Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Ons koop altyd brood by die winkel.

In Afrikaans the present tense uses the verb’s infinitive form for all persons. So koop works for I buy, you buy, he/she buys, as well as we buy.

Why is the adverb altyd placed between koop and brood?

Afrikaans word order typically follows Subject–Verb–Adverb–Object, so altyd comes after the verb koop but before the object brood.

Why is there no article before brood?

Because brood is an uncountable, mass noun here meaning bread in general. Afrikaans omits the indefinite article in such general statements.

What does by convey in by die winkel, and why not in die winkel?

By in Afrikaans often means at to indicate location. By die winkel is the normal way to say at the shop. In die winkel would emphasize being physically inside the shop.

Why is it die winkel and not 'n winkel?

Using die shows you are referring to a specific shop that’s understood from context. 'n winkel would mean a shop, introducing it as any shop.

How would I express we are always buying bread at the shop in Afrikaans?

Typically you still use the simple present: Ons koop altyd brood by die winkel. To stress the ongoing nature, you can say Ons is altyd besig om brood by die winkel te koop.

Can I start the sentence with altyd for emphasis?

Yes. Fronting altyd gives emphasis and triggers verb–subject inversion: Altyd koop ons brood by die winkel (verb in second position, followed by the subject ons).

How do I say we buy bread at the shops (plural)?

For specific shops use the plural: Ons koop brood by die winkels. To talk about shops in general (unspecified), you can omit the article: Ons koop brood by winkels.