
Did you know that the formation of Afrikaans was influenced by languages as diverse as Arabic, Indonesian, Malay, and Portuguese? However, it derives its idiomatic character mainly from Dutch—this is well illustrated in the list of expressions from the last section of this article, where we delve into advanced Afrikaans phrases and idiomatic expressions.
If you’re already busy studying advanced Afrikaans, it probably means die gogga het jou gebyt (literally: “the bug has bitten you”). This lovely idiom compares a person’s sudden, intense interest in something to being infected by a microbe. Well, many students of Afrikaans “get bitten” this way, and hopefully, this “infection” will spread even more as you study our guide to the most useful advanced Afrikaans phrases.

Afrikaanse taalkunde en geskiedenis is ‘n baie interessante studieveld. / “Afrikaans linguistics and history is a very interesting field of study.”

- Why Learn Advanced Afrikaans Phrases?
- Useful Advanced Afrikaans Phrases—Academic Writing
- Useful Advanced Afrikaans Phrases—Resumé
- Useful Advanced Afrikaans Phrases—Business and Meetings
- Advanced Idioms, Sayings, and Proverbs for Everyday Usage
- Learn the Best Advanced Afrikaans Phrases for All Occasions at AfrikaansPod101.com!
1. Why Learn Advanced Afrikaans Phrases?
Afrikaans may not be as widely spoken in the modern world as, say, English, French, and Portuguese, but there are still distinct advantages to knowing advanced Afrikaans.
- ➣ One of the obvious benefits of learning useful advanced Afrikaans phrases and vocabulary is that it will enable you to communicate more efficiently with native speakers. This could be especially helpful if you travel or work in South Africa or Namibia, where Afrikaans is widely spoken. The same applies if you work in the diplomatic service of countries with ties to either South Africa or Namibia (or to both).
➣ In the continent of Africa, South Africa is considered one of the most developed and economically stable countries, and it is a popular destination for business investors. Knowing relevant advanced Afrikaans phrases will be helpful if you choose to do business with native Afrikaners.
➣ Afrikaans offers great scope for academic study. Through specialization in Afrikaans linguistics and history, it’s possible to make significant and impactful academic contributions, especially for students from different countries and continents. Due to the tumultuous political history of this relatively young language, it’s often difficult for South African academia to regard Afrikaans with the impartial objectivity that good research requires. Foreigner students of Afrikaans—who were not burdened by this inherited historical load—have made excellent contributions in the past, and some even say it’s a certain way to ensure personal academic immortality for oneself.

Om ‘n nuwe taal te leer sal nuwe wêrelde onstluit. / “Learning a new language will unlock new worlds.”
For more reasons to dig into this wonderful language, born just over three centuries ago at the Southernmost tip of Africa, take a look at this article too: 10 Great Reasons Why You Should Learn Afrikaans.
Let’s proceed to look at some of the best advanced Afrikaans phrases.
2. Useful Advanced Afrikaans Phrases—Academic Writing
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in institutes of tertiary education and for academic publications. It’s challenging in any language, and it usually takes years to master. For this reason, keep in mind that the following list of advanced Afrikaans phrases and vocabulary for writing academic papers is not exhaustive! Think of it as your “Starter Kit” for Afrikaans academic writing.

