Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Finding Belonging: A Newcomer's Night at Serene Hills
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-12-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son sak stadig agter die heuwels van die stil buurt van Serene Hills.
En: The sun sets slowly behind the hills of the quiet neighborhood of Serene Hills.

Af: Dit is 'n pragtige herfsnag en die lug is gevul met die geur van braaivleis.
En: It is a beautiful autumn evening and the air is filled with the aroma of barbecue.

Af: Die inwoners van die geboë hekke van die gemeenskap het bymekaargekom vir die gereelde buurtbraai in die pragtige ommuurde tuin.
En: The residents of the arched gates of the community have gathered for the regular neighborhood barbecue in the beautiful walled garden.

Af: Die gras is sappig groen, en die bome wys hul vurige herfskleure.
En: The grass is lush green, and the trees show their fiery autumn colors.

Af: 'n Ligte briesie bring 'n koel lintjie van vars seisoenale geur.
En: A light breeze brings a cool ribbon of fresh seasonal scent.

Af: Onder die inwoners is Pieter, 'n stil en skaam man wat onlangs hiernatoe getrek het.
En: Among the residents is Pieter, a quiet and shy man who recently moved here.

Af: Hy staan effens op 'n afstand, met 'n skottel in sy hande.
En: He stands slightly at a distance, with a dish in his hands.

Af: Die bak bevat bobotie, 'n tradisionele gereg wat hy met sorg voorberei het.
En: The dish contains bobotie, a traditional dish that he has prepared with care.

Af: Hy hoop om 'n gesprek aan die gang te sit deur sy kos te deel, maar die stemming van die partytjie maak hom onseker.
En: He hopes to start a conversation by sharing his food, but the mood of the party makes him uncertain.

Af: Hy wil graag behoort, deel wees van hierdie gemeenskap.
En: He wants to belong, to be part of this community.

Af: Die spanning is sigbaar.
En: The tension is visible.

Af: Johan, 'n langerige man met 'n stralende glimlag, lag hard oor 'n grappie by die braaivleisvuur.
En: Johan, a tall man with a radiant smile, laughs loudly at a joke by the barbecue fire.

Af: Sy selfvertroue verlig die atmosfeer en maak Pieter meer bewus van sy eie onsekerheid.
En: His confidence lights up the atmosphere and makes Pieter more aware of his own insecurity.

Af: Pieter staan op die rand van die partytjie, huiwerig om vorentoe te beweeg, totdat 'n hartlike stem sy aandag trek.
En: Pieter stands on the edge of the party, hesitant to move forward, until a warm voice catches his attention.

Af: “Jou bobotie ruik wonderlik!
En: "Your "bobotie" smells wonderful!"

Af: ” sy sê dit, met 'n warme glimlag.
En: she says, with a warm smile.

Af: Dis Elena, 'n vriendinlike buurvrou met helder oë en 'n oop gees.
En: It's Elena, a friendly neighbor with bright eyes and an open spirit.

Af: Hierdie klein kompliment laat Pieter se spanning effens afneem.
En: This small compliment eases Pieter's tension slightly.

Af: Elena is opreg in haar belangstellings, en Pieter voel 'n sprankie hoop.
En: Elena is sincere in her interests, and Pieter feels a spark of hope.

Af: Hulle begin gesels, eers oor die bobotie en dan geleidelik oor hul lewens en belangstellings.
En: They start talking, first about the bobotie and then gradually about their lives and interests.

Af: Elsa vertel van haar liefde vir kosmaak en hulle deel resepte.
En: Elsa shares her love for cooking and they exchange recipes.

Af: Hulle gesmoes maak die omringende rumoer wegsmelt.
En: Their quiet conversation makes the surrounding noise fade away.

Af: Pieter se hart is ligter.
En: Pieter's heart is lighter.

Af: Hy voel nie meer soos 'n buitestaander nie.
En: He no longer feels like an outsider.

Af: Hy besef dat hy eintlik wel 'n plek hier kan hê, net deur homself te wees.
En: He realizes that he can indeed have a place here, just by being himself.

Af: Die geselskap met Elena gee hom die moed om ander ook te ontmoet.
En: The conversation with Elena gives him the courage to meet others as well.

Af: Die aand duur voort, en die koue lug dra nou 'n nuwe warmte, afkomstig van die vriendskappe wat gebou word.
En: The evening continues, and the cold air now carries a new warmth, coming from the friendships being built.

Af: Toe Pieter oppad huis toe is, kyk hy terug na die flonkerende ligte wat deur die bome glinster.
En: As Pieter heads home, he looks back at the twinkling lights glistening through the trees.

Af: Hy voel deel van iets groter, 'n gemeenskap waarin hy met vrymoedigheid kan deelneem.
En: He feels part of something bigger, a community in which he can participate freely.

Af: Die bobotie was die brug, maar sy eie ware self is wat die pad volledig gemaak het.
En: The bobotie was the bridge, but his own true self is what completed the path.

Af: Hy glimlag, want vandag het hy gevind wat hy gesoek het - aanvaarding en 'n nuwe begin.
En: He smiles, for today he has found what he was looking for — acceptance and a new beginning.


Vocabulary Words:

• sets: sak
• neighborhood: buurt
• quiet: stil
• aroma: geur
• barbecue: braaivleis
• arched: geboë
• lush: sappig
• breeze: briesie
• ribbon: lintjie
• residents: inwoners
• shy: skaam
• slightly: effens
• dish: skottel
• tension: spanning
• radiant: stralende
• hesitant: huiwerig
• compliment: kompliment
• sincere: opreg
• spark: sprankie
• conversation: geselskap
• fade: wegsmelt
• outsider: buitestaander
• courage: moed
• glistening: glinster
• acceptance: aanvaarding
• beginning: begin
• participate: deelneem
• bridge: brug
• confidence: selfvertroue
• atmosphere: atmosfeer

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: A Father's Journey: Letting Go in Cape Town
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-11-22-34-00-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die oggend begin vroeg.
En: The morning begins early.

Af: Die lughawe kafees is vol mense.
En: The airport cafes are full of people.

Af: Dis laat somer in Kaapstad en 'n warm gloed skyn deur die glasvensters by die Cape Town International Airport.
En: It's late summer in Kaapstad and a warm glow shines through the glass windows at the Cape Town International Airport.

Af: Pieter, 'n middeljarige man, staan by die vertrekterminaal.
En: Pieter, a middle-aged man, stands at the departure terminal.

Af: Sy dogter, Megan, gaan universiteit toe in 'n ander stad.
En: His daughter, Megan, is going to university in another city.

Af: Dit is 'n dag van trots, maar ook van swaar hart.
En: It is a day of pride, but also of heavy heart.

Af: Pieter hou sy dogter se hand styf vas.
En: Pieter holds his daughter's hand tightly.

Af: Haar vriendin, Lize, is ook daar.
En: Her friend, Lize, is also there.

Af: Sy het 'n klein geskenkie vir Megan gebring.
En: She has brought a small gift for Megan.

Af: "Jy gaan dit maak," sê Lize glimlaggend terwyl sy Megan se hand druk.
En: "You're going to make it," says Lize smiling as she squeezes Megan's hand.

Af: Megan glimlag breed.
En: Megan smiles broadly.

Af: Sy is opgewonde, maar sy weet ook dat haar pa emosioneel voel.
En: She is excited, but she also knows that her dad feels emotional.

Af: Die drie staan by die groot skerm wat die vlug inligting wys.
En: The three stand by the large screen displaying the flight information.

Af: Die luidspreker kondig aan dat dit tyd is vir Megan om aan boord te gaan.
En: The loudspeaker announces that it is time for Megan to board.

Af: Pieter voel 'n knop in sy keel.
En: Pieter feels a lump in his throat.

Af: Hy wil die beste vir sy dogter.
En: He wants the best for his daughter.

Af: Hy weet dat hy haar moet laat gaan sodat sy haar drome kan volg.
En: He knows he must let her go so she can follow her dreams.

Af: "Ek is trots op jou, Megan," sê hy sag, amper in 'n fluisterstem.
En: "I'm proud of you, Megan," he says softly, almost in a whisper.

