• by Teacher Dave
• April 27, 2026

First 50 Dutch Words Every Expat Child Should Know

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Moving to the Netherlands can be an exciting adventure, especially for families. For children, however, adjusting to a new language can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that kids pick up languages faster than adults—especially when they start with the right foundation. Learning a small set of essential Dutch words can help expat children feel more confident at school, make friends more easily, and navigate everyday situations with less stress.

This guide introduces the first 50 Dutch words every expat child should know, grouped into practical categories for easier learning and real-life use.

Why Learning Basic Dutch Matters for Kids

Even though many people in the Netherlands speak excellent English, Dutch remains the primary language in schools, playgrounds, and daily interactions. When children understand and use basic Dutch words, they:

• Feel more included in social settings
• Build friendships faster
• Gain confidence in the classroom
• Adapt more quickly to their new environment

Starting small is the key. These 50 words act as building blocks for everyday communication.

Basic Greetings and Polite Words

These are the first words children will hear and use daily. They help create positive first impressions and encourage interaction.

• Hallo (Hello)
• Hoi (Hi)
• Goedemorgen (Good morning)
• Goedemiddag (Good afternoon)
• Goedenavond (Good evening)
• Dag (Bye)
• Tot ziens (See you later)
• Alsjeblieft (Please / Here you go)
• Dank je wel (Thank you)
• Sorry (Sorry)

Family and People

Understanding how to refer to people around them is essential for children settling into a new environment.

• Mama (Mom)
• Papa (Dad)
• Broer (Brother)
• Zus (Sister)
• Vriend (Friend – male)
• Vriendin (Friend – female)
• Juf (Teacher – female, primary school)
• Meester (Teacher – male, primary school)

Numbers 1–10

Numbers are crucial for games, schoolwork, and everyday situations.

• Een (1)
• Twee (2)
• Drie (3)
• Vier (4)
• Vijf (5)
• Zes (6)
• Zeven (7)
• Acht (8)
• Negen (9)
• Tien (10)

School and Classroom Words

These words help children understand instructions and participate in class activities.

• School (School)
• Klas (Class)
• Boek (Book)
• Pen (Pen)
• Potlood (Pencil)
• Tas (Bag)
• Stoel (Chair)
• Tafel (Table)

Everyday Actions and Needs

These words help kids express basic needs and understand common instructions.

• Eten (To eat)
• Drinken (To drink)
• Slapen (To sleep)
• Spelen (To play)
• Komen (To come)
• Gaan (To go)
• Stop (Stop)
• Wachten (Wait)

Feelings and Expressions

Helping children express how they feel is important for emotional comfort and communication.

• Blij (Happy)
• Verdrietig (Sad)
• Boos (Angry)
• Moe (Tired)
• Goed (Good)
• Niet goed (Not good)

Colors and Simple Descriptions

These are often taught early in school and used in games and activities.

• Rood (Red)
• Blauw (Blue)
• Groen (Green)
• Geel (Yellow)
• Groot (Big)
• Klein (Small)

Tips for Helping Kids Learn Dutch Faster

Children learn best through play and repetition. Instead of formal studying, try:

• Watching Dutch cartoons with subtitles
• Playing simple word games
• Labeling objects around the house in Dutch
• Encouraging short daily conversations
• Praising effort rather than perfection

Consistency matters more than intensity. Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a big difference.

Conclusion

Learning the first 50 Dutch words gives expat children a powerful head start in adapting to life in the Netherlands. These simple words open the door to communication, friendships, and confidence in everyday situations. While fluency takes time, mastering these basics helps children feel less like outsiders and more like they belong. With regular practice and encouragement, their vocabulary will grow naturally—and so will their comfort in their new home.