Renegotiating a Deadline with Clear Priorities | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: At work, two colleagues plan how to request a short extension after a project scope expands..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Renegotiating a Deadline with Clear Priorities to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

De deadline is morgen, maar de omvang van het project is vanmorgen uitgebreid.

duh DET-line iss MOR-ghun, mahr duh OM-vahng vahn ut proh-YEKT iss vahn-MOR-ghun OYT-ghuh-BREYT. The deadline is tomorrow, but the project scope expanded this morning.
B

Welk onderdeel heeft de klant het eerst nodig?

velk ON-der-dayl hayft duh klahnt ut ayrst NOH-dikh? Which part does the client need first?
A

De klant heeft eerst de samenvatting nodig, maar de gedetailleerde grafieken kunnen wachten.

duh klahnt hayft ayrst duh sah-men-VAHT-ing NOH-dikh, mahr duh guh-day-TIE-air-duh GRAH-fee-kun KUN-un VAKH-tun. They need the summary first, but the detailed charts can wait.
B

Vraag dan om een korte verlenging voor de onderdelen met een lagere prioriteit.

vrahkh dahn om uhn KOR-tuh vuh-LENG-ing vohr duh ON-der-day-lun met uhn LAH-ghuh-ruh pree-oh-ree-TAYT. Then ask for a short extension on the lower-priority sections.
A

Ik wil niet dat het klinkt alsof ik mijn tijd niet goed heb beheerd.

ik vil neet dat ut klinkt ahl-SOF ik mine tayt neet khoot hep buh-HAYRT. I don't want it to sound like I failed to manage my time.
B

Benadruk daarbij de kwaliteit en de nieuwe informatie die je hebt ontvangen.

buh-NAH-drook dar-BY duh kwah-lee-TAYT en duh NEE-wuh in-for-MAH-tsee dee yuh haypt ont-VAHN-ghun. Frame it around quality and the new information you received.
A

Ik kan zeggen dat ik de samenvatting morgen oplever en de grafieken de dag erna.

ik kahn ZEG-un dat ik duh sah-men-VAHT-ing MOR-ghun OH-pleh-vur en duh GRAH-fee-kun duh dakh AIR-nah. I can say I'll deliver the summary tomorrow and the charts the following day.
B

Dat geeft hun een realistische planning en een duidelijke keuze.

dat khayft hun uhn ray-ah-LIS-tuh-suh PLAHN-ing en uhn DOY-duh-luh KUR-zuh. That gives them a realistic timeline and a clear choice.
A

Ik stuur het bericht snel, zodat ze tijd hebben om te reageren.

ik stir ut buh-RIKHT snel, soh-DAHT zuh tayt HEB-un om tuh ray-ah-GAY-run. I'll send the message soon so they have time to respond.
B

Zo is de wijziging in de planning vóór morgen duidelijk.

zoh iss duh VY-ghing in duh PLAHN-ing VOHR MOR-ghun DOY-duh-lik. That way, the schedule change is clear before tomorrow.

