  ‑>> 
buikje 
   
 
 2
 - larger than usual or desired:
 pregnancy or eating/drinking too much 
(de) buik 
 
  belly, stomach
 
buitenbeentje 
   
 
 unusual person, different from most
 
buiten  
 
 2
 3 
  outside
 
(het) been 
 
 2
 3 
  4
 leg
buitje 
   
 
 2
(de) bui 
 
 2
  rainshower
  ‑>> 
bureautje 
   
 
(het) bureau 
 
  desk // office
 
bushokje 
   
 
 bus stop shelter 
(het) hok 
 
 2
  hut, shed, closet
 
chocolaatje 
   
 
 2
 small piece of chocolate
 
(de) chocola 
 
  chocolate
 
dagje 
   
 
 2
 plural  daagjes 
   
 
 2
 3
(de) dag 
 
 2
  'day' - also has a vowel lengthening in the plural:
 dagen
 
 
 2
deuntje 
   
 
 tune, song
 
there is no  'deun'
dichtertje 
   
 
[(de)] dichter 
 
 2
  poet // closer
 
 
dienstmeisje 
   
 
 2
 servant girl
diertje 
   
 
(het) dier 
 
 2
 3 
 4
  animal
  ‑>> 
dingetje 
   
 
 2
(het) ding 
 
  thing
 
doktertje 
   
 
 2
(de) dokter 
 
  (medical) doctor, MD
 
draadje 
   
 
  2
(de) draad 
 
  thread
 
draakje 
   
 
(de) draak 
 
 2
 3 
  dragon
 ‑>> 
drankje 
   
 
 2
 supposedly benificial concoction // alcoholic drink 
(de) drank 
 
  alcoholic drinks
(de) sterke drank
 
 
  liquor, alcoholic drinks
 
droogrekje 
   
 
   drying rack (for laundry)
  ‑>> 
(het) rek 
 
  rack
 
dropjes 
   
 
 pieces of liquorice, the Dutch black candy
(de) drop 
 
  liquorice
 
dubbeltje 
   
 
 2
  - 'dime,' 10-cent piece
 
from   dubbel
 
 
 'double' - probably two   stuivers: 
 ((de) stuiver
 
 
 2 
 'nickel,' 5-cent piece, in the past a common money unit)
duimpje 
   
 
 2
   ‑>>
(de) duim  
 
 2
  thumb 
dutje 
   
 
 2 nap 
 
from  dutten
   
 
 2
 to nap
 - (de) dut is very unusual 
 
duwtje 
   
 
2
  small push, nudge
 
(de) duw 
 
  push
 
eetstokjes 
   
 
  chopsticks 
 (de) stok   
 
  stick 
eitje 
   
 
  2
  3 
  4
 small egg // a very easy job 
(het) ei 
 
 2
  egg
 
elastiekje 
   
 
 2
 rubber band 
 
'elastiek' is the material rubber bands are made of
electriciteitshuisje 
   
 
 
2
 small, 'neighborhood' switching station
  ‑>> 
 
(het) huis 
 
 2
  house
 
electrisch kookplaatje 
   
 
 hot plate, electric burner
 
(de) plaat 
 
 2
  plate, slab // vinyl album
elfuurtje 
   
 
 mid-morning snack 
elf  
 
  11 - 
 (het) uur 
 
  hour
 
emmertje 
   
 
(de) emmer 
 
   bucket  ‑>> 
ererondje 
   
 
  2
 [honorary] victory lap
 
 from  rond
 
 
 2
  round
 
(de) ronde 
 
  rounds, round, lap, tour
 
etentje 
   
 
 2
 3
 festive informal dinner, out or in
 
(het) eten 
 
  food
  ‑>> 
 
eten 
 
  to eat
ezelsbruggetje 
   
 
 [donkey's bridge] - memory aid
(de) brug 
 
  bridge
ezeltje 
   
 
 
(de) ezel 
 
 2
  donkey
 
feestje 
   
 
 2
 
(het) feest 
 
 2
  3 
  4
 large party, celebration, festivity
 
fietsje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 4
(de) fiets 
 
 2
 3 
  bicycle
  ‑>> 
fietsjasje
  
 
 2
  bicycling coat (fluorescent, rain and wind protection) 
 
(de) jas   
 
  coat
fietsrekje 
 
 
  bike rack, rack on bike 
(het) rek 
 
  rack
Not to be confused with:  (het) fietsenrek
  
 
  2
 bike rack, rack to park bikes in 
figuurzaagje 
   
 
 keyhole saw
 
(de) zaag 
 
 2
  saw
  ‑>> 
finkie
  
 
 2
  small bird (slang) 
from:  (de) vink
 
 
  finch 
flatje 
   
 
 (½English) - apartment in high-rise building
(de) flat 
 
  (English) - apartment in high-rise building // high-rise building
 
flesje 
   
 
 2
(de) fles 
 
  bottle
 
fluitje 
   
 
  2
   3 
 
 (de) fluit  
 
  flute, whistle
foldertje 
   
 
 
(de) folder 
 
 flyer, brochure
frietjes 
   
 
(de) friet 
 
 2
 3 
  French fries
 
gaatje 
   
 
(het) gat 
 
  hole - the plural of  'gat' also has vowel
 lengthening:  gat / gaten
  
 
 
gansjes 
   
 
 2
 young, little geese
(de) gans 
 
  goose
 
gebakje 
   
 
 one-person serving of festive 
cake 
  ‑>> 
(het) gebak 
 
  sweet pastry
 
geeltje 
   
 
 (old slang) 25-guilder-bill
 
from  geel
  
  
 2 
 3  
'yellow' - the color of an old banknote
geheimpje 
   
 
 2
 3
 
[(het)] geheim 
 
 2
  secret
 
geintje 
   
 
 little joke
(de) gein 
 
  fun
 
geluidje 
   
 
 