Af: "Maak jou drome waar.
En: "Make your dreams come true."

Af: "Megan kyk na haar pa, liefde blink in haar oë.
En: Megan looks at her dad, love shining in her eyes.

Af: "Dankie, Pa," sê sy.
En: "Thank you, Dad," she says.

Af: By die veiligheidspoort hou Pieter en Lize stil.
En: At the security gate, Pieter and Lize stop.

Af: Megan draai nog een keer om.
En: Megan turns around one more time.

Af: Haar blou oë soek haar pa s’n in die skare.
En: Her blue eyes search for her dad's in the crowd.

Af: Pieter, met 'n glimlag wat sy trane wegsteek, waai vir haar.
En: Pieter, with a smile that hides his tears, waves at her.

Af: Dit is 'n oomblik van verlange en liefde, van trots en pyn.
En: It is a moment of longing and love, of pride and pain.

Af: Wanneer die vliegtuig uiteindelik in die lug opstig, kyk Pieter uit oor die lughawe.
En: When the plane finally lifts into the air, Pieter looks out over the airport.

Af: Die geraas van die motors en mense vul die lug.
En: The noise of the cars and people fills the air.

Af: Maar daar is 'n stilte in sy hart wat hy moet hanteer.
En: But there is a silence in his heart that he must deal with.

Af: Een fase van hul lewens het geëindig, en 'n nuwe een begin.
En: One phase of their lives has ended, and a new one is beginning.

Af: Pieter onthou die oomblikke toe Megan nog 'n klein meisie was.
En: Pieter remembers the moments when Megan was still a little girl.

Af: Nou is sy grootmens, gereed om haar eie avontuur te begin.
En: Now she is an adult, ready to begin her own adventure.

Af: Hy draai na Lize en sê, "Sy gaan oukei wees.
En: He turns to Lize and says, "She will be okay.

Af: En ek ook.
En: And so will I."

Af: "'N nuwe gevoel van kalmte spoel oor hom.
En: A new feeling of calm washes over him.

Af: Pieter het besef dat, alhoewel dinge verander, dit nie noodwendig sleg is nie.
En: Pieter has realized that, although things change, it's not necessarily bad.

Af: Hy weet Megan is op pad om haar drome waar te maak, en hy troos homself daarmee.
En: He knows Megan is on her way to making her dreams come true, and he comforts himself with that.

Af: Hierdie lewe is nie net ‘n eindbestemming nie, maar eerder ‘n reis vol nuwe beginne.
En: This life is not just a final destination, but rather a journey full of new beginnings.


Vocabulary Words:

• departure: vertrek
• terminal: terminaal
• pride: trots
• gift: geskenkie
• emotional: emosioneel
• announcement: aankondiging
• lump: knop
• throat: keel
• dreams: drome
• whisper: fluister
• longing: verlange
• security: veiligheid
• gate: poort
• crowd: skare
• phase: fase
• remembers: onthou
• childhood: kinderdae
• calm: kalmte
• comforts: troos
• destination: eindbestemming
• adventure: avontuur
• journey: reis
• beginning: begin
• middle-aged: middeljarige
• announces: kondig aan
• silence: stilte
• deals with: hanteer
• realized: besef
• necessarily: noodwendig
• fill: vul

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Love and Discovery: Soul Searching Among Ruins
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-10-22-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son sak stadig oor die ruïnes van Groot Zimbabwe, sy amberlig werp skaduwees oor die ou steen mure.
En: The sun sets slowly over the ruins of Groot Zimbabwe, its amber light casting shadows over the ancient stone walls.

Af: In hierdie historiese landskap, tussen kliptorings en doolhawige gange, ontmoet Anika en Pieter toevallig.
En: In this historical landscape, between stone towers and labyrinthine corridors, Anika and Pieter meet by chance.

Af: Anika, 'n jong entoesias met 'n onblusbare passie vir geskiedenis en argeologie, stroom saam met 'n groep toeriste agter Thandi aan.
En: Anika, a young enthusiast with an unquenchable passion for history and archaeology, follows along with a group of tourists led by Thandi.

Af: Thandi, die plaaslike gids, is geliefd vir haar entoesiasme en kennis en vertel die verhaal van die kompleks se glorieryke verlede met passie.
En: Thandi, the local guide, is beloved for her enthusiasm and knowledge, passionately recounting the story of the complex's glorious past.

Af: Anika voel vervuld deur die energie van die plek, maar 'n knaende twyfel rus op haar hart.
En: Anika feels filled by the energy of the place, but a nagging doubt weighs on her heart.

Af: Sy wonder of sy die regte pad kies deur argeologie na te jaag.
En: She wonders if she's choosing the right path by pursuing archaeology.

Af: Pieter bevind hom aan die agterkant van die groep, sy kamera stewig in die hand.
En: Pieter finds himself at the back of the group, his camera firmly in hand.

Af: Elke klik vang die gees van die ou stedelike uitgestrektheid.
En: Each click captures the spirit of the ancient urban expanse.

Af: Vir hom is Groot Zimbabwe nie net 'n prentjie nie, dit is 'n verhaal, 'n geheime wat wag om ontbloot te word.
En: For him, Groot Zimbabwe is not just a picture, it's a story, a secret waiting to be revealed.

Af: Hy voel egter 'n koue leegheid in sy lewe, 'n reisiger wat nooit lank genoeg bly om tuis te noem nie.
En: However, he feels a cold emptiness in his life, a traveler who never stays long enough to call anywhere home.

Af: Aan die einde van die toer bied Thandi 'n spesiale aandvoorlesing aan oor die betekenis van die ruïnes.
En: At the end of the tour, Thandi offers a special evening lecture on the meaning of the ruins.

Af: Anika besluit impulsief om te bly luister.
En: Anika impulsively decides to stay and listen.

Af: Pieter, geïnspireer deur die skoonheid van die plek, kies ook om sy tyd hier uit te rek.
En: Pieter, inspired by the beauty of the place, also chooses to extend his time here.

Af: Hulle twee ontmoet in die klein skuur aangrensend aan die hoofmuur.
En: The two of them meet in the small shed adjacent to the main wall.

Af: Die nag bring 'n sagte briesie en 'n hemeldak vol sterre.
En: The night brings a gentle breeze and a sky full of stars.

Af: Anika en Pieter vind hulself alleen in die koue glans van die maanlig, omring deur die geheimsinnigheid van die ou klippe.
En: Anika and Pieter find themselves alone in the cool glow of the moonlight, surrounded by the mystery of the ancient stones.

Af: "Ek wil hierdie plek verstaan soos 'n storie wat lewe," sê Anika, haar oë vasgevang op die silhoeëtte van klip.
En: "I want to understand this place like a story that lives," says Anika, her eyes fixed on the silhouettes of stone.

Af: Pieter knik, terwyl hy sy kamera neersit.
En: Pieter nods, setting his camera down.

Af: "Ek wil meer wees as net 'n waarnemer. Ek soek betekenis, 'n verbinding, iets wat langer hou as 'n foto."
En: "I want to be more than just an observer. I'm searching for meaning, a connection, something that lasts longer than a photo."

Af: Hulle gesels oor drome wat lankal onderdruk is deur hul eie vrese.
En: They talk about dreams long suppressed by their own fears.

Af: Anika, wat voorheen deur self-twyfel weerhou is, voel 'n nuwe vuur binne haar brand.
En: Anika, previously held back by self-doubt, feels a new fire burning within her.

Af: Pieter besef dat sy reis eensaam geword het, en die uitreik na ander dalk die brug kan wees wat hy nodig het.
En: Pieter realizes that his travels have become lonely, and reaching out to others might be the bridge he needs.

Af: Die volgende dag vertrek Anika en Pieter hand aan hand van die ruïnes, die helder somerson lig onderskei die verlede van die hede.
En: The next day, Anika and Pieter leave the ruins hand in hand, the bright summer sunlight distinguishing the past from the present.

Af: Both feel stronger, more focused; Anika with renewed passion to find her way in the world of archaeology, and Pieter, ready to open doors to new, deeper relationships.
En: Both feel stronger, more focused; Anika with renewed passion to find her way in the world of archaeology, and Pieter, ready to open doors to new, deeper relationships.

