The exact lemma appears at position 3,885 in the cited OpenSubtitles-derived Dutch 50k token list. That is a corpus signal, not search volume or a claim that every sense is equally common. Forms, glosses, pronunciation and cited examples are adapted from English Wiktionary via Kaikki under CC BY-SA 4.0. See sources and modifications.
How afspreken is pronounced
IPA: /ˈɑfspreːkə(n)/ · Syllables: af·spre·ken
Pronunciation can vary by region and speaking context. Treat the transcription as a compact reference, then compare it with current native audio and practise the verb inside a phrase rather than as an isolated sound.
What afspreken means
to agree, to make an agreement
to make an appointment
The English gloss identifies a sense, not a one-word substitution that works in every sentence. Check the object, preposition, reflexive pronoun or separable element in the Dutch example before transferring the verb to a new situation.
Afspreken conjugation table
| Tense | Subject | Dutch form |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ik | spreek af |
| Present | jij (subject first) | spreekt af |
| Present | hij/zij/het | spreekt af |
| Present | wij/jullie/zij | spreken af |
| Simple past | singular | sprak af |
| Simple past | plural | spraken af |
| Past participle | — | afgesproken |
The table shows the standard subject-first jij anchor. Inversion after jij and formal u can require a different surface form. For separable verbs, the cited forms may already show the element in its natural main-clause position. In perfect constructions, choose the auxiliary required by the actual meaning and construction; do not attach hebben or zijn mechanically.
Translated afspreken examples
We hebben afgesproken dat we morgen om 10 uur beginnen.
We agreed to start at 10 o'clock tomorrow.
We moeten de voorwaarden nog afspreken voordat we het contract tekenen.
We need to agree on the terms before signing the contract.
We hebben afgesproken dat iedereen zijn bijdrage zal leveren aan het project.
We agreed that everyone will contribute to the project.
Laten we een tijd afspreken om elkaar te ontmoeten.
Let's make an appointment to meet each other.
We hebben afgesproken dat we elkaar om 3 uur bij de ingang zouden ontmoeten.
We agreed to meet each other at the entrance at 3 o'clock.
Ik heb afgesproken om morgen met mijn collega's te lunchen.
I have arranged to have lunch with my colleagues tomorrow.
These examples are citation-backed language data. Use them to notice the verb's partners and sentence position. Then change only one detail at a time—subject, time, place or object—so that your next sentence stays grammatical and remains connected to a real communicative purpose.
Turn the reference into speaking practice
- Read the first example once and identify the finite verb, subject and any required particle or preposition.
- Build a new present-tense message with spreek af or spreekt af and add a concrete time or place.
- Move the same event into the past with sprak af; keep the meaning stable while changing the timeline.
- Use afgesproken in a complete result message after checking the correct auxiliary for that construction.
Record all four messages without restarting. Listen once for meaning and sentence order, then once for the target form. Correct only the first error that changes meaning or blocks the listener, and repeat the sentence with one new detail. This creates retrieval practice rather than table recitation.
Self-check
- The chosen sense matches the situation.
- The finite form agrees with the subject.
- The time marker and verb tense tell the same timeline.
- Any separable element, reflexive pronoun, object or fixed preposition is present.
- The sentence contains enough detail for another person to respond.
Questions about afspreken
What does afspreken mean?
to agree, to make an agreement; to make an appointment.
What is the past tense of afspreken?
The cited standard singular anchor is sprak af and the plural anchor is spraken af.
What is the past participle of afspreken?
The cited past participle is afgesproken. Verify the auxiliary in the sentence you actually want to say.
Use afspreken in a recorded answer
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