neefje

Neefje is a Dutch noun meaning a nephew. It is the diminutive form of neef, the standard word for a male nephew. Neefje is used to refer to the son of one’s sibling and, by extension, to a younger male relative. The diminutive conveys affection, familiarity, or endearment, and the term is common in everyday speech in Dutch-speaking regions such as the Netherlands and Flanders.

Origin and form: Neef comes from older Germanic roots and is cognate with the English nephew and the German Neffe. The suffix -je is the common Dutch diminutive, signaling small size or affection; thus neefje literally means “little nephew.” The pronunciation is roughly neef-yuh, with a light final schwa in many dialects.

Usage: The plural is neefjes. In possessive constructions you would say mijn neefje (my nephew) or mijn neefjes (my nephews). The term is typically used in informal or intimate speech; in formal contexts, neef without the diminutive may be preferred. The corresponding feminine form is nichtje, while the standard word for niece is nicht.

Cultural note: Neefje is a standard, regionally neutral term in Dutch-speaking communities and appears frequently in family language, media, and literature. As with other diminutives, it often signals youth or affection, but it can also be used for adult nephews in casual conversation.