FluentFiction - Afrikaans

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Blooming Connections: A Botanical Journey of Friendship
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-16-08-38-20-af

Story Transcript:

Af: In die helder somerson het Kirstenbosch Nasionale Botaniese Tuin se blomtuine gestraal onder die blou lug.
En: In the bright summer sun, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden's flower gardens shone under the blue sky.

Af: Die geluide van voëls het die lug gevul, en die geure van fynbos gedans deur die briesie.
En: The sounds of birds filled the air, and the scents of fynbos danced through the breeze.

Af: Elmar, 'n stil jong student, het onder sy gunsteling boom gesit.
En: Elmar, a quiet young student, sat under his favorite tree.

Af: Hy was besig met 'n boskunde-projek, sy hande gefokus op die bladsye van sy sketsboek.
En: He was busy with a botany project, his hands focused on the pages of his sketchbook.

Af: Sy vriend, Leonie, wat by die tuin gewerk het, het hom soms besoek.
En: His friend, Leonie, who worked at the garden, would visit him sometimes.

Af: Vandag, terwyl hy 'n Pronkblom geskets het, het sy aan sy sy verskyn.
En: Today, while he was sketching a Pronkblom, she appeared at his side.

Af: "Hoe gaan dit, Elmar?
En: "How's it going, Elmar?"

Af: " het sy gesels.
En: she chatted.

Af: "Goed, dankie," het hy sag geantwoord.
En: "Good, thank you," he answered softly.

Af: "Ek is besig met hierdie nuwe projek.
En: "I'm working on this new project.

Af: Dis interessant.
En: It's interesting."

Af: ""Ek het iemand ontmoet wat jy moet ontmoet," het sy eweskielik gesê en na 'n hoek van die tuin gewys.
En: "I met someone you should meet," she suddenly said, pointing to a corner of the garden.

Af: "Daar's 'n meisie wat daar skets.
En: "There's a girl sketching there.

Af: Sy's 'n kunstenaar, net soos jy.
En: She's an artist, just like you."

Af: "Nuuskierig, maar versigtig, het Elmar na die rigting van Leonie se gebaar gekyk.
En: Curious but cautious, Elmar looked in the direction of Leonie's gesture.

Af: Onder 'n ander boom het Ingrid gesit, haar potlood vinnig oor die papier in haar sketsboek bewegend.
En: Under another tree, Ingrid sat, her pencil moving quickly over the paper in her sketchbook.

Af: Na 'n oomblik van aarseling het Elmar besluit om Leonie se voorstel te volg en het hy vorentoe gestap.
En: After a moment of hesitation, Elmar decided to follow Leonie's suggestion and stepped forward.

Af: "Hallo," het hy met 'n bietjie huiwering gesê.
En: "Hello," he said with a bit of hesitation.

Af: "Ek is Elmar.
En: "I'm Elmar."

Af: "Ingrid het opgekyk en geglimlag.
En: Ingrid looked up and smiled.

Af: "Hallo, ek is Ingrid.
En: "Hello, I'm Ingrid.

Af: Ek teken graag blomme en voëls.
En: I like drawing flowers and birds.

Af: Die tuin is so mooi.
En: The garden is so beautiful."

Af: "Hulle het begin gesels oor die pragtige natuur om hulle.
En: They started chatting about the beautiful nature surrounding them.

Af: Met elke woord het Elmar se skaamte verdwyn.
En: With every word, Elmar's shyness faded away.

Af: Ingrid se entoesiasme was aansteeklik en het hom aangemoedig om oor sy liefde vir plante te praat.
En: Ingrid's enthusiasm was contagious and encouraged him to talk about his love for plants.

Af: Alhoewel Ingrid aanvanklik net vir 'n kort tydjie in die stad was, het sy besluit om langer te bly om hierdie nuwe vriendskap verder te verken.
En: Although Ingrid was initially only in the city for a short time, she decided to stay longer to further explore this new friendship.

Af: Hulle het besluit om saam te werk aan 'n kunsprojek vir 'n klein uitstalling wat die tuin aangebied het.
En: They decided to work together on an art project for a small exhibition the garden was hosting.

