FluentFiction - Afrikaans

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Love on the Slopes: A Valentine's Revelation
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-01-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son het goud versprei oor Tafelberg, en die stadsliggies van Kaapstad glinster in die verte.
En: The sun spread gold over Tafelberg, and the city lights of Kaapstad twinkle in the distance.

Af: Thandi en Ruan stap op die ruwe paadjie, omring deur helderkleurige fynbos en die geluid van kriekels wat saamsing met die wind.
En: Thandi and Ruan walk on the rough path, surrounded by brightly colored fynbos and the sound of crickets singing with the wind.

Af: Thandi het na Ruan gekyk, sy het 'n glimlag verwag, miskien 'n vas van die hand.
En: Thandi looked at Ruan, expecting a smile, maybe a hold of the hand.

Af: Sy het gehoop dat hy hierdie Valentynsdag spesiaal sou maak.
En: She had hoped he would make this Valentine's Day special.

Af: Maar Ruan stap voort, sy oë fokus op die pad na die piek.
En: But Ruan kept walking, his eyes focused on the path to the peak.

Af: Vir hom was die bestemming belangriker as die reis.
En: For him, the destination was more important than the journey.

Af: "Dis pragtig hier, nè?
En: "It's beautiful here, isn't it?"

Af: " sê Thandi, proberend.
En: said Thandi, trying.

Af: Ruan knik slegs, sy oë steeds op die grond gerig.
En: Ruan only nodded, his eyes still fixed on the ground.

Af: Sy hart het sy pragmatiese kant kenmerk, maar Thandi het anders verlang.
En: His heart marked by his pragmatic side, but Thandi longed for something different.

Af: Verder op die berg het sy 'n idee.
En: Further up the mountain, she had an idea.

Af: "Kom, Ruan, ek weet van 'n mooi kykpunt.
En: "Come, Ruan, I know a beautiful viewpoint."

Af: "Ruan het getwyfel, maar haar entusiasme het hom oorreed.
En: Ruan hesitated, but her enthusiasm persuaded him.

Af: Aura van romanse het rondom hulle gedryf soos die geure van die veldblomme.
En: An aura of romance drifted around them like the scents of the wildflowers.

Af: By die kykpunt het 'n uitsig oor die oseaan geopen, blou en eindeloos.
En: At the viewpoint, a view over the ocean opened up, blue and endless.

Af: Thandi draai na Ruan en sê met 'n sagte stem, "Ek wil hê vandag moet spesiaal wees, vir ons.
En: Thandi turned to Ruan and said with a soft voice, "I want today to be special, for us."

Af: "Ruan kyk na haar, sy gesig verzag.
En: Ruan looked at her, his face softened.

Af: Hy neem haar hand, sy stem selfs sagter as die wind, "Ek verstaan, Thandi.
En: He took her hand, his voice even softer than the wind, "I understand, Thandi.

Af: Ek is jammer, ek fokus soms te veel op die einddoel.
En: I'm sorry, I sometimes focus too much on the end goal."

Af: "Thandi glimlag en antwoord, "Dis al wat ek wou hoor.
En: Thandi smiled and replied, "That's all I wanted to hear."

Af: "Hulle sit langs mekaar, sonsondergang vervul die lug met lewendige kleure.
En: They sit next to each other, sunset filling the sky with vibrant colors.

Af: Albei voel die hede vervul van betekenis en liefde.
En: Both feel the present filled with meaning and love.

Af: Ruan voel die verandering binne hom, 'n drang om meer teenwoordig te wees, vir Thandi, en Thandi voel sekerheid oor wat sy nodig het en die moed om dit uit te spreek.
En: Ruan feels the change within him, a longing to be more present, for Thandi, and Thandi feels certainty about what she needs and the courage to express it.

Af: Ruan leun 'n bietjie nader en sê met opregtheid, "Kom ons maak elke oomblik saak.
En: Ruan leans a little closer and says with sincerity, "Let's make every moment count."

Af: "Soos die sterre begin skitter, weet hulle dat hulle iets kosbaars het.
En: As the stars begin to shimmer, they know they have something precious.

