Dutch nicknames often blend warmth, playfulness, and a touch of silliness. Whether you’re whispering to a partner or teasing a friend, these terms of endearment add colour to everyday conversations. Here are 12 favourites, from the classic to the quirky.
Romantic Nicknames
- Schat – Literally ‘treasure’, this is the Dutch equivalent of ‘sweetheart’ or ‘darling’. Universally loved and endlessly versatile.
- Liefje – Derived from ‘lief’ (sweet/kind), it’s a gentle term for someone dear. Think ‘cutie’ with a Dutch twist.
- Snoepje – Means ‘little sweet’ or ‘candy’. Playful and lighthearted, often used flirtatiously.
Playful & Casual
- Droppie – A nod to ‘drop’ (liquorice), this is for someone who’s a bit salty-sweet. Oddly affectionate, like calling someone ‘weirdo’ fondly.
- Kip – ‘Chicken’. Sounds odd in English, but in Dutch, it’s a light tease for someone fussy or endearingly clumsy.
- Bolleboos – Means ‘smartypants’. Half compliment, half joke, perfect for a clever partner or friend.
For Family & Close Friends
- Appelflap – An ‘apple turnover’, but also a cheeky term for a loved one who’s a bit messy or scatterbrained (in the sweetest way).
- Poepie – A diminutive of ‘poep’ (a tame word for ‘poop’). Sounds bizarre, but it’s used like ‘silly goose’ for kids or partners.
- Mafkees – Translates to ‘weirdo’ or ‘goofball’, but with affection. Reserved for those you’re deeply comfortable with.
Bonus: Animal-Inspired
- Beertje – ‘Little bear’. For someone cuddly or strong (or both).
- Konijntje – ‘Bunny’. A sweet, gentle nickname, often for children or petite partners.
- Muisje – ‘Little mouse’. For someone quiet or shy, or just to contrast their personality for irony’s sake.
Context matters! Some nicknames (like ‘poepie’) are strictly for close relationships, while others (‘schat’) are widely acceptable. When in doubt, observe how native speakers use them.
For more Dutch relationship phrases, check out our guide to Dutch dating phrases.
