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