Af: In daardie stille oomblik het die berghang nie net 'n splinternuwe uitsig geopen nie, maar ook 'n dieper begrip van mekaar.
En: In that quiet moment, the mountain slope not only revealed a brand new view but also a deeper understanding of each other.

Vocabulary Words:
rough: ruwe
path: paadjie
surrounded: omring
crickets: kriekels
scent: geure
wildflowers: veldblomme
valentine's day: valentynsdag
pragmatic: pragmatiese
longing: verlang
persuaded: oorreed
viewpoint: kykpunt
softened: verzag
certaintity: sekerheid
courage: moed
present: hede
sincerity: opregtheid
shimmer: skitter
precious: kosbaars
understanding: begrip
gold: goud
twinkle: glinster
expected: verwag
enthusiasm: entoesiasme
drifted: gedryf
endless: eindeloos
meaning: betekenis
lean: leun
change: verandering
handle: vas
destination: bestemming

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Finding Strength in Nature: Karel's Journey at Kirstenbosch
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-01-08-38-19-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son skyn helder oor Kirstenbosch Nasionale Botaniese Tuin.
En: The sun shines brightly over Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Af: Karel loop stadig op die klam grondpaaie.
En: Karel walks slowly along the damp dirt paths.

Af: Die vars lug vul sy longe, maar bring 'n herinnering aan sy nuut gediagnoseerde asma.
En: The fresh air fills his lungs, but it brings a reminder of his newly diagnosed asthma.

Af: Hy voel onseker, sy lewe lyk nou anders.
En: He feels uncertain; his life now seems different.

Af: Hy soek duidelikheid en vrede tussen die blomme en bome.
En: He seeks clarity and peace among the flowers and trees.

Af: Elna is langs hom.
En: Elna is beside him.

Af: Sy is altyd vol energie.
En: She is always full of energy.

Af: "Karel, kyk hoe mooi is die proteas!
En: "Karel, look how beautiful the proteas are!"

Af: " sê sy opgewonde.
En: she says excitedly.

Af: Karel glimlag flou.
En: Karel smiles faintly.

Af: Sy vriend se entoesiasme is aansteeklik, maar hy dra steeds 'n last van vrees.
En: His friend's enthusiasm is contagious, but he still carries a burden of fear.

Af: "Hou moed, ou vriend," sê Elna.
En: "Stay strong, old friend," says Elna.

Af: "Ons is hier om saam die mooi te geniet.
En: "We're here to enjoy the beauty together."

Af: " Sy druk sy hand bemoedigend.
En: She squeezes his hand encouragingly.

Af: Hulle stap verder en vind Frans, die ou botanis, besig om 'n vreemde plant met 'n vergrootglas te bestudeer.
En: They walk further and find Frans, the old botanist, busy studying a strange plant with a magnifying glass.

Af: Sy kopie van "Plante van Suider-Afrika" is so verslete soos sy gesig.
En: His copy of "Plante van Suider-Afrika" is as worn as his face.

Af: Frans kyk op en sien hulle nader kom.
En: Frans looks up and sees them approaching.

Af: "Hallo jonges," groet Frans met 'n smalende knik.
En: "Hello youngsters," greets Frans with a wry nod.

Af: "Wat bring julle hier?
En: "What brings you here?"

Af: ""Karel soek antwoord en moed," sê Elna direk.
En: "Karel seeks answers and courage," says Elna directly.

Af: Karel lyk verleë, maar knik instemmend.
En: Karel looks embarrassed but nods in agreement.

Af: "Natuur is 'n wonderlike leermeester," sê Frans terwyl hy sy gids toemaak.
En: "Nature is a wonderful teacher," says Frans as he closes his guide.

Af: "Dit wys ons hoe om te groei en aan te pas.
En: "It shows us how to grow and adapt."

Af: "Die rustige atmosfeer kalmeer Karel.
En: The tranquil atmosphere calms Karel.

Af: Hy neem 'n diep asemteug.
En: He takes a deep breath.

