Meaning
Asking about the goal.
Cultural Background
Dutch people value 'transparantie' (transparency). If they don't understand the 'bedoeling' of something, they will ask directly. This is not considered rude, but efficient. In Flanders, the phrase is also common, but sometimes 'opzet' is used in more formal contexts to describe the 'setup' or 'intent' of a project. The 'bedoeling' is often contrasted with the 'regels' (rules). A popular management book in the NL is 'Terug naar de bedoeling' (Back to the intention), arguing that organizations should focus on their core purpose rather than just following rules. Parents use 'Dat is niet de bedoeling' as a soft correction. It's less harsh than 'Nee!' or 'Stop!', focusing on the fact that the child's action doesn't align with the desired behavior.
The 'Annoyance' Hack
If you see someone doing something annoying (like cutting in line), saying 'Wat is de bedoeling?' with a firm tone is a very Dutch, non-aggressive way to call them out.
Not for Definitions
Never use this to ask what a word means. You will confuse Dutch speakers who will think you are asking about the 'plan' of the word.
Meaning
Asking about the goal.
The 'Annoyance' Hack
If you see someone doing something annoying (like cutting in line), saying 'Wat is de bedoeling?' with a firm tone is a very Dutch, non-aggressive way to call them out.
Not for Definitions
Never use this to ask what a word means. You will confuse Dutch speakers who will think you are asking about the 'plan' of the word.
Use with 'Dat'
Master the phrase 'Is het de bedoeling dat...?' to sound much more fluent when checking if you should do something.
Directness is Key
Don't be afraid to use this phrase. In many cultures, asking 'What's the point?' sounds rude. In Dutch, it sounds like you want to be helpful.
Test Yourself
You are at a workshop and the teacher gives you a hammer and a piece of fruit. You are confused. What do you say?
Wat zeg je tegen de leraar?
You are asking for the purpose or the plan of the strange activity.
Complete the sentence to ask about the plan for tonight.
Wat is de _______ voor vanavond?
'Bedoeling' is the standard word for 'plan/intent' in this context.
Fill in the missing line in this office dialogue.
Collega: 'Hier is een extra laptop.' Jij: 'Bedankt. ________?' Collega: 'Die is voor de nieuwe stagiair.'
You are asking why you were given the laptop (the intent).
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
Match: 1. 'Is het de bedoeling dat ik help?' 2. 'Dat was niet de bedoeling!' 3. 'Wat is de bedoeling van deze regel?'
1-B (offering help), 2-A (accident), 3-C (asking about a rule).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bedoeling vs. Betekenis
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWat zeg je tegen de leraar?
You are asking for the purpose or the plan of the strange activity.
Wat is de _______ voor vanavond?
'Bedoeling' is the standard word for 'plan/intent' in this context.
Collega: 'Hier is een extra laptop.' Jij: 'Bedankt. ________?' Collega: 'Die is voor de nieuwe stagiair.'
You are asking why you were given the laptop (the intent).
Match: 1. 'Is het de bedoeling dat ik help?' 2. 'Dat was niet de bedoeling!' 3. 'Wat is de bedoeling van deze regel?'
1-B (offering help), 2-A (accident), 3-C (asking about a rule).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is perfectly neutral and professional. It shows you want to understand the goals of your work.
It is feminine, but in modern Dutch, we just use 'de'. You don't need to worry about the gender beyond using 'de'.
'Doel' is the final result (the goal). 'Bedoeling' is the intent or the plan behind the action.
Yes, this asks 'What is your intention?'. It can sound a bit personal or suspicious depending on the context.
You say: 'Dat was niet de bedoeling.'
In very casual speech, people might just say 'Wat is het plan?'.
Yes! If a recipe step is confusing, you can ask 'Wat is de bedoeling van deze stap?'.
Only if your tone is very sharp. Usually, it sounds inquisitive and practical.
The plural is 'bedoelingen', but it's rarely used in this specific question format.
Yes, it is standard in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
No. Use 'Hoe laat is het?'.
No, they are unrelated. 'Bedoeling' comes from 'doel' (target).
Related Phrases
Wat is het plan?
synonymWhat is the plan?
Wat bedoel je?
similarWhat do you mean?
Dat is niet de bedoeling.
builds onThat is not the intention.
Met de bedoeling om...
specialized formWith the intention to...
Wat is het doel?
synonymWhat is the goal?