Af: In die dae wat gevolg het, het Elmar en Ingrid se sketse lewendig geword.
En: In the days that followed, Elmar and Ingrid's sketches came to life.

Af: Elmar se kennis van plante en Ingrid se artistieke visie het 'n merkwaardige kombinasie geskep.
En: Elmar's knowledge of plants and Ingrid's artistic vision created a remarkable combination.

Af: Die mense by die uitstalling was beïndruk, veral Leonie, wat geweet het haar aanbeveling was die regte een.
En: The people at the exhibition were impressed, especially Leonie, who knew her recommendation was the right one.

Af: Op die laaste dag van die uitstalling het Elmar en Ingrid langs mekaar gestaan, hul hande onbewustelik ingesluit.
En: On the last day of the exhibition, Elmar and Ingrid stood next to each other, their hands unconsciously entwined.

Af: Hulle het geweet dat hul tyd in Kirstenbosch min was, maar die bande wat hulle gesmee het, was sterk.
En: They knew their time in Kirstenbosch was limited, but the bonds they had formed were strong.

Af: "Ek wil hê ons moet voortgaan met hierdie reis," het Elmar eindelik gesê, vir die eerste keer reguit kyk.
En: "I want us to continue this journey," Elmar finally said, looking straight for the first time.

Af: Ingrid het geglimlag en sy kop geknik.
En: Ingrid smiled and nodded her head.

Af: "Ja, ek ook.
En: "Yes, me too.

Af: Ons kan oor die afstand heen werk.
En: We can work across the distance."

Af: "En so het hulle belowe om aan te hou skryf, skets en saam te skeppend, beide in kuns en in hul pasgevonde liefde.
En: And so they promised to continue writing, sketching, and creating together, both in art and in their newfound love.

Af: Elmar het besef dat hy nie net akademiese sukses nastreef nie, maar ook die waarde van 'n oop hart gevind het.
En: Elmar realized that he sought not just academic success but also found the value of an open heart.

Vocabulary Words:
botanical: botaniese
sketchbook: sketsboek
contagious: aansteeklik
exhibition: uitstalling
enthusiasm: entoesiasme
hesitation: aarseling
gesture: gebaar
unconsciously: onbewustelik
entwined: ingesluit
bonds: bande
remarkable: merkwaardige
focused: gefokus
explore: verken
nature: natuur
sketching: skets
project: projek
encouraged: aangemoedig
artistic: artistieke
knowledge: kennis
success: sukses
academic: akademiese
sought: nastreef
appreciation: waardering
blossom: blom
persistent: volhardend
acquaintance: kennis
conversation: gesprek
delicate: delikaat
breeze: briesie
admired: bewonder

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Love Amidst Deadlines: A Valentine's Day Coup
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-15-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die rekenaars suis sag en die lugversorger se gedempte dreuning verskaf 'n konstante agtergrondgeluid.
En: The computers hum softly, and the air conditioner's muted drone provides a constant background noise.

Af: Die somerson skyn helder deur die groot glasvensters van die kantoorgebou, terwyl die reuk van vars koffie in die lug hang.
En: The summer sun shines brightly through the large glass windows of the office building, while the smell of fresh coffee hangs in the air.

Af: Dit is Valentynsdag.
En: It is Valentine's Day.

Af: Die perfekte dag vir liefde, sou mens dink.
En: The perfect day for love, one would think.

Af: Maar binne-in my kop voel dit of donderweer op sy ergste toeslaan.
En: But inside my head, it feels as if thunder is striking at its worst.

Af: Ek is Pieter, 'n projekbestuurder wat sy bes probeer om al die balle in die lug te hou.
En: I am Pieter, a project manager trying my best to keep all the balls in the air.

Af: Vandag is die dag van die groot aanbieding.
En: Today is the day of the big presentation.

Af: Ons projek is lank in die maak, en die sukses daarvan hang swaar oor my kop.
En: Our project has been long in the making, and its success weighs heavily on my mind.

Af: En boonop, daar is Annelie.
En: And on top of that, there's Annelie.

Af: Sy is 'n kollega en al lankal meer as net 'n kleingheid in my hart.
En: She is a colleague and has long been more than just a small thing in my heart.