Af: "Ek is bang," erken hy uiteindelik.
En: "I'm scared," he finally admits.

Af: "Wat as ek nooit weer soos tevore kan wees nie?
En: "What if I can never be the same again?"

Af: "Frans glimlag wys.
En: Frans smiles wisely.

Af: "Elke dag is 'n nuwe kans.
En: "Every day is a new chance.

Af: Leer om die klein oomblikke te waardeer.
En: Learn to appreciate the small moments.

Af: En aanvaar hulp as jy dit nodig het.
En: And accept help if you need it."

Af: "Skielik voel Karel sy bors toeknyp.
En: Suddenly Karel feels his chest tighten.

Af: 'n Asma-aanval!
En: An asthma attack!

Af: Paniek dreig om oor te neem, maar Elna en Frans is dadelik langs hom.
En: Panic threatens to take over, but Elna and Frans are immediately by his side.

Af: "Bly kalm," sê Elna saggies.
En: "Stay calm," says Elna gently.

Af: "Gebruik jou inhaler.
En: "Use your inhaler."

Af: "Frans ondersteun hom ferm, en Karel pas die inhaler toe.
En: Frans supports him firmly, and Karel uses the inhaler.

Af: Die aanval bedaar stadig, en Karel voel die harde knel van vrees begin versag.
En: The attack slowly subsides, and Karel feels the hard grip of fear begin to ease.

Af: Hy is nie alleen nie.
En: He is not alone.

Af: Ná die storm van die aanval, kyk Karel op na sy vriende.
En: After the storm of the attack, Karel looks up at his friends.

Af: Dankbaarheid spoel oor hom.
En: Gratitude washes over him.

Af: Elna se moed en Frans se wysheid beteken die wêreld vir hom.
En: Elna's courage and Frans's wisdom mean the world to him.

Af: Hy weet nou dat hy die lewe kan omhels, selfs met sy asma.
En: Now he knows he can embrace life, even with his asthma.

Af: Jare later onthou Karel daardie dag in Kirstenbosch.
En: Years later, Karel remembers that day in Kirstenbosch.

Af: Elke blom en blaar het hom iets geleer oor aanpassing en aanhou leef.
En: Every flower and leaf taught him something about adapting and continuing to live.

Af: Karel is nie meer bang nie, maar is nou 'n man wat in die oomblik lewe, sy vriende en die natuur omhels.
En: Karel is no longer afraid but is now a man who lives in the moment, embracing his friends and nature.

Af: Die tuin was groen en lewendig, en vandag is Karel se gees net so.
En: The garden was green and vibrant, and today Karel's spirit is just as lively.

Af: Hy verstaan nou die waarde van kwesbaarheid en die krag van ondersteuning.
En: He now understands the value of vulnerability and the power of support.

Af: Hy glimlag, gereed om elke nuwe dag, met sy uitdagings en vreugdes, voluit te leef.
En: He smiles, ready to live each new day, with its challenges and joys, to the fullest.

Vocabulary Words:
shines: skyn
brightly: helder
botanical: botaniese
damp: klam
lungs: longe
diagnosed: gediagnoseer
uncertain: onseker
clarity: duidelikheid
contagious: aansteeklik
squeezes: druk
encouragingly: bemoedigend
botanist: botanis
studying: bestudeer
magnifying glass: vergrootglas
worn: verslete
approaching: nader
wry: smalende
seeks: soek
courage: moed
emergency: paniek
asthma attack: asma-aanval
inhaler: inhaler
subsides: bedaar
gratitude: dankbaarheid
embrace: omhels
vulnerability: kwesbaarheid
support: ondersteuning
vibrant: lewendig
value: waarde
challenges: uitdagings

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Under Cederberg Stars: A Heartfelt Valentine's Eve
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-01-31-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son sak stadig oor die Cederbergberge.
En: The sun slowly sets over the Cederbergberge.

Af: 'n Warm somerbriesie waai saggies, en die lug is gevul met die geur van fynbos en wilde kruie.
En: A warm summer breeze gently blows, and the air is filled with the scent of fynbos and wild herbs.

