Selfs al is die danstempo vinnig, volg ons die maatslag.

Even if the dance tempo is fast, we follow the beat.

Breakdown of Selfs al is die danstempo vinnig, volg ons die maatslag.

• ons: we
• wees: to be
• vinnig: fast
• volg: to follow

Questions & Answers about Selfs al is die danstempo vinnig, volg ons die maatslag.

What does selfs al do in this sentence?

Selfs al means even if or even though, depending on context. It introduces a concessive idea: something is true despite something else.

So in this sentence, Selfs al is die danstempo vinnig sets up the idea even if/even though the dance tempo is fast.

A useful thing to remember:

• al on its own can sometimes mean already or all, but in selfs al it is part of a fixed expression.

Why is it selfs al is die danstempo vinnig and not selfs al die danstempo is vinnig?

After selfs al, Afrikaans uses a clause with normal verb-second / verb-early structure, so the finite verb is comes before the subject die danstempo.

That is why you get:

• Selfs al is die danstempo vinnig

and not:

• Selfs al die danstempo is vinnig

This is similar to other Afrikaans patterns where the verb comes early in a subordinate-type clause introduced by certain expressions.

What is danstempo? Is it one word?