Af: Dis nie maklik om met 'n erge migraine na almal se verwagtinge te probeer voldoen nie.
En: It's not easy to try and meet everyone's expectations with a severe migraine.

Af: Ek het besluit om voor te gee dat ek gesond is.
En: I decided to pretend that I'm healthy.

Af: Jaco, my vriend en mede-kollaborateur, het my reeds aangemoedig om hulp te vra of 'n breek te neem, maar vandag is daar nie tyd vir pouses nie.
En: Jaco, my friend and fellow collaborator, has already encouraged me to ask for help or take a break, but today there's no time for pauses.

Af: Ek het altyd gedroom om vir Annelie uit te vra, maar ek het nooit die moed gehad nie.
En: I've always dreamed of asking Annelie out, but I never had the courage.

Af: Vandag wil ek dit anders hê.
En: Today, I want things to be different.

Af: Na die aanbieding.
En: After the presentation.

Af: Maar eers moet ek hierdie geskarrel oorleef.
En: But first, I need to survive this scramble.

Af: My hande bewe effens as ek na die projektor stap.
En: My hands tremble slightly as I walk to the projector.

Af: Die ligte dim en die skerm flits op.
En: The lights dim, and the screen flashes on.

Af: Al wat ek nodig het, is fokus.
En: All I need is focus.

Af: Maar toe ek regtig begin, steek die pyn weer in my kop.
En: But as I really start, the pain in my head strikes again.

Af: Ek knyp my oë stomp toe, probeer stadig asemhaal en hou my hand oor my voorkop.
En: I squeeze my eyes shut, try to breathe slowly, and hold my hand over my forehead.

Af: Skielik vang ek 'n blik van Annelie in die gehoor.
En: Suddenly, I catch a glimpse of Annelie in the audience.

Af: Haar glimlag kalmeer die storm in my kop, al is dit net vir 'n oomblik.
En: Her smile calms the storm in my head, even if just for a moment.

Af: Dit gee my die krag om die aanbieding af te handel.
En: It gives me the strength to finish the presentation.

Af: Na die aanbieding onthou ek Jaco se woorde.
En: After the presentation, I remember Jaco's words.

Af: Maar vandag, iets het verander.
En: But today, something has changed.

Af: Ek voel 'n nuwe selfvertroue deur my are pomp.
En: I feel a new confidence pumping through my veins.

Af: Miskien is dit tóg 'n goeie dag om 'n kans te vat.
En: Maybe it is a good day to take a chance after all.

Af: Ek stap na Annelie se lessenaar, my hande skaars beweegliker.
En: I walk to Annelie's desk, my hands barely more steady.

Af: "Annelie," begin ek huiwerig, "sal jy dalk saam met my 'n koffie wil vang later?
En: "Annelie," I begin hesitantly, "would you maybe like to catch a coffee with me later?"

Af: " My stem kraak effens, maar ek hou aan glimlag.
En: My voice cracks slightly, but I keep smiling.

Af: Annelie se oë blink en sy gehoor my vir 'n sekonde, skynbaar verras.
En: Annelie's eyes sparkle, and she listens to me for a second, seemingly surprised.

Af: "Ja, Pieter, ek sou daarvan hou," sê sy met 'n warm glimlag.
En: "Yes, Pieter, I would love that," she says with a warm smile.

Af: Daardie aand, by die koffiewinkel, voel alles duideliker.
En: That evening, at the coffee shop, everything feels clearer.

Af: Die migraine is vergete.
En: The migraine is forgotten.

Af: En ek besef dat dit okay is om soms kwesbaar te wees.
En: And I realize that it's okay to be vulnerable sometimes.

Af: Dit was die regte besluit om myself oop te stel en ek verstaan nou dat moed soms in die eenvoudigste dinge lê.
En: It was the right decision to open up, and I now understand that courage sometimes lies in the simplest things.

