Ideede

Ideede is a nonstandard term that may appear in some Dutch-language texts as a plural form of idee. It is not recognized in major dictionaries and does not reflect standard spelling in Dutch or Afrikaans. The standard Dutch plural is ideeën, while in Afrikaans the corresponding plural is idees. Ideede may arise in informal writing, online forums, or social media when diacritics are omitted or when writers generalize plural endings by analogy with other word forms. In other cases, ideede has been adopted as a brand name or project title, in which case it functions as a proper noun rather than a normal plural.

Etymology and spelling notes

Idee comes from French idée, via Dutch. In standard Dutch, the plural is formed as ideeën and carries a diaeresis over the second e to indicate the separate syllables. Ideede lacks official status and is typically regarded as a misspelling, a regional quirk, or a deliberate stylistic choice in specific contexts. Because it is nonstandard, its acceptance varies among readers and editors.

Usage considerations

When composing formal Dutch texts, writers should use ideeën. In casual communication, readers may still recognize ideede, but its nonstandard nature can undermine clarity. If ideede appears in a heading, title, or brand, interpretation will depend on the surrounding branding and audience.

See also

Idee, Ideeën, Idees, Ideas.