Log inSign up

Die peuselhappie is op die bord.

Die peuselhappie is op die bord.
The snack is on the plate.
From Lesson 48:Planning a surprise birthday party·Hardcore Afrikaans

Breakdown of Die peuselhappie is op die bord.

wees
to be
op
on
die bord
the plate
die peuselhappie
snack

Questions & Answers about Die peuselhappie is op die bord.

Why does die appear twice?
Because die means the. Afrikaans uses die before both peuselhappie and bord, just as English uses the snack and the plate.
Does die change for gender or number?

No. Afrikaans article use is much simpler than in many other languages. Die is used for singular and plural nouns, and Afrikaans does not use different forms of the for grammatical gender.

So you get:

  • die peuselhappie = the snack
  • die peuselhappies = the snacks
Is peuselhappie really one word?
Yes. Afrikaans very often writes compound nouns as a single word. Peuselhappie is a compound, so writing it as one word is completely normal.
What does peuselhappie literally suggest?
It suggests something like a little nibble or a snack bite. The word has a descriptive, compact feel that is very typical of Afrikaans compounds.
What does op mean here?

Op means on in this sentence.

So:

  • op die bord = on the plate
Is the word order the same as in English?

In this sentence, yes. It follows a very familiar pattern:

  • Die peuselhappie = subject
  • is = verb
  • op die bord = location phrase

So the structure is basically subject + verb + place.

Why is the verb is used? Would it ever be are?

In Afrikaans, the present-tense form is is used with all subjects. English changes between is and are, but Afrikaans does not.

For example:

  • Die peuselhappie is op die bord.
  • Die peuselhappies is op die bord.

Even with a plural subject, Afrikaans still uses is.

How is die pronounced?
In Afrikaans, die is pronounced roughly like dee, not like the English word die. That is a very common beginner mistake.
Does bord only mean plate?
Not always. Bord can mean plate in food contexts, but in other situations it can also mean something like board or sign. In this sentence, plate is the natural meaning.
Can I leave out the second die and say op bord?
Normally, no. In this sentence, op die bord is the natural standard phrase for on the plate. If you want an indefinite meaning, you would usually say op 'n bord for on a plate.
How would I say A snack is on the plate instead?

You would say 'n peuselhappie is op die bord.

The word 'n means a/an. It is written with an apostrophe and is usually not stressed strongly in speech.

How would I make this negative?

You would say Die peuselhappie is nie op die bord nie.

This shows the common Afrikaans negative pattern with two nie words:

That double-negative structure is standard in Afrikaans.

Could I also say Die peuselhappie lê op die bord?
Yes. Lê means lies or is lying. Using lê makes the physical position more specific. Is is a neutral way to state location, while lê emphasizes that the snack is resting on the plate.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
Your avatar
“What's the best way to learn Afrikaans grammar?”
Afrikaans grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Afrikaans

Master Afrikaans — from Die peuselhappie is op die bord to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Afrikaans →