Af: In die verte, soos die ruïnes van Groot Zimbabwe vervaag in die agtergrond, groei iets nuuts en mooi tussen die klippe: twee mense, gesterk deur mekaar, met 'n doelgerigte stap na die toekoms.
En: In the distance, as the ruins of Groot Zimbabwe fade into the background, something new and beautiful grows between the stones: two people, strengthened by each other, stepping purposefully into the future.


Vocabulary Words:

• sets: sak
• ruins: ruïnes
• amber: amber
• casting: werp
• shadows: skaduwees
• ancient: ou
• labyrinthine: doolhawige
• enthusiast: entoesias
• unquenchable: onblusbare
• pursuing: na te jaag
• beloved: geliefd
• glorious: glorieryke
• nagging: knaende
• emptiness: leegheid
• lecture: aandvoorlesing
• adjacent: aangrensend
• gentle: sagte
• silhouettes: silhoeëtte
• observer: waarnemer
• dreams: drome
• suppressed: onderdruk
• self-doubt: self-twyfel
• bridge: brug
• distinguishing: onderskei
• renewed: hernude
• purposefully: doelgerigte
• sunset: son sak
• landscape: landskap
• expanse: uitgestrektheid
• mystery: geheimsinnigheid

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Penguins, Plastic, and Second Chances at Boulders Beach
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-09-22-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die see brul saggies teen die rotse van Boulders Beach.
En: The sea roars softly against the rocks of Boulders Beach.

Af: Die lug is koel en grys wolke hang laag oor die sand.
En: The air is cool and gray clouds hang low over the sand.

Af: Tientalle mense stap opgewonde rond, toeriste kyk na die pikkewyne en plaaslike vrywilligers tel stukke plastiek op.
En: Dozens of people walk around excitedly, tourists watching the penguins and local volunteers picking up pieces of plastic.

Af: Annelie stap doelgerig rond, haar oë fyn ingestel op enige stuk vullis wat die strand besoedel.
En: Annelie walks purposefully, her eyes keenly focused on any litter polluting the beach.

Af: Sy voel moeg, maar haar liefde vir die natuur dryf haar aan.
En: She feels tired, but her love for nature drives her on.

Af: Die laaste tyd voel dinge egter swaar.
En: Recently, however, things feel heavy.

Af: Sy voel afsydig van haar vriende, alleen in haar missie om die wêreld 'n beter plek te maak.
En: She feels distant from her friends, alone in her mission to make the world a better place.

Af: Terwyl sy 'n plastiekbottel optel, hoor sy 'n bekende stem agter haar.
En: As she picks up a plastic bottle, she hears a familiar voice behind her.

Af: "Annelie?
En: "Annelie?

Af: Is dit jy?
En: Is that you?"

Af: "Sy draai stadig om en sien Pieter.
En: She turns slowly and sees Pieter.

Af: Hy glimlag, maar daar is 'n sweem van onsekerheid in sy oë.
En: He smiles, but there is a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

Af: Sy hart klop effens vinniger.
En: His heart beats slightly faster.

Af: Hy is terug in Suid-Afrika, vol herinneringe van jare gelede.
En: He is back in South Africa, full of memories from years ago.

Af: "Pieter," groet Annelie, haar stem meer koel as sy verwag.
En: "Pieter," greets Annelie, her voice cooler than she expected.

Af: Hulle was eens hegte vriende, maar tyd en afstand het 'n kloof tussen hulle geskep.
En: They were once close friends, but time and distance have created a gap between them.

Af: "Ek het gehoor van die strand skoonmaak en gedink ek kom help," sê Pieter, sy hande in sy sakke.
En: "I heard about the beach cleanup and thought I’d come help," says Pieter, his hands in his pockets.

Af: "Dis goed om terug te wees.
En: "It's good to be back."

Af: "Annelie knik net, haar gedagtes warboel.
En: Annelie just nods, her thoughts in turmoil.

Af: Hulle stap langs mekaar, in stilte, terwyl hulle die strand skoonmaak.
En: They walk side by side in silence as they clean the beach.

Af: Sy voel sy teenwoordigheid soos 'n gewig op haar skouers.
En: She feels his presence like a weight on her shoulders.

Af: Sy het gedink sy het alle gevoelens vir hom diep weggepak.
En: She thought she had packed all feelings for him away deep inside.

Af: Uiteindelik breek Pieter die stilte.
En: Finally, Pieter breaks the silence.

Af: "Ek weet dinge was dalk moeilik tussen ons toe ek weg is," sê hy, sy oë op die horison.
En: "I know things might have been difficult between us when I left," he says, his eyes on the horizon.

Af: "Maar ek wil weer probeer.
En: "But I want to try again.

Af: Ek wil verstaan wat gebeur het.
En: I want to understand what happened."

Af: "Hulle stap al langs die water se rand wanneer die spanning uiteindelik oorkook.
En: They walk along the water's edge when the tension finally boils over.

Af: "Jy het net weggegaan," sê Annelie, haar stem onvas.
En: "You just left," says Annelie, her voice unsteady.

Af: "Ek het jou nodig gehad, maar jy het gekies om te vertrek.
En: "I needed you, but you chose to leave."

Af: " "Ek moes," antwoord Pieter vinnig.
En: "I had to," Pieter replies quickly.

Af: "Ek moes my eie pad vind.
En: "I had to find my own way.

Af: Maar nou is ek hier, en ek wil dinge regmaak.
En: But now I'm here, and I want to make things right."

Af: "Die gesprek raak warm, soos die golfies wat teen hul voete klots.
En: The conversation becomes heated, like the little waves lapping at their feet.

Af: Hulle voer 'n emosionele argument, albei uitendelik eerlik oor pyn en verlange.
En: They have an emotional argument, both finally honest about pain and longing.

Af: Dit voel vreemd bevry om dinge uit te praat.
En: It feels strangely liberating to speak things out.

Af: 'Naderhand word die strydende woorde sagter.
En: Gradually, the fighting words soften.

Af: Hulle eindig by 'n plek van begrip.
En: They end at a place of understanding.

Af: "Ek wil ondersteun wat jy doen, Annelie," sê Pieter.
En: "I want to support what you’re doing, Annelie," says Pieter.

Af: "En ek wil jou weer hê in my lewe.
En: "And I want you back in my life."

Af: "Annelie haal diep asem.
En: Annelie takes a deep breath.

Af: Sy weet sy moet 'n balans vind tussen haar passie en die mense wat omgee.
En: She knows she must find a balance between her passion and the people who care.

Af: "Kom ons begin weer.
En: "Let’s start over.

Af: Stadig," stel sy voor.
En: Slowly," she suggests.

Af: "Hoe klink 'n roomys by die kiosk?
En: "How about some ice cream at the kiosk?"

Af: "Pieter glimlag breed.
En: Pieter smiles widely.

Af: "Dis 'n begin," sê hy.
En: "It's a start," he says.

Af: Saam stap hulle terug na die dorp, ligter van gees.
En: Together they walk back to town, lighter in spirit.

Af: Hulle weet daar lê werk voor, maar nou is hulle op dieselfde pad.
En: They know there is work ahead, but now they are on the same path.

Af: Annelie verstaan die waarde van vriendskap beter, en Pieter voel uiteindelik sy toekoms is nie meer so onseker nie.
En: Annelie understands the value of friendship better, and Pieter finally feels his future is no longer so uncertain.

Af: Die see fluister geruststellend agter hulle, 'n stil getuie van nuwe beginne.
En: The sea whispers reassuringly behind them, a silent witness to new beginnings.


Vocabulary Words:

• roars: brul
• softly: saggies
• dozens: tientalle
• excitedly: opgewonde
• volunteers: vrywilligers
• purposefully: doelgerig
• keenly: fyn
• polluting: besoedel
• distant: afsydig
• mission: missie
• familiar: bekende
• hint: sweem
• uncertainty: onsekerheid
• turmoil: warboel
• weight: gewig
• shoulders: skouers
• tension: spanning
• boils: oorkook
• unsteady: onvas
• quickly: vinnig
• lapping: klots
• heated: warm
• liberating: bevry
• gradually: naderhand
• soften: sagter
• support: ondersteun
• deep breath: haal diep asem
• balance: balans
• kiosk: kiosk
• reassuringly: geruststellend

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Finding Courage: Rekindling Passion in an Art Gallery
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-08-23-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son se strale val sagte patrone oor die gladde houtvloere van die Iziko South African National Gallery.
En: The sun's rays cast soft patterns over the smooth wooden floors of the Iziko South African National Gallery.

