# Sinterklaas Kapoentje

"Sinterklaas Kapoentje" is one of the oldest and shortest Dutch St Nicholas songs, in print since 1851, sung by children as they set out their shoe in the hope that the Saint will leave a treat inside.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Netherlands |
| Sung in | Dutch |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | in print 1851 (possibly older) |
| Best for ages | 2–7 |
| Mood | playful, traditional |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/sinterklaas-kapoentje/ |

## Lyrics

### Verse 1 (nl)

Sinterklaas Kapoentje,
gooi wat in mijn schoentje,
gooi wat in mijn laarsje,
dank u, Sinterklaasje!

### English translation (en)

Saint Nicholas, dear kapoentje,
throw something into my little shoe,
throw something into my little boot,
thank you, dear Saint Nicholas!

## Common questions

**What is "Sinterklaas Kapoentje" about?**

Setting out your shoe. Dutch children put a shoe by the fire (or door) during the Sinterklaas season, and this song is their little request: dear Saint Nicholas, throw something into my shoe, throw something into my boot — thank you! It is one of the shortest and best-known St Nicholas songs.

**How old is "Sinterklaas Kapoentje"?**

It is a folk song from the 19th century, first printed in the journal "De Navorscher" in 1851, and it may be older still. It has been sung at Sinterklaas (celebrated around 5–6 December) for generations.

**What does "kapoentje" mean?**

That is debated. A "kapoen" is a capon (a cockerel), but in Belgium it can also mean a little rascal; some link it to the Saint's red robe. The honest answer, and the one language experts favour, is that it is mainly there because it rhymes.

## Sources

- [Wikisource (Dutch) — Sinterklaas kapoentje](https://nl.wikisource.org/wiki/Sinterklaas_kapoentje)
- [Genootschap Onze Taal — "sinterklaas kapoentje" (origin & meaning)](https://onzetaal.nl/taalloket/sinterklaas-kapoentje)