(het) geluid 
 
  sound
  ‑>>
geurtje 
  
 2
 3 
'[little] smell,' scent 
usually perfume, cologne
(de) geur
    
 
 2
3
 smell, odor
 
gevalletje 
   
 
 2
minor case, trivial, peculiar event, incident // hard-to-describe
 item, often a contraption 
(het) geval 
 
  case
 
gezinnetje 
   
 
 2
(het) gezin 
 
  the basic family
 
gilletje 
   
 
  2
  3 
  
(de) gil
   
 
  2
  3
 shriek, scream 
glaasje 
   
 
 'small glass,' but usually the contents of a glass, a drink 
(het) glas 
 
 2
  glass
 
gootsteenschepje 
   
 
 sink scoop
  ‑>> 
 
(de) gootsteen 
 
 sink
 
(de) schep 
 
  scoop // shovel
 
grapje 
   
 
 2
 3 - 
 grapje! 
 
 
 2
 
(de) grap  
 
  ridiculous situation // practical joke
  ‑>> 
grassprietje 
   
 
 blade of grass 
 
plural:  grassprietjes 
   
 
 2
 
(de) spriet - pointy long item
grootje 
   
 
  2
  3
 
 from:  (de) grootmoeder
 
 
  grandmother, 'granny'
 
gummetje 
   
 
 2
(de/het) gum 
 
  eraser (for pencil writing)
 
haakje 
   
 
 2
  hook, peg // bracket 
 
(de) haak 
 
  hook
 
halletje 
   
 
  2
 hallway, small room behind front door 
(de) hal  
 
 2
  hall
 
hamertje 
   
 
  2
  3
(de) hamer 
 
 2
  hammer
 
handtasje 
   
 
 2
 handbag
 
 (de) tas   
 
  bag
hapje 
   
 
 a small piece of food, 'bite' or a small amount of food
(de) hap 
 
  bite (of food)
 
harinkje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) haring 
 
  herring
  ‑>> 
heitje 
   
 
 quarter, 25¢ coin - from Hebrew 'he' = 5 (5 
   stuivers, 5¢ pieces
 - see   
   - dubbeltje above)
(hempje 
   
 
 2 -
   substandard, but  'hemdje' is hard to say) 
(het) hemd 
 
2
  undershirt
  ‑>> 
hofje 
   
 
 a collection of very small houses around a garden area 
 
(het) hof 
 
  beautiful nature area // royal court
 
hondje 
   
 
 - 't hondje 
   
 
  2
(de) hond 
 
  dog
  ‑>> 
hoopje 
   
 
 2
 'small heap,' small amount 
 
(de) hoop 
 
 2
  heap, a lot 
  ‑>> 
 // hope
  ‑>> 
huzarenstukje 
   
 
 2
 ['a hussars' act'] a daring small-scale military action
 
(het) stuk   
 
 2
 3 
  piece // broken,defective
ideetje 
   
 
 2
(het) idee 
 
  idea
 
ijsblokjes 
   
 
 2
 ice cubes
(het) blok 
 
 2
  block, cube
 
jaartjes 
   
 
 2
 
(het) jaar 
 
  year
 
jasje 
   
 
 small coat // jacket, top part of men's suit 
(de) jas 
 
  coat
 
jongetje 
   
 
 2
 3
 boy, little boy
 
either from   (de) jongen
 
 
  'boy' (N dropped) or from  jong
   
 
  young 
 
kaartje 
   
 
 2
 ticket (for event or travel) 
(de) kaart  
 
 2
 3 
  card // map 
kacheltje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) kachel 
 
  stove, heater
 
kadetje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 oblong white bread roll, like a hot dog bun
 
(de) cadet
   
 
  2
  3 
cadet
 
kadootje 
   
 
 
(het) cadeau (kado)
 
 
  present
kamertje 
   
 
 2
(de) kamer 
 
  room (in a house)
  ‑>> 
kapje 
   
 
 small cap // face mask // heel (end piece of bread)
(de) kap - cap, hood, bonnet
 
karretje 
   
 
 2
  3 
 4 
 5 
 
(de) kar 
 
2
  cart // (car)
 
kastje 
   
 
 
(de) kast  
 
 2
  cabinet, closet, cupboard, shelves system 
keppeltje 
   
 
 2
 yarmulke, 'skullcap' (for observant Jewish men)
maybe from Hebrew  kippah
 
kettinkje 
   
 
 2
 bracelet, decorative small chain // small chain
  ‑>> 
(de) ketting 
 
 2
 3 
  chain
 
keukenmesjes 
   
 
 small kitchen knives
(het) mes 
 
 2
 3 
  knife
 
kiezelsteentjes 
   
 
 2
  3 
 pebbles
(de) steen 
 
 2
  stone, rock
 
kilootje 
   
 
(de/het) kilo
 
 
  2
 about 2 pounds
 ‑>> 
kinderkopjes 
   
 
  2
 cobblestones (street paving)
 
