Basic Vocabulary Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a Germanic language that evolved from Dutch — as a German speaker, you'll recognize many words! It is mainly spoken in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State.
| German | Afrikaans | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo / Howzit | Ha-loh / Hau-sit |
| Good morning | Goeie more | Chuje more |
| Good evening | Goeie naand | Chuje naand |
| Goodbye | Totsiens | Tot-siens |
| Thank you | Dankie | Danki |
| Please | Asseblief | Asse-blief |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nee | Ja / Nee |
| Sorry | Verskoon my | Fer-skoon may |
| How are you? | Hoe gaan dit? | Hu chaan dit? |
| Good, thank you | Goed, dankie | Chut, danki |
| Cheers! | Gesondheid! | Che-sont-heit |
| Grilling | Braai | Brai (like "dry") |
| Meat | Vleis | Fleis |
| Wine | Wyn | Vain |
| Bill please | Rekening, asseblief | Rekening, asse-blief |
| How much does this cost? | Hoeveel kos dit? | Hu-feel kos dit? |
| Beautiful | Mooi | Moj |
| Tasty | Lekker | Lecker (like in German!) |
| Beach | Strand | Strant (like in German!) |
| Mountain | Berg | Berch (like in German!) |
Fun Fact: "Lekker" is the most versatile word in South Africa. It means everything from "tasty" to "cool" to "super." "Dis lekker!" = "That's great!"
