schatje
The Dutch word for babe is schatje.
The term is used to refer to an attractive person. It can also be used as a term of endearment meaning "baby" or "sweetheart".
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While schatje is a general term for a sweetheart or babe, the informal term Lekkerding is specifically used to mean "hottie" or to describe someone as "sexy".
Did you know?
- If you call someone a lekkerding, you are technically calling them a 'delicious thing'.
- The word schatje is the diminutive form of schat, which means 'treasure'. Calling someone a 'babe' in Dutch is literally calling them a 'little treasure'.
- Calling a stranger a schatje can be seen as patronizing or 'condescending' rather than a compliment, depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Schatje, jij maakt me zo gelukkig.Baby, you make me so happy.
Example conversation
Lucas and Lisa are people-watching at a cafe.
- LucasKijk naar die man, wat een schatje.Look at that man, what a babe.
- LisaJe hebt gelijk, hij is erg knap.You are right, he is very handsome.
- LucasZal ik hem gewoon begroeten?Should I just greet him?
- LisaNee, Lucas, doe dat niet.No, Lucas, don't do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry schatje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