(de) kop 
 
  (animal) head // cup
 
 
kindermeisje 
 
 
 2
 nanny 
kindje 
   
 
  2
plural:  kindjes 
   
 
or another plural:  kindertjes 
   
 
 2
 3 
 4
 
(het) kind 
 
  child
 
plural:  kinderen
 
 
 2
 3 
  children
 
kladblaadje 
   
 
 2
 piece of scrap paper for quick notes 
 
(het) blad 
 
  (leaf) - here: piece of paper - notice vowel lengthening
 
  - see  blaadje 
   
 
 above
kleedje 
   
 
 
(het) kleed 
 
  carpet // tapestry
 
kleinigheidje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 small thing, small gift 
((de)) een kleinigheid
 
 
 2
  a little thing, a small gift // an unimportant, small matter // a
   small amount of money 
 
kleintje 
   
 
 2
 3
 "little one" or small thing, small item
 
from:  klein
 
 
 2
 3 
 4
  small, little 
klemmetjes 
   
 
  2
 
(de) klem - clamp
kletspraatje 
   
 
 2
 chat // very informal presentation, humorous nonsense speech 
from  praten
 
 
  to talk, to chat
 ‑>>
kliekjes 
   
 
 leftover food that's eaten later 
klikjes 
   
 
 
(de) klik - click (sound)
klopje 
   
 
 2
 knock, pat
 
 from  kloppen
 
 
 2
  to knock (on a door, for instance) - see also 
   schouderklopje below
(de) klusjesman 
 
   
 2
 handyman 
from:  (de) klus
   
 
  2
job, piece of work  
knaapje 
   
 
 clothes hanger // little boy
(de) knaap - boy
knopje 
   
 
 2
 3
(de) knop 
 
 2
  button (switch) // bud (flower)
 
koekje 
   
 
 cookie - plural:  koekjes 
   
 
(de) koek   
 
  ~spice cake
koetje 
   
 
  2
(de) koe  
 
  cow
koetsiertje 
   
 
 2
 cheap brandy or cognac
 
(de) koetsier 
 
  coachman, horse-drawn carriage driver
 
kommetje 
   
 
  2
 plural:  kommetjes 
   
 
(de) kom 
 
 2
  bowl
see also:  komen
    
 
  to come
 ‑>>
konijntje 
   
 
(het) konijn 
 
 2
  rabbit
  ‑>> 
koolwitje 
   
 
 2
 a white butterfly 
from:  (de) kool
 
 
 2
  cabbage // coal -  and  wit
   
 
  2
  white 
 
koopje 
 
 
 2
 3 
a good buy, a bargain, item sold at a low price
 from:  kopen 
 
 to buy
   ‑>>
kopje 
   
 
 cup
  ‑>> 
 
plural:  kopjes 
   
 
koppie 
   
 
  2
  3 
  4 slang 
 
(de) kop 
 
  (animal) head // cup
kraampje 
   
 
 2
 3
 
(de) kraam 
 
 2
  market stall, booth
 
krabbetje 
   
 
 2
(de) krab 
 
 2
 3 
  crab
krammetjes 
   
 
 2-pointed, U-shaped nails 
kruidje 
   
 
 
(het) kruid 
 
  herb, spice
 
plural:  kruiden
   
 
kruimeltje 
   
 
 2
(de) kruimel 
 
 2
 3 
  crumb
 
krukje 
   
 
 2
 plural:  krukjes 
   
 
(de) kruk 
 
 2
  stool, simple seat
 ‑>> 
 
kuchje 
   
 
  2
(de) kuch 
 
  cough   
 
 2
  3
 // soldiers' bread
 
kuikentje 
   
 
 2
(het) kuiken 
 
 2
  chick, young chicken
 
kussentje 
   
 
 
(het) kussen 
 
 2
  pillow, cusion // to kiss, kissing
 
kwartje 
   
 
 
 a quarter (25¢ piece) - a quarter of a guilder 
 
(het) kwart   
 
  ¼ - quarter 
 
een kwart   
 
kwikstaartje 
   
 
 wagtail, a bird with a busy tail 
kwik  
 
  ~quick (a.o.)
   - (de) staart 
 
  tail 
laagje 
   
 
 2
(de) laag 
 
 2
 3 
 4
  layer // low
 
laatje 
   
 
   2
(de) la 
 
  drawer
 
lachebekje 
   
 
 2 
a person, usually a girl, with a quick laugh 
lachen  
 
 2
  to laugh  ‑>> // (de) bek
 
 
  animal mouth, beak 
 
lachertje 
   
 
  2
   3 
 something ridiculous
 
from: 
 lachen  
 
 2
  to laugh  ‑>>
ladenkastje 
   
 
 2
 cabinet with drawers
 ‑>> 
 
(de) lade 
 
 2
  drawer - 
(de) kast
  
 
 2
  cabinet, closet, cupboard, shelves system
lammetje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 plural: lammetjes 
   
 
 2
 
[(het)] lam 
 
  lamb // lame
 
landwegggetje 
   
 
  2
  3
 small country road
 
(de) weg 
 
  way, road // away
  ‑>> 
lapjes 
   
 
 small pieces of fabric
(de) lap 
 
  piece of fabric or piece of land
(de) lapjeskat
   
 2
  
[patchwork cat] tortoiseshell cat (?) 
laurierblaadjes 
   
 
 bay leaves
  ‑>> 
(het) blad 
 
  - see  blaadje 
   
 
 above
latje 
   
 
 
