Tricky Afrikaans prepositions: part 1 – deur (door and through)

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

The word "deur" can fill many roles in Afrikaans. Learn the most common uses of "deur" in Afrikaans.

What does "deur" mean.

"Deur" can mean several things depending on how it is used in a sentence

Deur (door)

The most everyday meaning of "deur" is "door."

Example

The door is broken.

Due deur is stukkend.

Deur (through)

"Deur" can also mean through.

Example 1

I walked through the forest.

Ek het deur die woud gestap.

Example 2

I walk through the door.

Ek loop deur die deur.

Deur (by)

"Deur" can also sometimes be translated as "by" learn more here.

Example 1

They supported each other through the difficult times

Hulle het mekaar ge-ondersteun deur die moelike tye.

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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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