Af: Herfs dra sy goue kleure na die bome buite, en die wind fluister saggies deur die oop vensters.
En: Autumn brings its golden colors to the trees outside, and the wind whispers softly through the open windows.

Af: Die galery is vol mense, almal op soek na iets spesiaals in die kunswerke wat oral hang.
En: The gallery is full of people, all in search of something special in the artworks hanging everywhere.

Af: Elske, met haar helder oë en donker hare, stap traag van skildery na skildery.
En: Elske, with her bright eyes and dark hair, walks slowly from painting to painting.

Af: Sy hoop dat een van hierdie stukke die vuur van kreatiwiteit wat sy so mis, in haar kan aansteek.
En: She hopes one of these pieces can ignite the fire of creativity she so misses within her.

Af: Sy voel vasgevang in haar eie twyfel, onseker oor haar vermoëns as kunstenaar.
En: She feels trapped in her own doubts, unsure of her abilities as an artist.

Af: In 'n ander hoek van die galery kyk Janco met stille verwondering na 'n doek wat hom herinner aan sy eie verborge liefde vir kuns.
En: In another corner of the gallery, Janco gazes with silent wonder at a canvas that reminds him of his own hidden love for art.

Af: Hy is 'n geskiedenis onderwyser, maar sy hart klop vinniger vir die kleur en vorm van kuns.
En: He is a history teacher, but his heart beats faster for the color and form of art.

Af: Hy wens hy kon meer openlik sy passie volg, maar die vrees vir oordeel hou hom terug.
En: He wishes he could follow his passion more openly, but the fear of judgment holds him back.

Af: Skielik, in die middle van die galery, loop Elske reg in iemand vas.
En: Suddenly, in the middle of the gallery, Elske bumps right into someone.

Af: Haar oë ontmoet die bekende gesig van Janco.
En: Her eyes meet the familiar face of Janco.

Af: Hulle het lank gelede in skool vriende geword, maar die lewe het hulle paaie laat skei.
En: They had become friends long ago in school, but life took them on separate paths.

Af: "Janco!
En: "Janco!"

Af: " roep Elske opgewonde.
En: Elske calls out excitedly.

Af: "Dis regtig jy!
En: "It's really you!"

Af: "Janco glimlag breed.
En: Janco smiles broadly.

Af: "Elske!
En: "Elske!

Af: Wat 'n verrassing!
En: What a surprise!

Af: Wat maak jy hier?
En: What are you doing here?"

Af: "Elske lag nervously.
En: Elske laughs nervously.

Af: "Ek probeer weer inspirasie kry.
En: "I'm trying to get inspiration again.

Af: Ek voel so.
En: I feel so...

Af: vasgevang.
En: trapped."

Af: "Hulle stap saam deur die galery en stop by 'n groot, kleurryke skildery.
En: They walk together through the gallery and stop at a large, colorful painting.

Af: Dit is vol vonkelende blou en groen kleure, en iets daaraan raak hulle albei diep.
En: It is full of sparkling blues and greens, and something about it touches them both deeply.

Af: "Ek het altyd van kuns gehou," sê Janco skielik.
En: "I've always loved art," Janco says suddenly.

Af: "Maar ek weet nie.
En: "But I don't know...

Af: Dit voel of ek dit nie regtig kan volg nie.
En: It feels like I can't really pursue it."

Af: "Elske kyk na hom, verras oor sy openhartigheid.
En: Elske looks at him, surprised by his openness.

Af: "Hoekom nie?
En: "Why not?"

Af: ""Ek is bang vir wat mense sal sê.
En: "I'm afraid of what people will say.

Af: Wat as ek nie goed genoeg is nie?
En: What if I'm not good enough?"

Af: " antwoord hy.
En: he replies.

Af: Sy knik en verstaan.
En: She nods in understanding.

Af: "Ek voel dieselfde oor my eie werk.
En: "I feel the same about my own work."

Af: "Hulle staan stil, die stil harmonie van die kunswerk rondom hulle.
En: They stand still, the quiet harmony of the artwork surrounding them.

Af: Elske draai na Janco.
En: Elske turns to Janco.

Af: "Wat dink jy van hierdie skildery?
En: "What do you think of this painting?"

Af: "Hy tel sy moed bymekaar en vertel haar van hoe die kleure sy verbeelding aan die brand steek.
En: He gathers his courage and tells her how the colors set his imagination alight.

Af: Hoe die skildery vir hom die krag van nuwe begin voel.
En: How the painting feels to him like the power of new beginnings.

Af: Dit is in daardie oomblik dat Elske besef haar probleem was nooit haar talent nie, maar haar eie twyfel.
En: It's in that moment that Elske realizes her problem was never her talent but her own doubt.

Af: “Ek dink ek moet weer begin skilder.
En: "I think I should start painting again.

Af: Net vir my.
En: Just for me."

Af: ”Janco straal.
En: Janco beams.

Af: "En ek sal 'n kunsklas neem.
En: "And I'll take an art class.

Af: Ek dink dis tyd dat ek dit ernstig opneem.
En: I think it's time I take it seriously."

Af: "Die son sak stadig, en die twee vriende vind krag in mekaar se moed.
En: The sun sets slowly, and the two friends find strength in each other's courage.

Af: Elske keer huis toe met 'n kop vol idees en 'n hart vol hoop.
En: Elske returns home with a head full of ideas and a heart full of hope.

Af: Die aand se stille belofte is om die kwas weer op doek te sit.
En: The evening's quiet promise is to put the brush to canvas again.

Af: Janco verlaat die galery met nuwe vooruitsigte, gereed om sy droom na te jaag.
En: Janco leaves the gallery with new perspectives, ready to pursue his dream.

Af: In die goud van die herfs, het twee sielsgenote 'n balans gevind tussen vrees en kreatiwiteit, en die pad vorentoe lyk helder, vol van beloftes en moontlikhede.
En: In the gold of autumn, two kindred spirits found a balance between fear and creativity, and the path ahead looks bright, full of promises and possibilities.


Vocabulary Words:

• rays: strale
• patterns: patrone
• smooth: gladde
• autumn: herfs
• whispers: fluister
• ignite: aansteek
• trapped: vasgevang
• doubts: twyfel
• corner: hoek
• hidden: verborge
• judgment: oordeel
• bumps: loop vas
• nervously: nervously
• inspiration: inspirasie
• harmony: harmonie
• gathers: tel...bymekaar
• imagination: verbeelding
• alight: aan die brand
• beginnings: begin
• courage: moed
• promise: belofte
• perspectives: vooruitsigte
• dream: droom
• kindred: sielsgenote
• balance: balans
• bright: helder
• crisp: knisperend
• gallery: galery
• sparkling: vonkelende
• canvas: doek

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Conquering Fears on Tafelberg: A Journey to Team Unity
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-07-23-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Pieter staan by die bus se deur.
En: Pieter stands by the bus door.

Af: Sy hande klam van senuweeagtigheid.
En: His hands are clammy from nervousness.

Af: Hy kyk na Annelie, wat stralend en energiek tussen die kollegas beweeg.
En: He looks at Annelie, who is radiant and energetic, moving among the colleagues.

Af: Dit is Pieter se eerste keer op Tafelberg.
En: It is Pieter's first time on Tafelberg.

Af: Hy probeer om nie aan sy angs vir hoogtes te dink nie.
En: He tries not to think about his fear of heights.

Af: Die sondige geur van fynbos hang swaar in die lug, saam met die belofte van 'n lewendige spanbou dag.
En: The sinful scent of fynbos hangs heavy in the air, along with the promise of a lively team-building day.