(de) lat 
 
  slat, piece of long, flat wood
 
leesplankje 
   
 
 'reading board' - elementary school first reading, spelling and
   pronunciation material
  ‑>> 
 
(de) plank 
 
 2
  (wooden) board
 
leitje 
   
 
 old-fashioned slate writing board, writing with chalk, easily erased 
 
(de) lei 
 
  slate // writing board
 
lepeltje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 4
(de) lepel 
 
  spoon
 
lichtknopje 
   
 
 light switch
  ‑>> 
(de) knop 
 
 2
  button (switch) // bud (flower)
lichtpuntje 
   
 
   ['point of light'] a (small) hopeful sign in a mostly bad
   situation
 
(de) punt  
 
 2
 3 
  point, tip
liedje 
   
 
  2
 
plural:  liedjes 
   
 
 song
(het) lied 
 
 2
  song (old-fashioned)
 
lieveheersbeestjes 
   
 
 ladybugs, ladybirds 
see also  onzelieveheersbeestje
 
 2
  below
(het) beest 
 
  is 'beast' but  beestje 
   
 
  2
 is usually not bad, it's affectionate (pets)
 or small, maybe  irritating (bugs) 
 
liflafjes 
   
 
 2
 small, not very nutritious pieces of food, 'amuse-bouches'?
lijstje 
   
 
(de) lijst   
 
  list // picture frame
lootje 
   
 
 2
 lottery, raffle ticket - note vowel lengthening 
(het) lot 
 
 2
 3 
  lottery, raffle ticket // fate
 ‑>> 
 
luchtje 
   
 
 bad smell // 'something fishy about  it'
  ‑>>
(de)  lucht  
 
  air 
 
lucifersdoosje 
   
 
 matchbox, (small) box of matches
 
lucifers  
 
  matches
 ‑>> 
- (de) doos   
 
  box 
 
maaltje 
   
 
 2
 small or enjoyable meal
[(het)] maal 
 
 2
  meal
  ‑>> 
 // times (x)
  ‑>> 
maantje 
   
 
 
(de) maan 
 
2
3 
 de maan 
 
  (the) moon
 
maatje 
   
 
 mate, comrade, friend
 
(de) maat 
 
 2
  mate, comrade, friend // size (clothes) // measure (music)
 
machientje 
   
 
  2
   3 
   4
 very small machine
 
(de) machine   
 
  2
 (French CH) - machine 
madeliefjes 
   
 
 daisies  ‑>> 
makkie 
   
 
 an easy job, no problem (slang) 
probably from:  gemakkelijk
 
 
  easy
  ‑>> 
mandarijntje 
   
 
 tangerine
‑>>
 (De) mandarijn  is almost always only the
 old high Chinese official 
mannetje 
   
 
 male animal // guy for special jobs
(de) man 
 
 2
 3 
  man, male human
  ‑>> 
mantelpakje 
   
 
 ladies' formal suit 
(het) pak 
 
  formal suit (for men) // package
 
meesje 
   
 
 
(de) mees 
 
  2
  titmouse (a small bird)
meisje 
   
 
plural:  meisjes 
   
 
 girl, girls
  ‑>> 
 
The original, 'root' word is no longer in use,
 but colloquially you can address
 a female friend as "Meis"
   
 
  2
  3
 
Or maybe it's from  (de) meid
 
 
 2
 ~girl, ~woman, but meid  is often
  negative. I don't recommend its use
 
German: 'Mädchen' 
mespuntje
  
 
 
 2
 ('knifetip') is a very small amount, something like a pinch,
  maybe   less
 ‑>> 
  
(het) mes  
 
 2
 3 
  knife - 
 (de) punt  
 
 2
 3 
  point, tip 
middagdutje 
   
 
 2
 afternoon nap
 
(de) middag  
 
  afternoon - (het) dutje from 
 dutten
   
 
 2
 to nap
 - (de) dut is very unusual
mobieltje 
   
 
 2
 3
 cell phone 
from:  mobiel - mobile, moveable, portable
moetje 
   
 
 2
 marriage forced  by pregnancy 
 
from:  moeten
 
 
 
 2
 'must,' should, have to
 ‑>>
molentje 
   
 
 2
 3
 'little mill' - things like kitchen gadgets that need to be turned 
 
(de) molen   
 
 2
  windmill // rotating machine 
momentje 
   
 
 2
(het) moment
 
 
  moment
  ‑>> 
mopje 
   
 
 joke 
(de) mop  
 
  ridiculous situation // joke
naaistertje 
   
 
 2
(de) naaister 
 
  seamstress
naambordje 
   
 
 name plate (on door) 
(de) naam   
 
 2
  name -  
 (het) bord 
 
  plate // board
 
nachtkastje 
   
 
 night stand, bedside cabinet
(de) nacht 
 
  night  - (de) kast
  
 
 2
  cabinet, closet, cupboard, shelves system
 
nagelschaartje 
   
 
 2
 nail scissors 
(de) nagel 
 
  nail (human or animal) - (de) schaar
    
  (pair of) scissors 
 
nakomertje 
   
 
 late child 
from:  na   
 
  after  ‑>> 
   and  komen
   
 
 to come  ‑>>
 
neefje 
   
 
 
(de) neef 
 
  male cousin // nephew - the diminutive is often a 'nephew'
 
nestje 
   
 
 2
(het) nest 
 
  nest
 
nestkastje 
   
 
 birdhouse (to make nests  in)
  ‑>> 
 
(de) kast
  
 
 2
  cabinet, closet, cupboard, shelves system
nichtje 
   
 
(de) nicht 
 
  female cousin // niece - the diminutive is often a 'niece'
 
op 't nippertje 
   
 
 at the last moment, not a moment to spare 
nootje 
   
 
 