Word by Word

De "De" is the definite article meaning "the". In the dialogue, "De deadline" starts a sentence, while "de" appears before specific nouns such as "de klant" and "de samenvatting". Use it before a specific common-gender or plural noun.
deadline "deadline" means the final time by which something must be finished. In "De deadline is morgen", it identifies the project’s current completion date. It is useful in work conversations about due dates and extensions.
is "is" means "is" and links something with a time or description. Here, "De deadline is morgen" states when the deadline falls, while "is ... uitgebreid" describes the project scope as expanded. Use this form when stating what something is or when describing its current state.
morgen "morgen" means "tomorrow", the day after today. In "De deadline is morgen" and "de samenvatting morgen oplever", it gives the planned day. Use it when arranging or confirming something for the next day.
maar "maar" means "but" and introduces a contrast. In "De deadline is morgen, maar de omvang van het project is vanmorgen uitgebreid", it contrasts the unchanged deadline with the expanded scope. Use it to connect two statements that do not fully agree.
omvang "omvang" means the scope or extent of something. In "de omvang van het project", it refers to how much the project includes. Use it when discussing the size or range of work, responsibility, or content.
van In "de omvang van het project", "van" means "of" and connects the scope with the project it belongs to. It shows a relationship between two nouns. This is useful when specifying what something concerns or belongs to.
het "het" has several functions in the dialogue: it means "the" in "het project" and "het eerst", and it means "it" in "het klinkt". The surrounding words determine which function is intended. Use it before a specific neuter noun or as the subject referring to a thing or situation.
project "project" means a project or organized piece of work. In "het project", it is the work whose scope has expanded. Use it in workplace conversations about planned work and deliverables.
vanmorgen "vanmorgen" means "this morning". In "is vanmorgen uitgebreid", it places the expansion earlier on the same day. Use it to identify something that happened during the current morning.
uitgebreid "uitgebreid" means expanded or made larger in scope. In "de omvang van het project is vanmorgen uitgebreid", it says that the project now includes more than before. Use it when the range or amount of work has increased.
Welk "Welk" means "which" when asking someone to identify one option. In "Welk onderdeel heeft de klant het eerst nodig?", it asks the listener to select a particular part. Use it directly before the noun being selected, as in "Welk onderdeel".
onderdeel "onderdeel" means a part, section, or component of a larger whole. In "Welk onderdeel" and "de onderdelen", it refers to sections of the project. Use it when dividing a project, document, or task into identifiable parts.
heeft In "Welk onderdeel heeft de klant het eerst nodig?", "heeft" is the verb form used in the expression for needing something. The complete expression, not this word alone, gives the meaning "needs" here. Reuse the same structure when asking which item someone needs.
klant "klant" means client or customer. In "de klant", it refers to the person or organization receiving the project work. Use it in professional situations involving a client’s requirements, response, or approval.
eerst "eerst" means "first" or before the other items. In "het eerst nodig" and "heeft eerst de samenvatting nodig", it marks the item with the highest immediate priority. Use it when ordering tasks or saying what should happen before something else.
nodig In "heeft de klant het eerst nodig" and "heeft eerst de samenvatting nodig", "nodig" contributes the meaning "needed". The complete expression with "heeft" means that someone needs something. Use it when identifying a required item, resource, or action.
samenvatting "samenvatting" means summary. In "de samenvatting", it is the shorter overview that the client should receive first. Use it when referring to a condensed version of a report, discussion, or set of information.
gedetailleerde "gedetailleerde" means detailed and describes "de grafieken". Its form agrees with the noun phrase used in "de gedetailleerde grafieken". Use it before a noun when emphasizing that something contains many specific details.
grafieken "grafieken" means charts or graphs. In "de gedetailleerde grafieken", it refers to the visual data sections that can be delivered later. Use it in work or study contexts when discussing data shown visually.
kunnen "kunnen" means "can" or "are able to". In "de gedetailleerde grafieken kunnen wachten", it says that the charts do not have to be handled immediately. Use it before an action to express possibility or ability.
wachten "wachten" means "wait". After "kunnen" in "kunnen wachten", it expresses that the detailed charts may be dealt with later. Use it when an item or action can be postponed without immediate action.
Vraag "Vraag" is a direct instruction meaning "ask" or "request". In "Vraag dan om een korte verlenging", it tells the colleague to request more time. Use this form when giving someone a direct instruction to make a request.
dan "dan" means "then" and connects the suggested action with the preceding conclusion. In "Vraag dan om een korte verlenging", it means that the request should follow from the prioritization just discussed. Use it to introduce the next step in a plan.
om In "Vraag dan om een korte verlenging", "om" introduces what is being requested and means "for" in this context. It is part of the request structure used with "Vraag". Use it when asking for an extension, response, or other specific thing.
een "een" is the indefinite article meaning "a" or "an". In "een korte verlenging", it introduces one unspecified extension, and it also appears in "een realistische planning" and "een duidelijke keuze". Use it before a singular noun when it is not presented as a specific known item.
korte "korte" means "short" and describes the requested extension in "een korte verlenging". It presents the additional time as limited rather than open-ended. Use it before a noun when describing something with limited length or duration.
