Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Ek sien hoe hy die kos proe.

In Afrikaans, hoe in this sentence means how and indicates the manner in which something is done. Using dat (which means that) would change the meaning to a statement of fact rather than describing the way he is tasting the food.

What is the word order rule for placing the verb proe at the end?

Afrikaans typically follows a V2 (verb-second) structure in main clauses. However, when you introduce a subordinate clause with hoe, the main verb of that subordinate clause (proe) often goes to the end. This is similar to how German handles verb placement in subordinate clauses.

Could we say Ek sien dat hy die kos proe instead?

Yes, you can say Ek sien dat hy die kos proe, but it would mean I see that he is tasting the food, losing the nuance of how he does it. The original sentence emphasizes the manner in which he tastes the food.

Is there any difference if we swap sien (to see) with kyk (to look)?

Yes. Ek kyk hoe hy die kos proe would imply that you are actively looking at him while he tastes the food. Ek sien hoe hy die kos proe can imply either physically seeing or perceiving it in another sense. So sien is more general, whereas kyk tends to emphasize the act of watching.

How do we pronounce proe?

It’s pronounced roughly like the English word “prue” (rhyming with brew). Afrikaans oe makes a sound similar to the oo in food, but a bit shorter.