(de) noot   
 
 2
  nut // music note 
nummertje 
   
 
 ticket with number ('when it's your turn') // song 
(het) nummer 
 
 2
  number, sequential number
  ‑>> 
ogenblikje 
   
 
 2
(het) ogenblik  
 
 2
   moment 
  ‑>> 
onderonsje 
   
 
 [little between-us] informal private meeting
 
onder  
 
  under, 'between' // below
  ‑>> 
 - ons
  
 
  us
  ‑>> 
onzelieveheersbeestje
 
 2 
 ladybug, ladybird
(het) beest 
 
  is 'beast' but  beestje 
   
 
  2
 is usually not bad, it's affectionate (pets)
 or small, maybe  irritating (bugs) 
 - see also lieveheersbeestjes above
oogje 
   
 
  2
  3 
  4
(het) oog 
 
 2
  eye
 ‑>> 
 
opschrijfboekje 
   
 
 (small) notebook
 
from:  opschrijven -  to write down - see  
 schrijven
 
 
 2
 3 
  to write
  ‑>>
paadje 
   
 
 
(het) pad 
 
  2
   path - note vowel lengthening
paaltje 
   
 
(de) paal  
 
 2
  pole, post, stake 
pakje 
   
 
 packet, package
(het) pak 
 
  ~box, package // men's formal suit 
pannetje 
   
 
(de) pan 
 
 2
  pan, cooking pot
 
paradepaardje 
   
 
  2
(het) paradepaard
 
 
 parade, show horse // showpiece
 
(de) parade 
 
 2
  parade - (het) paard
 
 
 2
  horse 
 
parapluutje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) paraplu   
 
 umbrella
parochieblaadje 
   
 
  2
 parish newspaper // derogatory term for a newspaper or magazine
   devoted to to the speaker irrelevant subjects
 
(het) blad 
 
  (leaf) - here: piece of paper - notice vowel lengthening
 
  - see  blaadje 
   
 
 above
partijtje 
   
 
  2
  3
 small party, festive or political 
(de) partij 
 
  party
 
petje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) pet 
 
 2
 3 
  (baseball) cap
 
piepjes 
   
 
 beeps, beeping
   
 
 2
 
from:  piepen
 
 
  to squeak
plakje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 4
 slice 
(de) plak   
 
 2
 3
  slice, slab
 ‑>> 
plankje 
   
 
  2
  3
 
(de) plank 
 
 2
  board
 
platje 
   
 
 patio 
probably from:  plat
 
 
 2
  flat
 
pleziervliegtuigje 
   
 
  small airplane for pleasure, 1- or 2-seater propellor plane
 
(het) plezier
 
 
  fun, enjoyment
 ‑>> 
 - (het vliegtuig
 
 
 2
  airplane 
 
pompje
  
 
  2
  3 
  small pump, on-bike pump 
(de) pomp   
 
 2
 3 
  pump
 
poortje 
   
 
 garden gate etc. 
 
(de) poort 
 
  gate
 
pootje 
   
 
  2
  3
 
(de) poot 
 
 2
  animal or table/chair leg, paw
 
poppetje 
   
 
 2
 plural:  poppetjes
   
 
small doll // figurine, small human figure, statuette 
potje 
   
 
  2
(de) pot 
 
  jar, container
 
praatje
 
 
 2
  chat // informal presentation
from  praten
 
 
  to talk, to chat
 ‑>>
prinsje 
   
 
  2
(de) prins 
 
  prince
 
proefritje 
   
 
 2
 trial ride, test drive 
(de) rit   
 
 ride, drive - from:  rijden
   
 
   2
  to ride, to drive 
  ‑>> 
propje 
   
 
 2
 usually: a small piece of crumpled paper 
 (de) prop  
 
  wad, ball, clot, something crumpled 
prullenbakje 
   
 
prullenbak 
   
 
 wastebasket 
puistjes 
   
 
 2
 acne pimples 
putje 
   
 
(de) put 
 
 2
  well, hole, pit, drain
 
't Puttertje 
   
 
 2
 3
 The Goldfinch - a famous painting by
 Carel Fabritius 
    
 
 2
 3 
 (1622-1654) 
radertje 
   
 
 2
 (small cogwheel) 
  ‑>> 
 
- probably from old-fashioned 
 (het) rad 
  
  2 
 (wheel)
rechtertje 
   
 
 2
(de) rechter 
 
  judge
  ‑>> 
rekje 
   
 
 2
 plural:  rekjes 
   
 
(het) rek 
 
  rack
 
restje 
   
 
 2
(de) rest 
 
 2
  rest, remainder, 'what remained'
 
rietje 
   
 
 2
plural:  rietjes 
   
 
 straw (for drinking)
 