Die studie van Afrikaans bied opwindende moontlikhede vir die student wat wil spesialiseer. / “Afrikaans, as a field of study, offers exciting opportunities for the student who wants to specialize.”
Afrikaans | English |
Eerstens; tweedens; derdens Eerstens word die wet bespreek; tweedens, die toepassing daarvan. | First(ly); secondly; thirdly “First, the law is discussed; secondly, the application thereof.” |
Aangesien In ag geneem Aangesien die karakter se wense nooit duidelik uitgespel word nie, kan dit nie hier in ag geneem word nie. | Seeing In light of “Seeing that the character’s wishes are never clearly stated, they cannot be taken into consideration here.” |
Neem in ag In ag geneem Dit was ‘n besondere prestasie, as die tyd waarin hy geleef het in ag geneem word. | Taking into consideration Considering that/the “It was a remarkable achievement, considering the time he lived in.” |
Het betrekking op Hierdie aanhaling het betrekking op die komponis se werk in 1916. | Pertains to “This quote pertains to the composer’s work in 1916.” |
Volgens… Volgens Botha et al (2014), is hierdie virus reeds geïdentifiseer in die vorige eeu. | According to… “According to Botha et al. (2014), this virus was already identified in the previous century.” |
Verwys na… Hier verwys die outeur na Metchnikoff, die vader van immunologie, se werk. | Refers to… “Here, the author refers to Metchnikoff, the father of immunology’s work.” |
Beklemtoon die belangrikheid van Beklemtoon dat Einstein het telkemale beklemtoon dat eksperimente nie geboorte gee aan teorië nie. | Emphasize the importance of Reiterate that “Einstein often reiterated that experiments don’t give birth to theories.” |
Vervolgens Hierdie portuur-beoordeelde studie was dubbelblind; die pasiëntmonster beduidend groot, en pasiënt deelname was goed; vervolgens was die belowende uitkomste verwelkom. | Subsequent(ly) “This peer-reviewed study was double-blinded, the patient sample was significantly large, and patient compliance was good; subsequently, the promising outcomes were welcomed.” |
Hierom; Hieroor; Daarom; Daaroor Die data oor hierdie uitvindsel is skaars, en dit gaan daarom nie breedvoerig bespreek word in hierdie opstel nie. | For this reason “Data about this invention are scarce and, for this reason, the invention will not be discussed at length in this paper.” |
Met ander woorde Om dit anders te stel Anders gestel Met ander woorde, die uitvindsels is nooit behoorlik getoets nie. | This means that In other words To put it differently “This means that the inventions were never properly tested.” |
Om dit eenvoudiger te stel Om dit eenvoudiger te stel—teorië se waarheid kan slegs met eksperimente getoets word. | To put more simply “To put it more simply—theories’ validity can only be tested with experiments.” |
Soortgelyke Ewe belangrik Soortgelyke resultate is gevind in ander, beter-ontwerpte studies. | Similar Of equal importance “Similar results were found in other, better-designed studies.” |
Hoewel / Selfs al Hoewel die werksmodelle nie werklik vergelykbaar is nie, is daar tog merkbare ooreenkomste. | (Even) though “Even though the working models are not truly comparable, they do show noticeable similarities.” |
In teenstelling met In teenstelling met Einstein was Gödel minder geneë om sy teorië en idees met mede-wetenskaplikes te deel. | In contrast with/to “In contrast to Einstein, Gödel was less willing to share his theories and ideas with scientific peers.” |
Ten spyte van Ten spyte van die ooglopende foute en blinde kolle in sy afleidings, is sy bevindinge steeds in die joernaal gepubliseer. | Yet / Despite “Despite the obvious mistakes and blind spots in his conclusions, his findings were still published in the journal.” |
Van belang Veral ooglopend Veral ooglopend was die weglating van Satyendra Nath Bose se rol in die ontdekking van die boson. | Of importance Notable / Notably “Especially notable was the omission of Satyendra Nath Bose’s role in the discovery of the boson.” |
3. Useful Advanced Afrikaans Phrases—Resumé
A resumé is a summary of relevant work experience and qualifications that is submitted as part of the application process for a specific job. As a foreigner, it’s highly unlikely that you will be asked to submit an Afrikaans resumé since English is the business lingua franca of South Africa. But, as they say, you never know. For this reason, we have provided here a few key advanced Afrikaans phrases for use in your resumé. If you’re submitting it in English, you might want to consider many more phrases, but “simple and succinct” is probably the best way to go in either case.

Vir meeste werksaansoeke in Suid Afrika is dit onwaarskynlik dat ‘n resumé in Afrikaans nodig sal wees. / “For most work applications in South Africa, it’s unlikely that a resumé in Afrikaans will be necessary.”
Afrikaans | English |
Konsekwente akkuraatheid is belangrik. | “Consistent accuracy is important.” |
Noukeurig met besonderhede | “Meticulous with detail” |
Voldoen aan die hoogste standaarde | “Meets the highest standards” |
Konsentreer op resultate / Resultaat-gedrewe | “Focus on results” / “Results-driven” |
Vermag blywende resultate | “Achieve permanent results” |
Demonstreer die vermoë om gewenste doelwitte te bereik | “Demonstrate the ability to achieve desired results” |
Bereik doelwitte, lewer resultate | “Reach goals, achieve results” |
Verstaan en pas beginsels korrek toe | “Understand and apply principles correctly” |
Prioritiseer tydige voltooing en inhandiging van take, asook werk wat akkuraat en van hoë kwaliteit is | “Prioritize meeting deadlines as well as submitting accurate work of high quality” |
Konsekwent in die vasstelling van die betroubaarheid en akkurraatheid van feite en bronne | “Consistently ascertain the reliability and accuracy of facts and sources” |
4. Useful Advanced Afrikaans Phrases—Business and Meetings
The advantages of knowing these are obvious. While not using advanced Afrikaans phrases probably won’t lose you any business deals, creating excellent rapport with your Afrikaans-speaking business partners will be much easier if you know their language well. To really make an impression, make sure you know your Afrikaans tenses (easy with this guide and a bit of study).

