To identify a Dutch nursery rhyme from memory, try recording a voice memo of the tune or words and share it in a Dutch language community like r/dutch or r/learndutch. Alternatively, hum or sing the melody into a music recognition app like Shazam or SoundHound, though success depends on the rhyme's popularity. If you remember fragments of the lyrics, post them phonetically or in approximate spelling, as many Dutch nursery rhymes have distinct rhyming patterns that native speakers can instantly recognize.
First, write down any words or syllables you recall, even if misspelled. Common Dutch nursery rhymes include "In de Maneschijn" (In the Moonlight), "Slaap Kindje Slaap" (Sleep Baby Sleep), "Zeg Roodkapje" (Say Little Red Riding Hood), and "Poesje Mauw" (Kitty Meow). The tune or rhythm often matches a well-known classic. If you can identify the melody, use a voice memo and try apps like Google SoundSearch or Midomi for humming. Keep in mind that older or regional variants may not be in databases.
Another practical step is to search YouTube for "Dutch nursery rhymes" or "nederlandse kinderliedjes" and listen through collections. Sites like Kennisbasis (an educational resource) or the Dutch Liedjesbank database offer lyrics and audio. You can also describe the rhyme's topic (animals, bedtime, cycling, etc.) and ask in Facebook groups focused on Dutch heritage or language. Be specific about where your dad grew up (Netherlands, Flanders, Suriname) since rhymes vary.
Tradeoffs: Voice recognition works best for clear, popular tunes; your dad's version might be a family variant or a less common rhyme. Community help is more accurate but requires you to share the clip publicly. If privacy is a concern, transcribe the melody using notes (e.g., "la-la-la" pattern) or describe the emotion it evokes.
Next steps: Record a 10-second clip of you humming or singing the part you remember, upload it to a free service like Vocaroo or Clyp, and post the link in r/dutch with context. Alternatively, write the lyrics in approximate Dutch spelling and ask for correction. Many learners and native speakers are eager to help preserve such memory. If you find the rhyme, consider noting the words and translation to pass on to future generations. This process can be a meaningful way to honor your dad's memory and reconnect with your Dutch heritage.