Learn Hardcore Dutch: Zullen wij straks samen inpakken?

In this sentence zullen makes a friendly suggestion/invitation: “Shall we…?” It’s not a prediction of the future. Dutch often uses zullen we …? to propose a plan together, similar to English “Shall we…?” or “Should we…?”

Is wij necessary here, or is we more natural?

Both are correct, but we is more common in everyday speech. Wij is used for emphasis or contrast (e.g., “Not them, but we”), or in slightly more formal speech. So you’ll most often hear: Zullen we straks samen inpakken?

Can I drop the subject pronoun altogether?

No. Dutch requires an explicit subject pronoun. You can’t say Zullen straks samen inpakken? You need we/wij.

Why is inpakken at the end?

Because zullen is the finite verb and sits first in a yes/no question, while the main verb in the infinitive (inpakken) moves to the end. Compare:

Statement: We zullen straks samen inpakken.
Question: Zullen we straks samen inpakken?

Is inpakken a separable verb? How does that affect word order in other tenses?

Yes. Inpakken is separable:

Simple present (finite main verb splits): We pakken de koffers in.
Simple past: We pakten de koffers in.
Perfect (prefix reattaches to participle): We hebben de koffers ingepakt.
With an auxiliary (like zullen/gaan/kunnen), the infinitive stays together at the end: We zullen de koffers inpakken.

Could I ask without zullen: Pakken we straks samen in?

Yes. That’s also a correct yes/no question. Nuance:

Zullen we …? = proposal/invitation.
Pakken we … in? = more like confirming a plan or asking about the schedule.

Why is the adverb order straks samen? Can I say samen straks?

Default adverb order tends to be Time > Manner > Place. Straks (time) naturally precedes samen (manner), so straks samen sounds neutral. Samen straks is possible but adds emphasis to “together,” e.g., stressing the joint action: Zullen we samen straks inpakken? (a bit marked).

What exactly does straks mean compared to zo (meteen), dadelijk, later, and binnenkort?

straks: a bit later today/soon (context-dependent, not immediate).
zo / zo meteen / dadelijk: very soon, in a moment.
later: at a later time (often less specific, can be hours/days).
binnenkort: soon (more general, not necessarily the same day).

Is samen redundant since the subject is we/wij?

No. We/wij only says “we (both) will do it,” not whether you’ll do it jointly as one activity. Samen emphasizes doing it together (cooperating on the same task). Without samen, it could be interpreted as each doing their own packing separately.

Where does the object go with inpakken?

With a simple finite verb, the object comes before the particle: We pakken de koffers in.
Object pronouns also go before the particle: We pakken ze in.
With an auxiliary + infinitive, the object typically comes before the final infinitive: Zullen we de koffers straks samen inpakken? / Zullen we ze straks samen inpakken?

How does this differ from using gaan: Gaan we straks samen inpakken?

Gaan + infinitive often sounds like an arrangement/plan that’s (almost) settled (“Are we going to…?”). Zullen we…? is more of a proposal. Both are fine; choose based on whether you’re proposing (zullen) or checking/confirming a plan (gaan).

Is this phrasing polite/appropriate?

Yes, Zullen we …? is a friendly, polite way to propose something. To make it extra soft or formal, you can use the conditional or add misschien:

Zouden we straks samen kunnen inpakken?
Zullen we misschien straks samen inpakken? Addressing someone formally (with u), you can say: Zou u straks samen met mij willen inpakken?

What’s a non-question alternative with a similar meaning?

Use the inclusive imperative Laten we …:

Laten we straks samen inpakken. That’s a slightly more directive way to suggest the plan, similar to “Let’s …” in English.

How would I answer this question in Dutch?

Accepting: Ja, goed idee! / Ja, laten we dat doen.
Declining: Liefer later. / Nee, ik kan nu niet; misschien vanavond.