lekker
/ˈlɛ.kər/
The Dutch word for yummy is lekker.
Lekker can be used to describe both food and drinks.
Meaning: delicious (adj)
Which one should you use?
While lekker is the most common way to say something is yummy, heerlijk is a stronger, more formal alternative used for truly exquisite food.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective after a verb like 'is' (e.g., Het is lekker), lekker does not take an '-e' ending, regardless of the gender or number of the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈlɛ.kər/. The first of two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- While an English speaker uses 'yummy' almost exclusively for food, calling a person lekker in Dutch can be a very direct way of saying they are 'hot' or attractive.
- In Dutch, you can use lekker to describe things that have nothing to do with taste, such as a 'lekker' nap or 'lekker' weather. It is a general term for anything pleasant or comfortable.
- In South Africa, the Afrikaans word lekker has evolved beyond taste and is used as a general slang term for 'great', 'cool' or 'fun'.
Examples in context
- De rijst is lekker.The rice is yummy.This sentence is useful for saying the rice is yummy using lekker.Tatoeba #1537493 by martinod, translation #2590434 by VirtuOZ
- Ooh! Chocolademousse. Lekker.Ooh! Chocolate mousse. Yummy.This sentence is useful for expressing that the chocolate mousse is yummy using lekker.Tatoeba #7894869 by MarijnKp, translation #2082629 by halfb1t
- Deze taart is echt lekker!This cake is really yummy!
- De koffie smaakt lekker.The coffee tastes yummy.
- Deze pizza is echt smakelijk!This pizza is really yummy!
- Deze haring is verrukkelijk!This herring is delicious!
- Deze appeltaart is echt lekker.This apple pie is really delicious.
Example conversation
Lisa and Levi are eating dinner together.
- LisaVind je de pasta lekker, Levi?Do you find the pasta yummy, Levi?
- LeviJa, het is echt lekker!Yes, it is really delicious!
- LisaIk ben blij dat het smaakt.I am glad you like it.
- LeviBedankt voor het koken, Lisa.Thanks for cooking, Lisa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lekker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