Af: Stefan en Annelie stap saam op 'n smal paadjie, omring deur rooi sandsteenformasies en blootgestelde rotse.
En: Stefan and Annelie walk together on a narrow path, surrounded by red sandstone formations and exposed rocks.

Af: Die dorpie waar hulle vandaan kom, lê stil en rustig in die verte.
En: The village they come from lies calm and quiet in the distance.

Af: Annelie geniet die stilte van die natuur.
En: Annelie enjoys the silence of nature.

Af: Sy loop vorentoe, bewonder die krippe en plooie van die berge om haar.
En: She walks ahead, admiring the crevices and folds of the mountains around her.

Af: Stefan volg agter haar, 'n kitssak vol verrassings vasgeknyp onder sy arm.
En: Stefan follows behind her, a backpack full of surprises clutched under his arm.

Af: Hy kyk af en toe op na die wolke wat stadig oor die hemel gly.
En: He occasionally looks up at the clouds drifting slowly across the sky.

Af: Stefan wil vir Annelie 'n onvergeetlike aand gee, spesiaal met Valentynsdag om die draai.
En: Stefan wants to give Annelie an unforgettable evening, especially with Valentine's Day just around the corner.

Af: "Is jy nie opgewonde oor die sterre vanaand nie?" vra Stefan met hoopvolle oë.
En: "Aren't you excited about the stars tonight?" asks Stefan with hopeful eyes.

Af: "Ja, dit klink wonderlik," antwoord Annelie, maar haar aandag is vasgenael op 'n groep dassies wat op 'n rots sonbaai.
En: "Yes, it sounds wonderful," answers Annelie, but her attention is glued to a group of dassies sunbathing on a rock.

Af: Stefan voel die vlinders in sy maag.
En: Stefan feels the butterflies in his stomach.

Af: Hy hoop die wolke sal verdwyn.
En: He hopes the clouds will disappear.

Af: Hulle bereik 'n platsandveld bo-op die berg.
En: They reach a flat sandy area at the top of the mountain.

Af: Dit is 'n perfekte plek om die hemelruim te bewonder.
En: It is a perfect place to admire the night sky.

Af: Stefan krap in sy sak en haal 'n kombers en 'n klein teleskoop uit.
En: Stefan rummages in his bag and takes out a blanket and a small telescope.

Af: "Kom ons wag hier," stel hy voor.
En: "Let's wait here," he suggests.

Af: "Miskien maak die lug later oop."
En: "Maybe the sky will clear up later."

Af: "Goed," knik Annelie terwyl sy gaan sit, haar gesig deur die laaste strale van die son verlig.
En: "Okay," nods Annelie as she sits down, her face illuminated by the last rays of the sun.

Af: Sy haal 'n waterbottel uit en neem 'n slukkie.
En: She takes out a water bottle and takes a sip.

Af: Stefan vou die kombers oop en sit langs haar neer.
En: Stefan unfolds the blanket and sits down next to her.

Af: Al die tyd, terwyl die skemer die dag oorneem, bly Stefan bewus van sy hart se klop.
En: All the while, as twilight takes over the day, Stefan remains aware of his heart beating.

Af: Hy voel 'n oorweldigende versnit van vrees en hoop.
En: He feels an overwhelming blend of fear and hope.

Af: Terwyl hulle gesels oor alles en niks, begin die wolke stadig aan beweeg.
En: As they talk about everything and nothing, the clouds slowly start to move away.

Af: Die eerste sterre maak hulle verskyning — klein vonkelende vlammetjies teen 'n donkerblou doek.
En: The first stars appear—tiny twinkling flames against a dark blue canvas.

Af: Stefan tel die teleskoop op en wys na die hemel.
En: Stefan picks up the telescope and points it to the sky.

Af: "Daar, kyk! Jy kan al Sirius sien," sê hy. Sy stem het 'n tikkie opwinding.
En: "There, look! You can already see Sirius," he says, his voice tinged with excitement.

Af: Annelie leun nader en peer deur die teleskoop.
En: Annelie leans closer and peers through the telescope.