Vocabulary Words:
hum: suis
drone: dreuning
brightly: helder
project manager: projekbestuurder
presentation: aanbieding
courage: moed
pause: pouse
scramble: geskarrel
glimpse: blik
audience: gehoor
sparkle: blink
hesitantly: huiwerig
migraine: migraine
vulnerable: kwesbaar
dim: dim
tremble: bewe
focus: fokus
veins: are
steady: beweegliker
background noise: agtergrondgeluid
shines: skyn
breathe: asemhaal
storm: storm
strength: krag
catch coffee: 'n koffie vang
warm smile: warm glimlag
forgotten: vergete
open up: oop te stel
office building: kantoorgebou
fresh: vars

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Striking a Balance: Annelize's Journey Between Desk and Home
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-15-08-38-20-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die kantoortoring in Johannesburg het aan die einde van 'n besige somersdag gebad in die warm, gelerige lig van die laatmiddag son.
En: The office tower in Johannesburg was bathed in the warm, yellowish light of the late afternoon sun at the end of a busy summer day.

Af: Binne die oop kantoorruimte het rekenaars stil gezoem en die geraas van vinnig tikkende sleutelborde het die lug gevul.
En: Inside the open office space, computers hummed quietly, and the noise of rapidly clicking keyboards filled the air.

Af: Papier lê in hopies oor die lessenaars gestrooi, en werknemers het gedweë teen hulle skerms gesluimer.
En: Papers lay scattered in piles across the desks, and employees dozed against their screens.

Af: Annelize, 'n toegewyde projekbestuurder, het pas teruggekeer van kraamverlof en het met moeite haar gewone tempo probeer herwin.
En: Annelize, a dedicated project manager, had just returned from maternity leave and was struggling to regain her usual pace.

Af: Terwyl sy na die skerm staar, bekommerd oor die slides wat sy moet voltooi vir môre se belangrike vergadering, krap sy 'n lys op 'n notaboek vir haar seun se verjaardagpartytjie.
En: As she stared at the screen, worried about the slides she had to complete for tomorrow's important meeting, she scribbled a list in a notebook for her son's birthday party.

Af: Olaf word vier, en alles moet perfek wees.
En: Olaf was turning four, and everything had to be perfect.

Af: Pieter, haar baas, het by haar tafel stilgehou.
En: Pieter, her boss, paused at her desk.

Af: "Annelize, ek sal jou nodig hê om hierdie addisionele ontleding af te handel teen vanmiddag, asseblief," sê hy, en voeg nog 'n hoop dringende dokumente by die reeds hoë stapel op haar tafel.
En: "Annelize, I'll need you to finalize this additional analysis by this afternoon, please," he said, adding another stack of urgent documents to the already high pile on her desk.

Af: Hooploos, maar vasberade, het Annelize geknik.
En: Hopeless but determined, Annelize nodded.

Af: Sy het geweet sy moes vinnig werk, al wisseldenk sy oor wat wag by die huis.
En: She knew she had to work quickly, even as her thoughts alternated between what awaited at home.

Af: Haar ma, Johanna, was altyd skepties dat sy haar gesin en loopbaan suksesvol kan balanseer.
En: Her mother, Johanna, was always skeptical that she could successfully balance her family and career.

Af: Haar kritiek het soos 'n swaard oor Annelize gehang, maar tog oorweeg sy steeds om Johanna om hulp te vra.
En: Her criticism loomed over Annelize like a sword, yet she still considered asking Johanna for help.

Af: "Ek sal my assistent vra om 'n paar van hierdie take oor te neem," fluister Annelize vir haarself.
En: "I'll ask my assistant to take over some of these tasks," Annelize whispered to herself.

Af: Sy stuur 'n vinnige e-pos aan haar betroubare assistent om 'n deel van die werk oor te neem.
En: She sent a quick email to her reliable assistant to take over part of the work.

Af: Namate die uurglas leegloop, het Annelize haar laaste slide gestoor.
En: As the hourglass emptied, Annelize saved her final slide.

Af: Met 'n vinnige blik op haar horlosie, besef sy dat die verkeer haar waarskynlik kan keer om betyds by die huis te kom.
En: With a quick glance at her watch, she realized that traffic might prevent her from getting home on time.

Af: Sy besluit om 'n afsnypad deur die agterstrate te neem.
En: She decided to take a shortcut through the backstreets.

