doel
/dul/neuter
The English word 'goal' can be translated into Dutch as doel. Wiktionary also lists bedoeling and objectief.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| doel | /dul/ | neuter |
| bedoeling | /bəˈdulɪŋ/ | |
| objectief | neuter | |
| oogmerk | /ˈoːx.mɛrk/ | neuter |
The term is used to describe a result one is attempting to achieve.
Which one should you use?
While doel refers to a target or objective one wants to achieve, bedoeling refers to the intention or purpose behind an action. Objectief is used as a synonym for doel when referring to a specific, measurable target or a formal objective in a professional setting. Oogmerk is a more formal synonym for doel, often used in legal, official or highly professional contexts to describe the intended purpose of an act.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of doel is doelen. The words doel, objectief and oogmerk are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/dul/
Did you know?
- The word doel is a close linguistic relative of the English word 'dale'. Both stem from a Proto-Germanic root describing a valley.
- When a Dutch speaker says something is doelbewust, they are describing an action done with a specific 'goal' in mind. It is the common way to say something was 'intentional'.
- In Dutch sports, the phrase doelpunt is used specifically for a 'goal' scored in a game. This combines doel with punt, meaning 'point'.
Examples in context
- Is dat uw doel?Is that your goal?This sentence is useful for asking if something is someone's doel.Tatoeba #2880961 by martinod, translation #2897082 by megamanenm
- Wat is je doel?What's your goal?This sentence is useful for asking what someone's doel is.Tatoeba #11044544 by marijke84, translation #2234173 by CK
- Het was ons doel.That was our goal.This sentence is useful for stating that something was a doel.Tatoeba #6480015 by Micsmithel, translation #5374953 by CK
- In ons bedrijf hebben we ambitieuze doelen gesteld voor het komende jaar.In our company, we have set ambitious goals for the coming year.
- Onze doelstelling is om de klanttevredenheid met 10% te verhogen.Our goal is to increase customer satisfaction by 10%.
- Het einddoel van dit project is om duurzame energiebronnen te ontwikkelen.The ultimate goal of this project is to develop sustainable energy sources.
- Mijn grote droom is om ooit een eigen bedrijf te starten.My big dream is to start my own business someday.
- Ik heb vorig jaar mijn doelen bereikt.I achieved my goals last year.
- Wat is jouw doel in deze functie?What is your goal in this position?
- Ons team heeft de doelstellingen overtroffen.Our team has exceeded the goals.
- Mijn droom is om de wereld rond te reizen.My dream is to travel the world.
- Blijf gefocust op je einddoel.Stay focused on your end goal.
- We moeten onze doelen aanpassen aan de veranderende omstandigheden.We need to adapt our goals to the changing circumstances.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing their fitness plans.
- EmmaWat is jouw hoofddoel voor dit jaar?What is your main goal for this year?
- LucasMijn doel is om vijf kilo af te vallen.My goal is to lose five kilos.
- EmmaDat is een heel realistisch doel, Lucas.That is a very realistic goal, Lucas.
- LucasDank je, Emma. Ik ga mijn best doen.Thank you, Emma. I will do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries doel, bedoeling, objectief, oogmerk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bedoeling, doel, oogmerk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
