der Plan
plan
An intention or a detailed idea of how you want to do or achieve something in the future.
EXAMPLE
Hast du schon einen Plan für das Wochenende?
Do you already have a plan for the weekend?
der Plan
plan
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Meanings
der Plan
map / plan
A schematic drawing or map that shows the structure of something, for example a city map, a building plan, or a timetable.
EXAMPLE
Laut dem Stadtplan ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station gleich um die Ecke.
According to the city map, the nearest subway station is just around the corner.
nach Plan laufen
to go according to plan
Describes that an action or event happens exactly as it was predicted or organized beforehand.
EXAMPLE
Bisher läuft bei dem Projekt alles nach Plan.
So far, everything in the project is going according to plan.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Plan' (plan/map) from the context. If people are talking about intentions, time, or goals, it means an idea or plan. If it involves a building, a city, or transportation, it means a drawing or map.
EXAMPLE
Mein Plan ist es, nächstes Jahr Spanisch zu lernen.
My plan is to learn Spanish next year.
Typical collocations
When 'Plan' (plan) describes an intention, it is often combined with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'machen' (to make), or 'verfolgen' (to pursue). A poetic expression is 'Pläne schmieden' (to make/forge plans).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen für das Projekt einen genauen Plan machen.
We need to make a precise plan for the project.
Typical compounds
In the meaning of 'Zeichnung' (drawing) or 'Übersicht' (overview), 'Plan' (map/plan) is often the second part of compound nouns. Well-known examples are 'der Stadtplan' (city map), 'der Fahrplan' (timetable), and 'der Bauplan' (building plan).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir auf dem Stadtplan zeigen, wo wir sind?
Can you show me on the city map where we are?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'nach Plan laufen' (to go according to plan) is a fixed structure. It means that something works as expected or without problems. The preposition 'nach' (according to) is crucial here.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorbereitungen für die Feier laufen genau nach Plan.
The preparations for the celebration are going exactly according to plan.
Compare with
IdeeGedankeProgrammKarteKonzeptPlanungAbsichtStrategieEntwurfvorhabenZeichnungSchemaVorsatzIntentionbündig
Plan vs Idee
idea
Idee and Plan can both refer to a possible undertaking. An Idee is initially an Einfall or an open possibility. A Plan usually shows that the undertaking has already been more firmly decided on or concretely prepared.
Plan
Für die Reise haben wir bereits einen Plan mit festen Terminen und gebuchten Unterkünften.
We already have a plan for the trip, with fixed dates and booked accommodations.
Idee
Für die Reise haben wir bisher nur die Idee, mehrere Küstenorte zu besuchen.
So far, we only have the idea of visiting several coastal towns on the trip.
In real life
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