Your First 10 Dutch Words—And How to Use Them Like a Local
Learning a new language can be exciting, especially when you start with words that kids can use right away! Whether your child is learning Dutch for travel, school, or just for fun, starting with a few everyday words helps them feel confident and connected.
Why Start with 10 Words?
Starting small helps children build focus and remember words better. Ten is a perfect number—not too many to feel overwhelmed, but enough to use in real life! These first Dutch words are common, useful, and fun to say.
The First 10 Words to Learn
Here are ten Dutch words that are perfect for beginners:
- Hallo – Hello
- Dag – Bye
- Dank je – Thank you
- Alsjeblieft – Please / Here you go
- Ja – Yes
- Nee – No
- Mama – Mom
- Papa – Dad
- Water – Water
- Hond – Dog
Kids will hear these words a lot, whether they’re at home, at the park, or watching a Dutch cartoon!
Make It Stick: Easy Practice Ideas
To help kids remember their new words, it’s important to hear and use them in context. Here are two fun and creative activities to try:
“My First Dutch Word Cards”
Let your child draw a picture for each Dutch word on a card. Write the Dutch word and English meaning below. These cards can be used as a matching game or stuck on the fridge for daily review.
“Say It in Dutch!” Game
Pick a word and say it in Dutch. The child has to find or act it out. For example, if you say hond, they can bark or bring a toy dog. This builds word association in a playful way.
Dinolingo offers playful language exposure through videos, songs, and games—perfect for kids ages 2 to 14. With its built-in reward system and parental dashboard, parents can track progress while children explore Dutch through age-appropriate fun. It’s available on web, iOS, and Android, and includes offline tools like flashcards and posters to keep learning going even when screen time is off.
Final Thoughts
The first 10 words are just the beginning of a fun Dutch adventure. With a mix of listening, speaking, and playing, kids will feel like little locals in no time!
