Ons ervaar 'n probleem met die braairooster.

we

Breakdown of Ons ervaar 'n probleem met die braairooster.

• 'n: a
• met: with
• die probleem: the problem

Questions & Answers about Ons ervaar 'n probleem met die braairooster.

Why does the sentence start with Ons?

Ons means we. It is the subject of the sentence, so it comes first in a normal main clause.

Afrikaans main-clause word order is often similar to English:

• Ons ervaar 'n probleem met die braairooster.
• We are experiencing a problem with the grill rack.

Because Ons is at the beginning of the sentence, it is capitalized. In the middle of a sentence, it would usually be ons.

What does ervaar mean here, and is it a common word?

Ervaar means experience or undergo. In this sentence, Ons ervaar 'n probleem means We are experiencing a problem.

It is correct and natural, but it sounds a little more formal or official than some everyday alternatives. In casual speech, people might also say:

• Ons het 'n probleem — We have a problem
• Daar is 'n probleem — There is a problem
• Ons sukkel met die braairooster — We are having trouble with the grill rack

So ervaar is perfectly fine, especially in customer-service, technical, or formal contexts.

Why is there 'n before probleem, and how do you pronounce it?