verlenging "verlenging" means an extension, here an extension of the deadline. In "een korte verlenging", it refers to asking for a limited amount of extra time. Use it in planning or scheduling discussions when a due date needs to move later.
voor In "voor de onderdelen met een lagere prioriteit", "voor" means "for" and identifies the sections to which the extension applies. It links the requested extension with its intended scope. Use it before a noun to specify who or what an arrangement is intended for.
onderdelen "onderdelen" means sections or parts. In "de onderdelen met een lagere prioriteit", it refers to the project sections that do not need to be delivered first. Use it when discussing separate components of a larger project or document.
met In "onderdelen met een lagere prioriteit", "met" means "with" and links the sections to their lower priority. It describes a characteristic associated with those sections. Use it before a noun phrase when identifying something by a feature it has.
lagere "lagere" means "lower" and describes the priority of the sections in "een lagere prioriteit". It compares their priority with a higher-priority part such as the summary. Use it before a noun when identifying a lower level or degree.
prioriteit "prioriteit" means priority. In "een lagere prioriteit", it identifies how urgently a section needs attention. Use it when deciding which tasks, requests, or deliverables should come first.
Ik "Ik" means "I" and identifies the speaker. It appears at the start of "Ik wil" and "Ik kan", while the same pronoun appears as lowercase "ik" later in the sentence. Use it when stating your own intention, ability, or action.
wil "wil" means "want" in "Ik wil niet dat het klinkt alsof ...". It introduces the speaker’s concern about how the request may be perceived. Use it to express what you want or do not want, followed by the relevant action or clause.
niet "niet" means "not" and negates the speaker’s wish in "Ik wil niet ...". Here, it says that the speaker does not want the message to create a particular impression. Use it to make a statement or preference negative.
dat The lowercase "dat" in "Ik wil niet dat het klinkt alsof ..." means "that" and introduces the clause describing what the speaker does not want. The capitalized "Dat" in "Dat geeft hun ..." means "that" and refers to the proposed plan. Use the form according to whether it introduces a clause or refers back to an earlier idea.
klinkt "klinkt" means "sounds" in "het klinkt alsof ik mijn tijd niet goed heb beheerd". It describes the impression the request might give to another person, not an actual sound. Use it with an impression or evaluation, especially before "alsof".
alsof "alsof" means "as if" and introduces an imagined impression in "klinkt alsof ik mijn tijd niet goed heb beheerd". It frames the possibility that the speaker may appear to have managed time badly. Use it after an expression of appearance or impression.
mijn "mijn" means "my" and shows that the time belongs to or is associated with the speaker. In "mijn tijd", it identifies the speaker’s own time management. Use it before a noun when referring to something connected with yourself.
tijd "tijd" means "time". In "mijn tijd ... heb beheerd", it refers to the time available for managing the work. Use it in workplace discussions about schedules, deadlines, and time management.
goed In "mijn tijd niet goed heb beheerd", "goed" means "well" or "properly" and describes how the time was managed. With "niet", it contributes the meaning "not well". Use it to evaluate whether an action was carried out properly.
heb In "ik mijn tijd niet goed heb beheerd" and "die je hebt ontvangen", "heb" is used with a completed-action expression. With the speaker as subject, it helps describe what was managed or received. Reuse it in a similar completed-action statement about something already done.
beheerd "beheerd" means managed in "mijn tijd niet goed heb beheerd". It refers to organizing and using the available time, with the sentence saying this was not done well. Use it when discussing how time, resources, or responsibilities were controlled.
Benadruk "Benadruk" is a direct instruction meaning "emphasize". In "Benadruk daarbij de kwaliteit", it tells the colleague to focus the request on quality and new information. Use it when directing someone to give special attention to a particular point.
daarbij "daarbij" means "in doing so" or "in that context". In "Benadruk daarbij de kwaliteit", it connects the emphasis with the way the extension request should be presented. Use it to refer back to an action or situation while adding a related point.
kwaliteit "kwaliteit" means quality. In "Benadruk daarbij de kwaliteit", it is the positive reason to mention when explaining the need for more time. Use it in professional discussions about the standard or reliability of completed work.
en "en" means "and" and joins two related items. In "de kwaliteit en de nieuwe informatie", it connects the two points that should frame the request. Use it to link words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.
nieuwe "nieuwe" means "new" and describes "de nieuwe informatie". It identifies information that was not available earlier and contributed to the expanded scope. Use it before a noun when introducing recently obtained or recently available material.
informatie "informatie" means information. In "de nieuwe informatie die je hebt ontvangen", it refers to the material received after the original project scope was set. Use it when discussing facts or material that affects a decision or plan.
die "die" means "that" or "which" and introduces the relative clause "die je hebt ontvangen". It connects the information with the action of receiving it and refers back to "de nieuwe informatie". Use it to add identifying information about a previously mentioned noun.
je "je" means "you" in "die je hebt ontvangen". It identifies the person who received the new information. Use it when referring to the person being addressed in an informal or neutral conversational context.