Af: "Dis pragtig," fluister sy.
En: "It's beautiful," she whispers.

Af: Die wolke het heeltemal weggevee, en net toe besluit Stefan dat dit die regte tyd is.
En: The clouds have completely cleared, and just then Stefan decides it's the right time.

Af: Hy kyk op na die hemel en neem diep asem.
En: He looks up at the sky and takes a deep breath.

Af: "Annelie," begin hy huiwerig, "Ek’s bly jy is hier saam met my.
En: "Annelie," he begins hesitantly, "I'm glad you're here with me.

Af: Ek..."
En: I..."

Af: Hy stotter.
En: He stammers.

Af: Annelie kyk na hom met sagte oë, bemoedigend.
En: Annelie looks at him with gentle eyes, encouraging.

Af: "Ek het gevoel vir jou, Annelie.
En: "I have feelings for you, Annelie.

Af: Meer as net gewone vriendskap.
En: More than just ordinary friendship.

Af: Ek wou jou onder hierdie sterre vertel, want jy is vir my net so wonderlik," sê hy uiteindelik.
En: I wanted to tell you under these stars because you are just as wonderful to me," he finally says.

Af: 'n Stilte hang in die lug, net omring deur die sagte koor van die naggeluide.
En: A silence lingers in the air, surrounded only by the soft chorus of night sounds.

Af: Stefan beantwoord haar blik, sy hart klop vinnig soos die vlerke van 'n voël.
En: Stefan meets her gaze, his heart beating fast like a bird's wings.

Af: Annelie glimlag breed.
En: Annelie smiles broadly.

Af: "Stefan, ek het al 'n rukkie dieselfde gevoel.
En: "Stefan, I've felt the same way for a while now.

Af: Ek het net gehoop jy voel ook so," erken sy.
En: I just hoped you felt the same," she admits.

Af: Die twee sit daar, hande gevou, met die heelal wat oor hulle strek.
En: The two sit there, hands clasped, with the universe stretching above them.

Af: Die Cederberg het nie net die lig van sterre gehou nie, maar ook die belofte van 'n nuwe begin.
En: The Cederberg not only held the light of stars but also the promise of a new beginning.

Af: In die stilte van die nag het Stefan en Annelie se wandeltoer oorgegaan na iets veel dieper — die begin van 'n gedeelde reis.
En: In the silence of the night, Stefan and Annelie's hiking tour transformed into something much deeper—the start of a shared journey.

Vocabulary Words:
sets: sak
breeze: somerbriesie
scent: geur
gentle: sag
admiring: bewonder
crevices: krippe
sandstone: sandsteen
formations: formasies
clutched: vasgeknyp
drifting: gly
rummages: krap
telescope: teleskoop
twilight: skemer
awareness: bewus
overwhelming: oorweldigende
canvas: doek
excited: opgewonde
peers: peer
hesitantly: huiwerig
stammers: stotter
lingers: hang
chorus: koor
promise: belofte
journey: reis
exposed: blootgestelde
admire: bewonder
sip: slukkie
illuminated: verlig
gaze: blik
clasped: gevou

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Spices of Kaapstad: A Culinary Journey of Friendship
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-01-31-08-38-20-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son het helder oor die V&A Waterfront geskyn en die see het ritmies teen die kaai geklots.
En: The sun shone brightly over the V&A Waterfront, and the sea lapped rhythmically against the quay.

Af: Dit was 'n tipiese somersdag in Kaapstad, en Johan stap koersvas na die ambagsmark.
En: It was a typical summer's day in Kaapstad, and Johan walked purposefully towards the craft market.

Af: Sy bistro het dringend nuwe geure nodig.
En: His bistro urgently needed new flavors.

Af: Sy hart klop vinnig van opwinding, maar ook van spanning.
En: His heart was pounding with excitement, but also with tension.

Af: Hy was op soek na unieke speserye en bestanddele wat sy spyskaart kon verfris, maar die mark was stampvol mense.
En: He was searching for unique spices and ingredients to refresh his menu, but the market was packed with people.

