Learning a new language opens up countless doors, including the ability to communicate about common interests like sports and fitness. In this article, we’re delving into some essential sports and fitness-related terms in Afrikaans, a language spoken predominantly in South Africa and Namibia. As in any language, specific vocabulary can help you describe activities, equipment, and experiences related to physical health and sports. Here’s a list of Afrikaans terms that can help sports enthusiasts blend in like natives on the field or in the gym.

Sport
This term translates directly to “sport” in English and encompasses all types of athletic activities.
Ek geniet verskeie soorte sport, insluitend sokker en tennis.

Fiksheid
“Fiksheid” means “fitness” and refers to the condition of being physically fit and healthy.
Ek werk elke dag aan my fiksheid deur te draf.

Gimnasium
Similar to “gymnasium” in English, “gimnasium” is a place equipped for physical exercise.
Ek gaan na die gimnasium om gewigte op te tel.

Oefening
“Oefening” translates to “exercise,” and it’s any activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness.
Oefening is belangrik vir ‘n gesonde leefstyl.

Afrigter
An “afrigter” is a coach or trainer who provides instruction in a sport or fitness regimen.
My afrigter help my om my hardlooptye te verbeter.

Atleet
The word “atleet” stands for “athlete,” a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.
Die atleet het vinnig die 100 meter wedloop gewen.

Uithouvermoë
“Uithouvermoë” means “endurance” or “stamina,” indicating the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.
Langafstandatlete moet ‘n hoë vlak van uithouvermoë hê.

Kragoefening
“Kragoefening” refers to “strength training,” which is a type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction.
Kragoefening is ‘n belangrike deel van my oefenroetine.

Opwarming
“Opwarming” translates to “warm-up,” and is a preparatory activity or exercise before engaging in more strenuous physical activity.
Ek doen altyd ‘n opwarming voor ek hardloop.

Afkoel
Conversely, “afkoel” means “cool down,” and is an exercise that allows the body to gradually transition to a resting or near-resting state following intense physical activity.
‘n Goeie afkoel sessie help om spierpyn te voorkom na oefening.

Persoonlike rekord
A “persoonlike rekord” or “PR” in English, is a “personal record,” the best performance an individual has achieved in a specific sport or fitness activity.
Ek het vandag my persoonlike rekord vir die myl verbeter!

Bal
Quite straightforward, “bal” translates to “ball,” an object used in many sports to play and compete.
Die sokkerspeler het die bal met ‘n kragtige skop geskop.

Span
“Span” means “team,” a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.
Ons span oefen drie keer ‘n week saam.

By incorporating these Afrikaans terms into your vocabulary, you can talk about sports and fitness with greater ease and confidence when engaging with Afrikaans-speaking athletes or during your travels to Afrikaans-speaking regions. Whether you’re discussing your latest persoonlike rekord at the gimnasium, joining a local span, or marveling at the skills of a professional atleet, these terms will help you connect with other enthusiasts over the universal love of sports and the pursuit of fiksheid. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to use these words as often as you can to become as proficient as a seasoned afrigter in the language of physical endeavour!