Meaning
Having very little free time.
Cultural Background
The Dutch 'Agenda' is sacred. If it's not in the agenda, it doesn't exist. Having a 'strak schema' is often seen as a sign of being a reliable and productive member of society. While also using the phrase, Flemish culture can be slightly more flexible with time than Northern Dutch culture, though 'strak schema' remains common in business. In Surinamese Dutch, the pace of life is often described as more 'rustig' (calm). Using 'strak schema' might be reserved for very formal or government contexts. In international Dutch companies (like Philips or ASML), 'strak schema' is the default mode of operation, reflecting a globalized productivity standard.
Use it to say 'No'
In the Netherlands, 'Ik heb een strak schema' is a socially acceptable and polite way to decline an invitation without having to give a detailed reason.
Watch the 'e'
Don't say 'strakke schema' unless you use 'het' or 'mijn'. It's a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
Having very little free time.
Use it to say 'No'
In the Netherlands, 'Ik heb een strak schema' is a socially acceptable and polite way to decline an invitation without having to give a detailed reason.
Watch the 'e'
Don't say 'strakke schema' unless you use 'het' or 'mijn'. It's a very common beginner mistake.
The Agenda is King
If you have a 'strak schema', make sure you actually put things in your digital calendar. The Dutch will expect you to be on time to the minute.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'strak' or 'strakke'.
Ik heb vandaag een ___ schema.
With 'een' and a neuter noun (schema), we use 'strak'.
Which sentence is correct?
Talking about your busy day:
This is the most natural way to describe a busy schedule.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gaan we vanavond naar de film? B: Nee, sorry, ik heb een ___.
Both 'strak schema' and 'strakke planning' work perfectly here.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are organizing a large conference with many speakers.
Large events require tight organization.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk heb vandaag een ___ schema.
With 'een' and a neuter noun (schema), we use 'strak'.
Talking about your busy day:
This is the most natural way to describe a busy schedule.
A: Gaan we vanavond naar de film? B: Nee, sorry, ik heb een ___.
Both 'strak schema' and 'strakke planning' work perfectly here.
You are organizing a large conference with many speakers.
Large events require tight organization.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your friends.
Yes! You can have 'strakke kleding' (tight clothes) or a 'strakke deadline' (tight deadline).
A 'rustig schema' (calm schedule) or 'veel vrije tijd' (lots of free time).
'Vol schema' is also correct and means 'full schedule', but 'strak' implies more organization and pressure.
It is 'het schema'. This is why we say 'een strak schema'.
Related Phrases
Drukbezet
synonymVery busy / occupied.
Een gaatje in de agenda
contrastA small gap in the schedule.
Strakke planning
similarTight planning.
Tijdgebrek
builds onLack of time.
