Significado
Asking about the purpose of something.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'poldering' (consensus). Asking for the 'bedoeling' is a way to ensure everyone understands the goal so they can work together effectively. Flemish culture is slightly more hierarchical than Dutch culture, but this phrase is still very common. It might be phrased slightly more politely with 'Zou ik mogen vragen wat de bedoeling hiervan is?' In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be softer, but the phrase remains a standard way to seek clarification in official or educational settings. Efficiency is key. If a process seems inefficient, a Dutch employee will use this phrase to challenge the status quo and suggest improvements.
Tone Matters
Keep your voice neutral to sound curious. If you emphasize 'hiervan' too much, you might sound annoyed.
Not for Definitions
Don't use this to ask what a word means. Use 'Wat betekent...?' for that.
Significado
Asking about the purpose of something.
Tone Matters
Keep your voice neutral to sound curious. If you emphasize 'hiervan' too much, you might sound annoyed.
Not for Definitions
Don't use this to ask what a word means. Use 'Wat betekent...?' for that.
The 'Is' at the end
If you start with 'Ik weet niet...', remember to put 'is' at the very end: 'Ik weet niet wat de bedoeling hiervan is.'
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Wat is de _______ hiervan?
'Bedoeling' is the noun meaning 'intention'.
Which sentence is the most natural Dutch way to ask for the purpose of a new rule?
Select the best option:
Dutch uses the pronominal adverb 'hiervan' instead of 'van dit' in this context.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your boss gives you a task but no instructions.
This phrase is perfect for asking for clarification on a task's goal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'We gaan morgen om 5 uur 's ochtends vergaderen.' B: '5 uur?! ________?'
B is questioning the purpose/logic of an unusually early meeting.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWat is de _______ hiervan?
'Bedoeling' is the noun meaning 'intention'.
Select the best option:
Dutch uses the pronominal adverb 'hiervan' instead of 'van dit' in this context.
Situation: Your boss gives you a task but no instructions.
This phrase is perfect for asking for clarification on a task's goal.
A: 'We gaan morgen om 5 uur 's ochtends vergaderen.' B: '5 uur?! ________?'
B is questioning the purpose/logic of an unusually early meeting.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, 'hiervan' is often dropped if the context is clear. It's very common in spoken Dutch.
No, it's generally neutral. However, like 'What is the point of this?' in English, it depends on your tone.
'Doel' is the specific target or result. 'Bedoeling' is the broader intention or plan.
Change 'is' to 'was': 'Wat was de bedoeling hiervan?'
It's standard Dutch. It's used in both formal and informal speech.
Yes! If someone is acting weird, you can ask them this to find out why.
Bedoelingen. 'Wat zijn de bedoelingen hiervan?' is correct but less common.
You can say 'Wat is de bedoeling?' or even just 'Waarom?' if you want to be very brief.
Yes, if you see a strange gadget, you can ask 'Wat is de bedoeling hiervan?' to know what it's for.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Flemish Dutch as well.
Frases relacionadas
Wat is het doel?
synonymWhat is the goal?
Waar slaat dit op?
similarWhat is this about? / This makes no sense.
Wat heb ik hieraan?
builds onWhat's in it for me? / How is this useful to me?
Dat is niet de bedoeling.
contrastThat is not the intention / That's not supposed to happen.
