Die basiliekruid is aan die groei.

the

Breakdown of Die basiliekruid is aan die groei.

• wees: to be
• groei: to grow
• aan: at

Questions & Answers about Die basiliekruid is aan die groei.

Why is die used twice in Die basiliekruid is aan die groei?

They are doing two different jobs.

• The first die is the definite article: the
  • die basiliekruid = the basil
• The second die is part of the fixed expression aan die + verb
  • aan die groei = growing / in the process of growing

So the second die does not mean a second the in the normal sense. It belongs to the progressive-style construction.

What does aan die groei mean exactly?

Aan die groei is a common Afrikaans way to express that something is in the process of growing.

So:

• Die basiliekruid groei = The basil grows / is growing
• Die basiliekruid is aan die groei = The basil is growing with extra emphasis on the ongoing process

It is similar to an English continuous idea, though Afrikaans does not use it in exactly the same way English uses be + -ing.

Why is is used here?