(het) riet 
 
 2
  reed
 
rijtje 
   
 
 2
(de) rij 
 
 2
  row, line, queue
 
ringetje 
   
 
  2
 plural:  ringetjes 
   
 
  2
(de) ring 
 
2
  ring (on finger)
  ‑>> 
ritje 
   
 
  2
  3 
(de) rit   
 
 ride, drive - from:  rijden
   
 
   2
  to ride, to drive 
  ‑>> 
rompertje 
   
 
 2
 'onesie,' baby clothing leaving arms and legs free 
probably from:  (de) romp
   
 
 2
  trunk, torso, body
rondje 
   
 
 usually 'a round of drinks' or a lap or circuit  
 
 from  rond
 
 
 2
  round
 
(de) ronde 
 
  rounds, round, lap, tour
roosjes 
   
 
(de) roos 
 
 2
 3 
  rose 
  ‑>> 
rotklusje 
   
 
 2
 unpleasant piece of work 
from:  (de) klus
   
 
  2
job, piece of work  
sardientjes 
   
 
 
from (de) sardine very unusual 
schaartje 
   
 
(de) schaar
   
 
  (pair of) scissors 
 
scheepje 
   
 
(het) schip 
 
  ship - note vowel change
scheermesje 
   
 
razor, 'shaving knife'
 
(het) mes 
 
 2
 3 
  knife
schepje 
   
 
 
(de) schep 
 
  scoop // shovel
schetsje 
   
 
(de) schets  
 
  2
 sketch, rough drawing, draft, (idea)
schietgebedje 
   
 
 2
 a quick prayer in a moment of peril
 
(het) gebed   
 
  prayer 
schilmesje 
   
 
 peeling, paring knife 
from:  schillen
 
 
 2
  to peel - (het) mes 
 
 2
 3 
  knife
schoentje 
   
 
 2
(de) schoen 
 
  shoe
 
schoonzusje 
   
 
 sister-in-law
 
zusje 
    
 is the common word for sister 
 - (de) zus
 
 
  is unusual 
  ‑>> 
schoothondje 
   
 
 2
lap dog
 
(de) hond 
 
  dog
  ‑>> 
schoteltje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) schotel 
 
  saucer, small plate
 
schouderklopje 
   
 
2
 pat-on-the-[shoulder]-back 
 
(de) schouder   
 
  shoulder and from  kloppen
 
 
 2
  to knock (on a door, for instance)
schrammetje 
   
 
 2
 minor scratch (on skin)
 
(de) schram 
 
  scratch, torn skin
 
schuurtje 
   
 
 small shed, like in a garden 
 
(de) schuur 
 
 2
  large shed, like on a farm
 
servetje 
   
 
 2
 3
(de) servet 
 
 2
  napkin
 
sjalotjes 
   
 
 2
 shallots 
sketchje 
   
 
 2
  short piece of comedy
slaatje 
   
 
 2
 3
 a simple salad or a small serving of salad
 
from:  (de) sla
  
 
  lettuce 
slablaadje 
   
 
 lettuce leaf
 
from:  (de) sla
  
 
  lettuce - (het) blad
 
 
 
  - see  blaadje 
   
 
 above
slangetje 
   
 
 2
it could be 'a small snake,' but the usual meaning is 'small hose,
   small rubber tube'
(de) slang 
 
 2
  snake // hose
 
slipje 
   
 
 2
 women's underpants 
slokje 
   
 
 sip
  ‑>> 
  
(de) slok   
 
  gulp
smoesje 
   
 
  ‑>> 
(de) smoes  
 
 
 2
 a fake excuse
snijplankje 
   
 
 2
 cutting board 
from:  snijden
 
 
 2
  to cut (with a knife)
 ‑>> // (de) plank
 
 
 2
  (wooden) board
snoepje 
   
 
 a piece of candy
(de) snoep 
 
  candy, sweets
 
snoepreisje 
   
 
junket, unnecessary trip by civil servants paid for by tax
(de) reis 
 
  2
  trip, journey
   ‑>> 
soldaatjes 
   
 
 homemade croutons for soup 
(de) soldaat 
 
  soldier
  ‑>> 
sommetje 
   
 
 2
(de) som
   
 
  2
  3 
  sum: calculation // amount of money 
 
een spelletje 
   
 
 2
 3
(het) spel 
 
  game
 ‑>> 
spiekbriefje 
   
 
 2
 3 
cheat sheet
from:  spieken
 
 
 cheating on an exam or test by using a cheat sheet or looking
 at other students' answers - (de) brief
 
 
 2
  letter (mail) - briefje
   
 
 small note, short letter // banknote 
spijkerjasje 
   
 
  2
 denim jacket 
from:   (de) spijkerstof
 
   2
 denim - (de) jas
     
  coat
spinnetje 
   
 
(de) spin 
 
  spider
  ‑>> 
sprongetje 
   
 
 2
 3
   
(de) sprong 
 
  jump
 
sprookje 
   
 
   fairytale
    ‑>> 
'(de) sprook' is very unusual
   
spruitjes 
   
 
 Brussels sprouts
    ‑>> 
staartje 
   
 
 2
  
(de) staart 
 
  tail 
standje 
   
 
 rebuke, criticism of a child's behavior
standje (½English) 
   
 
 2
 small stall of booth selling something or provoding information
stapje 
   
 
 2
(de) stap 
 
  step
stationnetje 
   
 
  2
  3
 
(het) station 
 
 2
 3 
 4
 5
  station (bus, train)
 
steegje 
   
 
 2
very narrow old city street 
steelpannetje 
   
 
 
from:  (de) steel
 
 
 2
  handle, stem, stick
 - (de) pan 
 
 2
  pan, cooking pot
 
een stelletje 
   
 
 2
 'a couple' - a glass of 
 jenever
  
 
  2
 'Dutch gin' with a  glass of beer
stemmetje 
   
 
 
