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Ons lees die uitleg op die kaart.

Ons lees die uitleg op die kaart.
We read the layout on the map.
FromLesson 8inHardcore Afrikaans

Breakdown of Ons lees die uitleg op die kaart.

ons
we
lees
to read
die
the
op
on
die kaart
the map
die uitleg
the layout

Questions & Answers about Ons lees die uitleg op die kaart.

What does uitleg mean in this sentence?
Here uitleg refers to the legend or key of the map—the part that explains the symbols or colors. In general, uitleg can mean “explanation,” “layout,” or “arrangement.”
Why is there no continuous form (like “are reading”) and just lees?
Afrikaans does not have a separate present continuous tense. The simple present lees covers both “read” and “are reading,” much like many other Germanic languages.
Why is the article die used twice? Can you omit it?
Afrikaans uses the definite article die (equivalent to English “the”) before each definite noun. You need die in die uitleg (“the legend”) and again in die kaart (“the map”). Omitting them would make the phrase ungrammatical.
Why is the preposition op used here instead of something like in?
Op means “on” or “upon,” indicating position on a surface. Since you read the legend on the surface of the map, you say op die kaart.
Can I change the word order to “Ons lees op die kaart die uitleg”?
Yes. The neutral S-V-O-PP (Subject-Verb-Object-Prepositional Phrase) order is Ons lees die uitleg op die kaart, but Afrikaans allows you to front the PP for emphasis: Ons lees op die kaart die uitleg is also correct, albeit less common.
What is ons in Afrikaans?
Ons is the first-person plural pronoun, equivalent to English we.
Can kaart also mean “card” in Afrikaans?
Yes. Kaart can mean “map” or various types of “card” (e.g. greeting card, playing card). Here context tells you it’s a map.
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