While Dutch might not seem like the most romantic language, there are some cute pet names that you can use to woo your other half on a daily basis or on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day. From food to treasures, here are some of the most common terms of endearment in the Netherlands.
How to say I love you in Dutch
You may think that saying "I love you" would include the Dutch word for love, liefde. However, if you’ve been learning Dutch you know to say “ik hou van je” which when directly translated means “I hold of you”. You could also see it as though you’re holding your special person in your heart, which is actually pretty cute.
If that's not enough to express how you really feel, why not try one of these other terms of endearment in Dutch?
1. Schat / schatje (little treasure)
If you want to tell someone just how precious they are to you, this is the pet name to use. Similar to calling someone a cutie or sweetie, schat - which means “treasure” - is one of the most common terms of endearment you’ll hear in the Netherlands. Another popular variation is the diminutive schatje. Both are used among couples and for children.
2. Lieve / liefje (little dear)
Another very popular pet name, the Dutch call each other dear (lieve) whether they’re married or even in a close friendship. In what you’ll notice as a pattern, the diminutive form liefje is also used - usually even more often than lieve.
3. Snoepje (little candy)
Who doesn’t love something sugary? If you think your partner is just the sweetest, why not let them know by calling them your snoepje (little candy).
4. Mop / moppie (darling)
Yes, mop means the same thing in Dutch as it does in English, but it can also be used to show affection. If you don’t want to use the shorter version, add a few letters and the nickname sounds a lot more charming. Moppie can be used between two friends or with someone you’ve been dating for a while. Its equivalent in English is "darling" or "sweetheart" and it is more often used when referring to women.
5. Dropje (little liquorice)
With how much the Dutch love liquorice, are we really surprised that they would use it as a pet name? Of course, the diminutive is used making it sound that much more adorable. Similarly to snoepje, calling someone your dropje is like calling them your sweetie.
6. Lekker ding (delicious thing)
Think your partner is attractive? Well, this is one way to tell them that. After dating for a while, using lekker ding as a pet name is an easy way to say you still have a crush on your loved one. Be careful though, as using this term outside of a relationship can come across as condescending.
7. Knapperd (beautiful)
Everyone likes to be called beautiful by their significant other. Calling someone knapperd as a term of endearment will no doubt make them feel loved and appreciated as you continue to remind them how you feel about them.
8. Schatje patatje (sweet little fry)
What can we say, the Dutch love their fries! Add patatje to the term of endearment schatje and you’re basically saying you think your darling is the best thing since fries and if that isn’t a compliment, we don’t know what is.
Dutch pet names
Now you've got all the Dutch pet names you could possibly need, time to go out and tell your loved ones how you feel about them!