Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Slegs indien die bouplan gereed is, betaal ons die aansoekfooi. - Only if the building plan is ready do we pay the application fee.

Breakdown of Slegs indien die bouplan gereed is, betaal ons die aansoekfooi.

Why does the sentence start with Slegs indien?

Slegs means only, and indien means if.

Together, slegs indien means only if. It introduces a condition and emphasizes that the action happens in that condition alone.

So the sentence structure is:

This is a fairly formal and clear way to express a condition.

What is the difference between indien and as?

Both can often be translated as if, but they are not always used in exactly the same way.

So:

Slegs indien die bouplan gereed is ... sounds a bit more formal
Net as die bouplan gereed is ... would sound less standard here and may not be the best equivalent for only if

A very natural less formal alternative would be:

But indien fits especially well in administrative, legal, or official contexts.

Why is it gereed is and not is gereed?