Dutch · Bilingual families

Dutch songs for bilingual families

In many bilingual families, English slowly takes over once school starts, and the family language becomes the one kids understand but don't speak. Songs are an easy way to keep Dutch fun and present: they give children words to use with grandparents, cousins and the Dutch-speaking parent.

Is it a good fit? Useful for bilingual families with children aged about 2–8, especially where English is the stronger language at home or school.

Songs that connect to family

The family songs (mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, I love you) give children words for the people who speak Dutch with them. Sing them before a call or a visit.

Bridging two languages

Because the songs go back and forth between English and Dutch, they work well for children who are stronger in English: every Dutch line comes with a familiar anchor.

Keep it positive

Pressure to speak the family language can backfire. Songs, games and shared jokes in Dutch keep it something children enjoy rather than something they're corrected in.

Dutch words to start with

Words from the songs below that fit this moment. Tap one for pronunciation help and practice ideas.

English	Dutch	Sounds like ≈
grandma	oma	OH-mah
grandpa	opa	OH-pah
I love you	ik hou van jou	ik HOW vahn YOW
family	de familie	duh fah-MEE-lee
happy birthday	gefeliciteerd!	khuh-fay-lee-see-TAYRT
feelings	de gevoelens	duh khuh-VOO-luns

Good to know about Dutch: Dutch is spoken in the Netherlands, in Flanders (northern Belgium) and in Suriname. Flemish has a softer g and some different everyday words, but the songs are understood across the Dutch-speaking world.

Dutch songs for bilingual families

Hand-picked from the Dutch library. Songs marked Free are part of the free first unit; the rest are Premium.

Quick tips

Sing the grandparents song before a call or visit.
Let the Dutch-speaking parent own one daily routine (bath, bedtime) in Dutch.
Use songs on car rides where English tends to take over.
Celebrate any Dutch your child uses, even mixed into English sentences.

Questions parents ask

My child understands Dutch but answers in English. What helps?

This is very common in bilingual families. Low-pressure ways to use Dutch (songs, games, time with Dutch-speaking relatives) tend to work better than insisting on answers in Dutch.

Is mixing languages a problem?

Mixing words from both languages within a sentence is a normal part of growing up bilingual and isn't a sign of confusion.

Sing it in Dutch, free

The first unit, 6 greeting songs with lyrics and English translation, is free forever. No card needed. Premium unlocks all 134 songs.

Start free — no card