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Ons draai links by die kruising na die stad.

Ons draai links by die kruising na die stad.
We turn left at the intersection toward the city.
FromLesson 12inHardcore Afrikaans

Questions & Answers about Ons draai links by die kruising na die stad.

What’s the meaning and grammatical use of draai in this sentence?
Draai is a present‐tense verb meaning “turn.” In Afrikaans, verbs stay the same regardless of the subject (ek, jy, ons, etc.), so Ons draai simply means “We turn.”
Why is links used here, and can its position change in the sentence?
Links means “left.” When giving directions, it typically follows the verb: draai links (“turn left”). You could technically say Ons draai by die kruising links na die stad, but the most natural order is verb + direction + place.
What does the preposition by convey in links by die kruising? Could we use op instead?
Here by means “at” or “next to,” so by die kruising = “at the intersection.” Op means “on,” which doesn’t fit—“on the intersection” isn’t idiomatic in Afrikaans.
Why is it die kruising and not just kruising? What’s die doing there?
Die is the definite article “the.” In Afrikaans, you almost always use die before singular, countable nouns like kruising (“intersection”). Omitting it would sound incomplete.
What’s the function of na in na die stad, and how is it different from naar?
Na means “to” when indicating movement toward a place: na die stad = “to the city.” Naar exists but is archaic or borrowed from Dutch. Modern Afrikaans learners stick with na.
Can we say Ons draai links in die stad instead? What would that mean?
In die stad means “in the city,” not “towards the city.” So Ons draai links in die stad = “We turn left inside the city,” which changes the meaning. Use na die stad for “towards the city.”
Could we move na die stad earlier, like Ons draai na die stad links by die kruising?
Afrikaans word order is flexible, but for clear directions it’s best to keep na die stad at the end. Shifting it forward can muddle the sequence: you want listeners to first turn left at the intersection, then head to the city.
What about using draai om? Would that work for “turn left”?
No—draai om means “turn around” (a 180° spin) or “turn over.” For a left‐hand turn you simply say draai links.
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