Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Dit geskied vinnig.

Dit usually means it in Afrikaans. In this sentence, it is the subject of the verb, just like it in English It happens quickly or It occurs quickly.

Depending on context, dit can also mean this in some situations, but here it is the most natural interpretation.

What does geskied mean?

Geskied means happens, occurs, or takes place.

It is a somewhat formal or elevated word in modern Afrikaans. In everyday speech, people more often use gebeur:

Dit gebeur vinnig. = It happens quickly.

So geskied is correct, but it can sound more formal, literary, or official.

Why is geskied not a past tense form, even though it looks a bit like a participle?

In this sentence, geskied is a present-tense verb, not a past participle.

Afrikaans past participles often begin with ge-, so learners may wonder about this. But geskied is simply the base/present form of the verb here.

So:

Dit geskied vinnig. = It happens quickly / It occurs quickly not
It has happened quickly

The tense is understood from the sentence structure, and here it is present.

Why does the word order look like Dit geskied vinnig?