Goeie kommunikasie kan spanning by die werk verminder. / “Good communication can reduce stress at work.”
Afrikaans | English Equivalent |
Rompslomp vermy Ons kan baie rompslomp vermy met hierdie ooreenkoms. | Avoid red tape “We can avoid a lot of red tape with this agreement.” |
Ter tafel lê Ek wil graag vandag hierdie voorstel ter tafel lê. | To put something forward for discussion “Today, I would like to put this suggestion forward for discussion.” |
Op die lappe kom Teen die tyd wat die kompetisie se nuwe produk op die lappe kom, sal ons reeds besig wees met ons volgende stap. | To reveal something “By the time the competition’s new product is revealed, we’ll already be busy with our next step.” |
Bankrot speel ‘n Portefeulje met ‘n oorvloed van hoë-risiko beleggings het menige besighede al laat bankrot speel. | To go bankrupt “A portfolio with an excess of high-risk investments has caused many businesses to go bankrupt.” |
Platsak wees Tensy hulle die fondse beter bestuur, gaan hulle gou platsak wees. | To have empty pockets “Unless they manage the funds better, they will soon have empty pockets.” |
‘n Nismark skep Ons beoog om ‘n nismark met hierdie produk te skep. | To create a niche market “We aim to create a niche market with this product.” |
Sit die bal aan die rol ‘n Hersiende kontrak sal beslis die bal aan die rol sit. | To set the ball rolling “A revised contract will certainly get the ball rolling.” |
Voorlopers wees Wil ons volgelinge of voorlopers wees in die mark? | To get/be ahead of the game “Do we want to be followers or to be ahead of the game?” |
Die uiteinde van die saak Die uiteinde van die saak is dat ons ‘n nuwe tak gaan moet oopmaak as ons kompeterend wil bly. | The bottom line is “The bottom line is that we will have to open a new branch if we want to stay competitive.” |
Die nuutste en beste Hierdie instrumente is die nuutste en beste op die mark. | The latest and best (a.k.a. “state of the art”) “These instruments are state-of-the-art.” |
Kry ___ van die grond af Min kapitaal is nodig om hierdie besigheid van die grond af te kry. | To get ___ off the ground “Only a small amount of capital is needed to get this business off the ground.” |
Om lont te ruik As julle lont ruik moet ons liewer die aanbod onttrek. | Literally: “to smell the burn of a fuse” To be suspicious of something; to suspect foul play “If you suspect foul play, we should rather withdraw the proposal.” |
5. Advanced Idioms, Sayings, and Proverbs for Everyday Usage
The idiomatic form of any language basically refers to the way a native speaker would speak—also called the vernacular. This includes the use of idioms, sayings, and proverbs. As you should surmise, knowing this set of advanced Afrikaans vocabulary (and how to use it correctly in everyday conversations) will greatly enhance your Afrikaans skills.
This is a small collection of advanced Afrikaans phrases and words that are very commonly used in idiomatic language. Most of them are suitable for use in business settings and meetings.
➜ Need to practice sounding like a native speaker? Then read this article for some of the best Afrikaans proverbs, or study the most commonly used Afrikaans filler words with examples of their use.

Gebruik idiomatiese Afrikaans om soos ‘n Afrikaner te klink. / “Use idiomatic Afrikaans to sound like a native speaker.”
Afrikaans | English |
‘n Nuuskierige agie Die nuwe sekretaresse is ietwat van ‘n nuuskierige agie. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: A nosy person This is often used in relation to inquisitive children, or when someone asks a lot of questions in a suspicious or irritating way. “The new secretary is somewhat of a nosy person.” |
In die bres tree Dankie dat jy vir my so openlik in die bres getree het. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: To defend or stand up for someone “Thank you for defending me so openly.” |
‘n Lansie breek vir… Dankie dat jy vir my so openlik ‘n lansie gebreek het. AND In haar verslag het die bestuurder ‘n lansie gebreek vir my span se werk. Note: Important to note here is the use of the preposition vir (“for”) because a similar saying exists, but with the preposition met (“with”). However, it means something completely different—see the next phrase. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: This expression means the same as the one above, and it also means “to praise” or “to compliment.” “Thank you for standing up for me so openly.” AND “In her report, the manager praised my team’s work.” |
‘n Lansie breek met… Ons het dit reggekry om ‘n vreedsame lansie te breek oor die inenting kwessie. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: To settle a dispute; to wrestle something out “We managed to peacefully settle the dispute about the matter of vaccination.” |
Skinderbek Sy’s baie knap met haar werk, maar ongelukkig is sy ook ‘n regte skinderbek. Note: Use this word with circumspection, as some might consider it a bit crude. It could also come across as derogatory. For instance—don’t write this in a formal work appraisal! | Translation or idiomatic approximate: A gossip “She’s very skillful in her work, but unfortunately, she’s also a real gossip.” |
Beskore wees Groot rykdom sal vir meeste mense nooit beskore wees nie. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: To be destined to This expression is most often used to say that someone is not destined to be (or to experience) something. “Most people are never destined to be extremely wealthy.” |
Sonder om te blik of te bloos Die politikus lieg, sonder om te blik of te bloos, oor sy verhouding met sy assistente. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: Shamelessly “The politician shamelessly lies about his relationship with his (female) assistant.” |
Boeglam skrik AND Maak uit die voete Die dief skrik hom boeglam vir die groot hond, en maak homself dadelik uit die voete. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: “To get a big fright” AND “To scoot off” “The thief gets a big fright because of the large dog and immediately scoots off.” |
Om hare op die tande te hê Mediese personeel moet hare op hulle tande hê om in ‘n provinsiale hospitaal te kan werk. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: To have hair on the teeth This phrase means to be very tough and resilient in the face of a challenge. “Medical staff need to be very tough and resilient to be able to work in a provincial hospital.” |
Kant en klaar My Afrikaanse werksopdrag is kant en klaar. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: Done and dusted “My Afrikaans assignment is done and dusted.” |
Liewer Bang Jan as Dooie Jan | Translation or idiomatic approximate: Rather safe than sorry This idiom can be used exactly the same way as “Rather safe than sorry.” |
So slim soos die houtjie van die galg Sy’s so slim soos die houtjie van die galg. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: “Clever as the wood of the gallows” This phrase is used to describe someone who’s clever in a sly, deceptive way, such as that person who (suspiciously!) always knows how to talk themselves out of any situation. It’s somewhat close in meaning to being cunning or having “street smarts,” but with a negative connotation. “She’s suspiciously clever.” |
Moed begewe Laat ek hom tog gaan sien, voor my moed my begewe. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: Refers to someone’s courage failing them “Let me just go see him, before my courage fails me.” |
Onder lede hê; Het onder lede Hy het waarskynlik Covid onder lede. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: To be sick or infected with something “He’s probably sick with COVID.” |
Wat het oor jou lewer geloop? | Translation or idiomatic approximate: “What walked over your liver?” Meaning: “Why are you so unsettled/angry?” |
Oor ‘n mik lag/werk Daardie vertoning was so snaaks, ek het myself oor ‘n mik gelag. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: To “nearly die” laughing or working “That comedy skit was so funny, I nearly died laughing.” |
Moenie ‘n moordkuil van jou hart maak nie. | Translation or idiomatic approximate: “Don’t turn your heart into a den of thieves and murderers.” This is a quote from Christian Scriptures (Matt. 21:13). It means that we should not hold on to grudges, plot revenge, or remain angry with anyone. |
6. Learn the Best Advanced Afrikaans Phrases for All Occasions at AfrikaansPod101.com!
At AfrikaansPod101.com, we can help you understand Afrikaans easily with our hundreds of recorded videos and learning resources, such as these vocabulary lists. You can also use our online dictionary to look up any word or to find translations in English and Afrikaans. One of the best ways to really master the advanced Afrikaans phrases from this article is to work with a personal online tutor, which you can access through our MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS members. With their help, you’ll be able to use the phrases correctly, expedite your Afrikaans language learning, and speak like a native in no time!
Also, start deciphering Afrikaans phrases yourself with the numerous tools we make available to you upon subscription, such as our Afrikaans Key Phrase List and the Afrikaans Core 100 Word List.
Sign up now!
About the author: Christa Davel is an experienced bilingual (Afrikaans and English) freelance writer and editor, and she is currently based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s been writing for InnovativeLanguage.com since 2017.

