koekjes
The Dutch word for cookies is koekjes.
koekjes refers to small, sweet baked treats.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive consisting of koek, meaning cake or cookie and the suffix -jes, meaning little, which translates literally to "little cakes".
Which one should you use?
While koekjes refers to small sweet treats, the word koek on its own refers to a larger cake or a generic biscuit or cookie.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is koekje.
When do people say it?
In Dutch culture, you may encounter other specific types of treats such as a stroopwafel (syrup waffle), a speculaas (spiced biscuit) or pepernoten, which are sugary cookies traditionally eaten during Sinterklaas festivities.
Did you know?
- A Dutch person might use the word koek metaphorically in the expression 'dat koekt in elkaar', which means 'that doesn't add up' or 'that's nonsense'.
- The stroopwafel is technically a type of koekje, but it is traditionally served by resting it on top of a hot cup of coffee to melt the syrup inside.
- In Dutch, the diminutive suffix -jes in koekjes doesn't just mean 'small' but can also convey a sense of coziness or affection towards the treat.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van koekjes.I like cookies.This sentence shows how to express a preference for koekjes.Tatoeba #4154519 by Flip101, translation #2099853 by halfb1t
- Wie wil er koekjes?Who wants cookies?This sentence is useful for offering koekjes to others.Tatoeba #9259119 by Micsmithel, translation #2011391 by CK
- We aten de koekjes.We ate the cookies.This sentence demonstrates how to use the definite article with koekjes.Tatoeba #13756842 by kroeckx, translation #12879675 by Ussis
- Mag ik alsjeblieft een biscuit?May I please have a cookie?
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Levi are sharing a snack in the kitchen.
- LisaWil je ook een koekje, Levi?Do you want a cookie too, Levi?
- LeviJa, graag. Deze koekjes zien er lekker uit.Yes, please. These cookies look delicious.
- LisaIk heb ze net vers uit de oven gehaald.I just took them fresh out of the oven.
- LeviDank je wel, Lisa. Ze zijn erg lekker.Thank you, Lisa. They are very tasty.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