(de) stem 
   voice // vote 
sterretje 
   
 
 2
 small star // sparkling fireworks 
 
(de) ster 
 
  
 
stippeltje stippeltje 
   
 
 2
 dot-dot-dot (fill in yourself)
(de) stip 
 
  dot, point
 
stompje 
   
 
 2
 very short screwdriver
 
[(de)] stomp 
 
 2
  stump, stub // punch (with fist) // blunt (not sharp-ponted)
 
straaltje 
   
 
 2
 trickle (of liquid)
(de) straal 
 
  ray, beam // jet // radius
 
straatje 
   
 
 - Het Straatje
 
 
 'little street' - also a   Vermeer  painting
 
(de) straat 
 
  street
straatnaambordje 
   
 
 2
street name sign 
(de) naam   
 
 2
  name -  
(het) bord 
 
  plate // board
streepje 
   
 
 2
(de) streep 
 
 2
 3 
  line, dash, bar
 
stukje 
   
 
 2
  ‑>> 
 
(het) stuk   
 
 2
 3 
  piece // broken,defective
't Sufferdje 
   
 
 nickname for small local newspaper 
(de) sufferd 
 
2
  a not very bright person, a muddlehead
 
suikerzakje 
   
 
 small bag of (1 teaspoon of) sugar 
(de) zak  
 
 2
  bag 
taaltje 
   
 
  2
  3 
  4
(de) taal 
 
 2
 3 
  language
 
taartje 
   
 
one-person serving of festive cake
 
(de) taart 
 
  festive cake
  ‑>> 
tafeltje 
   
 
 2
 3
  ‑>> 
(de) tafel 
 
  table
 
takje 
   
 
(de) tak 
 
  branch
  ‑>> 
tangetje 
   
 
  2
  3
(de) tang 
 
 2
  pliers
  ‑>> 
tasje 
   
 
 small bag // plastic bag
 
 (de) tas   
 
  bag
tegeltje 
   
 
 2
(de) tegel 
 
  tile
 
teiltje 
   
 
(de) teil 
 
  zinc washtub, large bowl, basin
 
terrasje 
   
 
 2
 outdoor cafe, sidewalk seating
 
(het) terras - outdoor cafe, sidewalk seating // patio
theelepeltje 
   
 
  2
 teaspoon 
(de) lepel 
 
  spoon
theezakjes 
   
 
 tea bags
 
(de) zak 
 
 2
  bag
 
theezeefje 
   
 
 2
 tea strainer 
(de) zeef 
 
  strainer
 
een tijdje 
   
 
  2
   3
['a little time' - a small amount of time] - a short time, a
   while
(de) tijd 
 
 2
 3 
  time
  ‑>;>> 
tikje 
   
 
  2
 a touch 
 
'n tikkeltje   
 
 2
 3 
 ~a little, a small amount, a touch 
(de) tik
   
 
 2
 3 
 slap, tap, rap // tick (of clock)
Titaantjes 
   
 
little Titans
  ‑>> 
tochtje 
   
 
  (2)
 small trip
(de) tocht 
 
 2
  trip, journey, tour // draft (cold 
 air)
  ‑>> 
toertje 
   
 
 very small trip or travel
(de) toer - tour, trip
toetje 
   
 
 dessert (colloquial)
  ‑>> 
tonnetje 
   
 
 2
 3
 small barrel // overweight person 
(de) ton 
 
 2
 3 
  barrel // 1000 kilos (2200 Lbs) // 100.000 guilders (colloquial)
 
tornmesje 
   
 
 2
 'ripper' (unstitching tool) 
  ‑>> 
(het) mes 
 
 2
 3 
  knife
torretje 
   
 
 2
 
(de) tor 
 
  beetle
 
touwtje 
   
 
  2
  3 
(het) touw 
 
 2
  rope, string
 
toverstokje 
   
 
 magic wand
 ‑>> 
 
 (de) stok   
 
  stick 
traantje 
   
 
 tear, teardrop
(de) traan 
 
 
tear, teardrop // cod liver oil: (de) levertraan
   
 
 
  2
trapje 
   
 
 stepladder 
(de) trap 
 
  stairs
 
treinkaartje 
   
 
 train ticket 
(de) kaart  
 
 2
 3 
  card // map 
trekje 
   
 
 2
 'trait,' characteristic or habitual behavior of a person, usually
   unpleasant or  annoying
  ‑>> 
 
(de) trek 
 
 2
  migration, move //  appetite
 
trommeltje 
   
 
 2
 3
(de) trommel 
 
 2
  jar, tin // drum
 
tuintje 
   
 
 2
small garden // special part of garden, e.g. flowerbed
(de) tuin 
 
 2
 3 
  yard, garden
 ‑>> 
 
tunneltje 
   
 
 
(de) tunnel 
 
 2
 3 
 4
  tunnel
turbinetje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 very small turbine
 
(de) turbine   
 
 2
 3
  turbine 
tussendoortje 
   
 
 2
 small ['in-between (meals)'] snack 
 
from:  tussen
 
 
  between
 
uitje 
   
 
 
1. small onion - from:  (de) ui
  
 
 2
 3 
  onion
 
2. (small) outing, trip - from:  uit
   
 
  2
  out 
uitstapje 
   
 
 (small) outing, trip
  
from:   (de) stap
 
 
  step
 or:  stappen
 
 
2
  to step 
uurtje 
   
 
 2
about an hour 
(het) uur 
 
  hour
 
vaatje 
   
 
 2
 
(het) vat 
 
  barrel, cask, drum - note vowel lengthening
 
vakje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 'pigeonhole,' compartment
 