Af: Frans, altyd selfversekerd en vol idees, praat oor die bestygingsstrategieë wat hy op die internet gelees het.
En: Frans, always self-assured and full of ideas, talks about the climbing strategies he read about on the internet.

Af: “Ons gaan die kort roete vat,” sê Frans.
En: “We’re going to take the short route,” says Frans.

Af: “Minder bome, maar meer rots. Perfek vir foto's!”
En: “Fewer trees, but more rock. Perfect for photos!”

Af: Pieter sug.
En: Pieter sighs.

Af: Hy stel nie belang in rots of foto's nie.
En: He is not interested in rocks or photos.

Af: Hy stel belang in indruk maak.
En: He is interested in making an impression.

Af: Almal begin die klim.
En: Everyone begins the climb.

Af: Die staproete is steil en die son is warm op Pieter se nek.
En: The trail is steep, and the sun is warm on Pieter's neck.

Af: Hy hou sy oë op die grond gefokus om nie die afgronde te sien nie.
En: He keeps his eyes focused on the ground to avoid seeing the drop-offs.

Af: Annelie loop langs Pieter en vra hoe hy die dag tot dusfar ervaar.
En: Annelie walks next to Pieter and asks how he is experiencing the day so far.

Af: Met 'n glimlag antwoord hy, maar sy hande bly steeds styf om sy waterbottel geklem.
En: With a smile, he responds, but his hands remain tightly clenched around his water bottle.

Af: By 'n smal ledge stop die groep.
En: At a narrow ledge, the group stops.

Af: Die uitsig oor Kaapstad is skouspelagtig, die golwe wat die strande ontmoet onder die groot blou hemel.
En: The view over Kaapstad is spectacular, the waves meeting the beaches under the vast blue sky.

Af: "Kyk net daar," roep Frans uit.
En: "Just look there," Frans exclaims.

Af: Maar vir Pieter is die dieptes benoud.
En: But for Pieter, the depths are daunting.

Af: Hy los sy waterbottel neer en asem diep in.
En: He sets down his water bottle and takes a deep breath.

Af: Pieter weet hy moet 'n keuse maak.
En: Pieter knows he must make a choice.

Af: Bly hy hier, of stap hy verder saam met die groep?
En: Does he stay here, or does he continue with the group?

Af: Sy hart klop soos 'n trom.
En: His heart beats like a drum.

Af: Hy dink aan die bevordering, maar ook aan die verhouding met sy kollegas.
En: He thinks about the promotion but also about the relationship with his colleagues.

Af: Dan weet hy, hy wil nie net "daar" kom nie, hy wil "hier" wees, saam met hulle.
En: Then he knows he doesn’t just want to "be there," he wants to "be here," with them.

Af: Met 'n nuwe vastberadenheid beweeg Pieter vorentoe.
En: With newfound determination, Pieter moves forward.

Af: “Kom ons stap,” sê hy met meer oortuiging as wat hy voel.
En: “Let’s walk,” he says with more confidence than he feels.

Af: Frans draai om en glimlag breed, terwyl Annelie haar goedkeur aan hom gee.
En: Frans turns and smiles broadly, while Annelie gives her approval.

Af: Die groep volg hom en Pieter lei, al is dit net vir 'n kort stukkie, die pad.
En: The group follows him, and Pieter leads the way, even if just for a short piece.

Af: Later, wanneer hulle almal onder die skadu van 'n groot boom sit en hul toebroodjies eet, voel Pieter 'n trots wat hy nie verwag het nie.
En: Later, when they all sit under the shade of a big tree eating their sandwiches, Pieter feels a pride he did not expect.

Af: Sy vrese blyk nie meer so groot nie, die wêreld nie so eng nie.
En: His fears seem not so big anymore, the world not so narrow.

Af: Op die bus terug, terwyl die herinneringe van die dag in sy gedagtes gly, voel Pieter hoe 'n band met sy kollegas vorm.
En: On the bus back, as the memories of the day slide through his mind, Pieter feels a bond forming with his colleagues.

Af: Dit is nie net die bereiking van die top wat saak maak nie, besef hy, maar die pad saam daarheen.
En: It is not just reaching the top that matters, he realizes, but the journey there together.

Af: En met daardie gedagte, glimlag hy vir die eerste keer voluit.
En: And with that thought, he smiles fully for the first time.

Af: Wanneer Pieters se baas hom die volgende week komplimenteer oor hoe hy die span geïnspireer het, weet Pieter alreeds.
En: When Pieter's boss compliments him the next week on how he inspired the team, Pieter already knows.

Af: Groei beteken om jou vrese te staan maak en jouself oop te stel vir die wêreld, net soos hy dit gedoen het op daardie smal ledge van Tafelberg.
En: Growth means facing your fears and opening yourself to the world, just as he did on that narrow ledge of Tafelberg.

Af: En in daardie groei, vind hy die betekenis van 'n ware span.
En: And in that growth, he finds the meaning of a true team.


Vocabulary Words:

• clammy: klam
• nervousness: senuweeagtigheid
• radiant: stralend
• sinful: sondige
• scent: geur
• self-assured: selfversekerd
• strategies: strategieë
• impression: indruk
• steep: steil
• daunting: benoud
• ledge: ledge
• spectacular: skouspelagtig
• determination: vastberadenheid
• clenched: geklemd
• drop-offs: afgronde
• thorough: deeglik
• slight: effens
• vast: groot
• confidence: oortuiging
• broadly: breed
• adventurous: avontuurlustig
• promotion: bevordering
• bond: band
• growth: groei
• compliments: komplimenteer
• pride: trots
• narrow: eng
• journey: pad
• inspire: geïnspireer
• meaning: betekenis

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Mystery at Hoërskool: The Case of the Missing Project
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-06-23-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die klok lui vir pouse by Hoërskool Groeneveld.
En: The bell rings for recess at Hoërskool Groeneveld.

Af: Blare ritsel soos die briesie deur die skoolterrein waai.
En: Leaves flutter as the breeze blows through the school grounds.

Af: Studente bedek die gange, sommige praat opgewonde oor hul wetenskapprojekte, terwyl ander oor die komende kompetisie stres.
En: Students fill the corridors, some excitedly talking about their science projects, while others stress about the upcoming competition.

Af: Die lug is skerp en vars, regtig klassieke herfsweer.
En: The air is crisp and fresh, truly classic autumn weather.

Af: In een van die hoeke van die biblioteek sit Annelize, haar oë vasgenael op 'n boek oor speurverhale.
En: In one corner of the library sits Annelize, her eyes glued to a book about detective stories.

Af: Sy lees graag omdat sy hou van raaisels oplos.
En: She loves reading because she enjoys solving puzzles.

Af: Maar vandag is haar gedagtes elders.
En: But today her thoughts are elsewhere.

Af: "Jaco," sê sy versigtig aan haar beste vriendin wat teenoor haar sit.
En: "Jaco," she says cautiously to her best friend sitting across from her.

Af: "Ons moet iets doen. Die projek is nog steeds weg!"
En: "We have to do something. The project is still missing!"

Af: Jaco krap sy kop, "Hmm, die hele ding is vreemd.
En: Jaco scratches his head, "Hmm, the whole thing is strange.

Af: Hoe verdwyn 'n projek sonder 'n spoor?"
En: How does a project disappear without a trace?"

Af: Hulle het gehoor dat die beste projek van die skool, wat Annelize self gelei het, verdwyn het.
En: They had heard that the school's top project, which Annelize herself led, had gone missing.

Af: Sonder daardie projek, sal die skool nie aan die streekkompetisie kan deelneem nie.
En: Without that project, the school won't be able to participate in the regional competition.

Af: Annelize is erg ontsteld, want hierdie projek kan vir haar 'n beurs bring.
En: Annelize is extremely upset because this project could earn her a scholarship.

Af: Tyd is min, en die druk is groot.
En: Time is short, and the pressure is on.

Af: "Ons moet ondersoek instel," besluit Annelize.
En: "We need to investigate," Annelize decides.

Af: "Ons kan nie langer wag nie."
En: "We can't wait any longer."

Af: Jaco knik en hulle vertrek onmiddellik om alles uit te vind.
En: Jaco nods, and they immediately set out to find everything out.

