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Ek werk stadiger wanneer ek moeg is.

Ek werk stadiger wanneer ek moeg is.
I work slower when I am tired.
FromLesson 14inHardcore Afrikaans

Breakdown of Ek werk stadiger wanneer ek moeg is.

ek
I
wees
to be
werk
to work
moeg
tired
wanneer
when
stadiger
slower

Questions & Answers about Ek werk stadiger wanneer ek moeg is.

What does stadiger mean in this sentence?
stadiger is the comparative form of the adverb stadig (meaning “slowly”). So stadiger literally means more slowly, or in natural English slower.
How do you form the comparative of adjectives and adverbs in Afrikaans?

For most one‐syllable words you add -er:

  • stadig → stadiger
  • kort → korter

For longer words you use meer + adjective/adverb:

  • interessant → meer interessant
  • vaak → meer dikwels

There are a few irregulars, but this pattern covers the majority.

Why don’t we say meer stadig instead of stadiger?
Because stadig is a single‐syllable adverb. Single‐syllable words take the -er ending. You only use meer with multi‐syllable adjectives/adverbs or when you want extra emphasis.
Why is the verb is placed at the end in wanneer ek moeg is?
In Afrikaans subordinate (time/condition) clauses the finite verb goes to the end (subject–object–verb order). In main clauses you have verb‐second (V2) order, but once you introduce wanneer, as, omdat, etc., the verb shifts to the last position.
Can I use as ek moeg is instead of wanneer ek moeg is?

Yes. Both wanneer and as can introduce time clauses:

  • wanneer ek moeg is = “whenever I’m tired” (repeated/whenever)
  • as ek moeg is = “when/if I’m tired” (conditional or general)

Choose wanneer for “whenever,” as for “when/if.”

Do I have to repeat ek in both clauses?
Yes. In Afrikaans each clause needs its own subject. You can’t drop the subject in the subordinate clause the way you sometimes do in English.
Can I move the time clause to the front, like Wanneer ek moeg is, werk ek stadiger?

Absolutely. Fronting the subordinate clause is perfectly fine. Just remember that in the following main clause the verb stays in second position:

  • Wanneer ek moeg is, werk ek stadiger.
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