Sinterklaas Is Coming! Learn Dutch Holiday Words with Fun & Surprise
Sinterklaas is one of the most exciting times of the year in the Netherlands and it’s packed with playful words kids will love. From sweet treats to songs and surprises, this holiday turns language learning into a joyful celebration.
Why Sinterklaas Is Great for Learning Dutch
Holidays bring emotion, rhythm, and repetition perfect for young language learners. With Sinterklaas, children:
- Hear fun, seasonal words in songs and stories
- Repeat phrases naturally during activities
- Connect culture and vocabulary with memory and joy
Fun Dutch Words from the Sinterklaas Season
- Sinterklaas – Saint Nicholas
- Pepernoten – Small spiced cookies
- Schoen zetten – Putting out your shoe for gifts
- Piet – Sinterklaas’ helper
- Surprise – Homemade gift with a riddle or poem
- Cadeautje – Little gift
- Liedje – Little song
- Gedicht – Poem
Practice these words during holiday crafts or while baking together.
Festive Holiday Activities in Dutch
“Sinterklaas Surprise Game”
Let kids create surprise boxes for their toys or siblings, with a tiny gift and a silly Dutch gedicht (poem). Wrap them creatively and share the surprise with a Dutch phrase: Ik heb een cadeautje voor jou!
“Sing the Sinterklaas Song”
Songs like Zie ginds komt de stoomboot help kids remember key words and phrases. Add clapping, dancing, or instrument play for more fun.
Dinolingo offers holiday-themed stories and activities that tie Dutch vocabulary to culture. While exploring the Dutch language, kids learn through songs, visuals, and games that feel just as magical as Sinterklaas night itself. Perfect for ages 2–14.
Final Thoughts
Sinterklaas isn’t just a holiday it’s a language adventure filled with sweets, surprises, and songs. When kids learn Dutch through celebration, every word becomes a gift.
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