Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Ek word onrustig as ek lank vir die bus wag. - I get restless when I wait for the bus for a long time.

Here, word is a verb meaning “become” or “get”. So Ek word onrustig literally means “I become restless” (not “word” as in a written word).

Why not use is instead of word?

Using is onrustig would mean “I am restless”, describing a state. word onrustig emphasises a change: “I start to feel restless” or “I get restless” when something happens (in this case, waiting).

Can I say Ek raak onrustig instead of Ek word onrustig? What’s the difference?

Yes, raaks onrustig is possible and common. Both raak and word can mean “get/become.”
• Ek raak onrustig – slightly more colloquial, “I get restless.”
• Ek word onrustig – slightly more neutral, “I become restless.”
The nuance is small; you can use whichever feels more natural to you.

What part of speech is onrustig, and how do I use it?

onrustig is an adjective meaning “restless,” “uneasy,” or “anxious.” When used after word/raak, it describes the new state you enter. You can also say:
• Ek is onrustig. – “I am restless.”
• Sy voel onrustig. – “She feels uneasy.”

Why is as used to mean “when,” and can I use wanneer instead?

In Afrikaans, as commonly introduces time clauses meaning “when” (not just “if”). You can also use wanneer, especially in formal contexts:
• Ek word onrustig as ek lank wag.
• Ek word onrustig wanneer ek lank wag.
Both are correct; as is more colloquial, wanneer a bit more formal or explicit.

Why is the verb wag followed by vir, and what does vir do here?

In Afrikaans, wag (“wait”) requires the preposition vir before its object when you wait for something. So wag vir die bus = “wait for the bus.” Omitting vir would be ungrammatical.

How is lank placed in as ek lank vir die bus wag, and can I move it?

lank is an adverb of time meaning “a long time.” In Afrikaans you place it before the prepositional phrase:
• ek wag lank vir die bus
If you try ek wag vir die bus lank, it sounds awkward. The normal order is: verb + time adverb + prepositional object.

Why is the subject ek repeated in both clauses Ek word … as ek …?

Afrikaans does not allow dropping the subject in a subordinate clause. You need ek again in as ek lank vir die bus wag to show who is doing the waiting, even though it’s the same person.

In German or Dutch, subordinate clauses send the verb to the end. Why is wag still in second position after ek lank?

Afrikaans has simplified its word order compared to Dutch/German. Both main and subordinate clauses generally follow Subject–Verb–Object order. That’s why you say as ek lank vir die bus wag (S-V-O) rather than moving wag to the end.