draften

Draften is a Dutch verb meaning to draft, in the sense of creating a draft version of a text or plan, or to draft players in a selection system. The verb is a loan from the English word draft (and draught) and has been integrated into Dutch through regular verb conjugation. It is used in contexts where English terminology is common, including business, government, law, technology, and sports.

In document work, draften denotes producing an initial version of a contract, policy document, proposal, or report before formal approval or extensive editing. In sports, especially in discussions of leagues that use a draft system, draften describes the process of selecting new players through a draft. In software and product development, teams may draft requirements or specifications as part of early planning and design.

Usage notes: Draften is widely understood in contemporary Dutch but is more informal or colloquial compared with fully formal Dutch equivalents. In formal writing, one would typically use opstellen, opmaken, or een concept maken. In sports reporting and among professionals working in international contexts, the loanword is common and accepted.

See also: draft (English), drafting (in English), opstellen, ontwerp.