Easily Master the Most Common Advanced Afrikaans Words

Wow, congratulations—you’re at an advanced level in your Afrikaans studies! Good for you.
Hopefully, you won’t stop now, because there’s a lot more to master. To help you, we have compiled some advanced Afrikaans words and phrases in the most pertinent categories for easy access and assimilation. If you want to improve your advanced Afrikaans vocabulary, wordlists like these are among the best tools to use. Also, feel free to ask us in the comments if anything needs clarification.
Remember to keep your learning fun by using fun resources. For instance, take a look at this article about a great online resource that’s completely free!

Onthou om jou studies te geniet. / “Remember to enjoy your studies.”
Great! Let’s get busy with the most common Afrikaans advanced words right away.

- General Advanced Afrikaans Words
- Advanced Business Vocabulary (Gevorderde Besigheidswoordeskat)
- Advanced Medical Vocabulary (Gevorderde Mediese Woordeskat)
- Advanced Legal Vocabulary (Gevorderde Wetswoordeskat)
- How Can AfrikaansPod101 Help You Ace Advanced Afrikaans Words?
1. General Advanced Afrikaans Words
1.1 Advanced Afrikaans Words – Verbs (Werkwoorde)
#1. Argumenteer / Debatteer | Mens kan argumenteer dat hierdie nie altyd van toepassing is nie. Ons kan ure hieroor debateer. |
To argue, reason, or debate | One can argue that this is not always applicable. We can debate this for hours. |
#2. Redeneer / Beredeneer | Mens kan redeneer oor die toepaslikheid van gevorderde Afrikaanse woorde in hierdie konteks. |
One can debate the appropriateness of advanced Afrikaans words in this context. |
Note: Many Afrikaans verbs are popular Anglicisms, meaning that they sound just like their English counterparts. They are used by Afrikaans speakers despite the fact that, for the most part, there are perfectly good Afrikaans equivalents. In a sense, Anglicisms are like alien plant species—they sound fine and “work” in a sentence, but they are not historically native to the language.
#1 is the Anglicism and #2 is purer Afrikaans. Not always, but most often, the words can be used interchangeably.
Bring … bymekaar | Bring die twee bymekaar. |
To bring together | Bring the two together. |
Begelei | Die klavier begelei die fluit in hierdie sonata. |
To accompany | The piano is accompanying the flute in this sonata. |
Begeef / Begewe | Ek begeef my in die ysige water. Waarin het jy jouself nou begewe? |
To venture into something despite skepticism and/or fear | I venture into the icy water. What did you get yourself into now? |

