Dutch diminutives

Definition and usage of the Dutch diminutive

Besides plural nouns, the Dutch language also has 'verkleinwoorden' (small nouns). These are used frequently and not only used for small things, but for many other things. They can also refer to a certain attitude. You can make a noun smaller by adding '-je', '-tje', '-etje', '-pje'.  

1) Ending in '-je' 

There are rules for determining which ending fits the noun to form the diminutive. Most nouns do not only get '-je' as an ending but also need extra letters. 

2) Ending in '-tje'

The ending '-tje' is added to nouns that have:

1. An ending in '-a', '-e', '-i', '-o', '-u', '-ij'/'-y' or '-w'.
   (Nouns ending on a single '-a', '-i', '-o', '-u' get an extra vowel for the long vowel pronunciation.) 
2. An ending in an unstressed '-er', '-el', '-en', '-or'. 
3. An ending in a long vowel followed by '-r', '-l', '-n'. 

3) Ending in '-etje' 

'-etje' is added to nouns that have: 

A short vowel ending followed by a single 'r', 'l', 'n', 'm', 'ng'. Except nouns that: 

• End in unstressed '-el', '-er', '-en'. 
• End in unstressed '-em'. 
• End in unstressed '-ing'. 

Have a look at 'het gezinnetje'. The consonants at the end get doubled to keep the short vowel. 

4) Ending in '-pje' 

'-pje' is added to nouns that have: 

• An ending in a long vowel followed by '-m'. 
• An ending of '-lm' or '-rm'. 
• An unstressed '-um' or '-em' ending. 

5) ending in '-kje' 

'-kje' is added to nouns that end in '-ng'. The last consonant of the noun, 'g', disappears.

6) Irregular diminutives of Dutch nouns

There are some diminutives that are an exception to the rules mentioned above. The table below shows the irregular diminutives. 

7) Plural diminutives of Dutch nouns

The plural of diminutives is formed by adding an '-s'.

Diminutive + s

Train your skills with the exercises below.