Ons gebruik nie onnodige gereedskap nie.

We do not use unnecessary tools.

Breakdown of Ons gebruik nie onnodige gereedskap nie.

• ons: we
• nie: not
• gebruik: to use
• die gereedskap: the tool
• onnodig: unnecessary

Questions & Answers about Ons gebruik nie onnodige gereedskap nie.

What does ons mean in this sentence?

Ons is the Afrikaans word for we or us, functioning as the subject pronoun “we” in English.

Why are there two nies in the sentence?

Afrikaans uses a double negative construction for negation. You place the first nie immediately after the finite verb (gebruik nie) and the second nie at the end of the clause. Both are required to express “do not.”

How do I translate onnodige and why does it end with -e?

Onnodige means unnecessary or unneeded. The -e ending appears because the adjective is preceded by a definite or quantified noun (gereedskap is treated as definite here) or is modifying a plural noun. In this case, “gereedskap” (tools/equipment) is an uncountable/plural concept, so the adjective takes -e.

What does gereedskap mean?

Gereedskap translates as tools, equipment, or gear—things used to perform a task.

What is the basic word order for this negative sentence?

The structure is:
subject (“Ons”) + verb (“gebruik”) + first nie + object/complement (“onnodige gereedskap”) + second nie.
In full: Ons gebruik nie onnodige gereedskap nie.

Is gebruik present tense, and can I use it for habitual actions?

Yes, gebruik is the present-tense form of gebruik (to use). It can describe both current actions and habitual or general practices, much like the simple present in English (“we do not use”).