Meaning
Schedule a meeting.
Cultural Background
The 'Agenda' is a vital part of Dutch identity. Spontaneous visits are rare; always 'een afspraak maken' even for close family. While similar to the Netherlands, Flemish culture is slightly more flexible with time, but 'een afspraak maken' remains the formal standard. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is used but the cultural approach to time (Surinaamse tijd) might be more relaxed than in the European Netherlands. In Dutch offices, 'een afspraak maken' is often done digitally without speaking, via shared calendar invites.
The Agenda Rule
If you want to meet a Dutch person, ask for their agenda first. It's not rude; it's practical!
Maken vs Doen
Never say 'een afspraak doen'. It's the most common giveaway that you're a beginner.
Meaning
Schedule a meeting.
The Agenda Rule
If you want to meet a Dutch person, ask for their agenda first. It's not rude; it's practical!
Maken vs Doen
Never say 'een afspraak doen'. It's the most common giveaway that you're a beginner.
Online booking
Most Dutch services now allow you to 'een afspraak maken' via their website. Look for the button 'Maak een afspraak'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Ik wil graag een afspraak ____ met de tandarts.
In Dutch, we always use 'maken' with 'afspraak' when scheduling.
Which sentence is correct for a doctor's visit?
How do you ask for an appointment?
'Afspraak maken' is the standard collocation for medical visits.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zullen we een afspraak maken voor de lunch? B: Ja, goed idee! Ik ____ even in mijn agenda.
The typical Dutch response to making an appointment is to 'look' (kijken) in one's agenda.
Match the preposition to the context.
1. Een afspraak ___ de kapper. 2. Een afspraak ___ mijn collega.
Use 'bij' for places/businesses and 'met' for people/colleagues.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk wil graag een afspraak ____ met de tandarts.
In Dutch, we always use 'maken' with 'afspraak' when scheduling.
How do you ask for an appointment?
'Afspraak maken' is the standard collocation for medical visits.
A: Zullen we een afspraak maken voor de lunch? B: Ja, goed idee! Ik ____ even in mijn agenda.
The typical Dutch response to making an appointment is to 'look' (kijken) in one's agenda.
1. Een afspraak ___ de kapper. 2. Een afspraak ___ mijn collega.
Use 'bij' for places/businesses and 'met' for people/colleagues.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit formal. 'Een date plannen' or just 'afspreken' is more common for romance.
The plural is 'afspraken maken'.
Use 'met' for people (met de dokter) and 'bij' for places (bij de praktijk).
Yes, that means you already have the appointment scheduled.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both your boss and your best friend.
Say: 'Ik wil de afspraak afzeggen.'
Say: 'Ik wil de afspraak verzetten.'
Yes, usually 'een' (an) or 'de' (the).
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Flanders.
In the NL, this is called 'spontaan langskomen', but it's often better to make an afspraak first.
Related Phrases
afspreken
similarTo meet up / to agree
een afspraak verzetten
builds onTo reschedule an appointment
een afspraak afzeggen
builds onTo cancel an appointment
een ontmoeting
synonymA meeting/encounter
een gaatje vinden
specialized formTo find a small slot
