The Infinitive in Afrikaans: om te – part 5 (Infinitives without "om")

📘 Who this is for: CAPS, IEB, Cambridge students (FAL and SAL Grades 7–12) and adult Afrikaans learners.

Learn when to use “te” instead of “om te” in Afrikaans. Master “behoort te” and “hoef nie te” structures.

Infinitives without "om"

There are a few Afrikaans words in Afrikaans that don't get an "om" after them if they are followed by an infinitive. They only get a "te."

"Behoort te" (aught to)

Unlike most "behoort" does not get an "om te" directly after it. "Behoort" just gets a "te."

Example 2

You aught to see what's written there.

Jy behoort te sien wat daar neergeskryf is.

The infinitive functions just like a normal infinitive after "behoort," but the "om" is missing.

Example 2

The thieves aught not to steal people's cars.

Die diewe behoort nie mense se karre te steel nie.

Sometimes you can get words that tell you more about the actions before "te," just like other infinitives.

Hoef nie te (don't have to/ doesn't have to)

We also only get a "te" after "hoef nie" (don't have to/ doesn't have to)

Example 1

You don't have to see him.

Jy hoef hom nie te sien nie.

The infinitive goes after the "nie" in negative sentences.

Example 2

She doesn't have to go to work this Wednesday. 

Sy hoef nie hierdie Woensdag werk toe te gaan nie.

You can also get words that tell you more about the actions before "te," just like other infinitives.

Don't use "hoef" in positive sentences

In Afrikaans we only use "hoef " in negative sentences.

If you want to say something "have to" you can use "moet" (must).

Example 1

You don't have to eat

Jy hoef nie te eet nie.

Example 2

You have to eat/ You must eat.

Jy moet eet.

“Moet” is the closest equivalent to “have to” or “must” in Afrikaans.

Deur te (by)

"Deur te" is usually used like English word "by."

"Deur te" also drops the "om" just like "behoort te" and "hoef nie te."

Example 1

By eating I gain weight. 

Deur te eet tel ek gewig op.

The infinitive functions just like a normal infinitive after "deur," but the "om" is missing.

Example 2

I did better in my exams by studying more.

Ek het beter in my eksamen gedoen deur meer te studeer.

You can also get words that tell you more about the actions before "te," just like other infinitives.

To learn more about the other meanings of deur go 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.

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