Dutch words for kids · Feelings
How to say “sad” in Dutch
Sad is an important word to have, and songs give kids a calm, safe way to talk about it before they need it.
Sad in Dutch
verdrietig
Sounds like ≈ vur-DREE-tukh
Good to know: The -ig ending is a short "ukh" with the Dutch g.
Hear it in a song
Real lines from our Dutch songs, with the English meaning shown in the app:
Ben je verdrietig?
Are you sad?
from Soms Verdrietig (Sometimes Sad)
Ik ben verdrietig.
I feel sad.
from Het Tegenstellingenspel (The Opposites Game)
Ben je nu verdrietig?
Are you sad right now?
from Hoe Voel Je Je? (How Do You Feel?)
2 songs that teach it
“Sad” is one of the key words in these songs. Every line is shown in Dutch with its English meaning.
Also sung in: Hoe Voel Je Je?.
Practice ideas for parents
- 1When a book character is sad, name the feeling and talk about what might help.
- 2Show a sad face and a happy face and ask which is verdrietig.
- 3Offer a hug and use the word gently when your child is sad.
Related Dutch words
“Sad” 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.