Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Sy verstaan dat ons nou moet gaan.

In Afrikaans, dat is a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause. In this sentence, it links Sy verstaan (main clause) with ons nou moet gaan (subordinate clause), much like that in English.

Why do we say ons nou moet gaan instead of putting nou at the end?

Afrikaans typically places adverbs (like nou, meaning now) near the verb they modify. In subordinate clauses introduced by dat, the conjugated verb (moet) often appears before other verbs (gaan). So it’s the natural position for nou to appear alongside moet.

How do I pronounce Sy correctly?

Sy is pronounced with a long ay sound, somewhat like the ui in fruit in some English dialects, but with the lips more rounded. It should sound like say spoken with a slight oo rounding at the end.

Can Sy mean anything else in Afrikaans?

Yes. Sy can also mean her (possessive) in contexts like Sy huis (Her house). Afrikaans does not distinguish she and her the way English does, so sy can serve both roles, depending on context.