Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Afrikaans grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Die hond is vriendelik.
What does die mean in Die hond is vriendelik?
In Afrikaans, die is the definite article used for both singular and plural nouns, regardless of gender. It directly corresponds to the in English.
How do you pronounce hond?
hond is pronounced [hɔnt], with a short “o” like in English hot. The h is aspirated, and the final d is soft—almost like a t sound in some accents.
Why is vriendelik not vriendelike here?
Because this is a predicative adjective (it follows the linking verb is). Predicative adjectives in Afrikaans keep their base form without -e. When an adjective comes directly before a noun (attributive), you add -e, e.g. ’n vriendelike hond.
Do adjectives in Afrikaans change for gender or number?
No. When used predicatively (after is, was, etc.), adjectives remain unchanged, no matter the noun’s gender or whether it’s singular or plural.
Why is is used for all persons in the present tense?
Afrikaans verbs do not conjugate by person or number in the present tense. is (from the verb , “to be”) is the same for , , , , etc.