Meaning
Asking for the strategy.
Cultural Background
The Dutch 'agenda' is sacred. Asking 'Wat is het plan?' is often a way to ensure that an activity is properly scheduled and won't interfere with other appointments. In Flanders, the phrase is also common, but you might hear 'Wat gaan we doen?' slightly more often in informal settings. The Dutch 'directness' is slightly softened in Belgium. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is used but often accompanied by more expressive body language. The 'plan' might be more flexible than in the European Netherlands. In Dutch offices, 'Wat is het plan?' is a sign of a 'proactieve houding' (proactive attitude). It shows you want to move from talk to action.
Add a time marker
To sound more natural, add 'voor' + a time, like 'Wat is het plan voor straks?' (What is the plan for later?).
Don't say 'de plan'
Even though many Dutch nouns take 'de', 'plan' is strictly 'het'. Saying 'de plan' is a dead giveaway that you are a learner.
Meaning
Asking for the strategy.
Add a time marker
To sound more natural, add 'voor' + a time, like 'Wat is het plan voor straks?' (What is the plan for later?).
Don't say 'de plan'
Even though many Dutch nouns take 'de', 'plan' is strictly 'het'. Saying 'de plan' is a dead giveaway that you are a learner.
Use it to lead
If a group is indecisive, asking 'Wat is het plan?' often forces a decision, which the Dutch appreciate.
Directness is key
Don't be afraid to ask this question directly. It's not considered rude; it's considered helpful.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct article for 'plan'.
Wat is ___ plan?
'Plan' is a neuter noun, so it always takes 'het'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: We zijn nu klaar met werken. B: Leuk! _________? Gaan we naar de kroeg?
'Wat is het plan' is the most natural way to ask about next steps in a social context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a meeting and want to know the next steps.
This phrase is perfect for clarifying professional next steps.
Fill in the missing word.
Wat ___ het plan voor vanavond?
The subject 'het plan' is singular, so the verb must be 'is'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Plan vs. Bedoeling
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWat is ___ plan?
'Plan' is a neuter noun, so it always takes 'het'.
A: We zijn nu klaar met werken. B: Leuk! _________? Gaan we naar de kroeg?
'Wat is het plan' is the most natural way to ask about next steps in a social context.
You are in a meeting and want to know the next steps.
This phrase is perfect for clarifying professional next steps.
Wat ___ het plan voor vanavond?
The subject 'het plan' is singular, so the verb must be 'is'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn the Netherlands, no. It shows you are ready to work. In Belgium, you might want to add 'Zeg, ...' or 'Pardon, ...' to soften it.
Yes, but 'Wat is jouw plan?' is more common if you are asking about their personal intentions.
The plural is 'plannen'. So you would say 'Wat zijn de plannen?'.
Yes, 'Wat is de move?' is very common among younger people in big cities.
Dutch nouns are either common (de) or neuter (het). 'Plan' just happens to be neuter. There is no logical reason, you just have to memorize it!
Absolutely. It's probably one of the most texted phrases in the Netherlands.
No. 'What's up?' is 'Hoe is het?' or 'Wat is er?'. 'Wat is het plan?' specifically asks for a schedule or strategy.
You can answer with 'Het plan is om...' (The plan is to...) followed by a verb.
It's a bit informal for a formal letter. Use 'Wat is de voorgestelde strategie?' instead.
You can say 'Ik heb nog geen plan' or 'We zien wel' (We'll see).
Related Phrases
Wat gaan we doen?
synonymWhat are we going to do?
Wat staat er op de planning?
similarWhat is on the schedule?
Wat is de bedoeling?
similarWhat is the intention?
Plan de campagne
specialized formA comprehensive plan of action.
Geen plan
contrastNo plan.