Af: Hulle vra klasgenote uit en loop rondom die skool.
En: They ask classmates and walk around the school.

Af: Almal skud net kop of gee niksseggende antwoorde.
En: Everyone just shakes their heads or gives noncommittal answers.

Af: Dit voel amper asof niemand die saak ernstig opneem nie.
En: It almost feels like no one is taking the matter seriously.

Af: Later ontmoet hulle Thandiwe, die nuwe meisie in die skool.
En: Later, they meet Thandiwe, the new girl in school.

Af: Sy staan gesellig naby die kunsklas.
En: She is standing pleasantly near the art class.

Af: Daar is iets geheimzinnig aan haar; almal sê so.
En: There's something mysterious about her; everyone says so.

Af: Maar haar vriendelikheid is verfrissend.
En: But her friendliness is refreshing.

Af: Sy kyk op toe Annelize en Jaco aan haar verduidelik wat aan die gang is.
En: She looks up as Annelize and Jaco explain what is going on.

Af: "Ek het iets gesien," begin Thandiwe stadig.
En: "I saw something," Thandiwe begins slowly.

Af: "Gisteraand het ek 'n man in 'n hoodie om die laboratorium sien loer.
En: "Last night, I saw a man in a hoodie peering around the laboratory.

Af: Ek het gedink dit was vreemd."
En: I thought it was strange."

Af: Jaco lyk skepties, maar Annelize voel 'n sprankie hoop.
En: Jaco looks skeptical, but Annelize feels a spark of hope.

Af: Hul ondersoek neem 'n nuwe wending.
En: Their investigation takes a new direction.

Af: Die volgende dag ontdek hulle, met 'n bietjie sluimering om die skoolgrense, dat Thandiwe by 'n geheime ontmoeting was.
En: The next day, they discover, with a little sleuthing around the school's boundaries, that Thandiwe had attended a secret meeting.

Af: Sy het gepraat met 'n seun van 'n mededingende skool.
En: She was speaking with a boy from a competing school.

Af: Annelize en Jaco hou in die skadu dop.
En: Annelize and Jaco watch from the shadows.

Af: Skielik bars hulle vorentoe, en die waarheid ontvou.
En: Suddenly, they burst forward, and the truth unfolds.

Af: Die seun het haar aangestel om op die projek te spioeneer, maar Thandiwe het 'n verandering van hart gehad.
En: The boy had hired her to spy on the project, but Thandiwe had a change of heart.

Af: Sy wil nie meer in die geheim werk nie en neem die projek terug by die mededinger.
En: She no longer wants to work secretly and retrieves the project from the competitor.

Af: "Ek wil nie hê hulle moet wen deur ons te kul nie," sê Thandiwe skaam aan Annelize.
En: "I don't want them to win by cheating us," Thandiwe says shyly to Annelize.

Af: "Ek het gedink ek kan dit regmaak."
En: "I thought I could make it right."

Af: Annelize voel verlig.
En: Annelize feels relieved.

Af: "Dankie, Thandiwe," sê sy.
En: "Thank you, Thandiwe," she says.

Af: "Ek waardeer jou eerlikheid."
En: "I appreciate your honesty."

Af: Met die projek in die hand keer Annelize en Jaco terug na die skool net betyds vir die kompetisie.
En: With the project in hand, Annelize and Jaco return to the school just in time for the competition.

Af: Hulle het 'n les geleer: vertrou jou instink en hoor al die feite aan.
En: They have learned a lesson: trust your instincts and listen to all the facts.

Af: Annelize het ook 'n nuwe vriend gemaak.
En: Annelize has also made a new friend.

Af: Die dag van die streekkompetisie, pryk haar projek weer op die tafels.
En: On the day of the regional competition, her project is once again displayed on the tables.

Af: Die lug is vol verwagting.
En: The air is full of anticipation.

Af: Hierdie keer voel Annelize sterker en selfversekerd, wetende dat sy en haar vriende saam enigiets kan oorkom.
En: This time, Annelize feels stronger and more confident, knowing that she and her friends can overcome anything together.

Af: Die les is eenvoudig: met samewerking en vasberadenheid kan groot uitdagings oorwin word.
En: The lesson is simple: with cooperation and determination, great challenges can be overcome.


Vocabulary Words:

• recess: pouse
• flutter: ritsel
• corridors: gange
• excitedly: opgewonde
• crisp: scherp
• cautiously: versigtig
• missing: weg
• scratches: krap
• disappear: verdwyn
• trace: spoor
• extremely: erg
• upset: ontsteld
• participate: deelneem
• short: min
• pressure: druk
• immediately: onmiddellik
• investigate: ondersoek instel
• noncommittal: niksseggende
• mysterious: geheimzinnig
• friendly: vriendelik
• skeptical: skepties
• spark: sprankie
• sleuthing: sluimering
• shadow: skadu
• hire: aangestel
• spy: spioeneer
• shyly: skaam
• relieved: verlig
• honesty: eerlikheid
• anticipation: verwagting

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Frans' Accidental Aerial Adventure: A Tafelberg Tale
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-05-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die kabelspoor by Tafelberg was 'n miernes van bedrywighede.
En: The kabelspoor at Tafelberg was a hive of activity.

Af: Die herfsluggie het die eerste geel blare laat dans en oor die skare gewaai.
En: The autumn breeze made the first yellow leaves dance and wafted over the crowd.

Af: Frans, 'n avontuurlustige man van Pretoria, het sy bril reggeskuif terwyl hy oor die mense skouer geloer het na die groot staalmonstrum wat homself 'n kabelkarretjie noem.
En: Frans, an adventurous man from Pretoria, adjusted his glasses while he peeked over people's shoulders at the large steel contraption called a cable car.

Af: Elsie en Pieter, sy reisvriende, het 'n entjie verder gestaan en na die pragtige uitsig oor Kaapstad gekyk.
En: Elsie and Pieter, his travel companions, stood a little way off admiring the beautiful view of Kaapstad.

Af: Frans se hart het vinniger geklop.
En: Frans' heart beat faster.

Af: Hy moes iets bedink om indruk te maak.
En: He had to think of something to make an impression.

Af: Dapper moes hy wees.
En: He had to be brave.

Af: Net 'n gewone rit met die kabelspoor was tog te vervelig, het hy vir homself gesê.
En: Just an ordinary ride on the kabelspoor was too boring, he told himself.

Af: Met vinnige treë het hy na die kaartjieskerm gestap.
En: With quick steps, he walked to the ticket screen.

Af: Die plakkate met aanwysings het gelyk soos 'n groot doolhof.
En: The posters with directions looked like a big maze.

Af: Hy het aangekyk, sy kop gekrap, en 'n swaar sug gelos.
En: He looked up, scratched his head, and let out a heavy sigh.

Af: "Ek kan dit doen," het hy homself gerus gestel.
En: "I can do this," he reassured himself.

Af: Sonder dat hy dit besef, het hy egter 'n area betree wat vir personeel was.
En: Without realizing it, he had entered an area reserved for staff.

Af: Skielik het 'n klomp vreemde artikels, van wandelstokke tot piekniekmandjies, binne 'n leë kabelkar op hom afgekom.
En: Suddenly, a bunch of strange items, from walking sticks to picnic baskets, came upon him inside an empty cable car.

Af: Frans se oë het groot getrek.
En: Frans' eyes widened.

Af: Dit het gelyk soos 'n verlate stoor.
En: It looked like a deserted storage space.

Af: In sy poging om hierdie nuwe uitdaging aan te pak, het hy glips in die motor gestap en die deur agter hom toegestamp.
En: In his attempt to tackle this new challenge, he inadvertently stepped into the car and slammed the door behind him.

Af: Daar was 'n klikgeluid en Frans het agtergekom hy is vasgesluit.
En: There was a clicking sound, and Frans realized he was locked in.

Af: Sy moed het 'n klein knik gekry, maar hy wou nie paniekerig raak nie.
En: His courage took a small dip, but he did not want to panic.

Af: "Ek het dit," het hy hardop gemurmel, al was dit vir niemand anders regtig bedoel as vir homself nie.
En: "I've got this," he mumbled aloud, although it was intended for no one but himself.

