Die trein is vinniger as die bus.

to be

Breakdown of Die trein is vinniger as die bus.

• die trein: the train
• die bus: the bus
• as: than

Questions & Answers about Die trein is vinniger as die bus.

Why is die used before both trein and bus?

In Afrikaans, die is the definite article (equivalent to English “the”). It is used before every singular or plural noun when it is definite. Hence you need die trein (“the train”) and die bus (“the bus”).

Why is the English word than translated here as as?

Afrikaans uses as in comparative constructions where English uses “than.” So instead of “faster than,” you say vinniger as.

How do you form the comparative of most adjectives in Afrikaans?

You generally add -er to the positive form of the adjective. For example, vinnig (“fast”) becomes vinniger (“faster”).

Why do we use vinniger instead of meer vinnig?

Short adjectives in Afrikaans form their comparatives with -er, not with meer. Saying meer vinnig would be understood, but it’s non-standard.

Are there cases where you do use meer with adjectives?