Gesag is belangrik.

Authority is important.

Breakdown of Gesag is belangrik.

• wees: to be
• belangrik: important
• die gesag: authority

Questions & Answers about Gesag is belangrik.

Why is there no article before gesag?

In Afrikaans, abstract nouns often appear without an article when you are talking about the idea in general.

So:

• Gesag is belangrik. = authority is important, in general

If you wanted to refer to a specific authority, you might use an article:

• Die gesag is belangrik. = the authority is important

In this sentence, gesag means the general concept, so no article is needed.

Is gesag exactly the same as English authority?

Usually yes, but it helps to know the nuance. Gesag often refers to:

• authority
• legitimate power
• influence that commands respect

So it can mean more than just raw power. It often suggests recognized or accepted authority.

Why is is the same as in English?

Because is in Afrikaans is the present-tense form of the verb wees (to be), just like English is.

So:

• gesag = authority
• is = is
• belangrik = important

This sentence follows a very familiar pattern for English speakers: subject + verb + adjective