Af: Hy het gekyk na die kontroles voor hom.
En: He looked at the controls in front of him.

Af: Na enkele minute van hantering, het hy per ongeluk die kabelkar laat skud.
En: After a few minutes of fiddling, he accidentally caused the cable car to shake.

Af: 'n Luid klap het die lug gevul, en die kar het agteruit begin beweeg, tot groot skrik van die hele toegangsstasie.
En: A loud clapping sound filled the air, and the car began to move backward, much to the shock of the whole access station.

Af: Turiste het verbouereerd gekyk en die personeel het vinnig nader gehardloop.
En: Tourists looked bewildered, and the staff quickly rushed closer.

Af: Pieter en Elsie het heel voorsiens teruggekeer van hul foto-sessie en dadelik die situasie besef.
En: Pieter and Elsie had quite providently returned from their photo session and immediately realized the situation.

Af: Elsie het 'n hand voor haar mond gesit terwyl sy giggel.
En: Elsie covered her mouth as she giggled.

Af: "Frans het dit weer gedoen," het Pieter met 'n kopskud gesê.
En: "Frans has done it again," Pieter said, shaking his head.

Af: Met 'n mengsel van verleentheid en humor het Frans die draadloos aangeraak en uiteindelik na hulp gevra.
En: With a mixture of embarrassment and humor, Frans touched the intercom and finally asked for help.

Af: 'n Paar minute later het die personeel hom bevry en kon nie ophou lag vir sy grimerige gesig nie.
En: A few minutes later, the staff freed him and couldn't stop laughing at his grimy face.

Af: "Dapper is jy, maar laat ons die kabel oorlaat aan die kenners," het een van die amptenare gespot.
En: "You're brave, but let's leave the cable to the experts," one of the officials joked.

Af: Die ongewone avontuur het ongelooflike tolletjie van lag veroorsaak tussen Frans se vriende en die ander toeriste.
En: The unusual adventure caused an incredible burst of laughter among Frans' friends and the other tourists.

Af: Frans het gou besef dat sy veiligheid en die avontuur saam met sy vriende eintlik die eintlike storie was.
En: Frans soon realized that his safety and the adventure with his friends were the actual story.

Af: Toe hulle teen die kant van Tafelberg opkyk, het Frans instemmend geknik.
En: When they looked up the side of Tafelberg, Frans nodded in agreement.

Af: Hy het teruggestap na Elsie en Pieter.
En: He walked back to Elsie and Pieter.

Af: "Volgende keer," het hy geterg, "boek ek ons 'n gewone kabelrit.
En: "Next time," he teased, "I'll book us a regular cable ride."

Af: " En so het hulle almal saam oor die pragtige uitsigte gesels, tevrede met die ontdekkings van die dag.
En: And so they all chatted together about the beautiful views, satisfied with the day's discoveries.


Vocabulary Words:

• kabelspoor: cable railway
• miernes: hive
• herfsluggie: autumn breeze
• bedrywighede: activities
• avontuurlustige: adventurous
• bril: glasses
• staalmonstrum: steel contraption
• uitsig: view
• bedink: think of
• dapper: brave
• plakkate: posters
• aanwysings: directions
• doolhof: maze
• skouer: shoulder
• geel: yellow
• geloer: peeked
• omdat: because
• vreemde: strange
• grimerige: grimy
• gesig: face
• ontdekkings: discoveries
• retoer: return
• veroorloof: afford
• upperbeskryf: describes above
• pasgebore: newborn
• vasgesluit: locked in
• verbouereerd: bewildered
• ueiendelik: finally
• boers: farmer's
• draadloos: wireless

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Rekindling Bonds: A Sibling Reunion in Stellenbosch
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-04-23-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die klok slaan drie in die middag.
En: The clock strikes three in the afternoon.

Af: Die lug is bewolk en die koelte van herfs steek deur die strate van Stellenbosch.
En: The sky is overcast and the coolness of autumn stirs through the streets of Stellenbosch.

Af: Binne 'n knus koffiewinkel, omhul in amberlig, sit Pieter by 'n ronde tafel.
En: Inside a cozy coffee shop, enveloped in amber light, Pieter sits at a round table.

Af: Johann, sy jonger neef, praat vrolik oor die geurige wynlande.
En: Johann, his younger cousin, happily chats about the fragrant wine lands.

Af: Die plek ruis sag met 'n gerustellende gemurmel van stemme en die klank van koppies wat liggies klink.
En: The place softly hums with the comforting murmur of voices and the sound of cups gently clinking.

Af: Pieter agteroor ondersteun homself op die sagte stoel terwyl sy gedagtes dwaal.
En: Pieter leans back, supporting himself on the soft chair as his thoughts wander.

Af: Vandag is 'n spesiale dag.
En: Today is a special day.

Af: Hy het nie Annelie, sy suster, in jare gesien nie.
En: He hasn't seen Annelie, his sister, in years.

Af: Hulle verhouding was altyd moeilik, vol misverstande en stilte.
En: Their relationship had always been difficult, full of misunderstandings and silence.

Af: Maar vandag is anders.
En: But today is different.

Af: Hulle moet werk maak van mending.
En: They must make an effort to mend things.

Af: Toe Annelie deur die deur instap, verander die atmosfeer.
En: When Annelie steps through the door, the atmosphere changes.

Af: Sy lyk sagter, met 'n glimlag wat haar oë bereik.
En: She looks softer, with a smile that reaches her eyes.

Af: Johann skud sy hande opgewonde.
En: Johann excitedly shakes his hands.

Af: "Daar is sy!" roep hy uit.
En: "There she is!" he exclaims.

Af: Pieter kyk op, 'n mengsel van angs en hoop in sy oë.
En: Pieter looks up, a mix of anxiety and hope in his eyes.

Af: Hulle bestel koffie.
En: They order coffee.

Af: Die aroma vul die lug, 'n troosboodskap in elke asemteug.
En: The aroma fills the air, a message of comfort in every breath.

Af: Niemand weet regtig hoe om te begin praat nie.
En: No one really knows how to begin talking.

Af: Johann probeer 'n ligte geselskap hou.
En: Johann tries to keep a light conversation.

Af: Maar Pieter weet hy moet gefokus wees.
En: But Pieter knows he must stay focused.

Af: Hy haal diep asem en kyk Annelie in die oë.
En: He takes a deep breath and looks Annelie in the eyes.

Af: "Ek is jammer," sê hy eenvoudig.
En: "I'm sorry," he says simply.

Af: "Ek het dinge verkeerd verstaan."
En: "I misunderstood things."

Af: Annelie sit haar koppie neer.
En: Annelie puts down her cup.

Af: Sy glimlag hartseer.
En: She smiles sadly.

Af: "Ek ook Pieter.
En: "Me too, Pieter.

Af: Ons het goed verloor oor dinge wat nie saak maak nie."
En: We lost out on things that don't matter."

Af: Hulle praat.
En: They talk.

Af: Die gesprek is breekbaar, soos blare wat onder 'n boom val.
En: The conversation is fragile, like leaves falling beneath a tree.

Af: Daar is trane, maar ook lag.
En: There are tears, but also laughter.

Af: Hulle noem herinneringe van kinderjare, speel onder die eikebome en die reuk van Ma se gunstelingpastei.
En: They mention memories of childhood, playing under the oak trees, and the smell of Mom's favorite pie.

Af: Namate die son stadig verdwyn buite, verander die kleure van die koffiewinkel se mure.
En: As the sun slowly disappears outside, the colors of the coffee shop walls change.

Af: Hul woorde vlei hul harte en bou brûe oor die jare van stilte.
En: Their words soothe their hearts and build bridges over the years of silence.

Af: Pieter voel hoe 'n gewig lig.
En: Pieter feels a weight lift.

Af: Dis Human Rights Day oor 'n paar dae, 'n tyd vir nuwe begin.
En: It's Human Rights Day in a few days, a time for new beginnings.

Af: Met die vertrek is daar 'n laaste emosionele oomblik.
En: As they leave, there's a final emotional moment.