ontvangen In "die je hebt ontvangen", "ontvangen" means "received" and identifies the information that came to the listener. The phrase says that the listener received the new information. Use it with a person and the thing they receive when describing receipt of information or an item.
kan "kan" means "can" in "Ik kan zeggen". It expresses that the speaker is able or prepared to say the proposed delivery plan. Use it before an action when talking about ability or a possible action.
zeggen "zeggen" means "say". In "Ik kan zeggen dat ...", it introduces the message the speaker can communicate to the client. Use it after "kan" when stating what someone can say.
oplever "oplever" means "deliver" or "hand in" in "ik de samenvatting morgen oplever". It refers to completing and providing the summary to the client. Use it when stating when a work product will be submitted.
dag "dag" means "day". In "de dag erna", it is part of the expression identifying the day after the previously mentioned delivery day. Use it when arranging work across specific days.
erna "erna" means "after that" or "after it". In "de dag erna", it points to the day following the day already mentioned. Use it to refer back to an earlier time or event without repeating it.
geeft "geeft" means "gives" in "Dat geeft hun een realistische planning en een duidelijke keuze". The plan gives the clients useful information and an option. Use it when describing what an action, message, or arrangement provides to someone.
hun "hun" means "them" in "geeft hun een realistische planning" and identifies the people who receive the benefit of the plan. Here, those people are the clients. Use it when referring to the people receiving something in this construction.
realistische "realistische" means "realistic" and describes "een realistische planning". It presents the proposed schedule as achievable rather than overly optimistic. Use it before a noun when judging a plan against what can reasonably be done.
planning "planning" means a schedule or timeline. In "een realistische planning", it shows when the summary and charts will be delivered. Use it in work conversations about organizing tasks and setting delivery dates.
duidelijke "duidelijke" means "clear" and describes "een duidelijke keuze". It indicates that the client can understand the available option without confusion. Use it before a noun when emphasizing that something is easy to understand or decide.
keuze "keuze" means choice. In "een duidelijke keuze", it refers to the option presented to the client by the proposed schedule. Use it when someone must select between alternatives or decide how to proceed.
stuur "stuur" means "send" in "Ik stuur het bericht snel". It describes the speaker’s action of sending the message to the clients. Use it when stating that you are sending a message, document, or other item.
bericht "bericht" means message. In "Ik stuur het bericht snel", it refers to the communication explaining the revised delivery plan. Use it for a written or electronic message sent to another person.
snel In "Ik stuur het bericht snel", "snel" means "soon" and indicates that the message will be sent without much delay. It helps ensure that the recipients have time to respond. Use it to describe an action that will happen shortly.
zodat "zodat" means "so that" and introduces the purpose or intended result in "zodat ze tijd hebben om te reageren". The message is sent early in order to give the clients time to respond. Use it to connect an action with its intended result.
ze "ze" means "they" in "zodat ze tijd hebben om te reageren". It refers to the clients who need time to respond to the message. Use it as a pronoun when referring to those people without repeating the noun.
te "te" marks the infinitive in "te reageren". Together with "tijd hebben om", it introduces the action for which the clients have time. Use it before an infinitive in this type of purpose or opportunity expression.
reageren "reageren" means "respond" or "reply". In "tijd hebben om te reageren", it refers to the clients replying to the message. Use it when someone answers a message, request, or proposal.
Zo "Zo" means "that way" or "so" at the start of "Zo is de wijziging in de planning vóór morgen duidelijk". It refers to the earlier plan and introduces its result. Use it to explain how a previous action leads to a particular outcome.
wijziging "wijziging" means change or modification. In "de wijziging in de planning", it refers to the revised delivery schedule. Use it when describing an adjustment to a plan, timetable, or arrangement.
in In "de wijziging in de planning", "in" means "in" and identifies the area that has changed. The change concerns the planning. Use it to link a change with the plan, system, or area affected.
vóór "vóór" means "before" and gives a time limit in "vóór morgen". It says that the schedule change should be clear by a point earlier than tomorrow. Use it before a time or event to set a deadline.
duidelijk "duidelijk" means "clear" in "is ... duidelijk". It describes the schedule change as understandable to the people involved. Unlike "duidelijke" in "een duidelijke keuze", this form follows the verb and functions as the description of the subject.

Grammar Points

gedetailleerde + zelfstandig naamwoord

gedetailleerde samenvatting

guh-day-TIE-air-duh sah-men-VAHT-ing

detailed summary

In Dutch, an adjective before a noun often takes -e, as in gedetailleerde.

Benadruk + zelfstandig naamwoord

Benadruk kwaliteit.

buh-NAH-drook kwah-lee-TAYT

Emphasize quality.

Benadruk is the imperative form of benadrukken, used to give a direct instruction.

Dutch Vocabulary

deadline noun
DET-line deadline
gedetailleerd adj
guh-day-TIE-airt detailed gedetailleerde
grafiek noun
GRAH-feek chart or graph
klant noun
klahnt client or customer
morgen adv
MOR-ghun tomorrow
omvang noun
OM-vahng scope or extent
onderdeel noun
ON-der-dayl part or component
samenvatting noun
sah-men-VAHT-ing summary
uitgebreid verb
OYT-ghuh-BREYT expanded
verlenging noun
vuh-LENG-ing extension
vraag verb
vrahkh ask Vraag
wachten verb
VAKH-tun to wait

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

scope or extent

Show Answeromvang

chart or graph

Show Answergrafiek

client or customer

Show Answerklant

expanded

Show Answeruitgebreid