Die brilraam is gemaklik, behalwe dat die neusblokkie styf sit.

The spectacle frame is comfortable, except that the nose pad sits tightly.

Breakdown of Die brilraam is gemaklik, behalwe dat die neusblokkie styf sit.

• wees: to be
• sit: to sit
• gemaklik: comfortable
• styf: tight

Questions & Answers about Die brilraam is gemaklik, behalwe dat die neusblokkie styf sit.

Why is brilraam written as one word?

Afrikaans, like Dutch and German, very often forms compound nouns by joining words together.

• bril = glasses
• raam = frame

So brilraam means glasses frame / eyeglass frame as a single compound noun.

This is very normal in Afrikaans. English sometimes writes similar ideas as two words, but Afrikaans usually prefers one compound word.

Examples:

• sonbril = sunglasses
• handsak = handbag
• boekrak = bookshelf

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Why is it gemaklik and not gemaklike?

Because gemaklik is being used after the verb is, not directly before a noun.

In Afrikaans:

• predicative adjective (after is, lyk, voel, etc.) → usually no -e
• attributive adjective (before a noun) → often takes -e

So:

• Die brilraam is gemaklik. = The frame is comfortable.
• Die gemaklike brilraam = the comfortable frame

That is why gemaklik is correct here.

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What does behalwe dat mean, and why is dat used here?