Af: Pieter en Annelie staan op en hulde die afstand met 'n omhelsing.
En: Pieter and Annelie stand and bridge the distance with a hug.

Af: "Welkom terug, suster," fluister Pieter.
En: "Welcome back, sister," Pieter whispers.

Af: Daardie aand stap hulle saam na die parkeerterrein.
En: That evening, they walk together to the parking lot.

Af: Daar is 'n nuwe ligheid in hul stappe.
En: There is a new lightness in their steps.

Af: Familie beteken nie net deel dieselfde bloed nie; dit beteken empatie en vergewe.
En: Family means not just sharing the same blood; it means empathy and forgiveness.

Af: Daardie herfsdag in Stellenbosch, in die warmte van 'n koffiekroeg, is iets nuuts gebore.
En: That autumn day in Stellenbosch, in the warmth of a coffee shop, something new was born.

Af: Pieter glimlag terwyl hulle vorentoe beweeg, sy gees vryer as in jare.
En: Pieter smiles as they move forward, his spirit freer than it has been in years.

Af: Hulle is op 'n pad van herstel.
En: They are on a path of healing.

Af: Dit is die klein stappies wat die grootste betekenis dra.
En: It is the small steps that carry the greatest meaning.


Vocabulary Words:

• overcast: bewolk
• coolness: koelte
• enveloped: omhul
• fragrant: geurige
• hums: ruis
• wander: dwaal
• misunderstandings: misverstande
• mend: mending
• atmosphere: atmosfeer
• aroma: aroma
• conversation: gesprek
• fragile: breekbaar
• beneath: onder
• mention: noem
• childhood: kinderjare
• oak: eikebome
• disappears: verdwyn
• soothe: vlei
• silence: stilte
• weight: gewig
• emotional: emosionele
• hug: omhelsing
• distance: afstand
• empathy: empatie
• forgiveness: vergewe
• warmth: warmte
• healing: herstel
• steps: stappe
• greatest: grootste
• meaning: betekenis

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Anina's Ascent: Overcoming Fear and Embracing New Beginnings
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-03-03-23-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Onder die helder herfsondeg van Kaappunt staan Anina, haar hart klop vinnig.
En: Under the bright autumn sun of Kaappunt, Anina stands, her heart beating quickly.

Af: Sy kyk op na die groot vuurtoring wat trots in die wind staan.
En: She looks up at the large lighthouse standing proudly in the wind.

Af: Die see brul ver onder haar, sy golwe breek teen die ruwe rotse.
En: The sea roars far below her, its waves breaking against the rugged rocks.

Af: Die kleurvolle blare van die bome rondom haar dans in die briesie.
En: The colorful leaves of the trees around her dance in the breeze.

Af: Anina se vriende, Pieter en Liesl, het haar oortuig om die naweek saam te bestee.
En: Anina's friends, Pieter and Liesl, convinced her to spend the weekend together.

Af: Liesl het terug by die kar gebly met die piekniekmandjie, maar Pieter het voorgeloop om vir Anina op die hoogste platform te wag met belangrike nuus.
En: Liesl stayed back by the car with the picnic basket, but Pieter went ahead to wait for Anina on the highest platform with important news.

Af: Sy het 'n diep vrees vir hoogtes, een wat haar dikwels terughou.
En: She has a deep fear of heights, one that often holds her back.

Af: Maar iets in Pieter se stem die vorige aand het haar gedwing om hierdie uitdagende stap te neem.
En: But something in Pieter's voice the previous night compelled her to take this challenging step.

Af: Sy haal diep asem en begin stadig aan die pad op, al pomp haar bloed in haar ore.
En: She takes a deep breath and slowly starts up the path, even as her blood pumps in her ears.

Af: Die wind fluis met elke tree, asof die aarde haar aanmoedig.
En: The wind whispers with every step, as if the earth is encouraging her.

Af: Elke enkele trap wat sy klim, voel aan soos 'n berge wat sy oorwin.
En: Every single step she climbs feels like a mountain she is conquering.

Af: Sy herinner haarself aan hoekom sy hier is: om haar vrees te oorwin en haar drome na te jaag.
En: She reminds herself why she is here: to overcome her fear and pursue her dreams.

Af: Die pad is steil en ongelyk, die klammigheid van die seebries maak die klippe glad.
En: The path is steep and uneven, the dampness of the sea breeze making the stones slippery.

Af: Anina se hande klem styf aan die reling vas, haar oë fokus op die uitgestrekte landskap voor haar en nie die dieptes onder nie.
En: Anina's hands grip tightly to the railing, her eyes focused on the expansive landscape before her and not the depths below.

Af: Pieter se stem in haar kop vertel haar om te bly vashou, om aan te hou loop.
En: Pieter's voice in her head tells her to keep holding on, to keep walking.

Af: By elke draai verskyn die see weer, 'n eindelose blou horison wat haar daarvan laat droom om nuwe dinge aan te pak.
En: At each turn, the sea appears again, an endless blue horizon that makes her dream of embarking on new things.

Af: Haar bene voel swaar soos lood, maar sy hou aan beweeg.
En: Her legs feel as heavy as lead, but she keeps moving.

Af: Namate sy die bo-punt nader, voel sy die brug onder haar skud van 'n skielike rukwind.
En: As she nears the top, she feels the bridge beneath her shake with a sudden gust of wind.

Af: Vir 'n oomblik stop sy, haar hart klop wild.
En: For a moment, she stops, her heart pounding wildly.

Af: "Moenie ophou nie," fluister 'n deel van haar.
En: "Don't stop," a part of her whispers.

Af: En so, met nuwe moed, verminder sy die laaste meter, haar oë is op die boog van die vuurtoring gevestig.
En: And so, with new courage, she covers the last meter, her eyes fixed on the arch of the lighthouse.

Af: Wanneer sy uiteindelik bo kom, wag Pieter met 'n groot glimlag.
En: When she finally reaches the top, Pieter waits with a big smile.

Af: Hy omhels haar ferm, trots op wat sy oorwin het.
En: He embraces her firmly, proud of what she has overcome.

Af: "Jy het dit gemaak!
En: "You made it!"

Af: " sê hy vol glorie.
En: he says full of glory.

Af: Die nuus is groter as wat sy verwag het: 'n geleentheid om in die buiteland te werk, iets waarvan sy nog altyd gesoek het, wag op haar.
En: The news is bigger than she expected: an opportunity to work abroad, something she has always sought, awaits her.

Af: Anina voel iets in haar skift.
En: Anina feels something shift within her.

Af: Sy het meer as net 'n fisiese klim oorwin.
En: She has overcome more than just a physical climb.

Af: Dis 'n simboliese sege oor haar eie vrese.
En: It is a symbolic victory over her own fears.

Af: Sy kyk na die see en weet nou: sy is gereed vir die avontuur.
En: She looks at the sea and now knows: she is ready for the adventure.

Af: Die vuurtoring staan steeds trots daar, 'n getuie van haar triomf.
En: The lighthouse still stands proudly there, a witness to her triumph.

Af: Die herfskleure omarm haar met beloften van verandering en nuwe begin.
En: The autumn colors embrace her with promises of change and new beginnings.

Af: Terwyl sy en Pieter saam die sonsondergang aan die horison sinchroniseer, weet sy, met 'n glimlag, dat haar pad vorentoe helderder as ooit is.
En: As she and Pieter watch the sunset on the horizon together, she knows, with a smile, that her path forward is brighter than ever.


Vocabulary Words:

• autumn: herfs
• lighthouse: vuurtoring
• roars: brul
• rugged: ruwe
• convinced: oortuig
• platform: platform
• compelled: gedwing
• challenging: uitdagende
• breeze: briesie
• whispers: fluis
• encouraging: aanmoedig
• conquering: oorwin
• steep: steil
• dampness: klammigheid
• railing: reling
• expansive: uitgestrekte
• endless: eindelose
• embarking: aan te pak
• gust: rukwind
• pounding: klop
• courage: moed
• embraces: omhels
• glory: glorie
• abroad: buiteland
• seeks: gesoek
• shift: skift
• symbolic: simboliese
• triumph: triomf
• promises: beloften
• horizon: horison