Meaning
To mention a topic.
Cultural Background
The 'Poldermodel' encourages everyone to bring issues 'ter sprake' to reach a consensus. It's seen as constructive, not complaining. In Dutch offices, 'ter sprake brengen' is often used during the 'rondvraag' (Any Other Business) at the end of a meeting. In formal debates or courtrooms, this phrase is used to introduce evidence or arguments officially. While Dutch people are direct, they use this phrase to signal that a serious topic is coming, which acts as a polite warning.
Use it for 'The Elephant in the Room'
This phrase is perfect for addressing something everyone is thinking about but no one is saying. It sounds brave but professional.
Don't forget the -e
Writing 'ter spraak' is a very common error. Always include the 'e' to show you know your grammar!
Meaning
To mention a topic.
Use it for 'The Elephant in the Room'
This phrase is perfect for addressing something everyone is thinking about but no one is saying. It sounds brave but professional.
Don't forget the -e
Writing 'ter spraak' is a very common error. Always include the 'e' to show you know your grammar!
Directness is key
In the Netherlands, bringing things up is expected. Don't be afraid to use this phrase to start a difficult conversation.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'brengen' in.
Gisteren _______ de manager de nieuwe regels ter sprake.
The sentence uses 'gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular: bracht.
Welke zin is correct?
Kies de zin met de juiste voorzetsels.
'Ter sprake' is a fixed idiom. 'Spraak' without the -e is a common spelling error.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: We hebben een probleem met het budget. B: Je hebt gelijk. We moeten dit morgen in de vergadering _______.
Since 'We' are the ones doing the action, we use 'brengen'. 'Aankaarten' is also possible, but 'ter sprake brengen' fits the formal tone of a meeting better.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'ter sprake brengen'?
Kies de meest logische situatie.
This phrase is used for intentional, often serious or professional topics.
Maak de zin af met de juiste woordvolgorde.
Ik vind het belangrijk dat we dit punt _______.
In a subordinate clause (starting with 'dat'), the verbs go to the end.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Brengen vs. Komen
Practice Bank
5 exercisesGisteren _______ de manager de nieuwe regels ter sprake.
The sentence uses 'gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular: bracht.
Kies de zin met de juiste voorzetsels.
'Ter sprake' is a fixed idiom. 'Spraak' without the -e is a common spelling error.
A: We hebben een probleem met het budget. B: Je hebt gelijk. We moeten dit morgen in de vergadering _______.
Since 'We' are the ones doing the action, we use 'brengen'. 'Aankaarten' is also possible, but 'ter sprake brengen' fits the formal tone of a meeting better.
Kies de meest logische situatie.
This phrase is used for intentional, often serious or professional topics.
Ik vind het belangrijk dat we dit punt _______.
In a subordinate clause (starting with 'dat'), the verbs go to the end.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Bespreken' means to discuss the whole thing. 'Ter sprake brengen' is just the act of *starting* the discussion or mentioning the topic.
Usually no. You bring *topics* or *issues* ter sprake. If you want to talk about a person, you'd say 'Ik wil het over Jan hebben'.
It's an old grammatical case (dative). 'Ter' means 'te der'. It's a fixed idiom, so you just have to memorize it as one block.
It's a bit formal, but if you're talking about something serious (like a problem in the friendship), it's perfectly fine.
The past tense is 'bracht ter sprake' (singular) or 'brachten ter sprake' (plural).
No, that is incorrect. Only 'ter sprake' is used.
Use 'Het kwam ter sprake'.
Both are great. 'Aankaarten' sounds a bit more like you're pointing out a problem that needs a solution.
Yes, it's very common in professional emails: 'Ik wil graag het volgende punt ter sprake brengen...'
Not necessarily, but it is often used for 'difficult' or 'important' topics that require some effort to start.
Related Phrases
ter sprake komen
similarTo come up in conversation (passive).
aankaarten
synonymTo raise an issue or problem.
aan de orde stellen
synonymTo put on the agenda.
over iets beginnen
informalTo start talking about something.
iets opwerpen
similarTo toss an idea into the group.
