linkje

Linkje is a Dutch diminutive form of the word link that is commonly used in informal online language to refer to a hyperlink or URL. The term typically denotes a short, easily shareable or clickable web address, rather than a long, cumbersome URL. While linkje is widely understood in everyday speech, it is most often found in casual writing and conversations, such as chats, comments, or social media posts.

Usage is common in informal settings. People say, for example, “Kun je dat linkje sturen?” or “Hier is het linkje.” In formal writing or technical documentation, however, the standard terms koppeling, hyperlink, or URL are preferred, and link is usually used without the diminutive.

Etymology and nuance: The suffix -je marks a diminutive in Dutch, conveying smallness or familiarity. The word reflects the influence of English on Dutch tech vocabulary, where link is used for hyperlinks. The diminutive often signals informality and friendliness, rather than technical precision.

Related terms: koppeling (neutral Dutch term for a hyperlink), hyperlink, URL, and related concepts such as short URLs or URL shorteners.