Plan B
/plaːn beː/word by word
Plan B is the German way to say plan b.
The phrase is used identically to the English expression to denote a fallback or contingency plan, which is an alternative strategy used if the first plan fails.
How does it change in a sentence?
Plan B is a masculine noun phrase. The definite article is der and the indefinite article is ein. When used as a direct object in the accusative case, the indefinite article changes to einen, as seen in einen Plan B.
How do you pronounce it?
/plaːn beː/
Did you know?
- In certain technical fields, like architecture, using the phrase Plan B could be confusing. This is because Plan can also mean a floor plan or a map, potentially making it sound like you are discussing a second set of blueprints.
- In a professional or bureaucratic setting, you might hear the term Ausweichmanöver to describe a strategic move to a different option. While 'Plan B' is common, this more formal term describes the actual maneuver used to avoid a failure.
- The word Plan entered the German language as a loanword from the French 'plan'.
Examples in context
- Es gibt einen Plan B.There's a plan B.This sentence shows how to state that a plan B exists using Plan B.Tatoeba #11746291 by mhr, translation #11746156 by shekitten
- Hast du einen Plan B?Do you have a plan B?This sentence is a way to ask if someone has a plan B using Plan B.Tatoeba #11811144 by mhr, translation #7229764 by Adelpa
- Es gibt keinen Plan B.There is no plan B.This sentence shows how to express that no plan B exists using Plan B.Tatoeba #10724322 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10478157 by sundown
- Wir sollten einen Alternativplan ausarbeiten.We should develop an alternative plan.
- Hast du einen Notfallplan, falls das nicht funktioniert?Do you have a backup plan in case that doesn't work?
- Bitte präsentieren Sie uns Ihren Ausweichplan.Please present your contingency plan to us.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing their hiking trip after it starts raining.
- MaximilianEs regnet stark, Julia.It is raining heavily, Julia.
- JuliaHast du einen Plan B für heute?Do you have a Plan B for today?
- MaximilianJa, wir gehen einfach ins Museum.Yes, we'll just go to the museum.
- JuliaDas ist ein guter Plan B.That is a good Plan B.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Plan, B) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Plan, plan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
