Learning a new language involves not just understanding grammar and pronunciation, but also building up a robust vocabulary. For those of you studying Afrikaans or interested in South African culture, having a solid grasp of school and education-related vocabulary is essential. Below, you’ll find a selection of Afrikaans words and phrases related to schooling along with their definitions and examples of usage.

School
In Afrikaans, the word for school is skool. This term covers all educational institutions where learning takes place.
Die kinders gaan elke oggend vroeg skool toe.

Teacher
The Afrikaans word for teacher is onderwyser if male and onderwyseres if female. They are the professionals responsible for educating students.
Die onderwyseres gee huiswerk vir die klas.

Student
A student is referred to as a student in Afrikaans for tertiary education levels and leerling for primary and secondary levels.
Daar is twintig leerlinge in my klas.

Classroom
The word for classroom in Afrikaans is klaskamer. It is the space where lessons are conducted.
Ons klaskamer het ‘n nuwe skilderbaan gekry.

Homework
Homework translates to huiswerk in Afrikaans and refers to the assignments given to students to complete outside of class.
Ek moet my huiswerk doen voordat ek buite kan speel.

Exam
To discuss exams in Afrikaans, you would use the word eksamen. This refers to written or oral tests assessing students’ knowledge.
Die finale eksamen sal drie ure lank wees.

Subject
When talking about a subject of study, the Afrikaans term is vak.
Watter vakke neem jy hierdie semester?

Grade
For academic grades or year levels at school, you would use the word graad in Afrikaans.
Sy is tans in graad 10.

Report Card
A report card in Afrikaans is called a rapport. This document gives an overview of a student’s performance.
Ek het my rapport vir die eerste kwartaal ontvang.

University
University translates to universiteit in Afrikaans, referring to the higher education institution.
Ek studeer regte aan die universiteit.

Education
The term for education in Afrikaans is onderwys, encompassing the entire process of instruction and learning.
Onderwys is ‘n kragtige hulpmiddel vir verandering.

Scholarship
Scholarship, in the sense of financial aid for studies, is beurs in Afrikaans.
Hy het ‘n beurs gekry om sy studies te finansier.

Curriculum
The word kurrikulum is used in Afrikaans to describe the curriculum or the set of courses offered at an educational institution.
Die skool se kurrikulum sluit nou ook informatika in.

Degree
A degree earned from a university is referred to as graad, just like the word used for school grades, but in this context, it refers to the academic award.
Ek werk aan my Meestersgraad in sielkunde.

Textbook
For textbook, Afrikaans uses the word handboek, which students use for studying a subject.
Ek het ‘n nuwe handboek vir my geskiedenisklas gekoop.

Building your vocabulary with these words will help you discuss educational topics more clearly and confidently in Afrikaans. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your language skills, knowing these terms is vital for full immersion in any Afrikaans-speaking academic environment. Keep practicing, and moenie moed opgee nie (don’t give up)!