(het) vak 
 
  2
  section, area // compartment // trade, profession // subject of study
 
varkentje 
   
 
 (het) varken  
 
 2
  pig
 
velletje 
   
 
  2
(het) vel 
 
  skin
 
ventje 
   
 
 2
 3
(de) vent 
 
  guy, man (slightly unfavorable)
 
verbandje 
   
 
 small bandaging
(het) verband 
 
  bandage // connection, context, 'Gestalt'
 
verhaaltje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 4 
 (het) verhaal  
 
 2
  story, fiction
verkleinwoordjes 
   
 
 2
 3 
 4
 
 verkleinwoorden
   
 
 2
 diminutives 
verlanglijstje 
   
 
 2
 wish list
 ‑>> 
 
 (de) lijst   
 
  list // picture frame 
verslagje 
   
 
 
(het) verslag 
 
  report
 
een verzetje 
   
 
 2
 diversion, pleasant interruption
 
from:  verzetten - to move around, change // to resist
 
vestje 
   
 
 vest
(het) vest 
 
 2
  fleece jacket, wool cardigan
 
villaatje 
   
 
 2
(de) villa - villa
vingertopje 
   
 
 2
 3 
 fingertip
 
(de) top  
 
 2
 3 
  summit // the best
viooltje 
   
 
 violet (flowering plant) // (small violin)
 
(de) viool 
 
  violin
 
vitamientje 
   
 
 2
 vitamin // vitamin pill 
 
(de) vitamine   
 
  vitamin 
vlaggetje 
   
 
  2
(de) vlag 
 
  flag
 
vlammetje 
   
 
2
(de) vlam 
 
  flame
 
vloerbroodje 
   
 
 loaf of 'freeform bread' (not baked in a breadpan)
 (het) brood   
 
 2
 3 
  bread, a loaf of bread
vluggerdje 
   
 
 quickie, 10-minutes speed-chess match
from:  vlug
 
 
 2
  quick, fast,  rapid
 ‑>> 
vogelbadjes 
   
 
bird baths
 
(het) bad 
 
 2
 3 
  bath
 
vogelhuisje 
   
 
 2
   bird feeder
  ‑>> 
 
(het) huis 
 
 2
  house
vogelnestje 
   
 
 2
 bird's nest 
(het) nest 
 
  nest
 
voorproefje 
   
 
 2
foretaste 
from:  proeven
 
 
 2
  to taste
vriendinnetje 
   
 
  2
 a child's female little friend // girlfriend
 
(de) vriendin 
 
  female friend
  ‑>> 
vriendje 
   
 
 a child's little male friend // boyfriend // special friend
 
(de) vriend 
 
 2
  (male) friend
 ‑>> 
 
vrouwtje 
   
 
small woman // a pet's 'mother' // female animal
(de) vrouw 
 
  woman
 
vuiltje 
   
 
  2
  3
 speck of dirt, small piece of garbage 
[(het)] vuil 
 
 2
  dirt, garbage // dirty, unclean
vuurtje 
   
 
 2
[little fire] - 'light' for a cigarette
(het) vuur   
 
  2
  fire 
  ‑>> 
washandje 
   
 
 washcloth
from:  wassen
  
 
 2
  to wash
 ‑>> 
  - (de) hand
  
  hand
 
weggetje 
   
 
 2
[(de)] weg 
 
  way, road // away
  ‑>> 
wijwaterbakje 
   
 
 small holy water bowl
(de)  bak  
 
 2
  open box 
winkeltje 
   
 
 2
(de) winkel 
 
 2
  shop, store
  ‑>> 
winkelwagentje 
   
 
 2
 shopping cart
(de) wagen 
 
  cart, car
winterkoninkje 
   
 
 2
 [little Winter king] - wren, winterwren (a small bird) 
(de) koning
 
 
  king
wissewasje 
   
 
 unimportant, minor thing, trifle
woordje 
   
 
  2
(het) woord 
 
  word
 ‑>> 
zeentjes 
   
 
 sinews, small tough pieces in meat 
zeepflesje 
   
 
(liquid) soap bottle 
(de) fles 
 
  bottle
zegje 
   
 
 2
'say,' (forceful) opinion statement
from:  zeggen
 
 
 2
 3 
  to say
 ‑>>
zilvervisje 
   
 
 2
 silverfish, an unpleasant bug
(de) vis 
 
  fish
 
zinnetje 
   
 
 2
short sentence
(de) zin 
 
 2
  sentence // sense // desire // a.o.
  ‑>> 
zitje 
   
 
 2
 a child's special seat // seating arrangement
from:  zitten
 
 
  to sit
  ‑>>
zonnetje 
   
 
   2
 
(de) zon 
 
 / de zon   
 
sun / the sun
  ‑>> 
zoontje 
   
 
 2
(de) zoon 
 
 2
 3 
  son
 ‑>> 
zootje 
   
 
 2
  
(de) zooi  
 
 2
 3
 / (de) rotzooi  
 
 2
  trash, garbage - irrelevant, annoying stuff (the I was dropped) 
zusje 
   
 
 sister 
(de) zus 
 
  sister - is  unusual -  zusje is the common word for
 'sister'
  ‑>> 
The Other Diminutives Pages:
 
Introduction and Formation
  Examples of Usage
More Good Dutch Smartphone Pages
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