Die vraag wat jy vra, is belangrik.

The question you ask is important.

Breakdown of Die vraag wat jy vra, is belangrik.

• jy: you
• wees: to be
• die vraag: the question
• wat: what
• vra: to ask
• belangrik: important

Questions & Answers about Die vraag wat jy vra, is belangrik.

Why do we use "wat" here instead of "dat"?

In Afrikaans, "wat" functions as a relative pronoun (similar to "that" or "which" in English). When referring to something previously mentioned (like "Die vraag"), "wat" is commonly used to connect that noun to the descriptive clause ("jy vra"). "Dat" is often used as a conjunction to connect full clauses but not typically as a relative pronoun in this type of sentence.

What does "vra" mean, and why is it spelled without the extra "a" at the end (unlike "vraag" in Dutch)?

"Vra" is the Afrikaans verb for "to ask." Afrikaans spelling is generally simpler than Dutch spelling, and many Dutch words that end with an extra vowel have a shortened version in Afrikaans (for example, "vraag" in Dutch vs. "vra" in Afrikaans).

Why is the word order "wat jy vra" instead of "jy vra wat"?

Afrikaans typically places the relative pronoun ("wat") at the start of the relative clause. So when you describe "die vraag," you continue with "wat jy vra" ("the question [that] you ask"). Placing "jy vra" before "wat" would break the normal relative clause structure in Afrikaans.

How do I pronounce "vra" properly?

"Vra" is pronounced roughly like "frah," with a shorter "a" sound than in English "far." Focus on rolling the "r" slightly if you can, although native accents vary.

"Belangrik" looks like the English word "important." Are they cognates?

Yes, "belangrik" has the same meaning as "important" in English, and both share a common linguistic root from Germanic languages. In everyday Afrikaans, "belangrik" is the standard word for "important."