Voldoen | Die Mount Nelson hotel voldoen aan die hoogste standaarde. |
To conform | The Mount Nelson Hotel conforms to the highest standards. |
Verskoon | Verskoon my, waar is die lys met gevorderde Afrikaanse woorde en frases, asseblief? |
To pardon | Pardon me, where is the list with advanced Afrikaans words and phrases, please? |
Vergesel | Vergesel die kliënt na die uitgang toe, asseblief. Asseblief sal jy my vergesel na die funksie toe? |
To escort or accompany | Escort the client to the exit, please. Will you please accompany me to the function? |
Weerhou | Sy weerhou haarself van koffie-drink tydens Lydenstyd. Hy weerhou ‘n skerp antwoord. |
To abstain from or to hold back | She abstains from drinking coffee during Lent. He holds back a sharp retort. |

weerhou haarself van koffie-drink tydens Lydenstyd. / “She abstains from drinking coffee during Lent.”
1.2 Advanced Afrikaans Words – Adjectives (Byvoeglike Naamwoorde)
Learn more about Afrikaans adjectives in this article: The Essential Afrikaans Adjectives List.
Bepaald | Ons gebruik bepaalde en gevorderde Afrikaanse woorde in meeste vakgebiede. |
Specific / Particular | We use specific and advanced Afrikaans words in most fields of study. |
Besonder | Hierdie is ‘n besondere stuk musiek. |
Uncommon / Extraordinary | This is an extraordinary piece of music. |
Billik | Vliegtuigkaartjies is heel billik deesdae. |
Reasonable | The prices of plane tickets are quite reasonable these days. |
Brutaal | Sy memoirs is brutaal eerlik. |
Brutal / Brutally | His memoirs are brutally honest. |

Sy memoirs is brutaal eerlik. / “His memoirs are brutally honest.”
Gedetailleerde | Die bestuurder verwag ‘n gedetailleerde verslag. |
Detailed | The manager is expecting a detailed report. |
Gedeeltelik / Ten dele | Sy was net gedeeltelik verantwoordelik vir die ongeluk. |
Partly / In part | She was only partly responsible for the accident. |
Genoegsaam / Ongenoegsaam | Die polisie het wel genoegsame bewyse. |
Adequate, Sufficient / Inadequate, Insufficient | The police do have sufficient proof. |
Geskik | Die uitrusting is nie geskik vir die geleentheid nie. |
Suitable | The outfit is unsuitable for the occasion. |
Gewone / Ongewoon | Hy het ‘n ongewone benadering tot leierskap. |
Usual, Common / Unusual, Uncommon | He has an uncommon approach to leadership. |
Ongeskik | Dis ongeskik om met jou mond vol kos te praat. Gevorderde Afrikaanse woorde en frases is ongeskik vir hierdie klas. |
Rude / Unsuitable | It’s rude to talk with a mouth full of food. Advanced Afrikaans words and phrases are unsuitable for this class. |
Onvanpas | Die groep se gedrag in die vergadering was heeltemal onvanpas. |
Inappropriate | The group’s behavior in the meeting was completely inappropriate. |
Presies/e | Sielkunde is nie ‘n presiese wetenskap nie. |
Precise / Exact | Psychology is not an exact science. |
Saai | Datavaslegging is gewoonlik ‘n saai werk. ‘n Saai landskap |
Cumbersome / Tedious / Bleak | Data capturing is usually a tedious job. A bleak landscape |

Datavaslegging is gewoonlik ‘n saai werk. / “Data capturing is usually a tedious job.”
Aanvaarbaar / Onaanvaarbaar | Die terme is aanvaarbaar. |
Acceptable / Unacceptable | The terms are acceptable. |
Uitgeput | Die voorraad is uitgeput. |
Finished / Exhausted | The stock is finished. |
Uitsonderlike | Ons doen dit slegs in uitsonderlike gevalle. |
Exceptional | We only do that in exceptional cases. |
Van toepassing | Gewone taalbeginsels is van toepassing hier. |
Applicable | Ordinary language principles are applicable here. |
Verwarrend | Hierdie verslag is verwarrend. |
Puzzling / Confusing | This report is confusing. |
Voordelig | ‘n Gesonde dieët is baie voordelig vir jou gesondheid. |
Advantageous / Beneficial | A healthy diet is very advantageous to your health. |
Voldoende | Met voldoende oefening sal jy vinnig gevorderde Afrikaanse woorde en frases baasraak. |
Sufficient | With sufficient practice, you will quickly master advanced Afrikaans words and phrases. |
Waarskynlik / Onwaarskynlik | Sy se aanstelling is moontlik maar onwaarskynlik. |
Probable / Improbable | His appointment is possible but improbable. |
Weergaloos | Haar vertolking van die gedig was weergaloos. |
Unparalleled, without parallel or comparison/measure | Her rendition of the poem was without parallel. |

‘n Gesonde dieët is baie voordelig vir jou gesondheid. / “Eating healthy is very beneficial for your health.”
1.3 Advanced Afrikaans Words – Adverbs (Bywoorde)
The following list also includes adverbial phrases. As you know, adjectives and adverbs are often the same words, but they are used differently in sentences. Also look at this article on Afrikaans adverbs.
Beswaarlik | Dis beswaarlik die maatskappy se skuld. |
Hardly | It’s hardly the company’s fault. |
Byna | Die kos is byna genoeg vir ‘n skare. |
Almost / Nearly / Not quite | The food is almost enough for a crowd. |
Deeglik | Kry eers die mees algemene gevorderde Afrikaanse woorde deeglik onder die knie voor jy hierdie boek aanpak. |
Thoroughly | Thoroughly master the most common advanced Afrikaans words before you tackle this book. |
Grotendeels | Haar drama klas bestaan grotendeels uit kinders. |
Mainly | Her acting class comprises mainly children. |