Af: Johan het langs 'n kraampie gestop waar die vars vrugte in die son begin blink.
En: Johan stopped by a stall where the fresh fruit began to glisten in the sun.

Af: Die geure van pasgebakte brood en eksotiese speserye het in die lug gehang.
En: The scents of freshly baked bread and exotic spices hung in the air.

Af: Sy kop was vol idees vir nuwe disse, maar die pryse het sy moed laat sak.
En: His mind was full of ideas for new dishes, but the prices dampened his spirits.

Af: Hoe gaan hy van aangesig tot aangesig met die stygende koste kom?
En: How was he going to confront the rising costs?

Af: “Hallo Johan!” Het Mandla geroep, 'n vriendelike gesig wat in die skare uitstyg.
En: "Hello Johan!" called Mandla, a friendly face that stood out in the crowd.

Af: Mandla het dikwels groente aan Johan verskaf en hulle het 'n goeie werkverhouding gehad.
En: Mandla often supplied vegetables to Johan and they had a good working relationship.

Af: “Hoi, Mandla,” antwoord Johan en laat 'n glimlag breek deur sy bekommerde gelaat.
En: "Hey, Mandla," replied Johan, allowing a smile to break through his worried expression.

Af: “Ek soek iets spesiaal vandag. Kan jy help?”
En: "I'm looking for something special today. Can you help?"

Af: "Ek dink so. Maar vandag is dit baie besig, hoor! Ek het iets in gedagte. Kom ons kyk."
En: "I think so. But it's very busy today, you know! I have something in mind. Let's take a look."

Af: Terwyl hulle tussen die stalletjies beweeg, voel Johan sy spanning verlig.
En: As they moved among the stalls, Johan felt his tension ease.

Af: Mandla se positiewe energie het dikwels 'n kalmerende uitwerking.
En: Mandla's positive energy often had a calming effect.

Af: Uiteindelik het hulle by 'n klein, maar goed bevoorraadde speserykiosk uitgekom.
En: Eventually, they arrived at a small, but well-stocked spice kiosk.

Af: Johan se oë het groot geword toe hy die skaars Afrikaanse speserye gesien het.
En: Johan's eyes widened when he saw the rare Afrikaans spices.

Af: Maar voordat hy sy keuse kon maak, het 'n vrou langs hom gestop.
En: But before he could make his choice, a woman stopped next to him.

Af: Dit was Elsie, nog 'n sjef wat hy ontmoet het by 'n vorige kookkompetisie.
En: It was Elsie, another chef he had met at a previous cooking competition.

Af: “Lyk my, ons mik na dieselfde speserye," het Elsie met 'n ondeunde glimlag gesê.
En: "Looks like we're aiming for the same spices," said Elsie with a mischievous smile.

Af: Johan het gegrinnik.
En: Johan chuckled.

Af: "Wel, ek kon seker nie 'n beter beoordelaar hê nie."
En: "Well, I couldn't ask for a better judge."

Af: Elsie se gesofistikeerde passie vir kook was aansteeklik.
En: Elsie's sophisticated passion for cooking was contagious.

Af: Sy het haar arms oor die speserye gevou.
En: She folded her arms over the spices.

Af: Hulle het begin gesels oor hulle kulinêre drome, telkens met 'n laggie en opgewondenheid.
En: They began to chat about their culinary dreams, each time with a little laugh and excitement.

Af: “Ek het 'n voorstel,” het Elsie gesê.
En: "I have a proposal," Elsie said.

Af: “Ons kan die speserye verdeel en wat ons mekaar kort, kan ons uitruil.
En: "We can split the spices, and what we each lack, we can trade.

Af: Ek het 'n paar eksotiese bessies wat jy dalk kan gebruik.”
En: I have some exotic berries you might use."

Af: En só, tussen die lag en die planne, het Johan en Elsie op 'n kreatiewe oplossing besluit.
En: And so, amidst the laughter and planning, Johan and Elsie came to a creative solution.

Af: Hulle sou elkeen iets uniek kon bied aan hul restaurantgaste, danksy hulle samewerking.
En: They would each be able to offer something unique to their restaurant guests, thanks to their collaboration.

