Breakdown of Verstel die maalgraad ingeval die espressovloei te vinnig is.
wees
to be
te
too
vinnig
fast
verstel
to adjust
Questions & Answers about Verstel die maalgraad ingeval die espressovloei te vinnig is.
Why does the sentence start with Verstel? Is this a command?
Yes. Verstel is the verb, and here it is being used in the imperative (command form), so the subject jy (you) is understood but not stated.
So:
- Verstel = Adjust
- implied jy = you
This is very common in instructions and manuals, just like English:
- Adjust the grind setting
- Press the button
- Wait 10 seconds
In Afrikaans, the imperative often looks the same as the basic verb form.
What does maalgraad mean exactly?
Maalgraad is a compound noun:
- maal = grind / milling
- graad = grade / degree / level
In coffee context, maalgraad means the grind size or grind setting.
So in natural English, it refers to how coarse or fine the coffee is ground.
Afrikaans very often creates nouns by joining words together into one compound, so maalgraad is completely normal.
Why is die used twice? Does it mean the in both places?