Haar dramaklas bestaan grotendeels uit kinders. / “Her acting class comprises mainly children.”
Grootliks | Die span in ons kantoor is grootliks verantwoordelik vir die projek se sukses. |
Largely | Our office’s team is largely responsible for the project’s success. |
Letterlik | Moenie dit liewer nie letterlik interpreteer nie. |
Literally | Rather don’t interpret it literally. |
Matig | Dit proe matig soet. |
Moderately | It tastes moderately sweet. |
Min-of-meer / Ongeveer | Die lughawe is min-of-meer dertig kilometer ver van die gastehuis af. |
More or less / Approximately | The airport is more or less thirty kilometers away from the guest house. |
Ongewoon | Sy hand voel ongewoon warm. |
Uncommonly | His hand feels uncommonly warm. |
Omtrent | Twee teelepels olie is omtrent genoeg. |
About | Two teaspoons of oil is about enough. |
Seker / Sekerlik | Jy is seker nie ernstig nie?! |
Certainly / Surely | Surely you’re not serious?! |
Selde | Die Londen vlugte is selde laat. |
Seldom / Rarely | The London flights are seldom late. |

Die Londen vlugte is selde laat. / “The London flights are seldom late.”
Skaars | Mens merk dit skaars op. |
Barely | One barely notices it. |
Tans | Ons werk tans aan die probleem. |
Currently | We’re currently working on the problem. |
Vanselfsprekend | Verandering voel vanselfsprekend moeilik. |
Obviously | Change obviously feels difficult. |
Verseker | Ons sal verseker kontak hou. |
Definitely | We will definitely keep in contact. |
1.4 Advanced Afrikaans Words – Conjunctions (Voegwoorde)
Remember, conjunctions connect sentences and concepts, but this doesn’t mean they always appear between words or sentences. Oftentimes, they appear at the beginning (or even the end) of an expression or sentence.
Dus / Daarom | Die trein was vertraag, dus moes ons wag. |
Thus / Therefore | The train was delayed; therefore, we had to wait. |

Die trein was vertraag, dus moes ons wag. / “The train was delayed; therefore, we had to wait.”
Selfs al | Ons draf elke dag vir oefening, selfs al is dit moeilik in hierdie weer. |
Even though | We jog every day for exercise, even though it’s difficult in this weather. |
Tensy | Tensy dit binnekort reën gaan die boere swaarkry hierdie jaar. |
Unless | Unless it rains soon, the farmers will suffer this year. |
Maar steeds / Nog steeds | Hy werk vinnig maar steeds deeglik. |
But still | He works fast but still thoroughly. |
Tog / Dog | Die vrou is baie oorgewig, tog is sy lig op haar voete. |
Yet / However | The woman is very overweight, yet she’s light on her feet. |
Ten spyte van | Ten spyte van sy fisiese gebrek is hy steeds ‘n sukses. |
Despite | Despite his physical disability, he is still a success. |
Hoewel | Hoewel baie skaars en duur is truffels is ‘n gewilde delikatesse. |
Although | Although very scarce and expensive, truffles are a popular delicacy. |
Watookal | Watookal hulle nou sê, dit gaan nie die situasie verander nie. |
No matter what | No matter what they say now, it won’t change the situation. |
2. Advanced Business Vocabulary (Gevorderde Besigheidswoordeskat)
With the basics covered, it’s time for you to learn advanced Afrikaans words related to the business world. Knowing these key terms will prove useful, whether you’re looking for work in South Africa or negotiating with Afrikaans-speaking associates.
Aanstelling n. | Ons vier my aanstelling by die firma. |
Appointment | We’re celebrating my appointment at the firm. |
Aanvraag n. | Daar’s ‘n groot aanvraag vir gekwalifiseerde, ervare rekenmeesters in die land. |
Demand | There’s a big demand for qualified, experienced accountants in the country. |

Daar’s ‘n groot aanvraag vir gekwalifiseerde, ervare rekenmeesters in die land. /
“There’s a big demand for qualified, experienced accountants in the country.”
Aandele n. | Bitcoin aandele het baie in waarde gestyg. |
Shares | Bitcoin shares have increased a lot in value. |
Aandeelhouer n. | Is sy ‘n aandeelhouer in die maatskappy? |
Shareholder | Is she a shareholder in the company? |
Amalgameer v. | Dit maak sin vir die twee maatskappye om nou te amalgameer. |
Amalgamate | It makes sense for the two companies to amalgamate now. |
Bates n. | Die bates is groter as die laste. |
Assets | The assets are bigger than the liabilities. |
Belegging n. | Daardie was ‘n uitstekende belegging. |
Investment | That was an excellent investment. |
Departement n. | Ons maak ‘n nuwe departement oop in Zurich. |
Department / Division | We’re opening a new department in Zurich. |
Besigheidsvennoot n. | Ons is dekades lank al besigheidsvennote. |
Business partner | We’ve been business partners for decades. |
Note: In Afrikaans vernacular, a business partner is often referred to simply as a vennoot.