Af: Teen die einde van die dag stap Johan na sy bistro met 'n nuwe blik op die kookkuns.
En: By the end of the day, Johan walked back to his bistro with a new perspective on cooking.

Af: Sy reis deur die mark het meer as net nuwe speserye opgelewer; dit het 'n nuwe vriendskap en 'n les oor die krag van samewerking gebring.
En: His journey through the market had yielded more than just new spices; it had brought a new friendship and a lesson on the power of cooperation.

Af: Die somersgeur het sy veldslae van daardie dag gesimboliseer, 'n belofte van sukses en verbeelding.
En: The summer scent symbolized his victories of that day, a promise of success and imagination.

Af: En soos die see aanhou saggies klots, het Johan se drome weer begin stroom.
En: And as the sea continued to gently lap, Johan's dreams began to flow again.

Vocabulary Words:
quay: kaai
purposefully: koersvas
craft: ambags
pounding: klop
tension: spanning
rhythmically: ritmies
glisten: blink
confront: van aangesig tot aangesig
rising costs: stygende koste
friendly: vriendelike
urgent: dringend
refresh: verfris
packed: stampvol
dampened: laat sak
calming: kalmerende
well-stocked: goed bevoorraadde
rare: skaars
mischievous: ondeunde
sophisticated: gesofistikeerde
infectious: aansteeklik
folded: gevou
culinary: kulinaire
proposal: voorstel
split: verdeel
collaboration: samewerking
yielded: opgelewer
perspective: blik
promised: belofte
successful: sukses
imagination: verbeelding

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Stellenbosch Sunsets: A Vineyard Romance and Dreams Unfold
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-01-30-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son gooi 'n goue gloed oor die wynlande van Stellenbosch.
En: The sun casts a golden glow over the vineyards of Stellenbosch.

Af: Die wingerde strek so ver as wat die oog kan sien, met rye druiwe wat swaar hang onder die somerson.
En: The vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, with rows of grapes hanging heavy under the summer sun.

Af: Johan vee die sweet van sy voorkop af en leun op sy graaf.
En: Johan wipes the sweat from his forehead and leans on his shovel.

Af: Hy kyk na die berge wat soos wagte oor die vallei uittroon.
En: He looks at the mountains that loom like guards over the valley.

Af: 'n Vinnige briesie bring die soet reuk van ryp druiwe aan.
En: A quick breeze brings the sweet scent of ripe grapes along.

Af: Pieter stap nader.
En: Pieter approaches.

Af: "Môre, Johan.
En: "Morning, Johan.

Af: Klaar moeg?
En: Already tired?"

Af: " vra hy met 'n glimlag.
En: he asks with a smile.

Af: Pieter is altyd skepties oor die besoekers wat daar by die wingerde rondloop, maar vir Johan is dit net nog 'n gewone dag.
En: Pieter is always skeptical about the visitors wandering around the vineyards, but for Johan, it's just another ordinary day.

Af: "Nee, Pieter, net droom," antwoord Johan.
En: "No, Pieter, just dreaming," Johan replies.

Af: Sy drome is groot, groter as die wingerd self.
En: His dreams are big, bigger than the vineyard itself.

Af: Hy wil 'n dag sy eie wynland bestuur.
En: He wants to manage his own winery one day.

Af: Maar dit voel soms so ver buite sy bereik.
En: But it sometimes feels so far out of reach.

Af: Daardie dag kom Elsa, 'n reisiger uit Nederland, na die wingerde.
En: That day, Elsa, a traveler from the Netherlands, comes to the vineyards.

Af: Sy is 'n verlore siel, op soek na iets meer in die lewe, iets wat haar lewe rigting kan gee.
En: She is a lost soul, searching for something more in life, something that can give her life direction.

Af: Die wyn, die kultuur, die mense — alles is vir haar nuut en interessant.
En: The wine, the culture, the people — everything is new and interesting to her.

Af: Elsa stap oor die grondpad en sien Johan besig in die wingerd.
En: Elsa walks down the dirt path and sees Johan busy in the vineyard.

