Meaning
Stating intentions.
Cultural Background
In the Netherlands, spontaneity is often replaced by planning. If you are 'van plan om te gaan' to a friend's house, you usually need to check their 'agenda' first. Even a simple coffee date might be planned two weeks in advance. This phrase is a staple of Dutch consensus-building. In meetings, participants state what they are 'van plan' to do to ensure everyone is aligned. It's about transparency and avoiding surprises. Dutch people use the negative form 'Ik ben niet van plan om...' to set very firm boundaries. It is considered honest and direct, whereas in other cultures it might seem blunt or rude. The Dutch are famous travelers. You will hear this phrase constantly in the context of 'vakantie'. Planning a trip is almost as important as the trip itself in Dutch culture.
The 'Om' is your friend
Always include 'om'. Even if you hear natives skip it, including it makes your Dutch sound more structured and correct at the A2 level.
Don't forget 'te'
Without 'te', the sentence falls apart. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Stating intentions.
The 'Om' is your friend
Always include 'om'. Even if you hear natives skip it, including it makes your Dutch sound more structured and correct at the A2 level.
Don't forget 'te'
Without 'te', the sentence falls apart. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Use 'wel'
Add 'wel' (Ik ben *wel* van plan...) to sound more natural. It adds a layer of 'I do indeed intend to'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the intention.
Ik ___ van plan ___ naar de bioscoop ___ gaan.
The full structure is 'ben' (conjugated 'zijn') + 'van plan' + 'om' + 'te' + infinitive.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct Dutch sentence:
Sentence 'a' follows the correct 'van plan' and 'om... te' rules.
Complete the dialogue.
Sanne: 'Kom je vanavond naar mijn feestje?' Je: 'Ja, ___.'
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to confirm your intention.
Match the intention to the situation.
You want to tell someone you are planning to go to Amsterdam by train.
In Dutch, the 'om... te' clause usually puts the destination and means of transport before 'te gaan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ___ van plan ___ naar de bioscoop ___ gaan.
The full structure is 'ben' (conjugated 'zijn') + 'van plan' + 'om' + 'te' + infinitive.
Choose the correct Dutch sentence:
Sentence 'a' follows the correct 'van plan' and 'om... te' rules.
Sanne: 'Kom je vanavond naar mijn feestje?' Je: 'Ja, ___.'
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to confirm your intention.
You want to tell someone you are planning to go to Amsterdam by train.
In Dutch, the 'om... te' clause usually puts the destination and means of transport before 'te gaan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's grammatically possible but sounds very 'English'. 'Ik ben van plan om te gaan' is much more natural Dutch.
In formal grammar, yes. In very casual spoken Dutch, it's sometimes dropped, but as a learner, you should always use it.
'Ik ga' is 'I am going' (immediate or definite). 'Ik ben van plan' is 'I intend to' (a mental decision).
Change 'ben' to 'was'. 'Ik was van plan om te gaan' (I was planning to go).
Yes! 'Ik ben van plan om te eten', 'Ik ben van plan om te slapen', etc.
It's very direct. To be more polite, add a reason: 'Ik ben niet van plan om te gaan, want ik ben moe.'
No, 'van plan' is fixed. Only the verb 'zijn' changes: 'Wij zijn van plan'.
No, time usually goes before 'te gaan'. 'Ik ben van plan om morgen te gaan.'
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Use 'Ik denk dat ik van plan ben om...' or 'Ik zit eraan te denken om...'.
Related Phrases
van plan zijn om te blijven
contrastPlanning to stay
voornemens zijn om
specialized formIntending to (formal)
van plan zijn om te doen
similarPlanning to do
plannen maken
builds onTo make plans