Ons is dekades lank al besigheidsvennote. / “We’ve been business partners for decades.”
Filiaal n. | Die beheermaatskappy het slegs 20% aandele in ons filiaal. |
Subsidiary | The holding company only has 20% shares in our subsidiary. |
Hoofkantoor n. | Hulle hoofkantoor is in Brussels geleë. |
Head office | Their head office is located in Brussels. |
Kompetisie n. | Aanvanklik het Nokia min kompetisie gehad in die mark. |
Competition | Initially, Nokia had little competition in the market. |
Maatskappy n. | Die maatskappy het vinnig gegroei. |
Company | The company grew fast. |
Firma n. | Na 50 jaar doen die firma steeds goed. |
Firm | After 50 years, the firm is still doing well. |
Handel n. | Handel op die eiland het vinnig toegeneem. |
Commerce | Commerce on the island has increased rapidly. |
Handel dryf v. | Ons is oop om daar handel te dryf. |
Trade | We’re open for trade there. |
Handelsmerk n. | Handelsmerkregistrasie kan tot twee jaar duur in Suid Afrika. |
Trademark | Trademark registration can take up to two years in South Africa. |
Human Resources – HR(Menslike hulpbronne) n. | Hierdie dokumente is vir HR se aandag. |
Human Resources | These documents are for HR’s attention. |
Note: In Afrikaans business language, the term Menslike Hulpbronne does exist, but it is very seldomly used in the vernacular.
Kompenseer v. | Die groter mark kompenseer vir die verlieste. |
To compensate | The bigger market compensates for the losses. |
Mark n. | Die mark vir hierdie produk lyk belowend. |
Market | The market for this product is looking promising. |
Opbrengste n. | Die maatskappy se opbrengste is verbasend goed hierdie jaar, alles in ag geneem. |
Returns | All considered, the company’s returns are surprisingly good this year. |
Profyt n. | Ons belegging maak goeie profyt. |
Profit | Our investment is making good profit. |
Rekening n. | Daar is niks uitstaande op hierdie rekening nie. |
Account | There is nothing outstanding on this account. |
Rentekoers n. | Die rentekoerse het aansienlik gestyg die afgelope jaar. |
Interest rate | Interest rates have increased significantly (over) the past year. |
Tak n. | Samsung het ‘n groot tak in Johannesburg. |
Branch | Samsung has a large branch in Johannesburg. |
Uitkontrakteer v. | Ons sal daardie dienste moet uitkontrakteer. |
Outsource | We will have to outsource those services. |
Vennootskap n. | Dis ‘n standvastige vennootskap. |
Business partnership | It’s a stable business partnership. |
Voltydse, permanente betrekking |
Full-time, permanent position |
Deeltydse, vasgestelde-term kontrak |
Part-time, fixed-term contract |
3. Advanced Medical Vocabulary (Gevorderde Mediese Woordeskat)
Advanced Afrikaans learners should also become familiar with words and terms commonly used in medical fields. These are words you’ll need to know should you choose to study medicine in South Africa, enter a health-focused career here, or even find yourself in the emergency room!
Aansteeklik adj. | COVID-19 is hoogs aansteeklik. |
Contagious | COVID-19 is highly contagious. |
Abdominaal adj. | Sy abdominale spiere is geaffekteer. |
Abdominal | His abdominal muscles are affected. |
Abnormaal adj. | Hierdie reaksie is nie abnormaal nie. |
Abnormal | This reaction isn’t abnormal. |
Abses n. | Die verpleegster het die abses reeds gedreineer. |
Abscess | The nurse has already drained the abscess. |
Akuut adv. | Simptome kan akuut of chronies wees. |
Acute | Symptoms can either be acute or chronic. |
Allergies adj. | Die kind is allergies vir bygif. |
Allergic | The child is allergic to bee venom. |
Behandeling n. | Asyn is nie ‘n goeie behandeling vir aknee nie. |
Treatment | Vinegar is not a good treatment for acne. |
Bloedtoetsn.Bloedmonster n. | ‘n Bloedtoets word op die bloedmonsters uitgevoer. |
Blood test Blood samples | A blood test is being done on the blood samples. |
Buik n. | Hy het ‘n steekwond in die buik. |
Stomach / Mid-abdomen | He has a puncture wound in the stomach. |
Buikwand n. | Die mes het gelukkig nie die buikwand binnegedring nie. |
Abdominal wall | Fortunately, the knife didn’t penetrate the abdominal wall. |
Byniere n. | Die byniere skei adrenalien en noradrenalien af. |
Adrenal glands | The adrenal glands secrete adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine. |
Chronies adj. | Die dokter het onnodige chroniese medikasie voorgeskryf. |
Chronic | The doctor prescribed unnecessary chronic medication. |
Fraktuur / Breuk n. | Die breuk is betyds geset om sy been te red. |
Fracture | The fracture was set in time to save his leg. |
Gipsn.Heg. v. | Die gips kan maar afkom, want die been het goed geheg. |
CastMend | The cast can come off because the leg/bone has mended well. |
Geestesgesondheid n. | Goeie geestesgesondheid is ten dele afhanklik van wat in ‘n mens se gedagtes aangaan. |
Mental health | Good mental health is partly dependent on what’s going on in your mind. |
Gewas n.Goedaardig adj. | Gelukkig is die gewas goedaardig. |
TumorBenign | Fortunately, the tumor is benign. |
Inwendig/eadj.Besering n. | Het hy enige inwendige beserings opgedoen? |
InternalInjury | Has he sustained any internal injuries? |
Koorsn.Koorspen n. | Verpleegsters meet kinders se koors meestal met ‘n koorspen in die mond of die armoksels. |
FeverThermometer | Nurses usually measure children’s fever with a thermometer in the mouth or the armpits. |
Laboratorium n. | Is die bloedmonsters al laboratorium toe? |
Laboratory | Have the blood samples gone to the laboratory yet? |

