How to say like in Afrikaans: hou van – Part 5 (van wie and waarvan)
📘 Who this is for: CAPS, IEB, Cambridge students (FAL and SAL Grades 7–12) and adult Afrikaans learners.
Master one of the exceptions to the rule for “hou van” in Afrikaans. Learn when “van” comes before “hou” and how to use “van wie hou” and “waarvan hou” correctly.
When "van" goes in front of "hou"
The word order of "hou van" can change when referencing to someone or something by giving more information about that thing/ person.
In this case "van" comes before "hou" in the sentence, but the structure changes depending on if you are referring to a person or a thing.
When referring to people
When referring to people we use this basic structure:
Object + van wie + subject + hou
Example 1
The man who I like is here.
Die man van wie ek hou is hier.
The subject of the sentence (ek) goes between "van wie" and "hou."
Example 2
The girl who my brother likes a lot lives in Cape Town.
Die meisie van wie my broer baie hou bly in Kaapstad.
Just like with the standard structure of "hou van," you can still get a adjective between "hou" and "van" here.
When referring to things
When referring to things we use this basic structure:
Object + waarvan + subject + hou
Example 1
The book that I like is over there.
Die boek waarvan ek hou is daar anderkant.
The subject of the sentence (ek) goes between "waarvan: and "hou."
Example 2
The shop that you like a lot is closed.
Die winkel waarvan jy baie hou is toegemaak.
Just like with the standard structure of "hou van," you can still get a adjective between "hou" and "van" here.
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References.
Lutrin, B. (1999). Afrikaans handbook & study guide: An English student’s guide to Afrikaans. Sandton: Berlut Books.
de Jonge, A. (n.d.). Leer Afrikaans sonder om jou rieme styf te loop. Graffiti Boeke.
De Klerk, P. F., Esterhuizen, B. J., Hammann, H. J. R., & Neethling, E. L. (1986). Afrikaans my taal. Maskew Miller Longman.
Nel, M. (2019). Afrikaans+: Everything you need to obtain top marks. LAPA Uitgewers.
The majority of this course content is based on the author’s experience, practice, and self-study.
© 2026 Owl's Bilingual Academy. You’re welcome to share or adapt this for non-commercial use, as long as you give credit. Please don’t sell it or claim it as your own.
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