Learn Hardcore Dutch: Zullen wij dit onderwerp morgen bespreken?

zullen is a modal verb used to form the simple future or to make suggestions in Dutch. In this question it means “shall” or “will,” turning the sentence into “Shall we discuss this topic tomorrow?” When using zullen for a proposal, you typically follow it with a subject (wij/we) and place the main verb (infinitive) at the end.

Why is bespreken placed at the end of the sentence?

In a main clause with a modal verb, Dutch follows the V2 word order:
1) finite verb in second position (zullen),
2) subject in first or third position,
3) any objects or adverbials,
4) then non-finite verbs (infinitives) at the end.
Since bespreken is the infinitive “to discuss,” it must go to the very end.

Why is it dit onderwerp and not deze onderwerp?

Dutch demonstratives agree with the gender and number of the noun:

dit for singular neuter nouns (het-words)
deze for singular common nouns (de-words) and all plurals
Onderwerp is a neuter noun (het onderwerp), so you use dit onderwerp.

What’s the difference between zullen wij and zullen we?

Both mean “shall we,” but:

wij is the full, stressed pronoun for formality or emphasis
we is the unstressed, more colloquial form
You can say either Zullen wij dit onderwerp morgen bespreken? (slightly more formal/explicit) or Zullen we dit onderwerp morgen bespreken? (more casual).

Can I move morgen (“tomorrow”) to a different position in the sentence?

Yes, time adverbials are flexible, but you must keep the finite verb in second position. Examples:

Morgen zullen wij dit onderwerp bespreken?
Zullen wij morgen dit onderwerp bespreken?
Both are correct; placing morgen first can add emphasis on when.

Is bespreken a separable verb? Why isn’t be- split off?

Bespreken is an inseparable verb despite having the prefix be-. Inseparable-prefix verbs never split in main clauses, so you always write and pronounce it as one unit bespreken, not spreken … be.