Learning a new language by immersing yourself in everyday activities is a proven method to enhance your vocabulary and understand the practical uses of phrases and words. One such everyday activity is cooking, which can provide many opportunities to learn and practice new words. Afrikaans, a language spoken in South Africa and Namibia, has a host of cooking and kitchen-related terms that are fun and easy to learn. Let’s dive into some of these phrases and words that can be handy in the kitchen.

Kombuis
The Afrikaans word for kitchen.
Ons het laas naweek die kombuis oorgedoen.

Kook
This means “to cook.”
Ek gaan vanaand spaghetti kook vir aandete.

Roerbraai
Stir-fry in English.
Roerbraai is ‘n vinnige manier om groente gaar te maak.

Opdien
The act of serving a meal.
Ons gaan die kos nou opdien.

Snyplank
A cutting board.
Maak seker jy gebruik ‘n skoon snyplank vir die groente.

Mengbak
A mixing bowl.
Gebruik ‘n groot mengbak om die beslag te maak.

Kookpot
A pot for cooking.
Laat die sop prut in ‘n groot kookpot.

Braaipan
A frying pan or skillet.
Die spek word bros gebraai in ‘n warm braaipan.

Oond
Oven in English.
Voorverhit die oond voordat jy die brood insit.

Bak
To bake.
Ons gaan koekies bak vir die kerkbasaar.

Vurk
Fork.
Gebruik ‘n vurk om die pasta te toets of dit gaar is.

Lepel
Spoon.
Roer die sous met ‘n houtlepel.

Mes
Knife.
Ek het ‘n skerp mes nodig om die tamaties te sny.

Peper
Pepper.
Voeg ‘n bietjie peper by vir ekstra geur.

Sout
Salt.
Moenie te veel sout by die resep voeg nie.

Resep
Recipe.
Kan jy die resep vir my stuur?

Bestanddele
Ingredients.
Versamel al die bestanddele voordat jy begin bak.

Kruideniersware
Groceries.
Ons moet kruideniersware koop vir die week se etes.

Understanding and using these terms will not only give you the confidence to navigate a kitchen in an Afrikaans-speaking context, but also provide you with a conversational bridge to discussing food, culture, and family traditions. As you practice and expand your vocabulary, you’ll find that food-related discussions can be both delightful and delicious ways to enhance your language skills. So why not give these words a try the next time you’re whipping up a meal or sharing a recipe with an Afrikaans-speaking friend? Smakelijke eten! (Enjoy your meal!)