Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Ons sit nader by die tafel.

Ons is the first-person plural subject pronoun, meaning “we.” In Afrikaans it functions just like English “we,” and it always appears before the verb.

Why is sit the same regardless of the subject?

Afrikaans verbs do not change form for person or number in the present tense. Whether it’s “I sit,” “you sit,” “we sit” or “they sit,” the verb remains sit.

What does nader mean, and how is it formed?

Nader is the comparative form of na (“near”) or naby (“near”). It literally means “nearer” or “closer.” In Afrikaans, comparatives are typically formed by adding -er to the base adjective or adverb.

What’s the difference between naby and nader?

Naby means “near” or “in close proximity.”
Nader is the comparative “nearer” or “closer,” implying a shift from a previous position.
Example:
• Ons sit naby die tafel. = We sit near the table.
• Ons sit nader by die tafel. = We sit closer (to the table).

Why do we say by die tafel instead of aan or op die tafel?

By indicates location next to something (“by” or “at”).
Op die tafel would mean “on the table” (on top of it).
Aan die tafel can mean “at the table” in contexts like “eat at the table,” but for physical proximity you normally use by.

Why is the definite article die used before tafel?

Afrikaans requires die as the definite article for all singular or plural nouns when you refer to a specific item. Since you mean “the table,” you say die tafel.

How is the word order determined? Why does nader come between sit and by die tafel?

Afrikaans main clauses follow Subject – Verb – Adverb – Object/Prepositional Phrase order. Adverbs like nader typically come right after the verb and before any prepositional phrase.

How would you express this sentence in the past tense?

Use het plus the past participle. The participle of sit is gesit, so:
Ons het nader by die tafel gesit.

How would you say “we will sit closer to the table” in Afrikaans?

Use the future auxiliary sal plus the infinitive:
Ons sal nader by die tafel sit.