Dutch words for kids · Family
How to say “dad” in Dutch
Dad is a short, easy word that kids can use straight away, and like mom it's close to the English sound in most languages.
Dad in Dutch
papa
Sounds like ≈ PAH-pah
Good to know: Kids say papa or pap. Formally: de vader.
Hear it in a song
Real lines from our Dutch songs, with the English meaning shown in the app:
Dit is papa!
This is Dad!
from Mijn Familie (My Family)
Mama en papa!
Mom and Dad!
from Mama en Papa (Mom and Dad)
Welterusten, papa!
Good night, Daddy!
from In Mijn Kamer (In My Room)
2 songs that teach it
“Dad” is one of the key words in these songs. Every line is shown in Dutch with its English meaning.
Also sung in: In Mijn Kamer.
Practice ideas for parents
- 1Play "where's dad?": hide behind the sofa and let your child find papa.
- 2Name everyone's shoes by the door: these are papa's, these are mom's.
- 3Sing the family song together and do a big wave on the dad line.
Related Dutch words
“Dad” in other languages
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.
About the pronunciation: the “sounds like” spellings are rough English approximations for parents (capital letters show the stressed syllable). Dutchhas sounds English doesn't, so treat them as a starting point and let the songs be the model. Songs are original and produced with AI music tools. Ideas for using Dutch songs with your family.