How Kids Speak Dutch in Belgium—And What Makes It Unique
Dutch is spoken in both the Netherlands and Belgium, but kids in each place use different words and phrases. In Belgium, they speak a version called Flemish Dutch -or Vlaams- that sounds soft, friendly, and full of regional charm!
Why Learn Belgian Dutch?
Learning Flemish Dutch gives kids:
- A wider understanding of how language varies by region
- Insight into Belgian culture and daily life
- Fun, new words that may not be used in the Netherlands
It’s also perfect for families living in Belgium or traveling to Flanders!
Unique Flemish Dutch Words and Phrases
- Goesting – Craving or desire (Ik heb goesting in een koekje! – I want a cookie!)
- Amai! – Wow! / Oh my!
- Smakelijk – Enjoy your meal
- Septiek – Septic tank (often used casually for feeling bad)
- Frigo – Fridge (instead of koelkast)
- Nu direct – Right now
- Zwijg eens – Be quiet (friendly tone, not rude!)
These words help kids speak more like their Belgian peers.
Flemish-Inspired Learning Games
“Say It the Belgian Way”
Give your child a Dutch word from the Netherlands and the Flemish version. Practice switching between the two: koelkast vs. frigo, zin hebben vs. goesting hebben.
“Mini Flemish Market” Roleplay
Set up a pretend market stall. Use Belgian words like smakelijk, amai, and goesting while serving food, candy, or toy snacks.
Dinolingo builds a strong Dutch foundation for ages 2–14. While the platform uses standard Dutch, it helps kids become confident in pronunciation, conversation, and vocabulary—so they can spot and enjoy regional variations like Flemish with ease.
Final Thoughts
From amai! to goesting, Belgian Dutch is full of warmth and expression. By learning a few Flemish words, kids can enjoy the rich variety of Dutch and speak just like their friends in Belgium.
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