Af: Sy waai liggies.
En: She waves lightly.

Af: Johan vermoed nie dat hierdie ontmoeting sy lewe kan verander nie.
En: Johan doesn't suspect that this encounter might change his life.

Af: Hulle gesels oor die wingerde, die wyne, en die skoonheid van die Kaapse somer.
En: They chat about the vineyards, the wines, and the beauty of the Cape summer.

Af: "Jy moet my die spesiale plekke hier wys," sê Elsa met 'n vonkel in haar oog.
En: "You have to show me the special places here," says Elsa with a sparkle in her eye.

Af: Johan besluit om nog meer te wys as net die gewone toer.
En: Johan decides to show her more than just the usual tour.

Af: Hy neem haar na 'n versteekte plek tussen die wingerde, met 'n uitsig oor die hele vallei.
En: He takes her to a hidden spot among the vineyards, with a view of the entire valley.

Af: Die son sak stadig, gooi skakerings van oranje en pienk oor die landskap.
En: The sun sets slowly, casting shades of orange and pink over the landscape.

Af: Tydens 'n aandwandeling deur die wingerde, onder die helder sterrehemel, deel Johan en Elsa hul drome.
En: During an evening walk through the vineyards, under the bright starry sky, Johan and Elsa share their dreams.

Af: Johan vertel van sy begeerte om vry van sy huidige lewe te breek en sy eie wingerd te hê.
En: Johan talks about his desire to break free from his current life and have his own vineyard.

Af: Elsa laat val haar muur en spreek haar onsekerheid en die doel waarvoor sy soek uit.
En: Elsa lowers her guard and expresses her uncertainty and the purpose for which she is searching.

Af: Hulle staan langs mekaar, bewustelik van die moontlikheid van romanse, terwyl hul lewensrigtings nog onseker is.
En: They stand next to each other, aware of the possibility of romance, while their life directions are still uncertain.

Af: Elsa besluit uiteindelik om haar verblyf te verleng, om meer oor wynmaak te leer.
En: Elsa eventually decides to extend her stay, to learn more about winemaking.

Af: Sy vind inspirasie en 'n verhouding wat sy nie verwag het nie.
En: She finds inspiration and a relationship she didn’t expect.

Af: Johan vind moed in Elsa se woorde.
En: Johan finds courage in Elsa's words.

Af: Hy dink aan sy eie klein wynprojek hier op die wynland.
En: He thinks about his own small wine project here on the vineyard.

Af: Die volgende dag gaan hy sy baas vra of hy sy idee kan proef, om te sien of daar meer vir hom is.
En: The next day, he plans to ask his boss if he can test his idea, to see if there’s more for him.

Af: Naderhand het hulle albei iets nuut gevind.
En: In the end, they both found something new.

Af: Elsa sal met haar ervaring in Suid-Afrika haar eie besigheid begin.
En: Elsa will start her own business with her experience in South Africa.

Af: En Johan, hy het die moed gevind om sy drome na te jaag, ondersteund deur Elsa se vriendskap.
En: And Johan, he found the courage to pursue his dreams, supported by Elsa's friendship.

Af: Die wingerd bly soos 'n simbool van hul pasgekweekte ambisies en 'n belofte van nuwe beginne onder die somerson.
En: The vineyard remains a symbol of their newly cultivated ambitions and a promise of new beginnings under the summer sun.

Vocabulary Words:
casts: gooi
glow: gloed
vineyards: wynlande
stretch: strek
forehead: voorkop
lean: leun
scent: reuk
skeptical: skepties
wander: rondloop
foresee: vermoed
suspects: vermoed
cultivate: gekweekte
breeze: briesie
scape: landskap
rows: rye
ripe: ryp
looms: uittroon
expectation: verwachting
sparkle: vonkel
uncommon: ongewoon
shades: skakerings
hidden: versteekte
soul: siel
desire: begeerte
expresses: spreek
guard: wagte
ordinary: gewone
ambitions: ambisies
romance: romanse
cultivated: pasgekweekte