German - Future Plans

Ich habe vor, ___.

I'm planning to ___

Meaning: I'm planning to ___.

When to use: Use this neutral phrase to describe a definite plan. Often followed by an infinitive phrase with zu (e.g., nächstes Jahr umzuziehen).

Tip: Omitting „zu“ before the infinitive phrase (e.g. say „vor, umzuziehen“ correctly with „zu“).

Ich denke darüber nach, ___.

I'm thinking about ___

Meaning: I'm thinking about ___.

When to use: Use this for ideas you're considering. It often takes an infinitive phrase with zu (e.g., nach Berlin zu ziehen).

Ich habe mich noch nicht entschieden.

I haven't decided yet.

Meaning: I haven't decided yet.

When to use: Say this when you need more time and have not made a final decision.

Es hängt von ___ ab.

It depends on ___

Meaning: It depends on ___.

When to use: Use to explain that a plan depends on a condition. Remember: von takes the dative (e.g., von dem Wetter, von meiner Arbeit).

Tip: Forgetting dative after von (use dem/der/den as needed).

Mein Plan ist, ___.

My plan is to ___

Meaning: My plan is to ___.

When to use: Use to state a personal goal or intention, usually followed by an infinitive with zu (e.g., mehr Deutsch zu sprechen).

Ich werde versuchen, ___.

I'm going to try to ___

Meaning: I'm going to try to ___.

When to use: Use to show intention that requires effort or may be uncertain. Follow with an infinitive and zu (e.g., früher aufzustehen).

Ich hoffe, ___ zu können.

I hope to ___

Meaning: I hope to ___.

When to use: Use to express a hoped-for action in the future. Structure: Ich hoffe, ___ zu können (if adding 'to be able to').

Was hast du ___ vor?

What are you planning to do ___?

Meaning: What are you planning to do ___?

When to use: Use to ask about another person's plans; insert a time expression like am Wochenende, morgen, diesen Sommer.

Ich bin mir noch nicht sicher, was ich mache.

I'm not sure what I'll do yet.

Meaning: I'm not sure what I'll do yet.

When to use: Use this casual sentence to say your plans are still uncertain; German often uses present tense for future meaning.

Wenn alles gut läuft, werde ich ___.

If everything goes well, I'll ___

Meaning: If everything goes well, I'll ___.

When to use: Use to describe a plan that depends on a positive outcome. You can also use present tense for future in spoken German.

Ich werde wahrscheinlich ___.

I'll probably ___.

Meaning: I'll probably ___.

When to use: Use to express a likely future action without a firm promise. Follow with an infinitive verb at the end if you include the action.

Ich würde vielleicht ___, wenn ___.

I might ___ if ___.

Meaning: I might ___ if ___.

When to use: Use to describe a possible plan with a condition; use würde + infinitive and wenn to introduce the condition.

Ich soll ___.

I'm supposed to ___.

Meaning: I'm supposed to ___.

When to use: Use soll to say that something is expected or arranged for you; follow with an infinitive.