This function involves proposing an activity or course of action, usually to do together with someone else.
Common Ways to Make Suggestions:
Zullen we...?(Shall we...?)
- Very common and versatile for suggesting joint activities.
- Followed by an infinitive verb.
- The structure is like a question (verb first).
Zullen we naar de bioscoop gaan?(Shall we go to the cinema?)Zullen we vanavond pizza eten?(Shall we eat pizza tonight?)Zullen we morgen afspreken?(Shall we meet tomorrow?)
Laten we...(Let's...)
- Also very common, more like a statement of intent or a proposal for action.
- Followed by an infinitive verb.
Laten we beginnen!(Let's start!)Laten we een kopje koffie drinken.(Let's have a cup of coffee.)Laten we dit later bespreken.(Let's discuss this later.)
Misschien kunnen we...?(Maybe we can...?)
- A slightly more tentative suggestion.
- Followed by an infinitive verb.
Misschien kunnen we volgende week gaan zwemmen?(Maybe we can go swimming next week?)Misschien kunnen we hem helpen?(Maybe we can help him?)
Heb je zin om...?(Do you feel like...? / Do you fancy...?)
- Asks about the other person's desire or inclination.
- Followed by
te+ infinitive verb. Heb je zin om mee te gaan naar het park?(Do you feel like coming along to the park?)Heb je zin om iets te drinken?(Do you fancy having a drink?)
Wat dacht je van...?(What about...? / How about...?)
- Used to propose an idea or alternative.
- Can be followed by a noun or
te+ infinitive. Wat dacht je van een wandeling?(How about a walk?)Wat dacht je ervan om vanavond uit eten te gaan?(How about going out for dinner tonight?)
Responding to Suggestions:
- Accepting:
Ja, leuk!(Yes, nice! / Great!)Goed idee!(Good idea!)Ja, laten we dat doen.(Yes, let's do that.)Okë./Prima.(Okay. / Fine.)- Rejecting/Hesitating:
Nee, liever niet.(No, I'd rather not.)Ik weet het niet...(I don't know...)Misschien een andere keer?(Maybe another time?)Ik heb geen zin/tijd.(I don't feel like it / I don't have time.)Laten we iets anders doen.(Let's do something else.)
These phrases are fundamental for initiating social plans and activities.