tikkeltje

Tikkeltje is a Dutch word that denotes a small amount or a slight degree. It functions as a noun meaning “a little bit” and can also act as an intensity marker when describing adjectives or situations, roughly equivalent to the English “a tad” or “a wee bit.” The form is a diminutive derived from tik (a light touch or stroke) with the suffix -keltje, which conveys smallness or mildness. In everyday speech, tikkeltje is common in the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium, especially in informal contexts. In formal writing, speakers often prefer expressions like een beetje or een klein beetje.

Usage examples include both noun and adjectival functions. For instance: “Kan ik er een tikkeltje zout bij doen?” meaning “Could I add a little more salt?” or “Ik ben een tikkeltje moe vandaag,” meaning “I’m a little tired today.” It can also appear in comparative phrases such as “een tikkeltje moeilijker.” The word is frequently used with een: “een tikkeltje” plus a noun or adjective, and it can pair with adjectives to indicate mild degrees, as in “tikkeltje zoeter” or “tikkeltje langer.” There is overlap with tikje or een beetje, but tikkeltje tends to be more emphatic or informal.

Origin and nuance: the root suggests a light touch or small amount, and the diminutive form reinforces that sense. In some contexts, tikkeltje softens requests or descriptions, adding a polite or hedging nuance.

See also: tikje; een beetje; tikkertje (game).