Afrikaans proverbs

Afrikaans is a language similar to Dutch spoken in southern Africa.


 * Een swaeltjie maak nog geen somer nie.
 * English equivalent: One swallow does not make a summer.
 * "The appearance of a single sign of a favourable event is not yet a definite indication of its coming."


 * Die middel kan wel erger as die kwaad wees.
 * English equivalent: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse.
 * "Action taken to put something right is often more unpleasant or damaging than the original problem."


 * Jakkals prys sy eie stert.
 * Meaning: The vain will always boast about themselves.


 * Die appel val nie ver van die boom nie.
 * The apple does not fall far from the tree.
 * Meaning: The child often looks and acts like the parent.


 * Van die os op die jas.
 * Meaning: To change the subject suddenly to something totally different.


 * Daar waar die tekkie die teer tref.
 * Meaning: At the point of contact or where it really matters.


 * Tussen die boom en die bas.
 * Between the tree and the bark.
 * Meaning: Referring to how one is doing, not really great but not too bad either.


 * Skoenmaker se kinders loop kaalvoet.
 * English equivalent: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
 * "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."


 * Tussen twee vure.
 * English equivalent: Never do things by halves.