Useful Phrases

1. Ek het hierdie program gemaak

   I made this app

   Usage

   Use this when introducing the app to someone

   Grammar Note

   Afrikaans forms the perfect with "het + past participle". It is a V2 language: the finite verb stands second in main clauses and the participle goes to the end

2. Hierdie program is gratis

   This app is free

   Usage

   Tell someone the app is free

   Grammar Note

   "Gratis" is a Dutch-origin word meaning free of charge

3. Probeer dit aflaai

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Aflaai" is a separable verb (af + laai). After "probeer" it is an infinitive and stays together at the end of the clause

4. Ek is Japannees

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Introduce your nationality

   Grammar Note

   Afrikaans verbs don't conjugate by person. "Is" is used for all persons

5. Ek is 'n reisiger

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Identify yourself as a traveler

   Grammar Note

   "'n" is the indefinite article (a/an), typically unstressed in speech

6. Ek reis alleen

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Tell others you are traveling solo

   Grammar Note

   Present tense in Afrikaans uses the verb stem directly. "Alleen" modifies the verb as an adverb

7. Dit is my eerste keer hier

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Tell locals it is your first visit

   Grammar Note

   "Eerste keer" = first time. Afrikaans ordinals add "-ste" or "-de" to the cardinal number

8. Mag ek 'n foto neem?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Ask permission before taking a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Mag" is a modal verb for permission. Questions are formed by inverting subject and verb

9. Kan ons saam 'n foto neem?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Kan ons" = can we. "Saam" = together

10. Skaneer asseblief die QR-kode

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Ask someone to scan the QR code

    Grammar Note

    Imperative uses the verb stem directly. "Asseblief" is the polite "please"

11. Moenie my bedrieg nie. Moenie my verneuk nie

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Strong expression used when being overcharged or scammed at markets or tourist spots

    Grammar Note

    Prohibition in Afrikaans: "Moenie + object + verb + nie", with "nie" closing the sentence. Two prohibitions are placed side by side here

12. Moenie my onderskat nie. Moenie op my neerkyk nie

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone belittles or disrespects you

    Grammar Note

    "Neerkyk" is a compound verb: "neer" (down) + "kyk" (look). Equivalent to "look down on"

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