Die gips kan afkom, want die been het goed geheg. / “The cast can come off because the leg/bone has mended well.”
Mangelsn. | My mangels is nooit verwyder nie. |
Tonsils | My tonsils have never been removed. |
Narkose / Anestesie n. | Die prosedure vereis nie narkose nie. |
Anesthesia | The procedure doesn’t require anesthesia. |
Newe-effek n. | Die hoofpyn is ‘n newe-effek van jou medikasie. |
Side effect | The headache is a side effect of your medication. |
Ontsmet / Steriliseer v. | Is die instrumente al ontsmet? |
To disinfect / To sterilize | Are the instruments sterilized yet? |
Pandemie n. | COVID-19 was ‘n erge pandemie wat veroorsaak is deur die Coronavirus. |
Pandemic | COVID-19 was a severe pandemic caused by the Coronavirus. |

Prosedure n. | Om ‘n vrat te verwyder is ‘n kort, eenvoudige prosedure. |
Procedure | To remove a wart is a short, simple procedure. |
Sfygmometer n. | Die sfygmometer word gebruik om ‘n pasiënt se bloeddruk te meet. |
Sphygmometer | The sphygmometer is used to measure a patient’s blood pressure. |
Stetoskoop n. | Die stetoskoop word gebruik om na ‘n pasiënt se hartklop en asemhaling te luister. |
Stethoscope | A stethoscope is used to listen to a patient’s heartbeat and breathing. |

Die stetoskoop word gebruik om na ‘n pasiënt se hartklop en asemhaling te luister.
“The stethoscope is used to listen to a patient’s heartbeat and breathing.”
Simptoom n. | Maagpyn nie die ware probleem nie; dis selgs ‘n simptoom. |
Symptom | Stomachache is not the real problem; it’s only a symptom. |
Skildklier n. | Sy het nie nodig om chroniese medikasie te neem vir haar skildklier nie. |
Thyroid | She doesn’t need to take chronic medication for her thyroid. |
Uitwendig n. | Sy beserings is meestal uitwendig. |
External | His injuries are mostly external. |
Verdoof v. | Hierdie pille sal die pyn verdoof. Die pasiënt verkies om onder verdowing te wees vir die prosedure. |
Sedate / Dull (pain) | These pills will dull the pain. The patient prefers to be sedated for the procedure. |
Voorskrif n. | Jy het ‘n voorskrif nodig vir hierdie skedule pynpille. |
Prescription | You need a prescription for this schedule of pain tablets. |
Algemene Mediese Kondisies / “Common Medical Conditions“ | |
Angs | Anxiety |
Beroerte | Stroke |
Binneoor-onsteking | Otitis media; inner-ear infection |
Buiteoor-onsteking | Otitis externa; outer-ear infection |
Blaasontsteking | Bladder infection |
Brongitis | Bronchitis |
Bosluiskoors | Tick bite fever |
Coronavirus siekte | Coronavirus disease |
Depressie | Depression |
Diabetes | Diabetes |
Duitse masels / Rubella | German measles / Rubella |
Galstene | Gallstones |
Griep | Influenza |
Geelsug | Jaundice |
Hepatitis | Hepatitis |
Hoë cholesterol | High cholesterol |
Isgemiese beroerte | Ischemic stroke |
Hartversaking | Cardiac arrest |
Kanker | Cancer |
Hoë bloeddruk / Hipertensie | High blood pressure / Hypertension |
Lae bloeddruk / Hipotensie | Low blood pressure / Hypotension |
Mangelontsteking | Tonsillitis |
Masels | Measles |
Pampoentjies | Mumps |
Polio | Polio |
Sinusitis / Sinusontsteking | Sinusitis / Sinus infection |
Urineweg infeksie | Urine tract infection |
‘n Verkoue | A cold |
Verworwe immuniteitsgebreksindroom (VIGS) | Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) |
Vetsug | Obesity |
Waterpokkies | Chickenpox |
Kinkhoes / Pertussis | Whooping cough / Pertussis |
4. Advanced Legal Vocabulary (Gevorderde Wetswoordeskat)

Die hofsaak is uitgestel. / “The court case was postponed.”