Lijntje

Lijntje is a Dutch noun formed as the diminutive of lijn (line). It primarily denotes a small line or stroke in drawing or writing, but it is also used more broadly in everyday language to convey a sense of smallness, informality, or familiarity. The term is common in both the Netherlands and Flanders.

Etymology and sense: The suffix -tje is a productive diminutive in Dutch, used to soften or shorten a word. Lijntje thusliterally means a little line and can describe anything from a short stroke on a page to a short segment on a map or diagram. In spoken language it often carries a casual tone and is not typically used in formal or technical contexts.

Usage in drawing and writing: In art or handwriting, one might say “een lijntje trekken” (to draw a line) or “een lijntje tekenen” to indicate making a small, simple mark. In diagrams or maps, lijntje can refer to a route or boundary represented by a line, such as “een lijntje op de kaart” to indicate a path or boundary.

Usage in transport and planning: In colloquial Dutch, lijntje is sometimes used to describe a local or minor transit route or service line, as opposed to a main line. This usage is informal and common in speech, though in official contexts one would use terms like lijn or dienst.

See also: lijn (line), streep (stroke or dash), lijntype (line type) for related concepts.

Notes: Lijntje carries a diminutive connotation and is widely understood across Dutch-speaking regions. It is not a formal technical term, but a versatile, everyday word used in light or casual contexts.