Learning Afrikaans includes understanding its linguistic richness, which extends into its spiritual and religious phrases. These phrases are often used in everyday conversations and hold significant cultural importance. Below you’ll find a list of such phrases, complete with definitions and example sentences.

Geseënd
Meaning “blessed” or “fortunate,” this adjective is often used to describe someone who has received good fortune or someone expressing gratitude for divine favor.
Ek voel regtig geseënd om sulke wonderlike vriende te hê.

Dankie
Although this word simply means “thank you,” it also possesses a deeper connotation when expressing gratitude for blessings or kindness as a gift from a higher power.
Ons sê altyd dankie vir elke nuwe dag wat ons gegee word.

Gebed
The word for “prayer,” it refers to a communication with God or the act of worship.
Sy sluit haar oggendroutine af met ‘n stil gebed.

Kerk
Meaning “church,” this noun is not only about a building but also the community and the gatherings of those sharing the same faith.
Ons familie gaan elke Sondag na die kerk.

Liefde
While it translates to “love,” in a spiritual context it often refers to the highest form of divine unconditional love.
Liefde is die belangrikste gebod in baie godsdienste.

Verlossing
This noun translates to “salvation,” signifying deliverance from sin and its consequences in religious beliefs.
Hulle bid daagliks vir verlossing en innerlike vrede.

Heilig
Meaning “holy” or “sacred,” this adjective describes something that is dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose.
Die heilige boek bevat baie lewenslessen.

Vrede
Although “vrede” means “peace,” it’s also used in spiritual contexts to denote inner peace or the peace believed to come from a divine source.
Ons soek almal na vrede in ons harte en gedagtes.

Geloof
Translating to “faith,” it represents firm belief in religious doctrines, often independent of any evidence or proof.
Sy geloof gee vir haar krag in moeilike tye.

Genade
Meaning “grace,” this word describes the compassionate, divine love and mercy bestowed by God.
Ons is dankbaar vir die genade wat ons elke dag ontvang.

Wonderwerk
A “wonderwerk” is a “miracle,” an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.
Die genees van haar siekte was ‘n ware wonderwerk.

Siel
Refers to the “soul” or spiritual part of a human being, often believed to be immortal.
Hulle glo dat die siel voortleef na die dood.

By understanding and using these phrases, language learners can not only enhance their Afrikaans vocabulary but also appreciate the nuances of its spiritual and religious aspects. It fosters a deeper connection with speakers for whom these phrases hold cultural and personal significance.