German word

planen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈplaːnən/

Meaning

  • verbplan

Example

Wir planen eine Reise für den Sommer.

We are planning a trip for the summer.

Illustration for planen (plan)

More examples

Sie planen die Feier schon seit Wochen.

They have been planning the celebration for weeks.

Core concept

An intended activity is turned into an actionable outline that coordinates what happens, when it happens, and what preparation it needs.

Common phrases

  • eine Reise planen

    plan a trip

  • den Tag planen

    plan the day

  • ein Treffen planen

    plan a meeting

Similar words

vorhaben: Intending to do something in the future without a detailed plan.
wollen: Wanting or deciding to do something.
organisieren: Arranging people and resources so an event or task can take place.
vorbereiten: Getting what is needed ready before an activity begins.

Definition in German

Etwas im Voraus gedanklich und organisatorisch festlegen, damit es später durchgeführt werden kann.

Word origin

German formed planen from the noun Plan with the productive verb ending -en; Plan ultimately derives through French from Latin planum, a level surface.

Usage tips

  • Planen usually suggests concrete preparation, while vorhaben can state an intention more generally and wollen can simply express a wish or decision.

Other meanings

  • scheduleverb
  • arrangeverb
  • deviseverb

Opposites

  • improvisierenimproviseverb

Related words

  • die Planungplanningnoun
  • geplantplannedadjective

Word lists with this word