10 Funny Dutch Mistakes Kids Make—And How to Fix Them

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning any new language—especially for kids! When children start learning Dutch, they often mix up words, pronunciation, or even meanings. But don’t worry—these funny errors are actually signs of progress.

Why Mistakes Matter

Mistakes show that kids are trying. They mean your child is listening, speaking, and taking risks. The key is to gently correct them without making them feel self-conscious. Laughing together at silly slip-ups can actually boost confidence and curiosity.

Top 10 Funny Dutch Mistakes

1. “Ik ben heet” instead of “Ik heb het warm” – Saying “I am hot” turns into “I’m sexy” in Dutch!
2. Mixing “de” and “het” – These little words can confuse even adults.
3. Calling “kip” (chicken) a “kipje” (little chicken) too often – Cute, but not always needed.
4. Using English sentence order in Dutch – Like “Ik wil spelen buiten” instead of “Ik wil buiten spelen.”
5. Pronouncing “ui” like “oo” – The tricky Dutch vowel sounds can get silly!
6. Saying “hondje” as “handje” – A small dog becomes a small hand!
7. Forgetting word gender – Like saying “de meisje” instead of “het meisje.”
8. Mixing “staan” and “liggen” – Is the toy standing or lying?
9. Using “ja” in a question – “Is dat een kat, ja?” sounds awkward in Dutch.
10. Repeating words twice – Like “dank je thank you” when they’re unsure.

How to Help Kids Fix These Mistakes

Kids don’t need grammar lectures—they need practice and play. Here are two engaging ways to correct gently and effectively:

“Dutch Oops! Cards”

Make cards with common mistakes on one side and the correct version on the other. Turn it into a guessing game: “Is this right or wrong?” Kids love figuring it out!

“Act It Right!” Skits

Act out simple scenes using common mix-ups. One person makes the funny mistake, and the other “fixes” it with the right phrase. Great for siblings or classroom groups.

Smart Learning with Dinolingo

Kids learn better when they’re relaxed and having fun. Dinolingo’s interactive videos and songs help reinforce Dutch in real-life contexts. Its curriculum is designed for ages 2 to 14, combining online and offline tools, like flashcards and posters, with a reward system that keeps kids motivated. Parents can follow along through the dashboard and celebrate progress together.

Final Thoughts

Making mistakes is part of the journey. With encouragement and a little humor, kids can turn every “oops” into a learning win. Just keep speaking, laughing, and learning together.