Af: Die strate was besiger as wat sy verwag het, en sy het in haar sitplek gewoel terwyl die karre skaars beweeg.
En: The streets were busier than she had expected, and she fidgeted in her seat as the cars barely moved.

Af: As sy die verkeer sal omseil, moet sy vinnig optree.
En: If she was going to bypass the traffic, she had to act quickly.

Af: Sy het 'n skerp draai geneem, haar motor deur nou doodloopstraatjies gemanoeuvreer en uiteindelik haar huis se oprit binnegerol.
En: She took a sharp turn, maneuvered her car through narrow alleys, and finally pulled into her driveway.

Af: Met haar hart wat steeds gejaag het, het Annelize by die huis ingestap en was begroet deur die geluide van kinders se lag en vrolikheid.
En: With her heart still racing, Annelize stepped into the house and was greeted by the sounds of children's laughter and joy.

Af: In die tuin het haar man en Johanna met 'n paar ander hande die laaste versierings en kos reggesit.
En: In the garden, her husband and Johanna were setting up the final decorations and food with a few other helping hands.

Af: Olaf het met 'n ysblikkie rondgehardloop en was besig om die dag te geniet.
En: Olaf was running around with a popsicle, enjoying the day.

Af: "Johanna, ek waardeer jou hulp baie," het Annelize haar moeder-skoonma met 'n warm blik aangespreek, haar vrese uitgedoof deur die toevallige samewerking.
En: "Johanna, I really appreciate your help," Annelize addressed her mother-in-law with a warm look, her fears dispelled by the casual collaboration.

Af: "Jy het my gevra," het Johanna geglimlag, met liefde en begrip in haar oë.
En: "You asked me," Johanna smiled, love and understanding in her eyes.

Af: "Ek is trots op alles wat jy doen.
En: "I am proud of everything you do."

Af: "Annelize het besef dat sy altyd kon staatmaak op die mense wat sy liefhet.
En: Annelize realized that she could always rely on the people she loved.

Af: Dat die vra om hulp nie 'n skande is nie, maar eerder 'n manier om bande te versterk.
En: That asking for help is not a disgrace but rather a way to strengthen bonds.

Af: Sy het tevrede in die skaduwee van die somerson gestaan, omring deur liefde en gelag.
En: She stood contentedly in the shadow of the summer sun, surrounded by love and laughter.

Vocabulary Words:
tower: kantoortoring
sun: son
stared: gesterf
fidgeted: gewoel
dedicated: toegewyde
maternity: kraamverlof
struggling: probeer
alternate: wissel
urgent: dringende
sword: swaard
reliable: betroubare
hourglass: uurglas
finalize: af te handel
maneuvered: gemanoeuvreer
backstreets: agterstrate
decorations: versierings
understanding: begrip
confidently: tevrede
contentedly: tevrede
beyond: buite
entrusted: vertrou
clicked: geklik
humming: gezoem
scattered: gestrooi
criticism: kritiek
shortcut: afsnypad
laughter: lag
fear: vrees
shadow: skaduwee
love: liefde

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Love Blooms: A Festival Saved by Courage and Connection
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-14-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Op die blakende warm somerson, onder die helder blou lug van Suid-Afrika, lê die Blommeplaas.
En: On the blazing hot summer sun, under the bright blue sky of Suid-Afrika, lies the Blommeplaas.

Af: Dit was eens vol kleur en lewe, maar nou is die blomme droog en pap.
En: It was once full of color and life, but now the flowers are dry and limp.

Af: Die pad tussen die blombeddings is rooi van stof, en die son se strale brand alles wat dit raak.
En: The path between the flower beds is red with dust, and the sun's rays scorch everything they touch.

Af: Hierdie plaas was altyd die trots van die dorp, veral tydens die jaarlikse Valentine's Day fees.
En: This farm was always the pride of the town, especially during the annual Valentine's Day festival.

Af: Nou is almal op die plaas bekommerd.
En: Now everyone on the farm is worried.

Af: Daar is 'n groot droogte, en die blomme wat die feeslewe gee, is in die nood.
En: There is a great drought, and the flowers, which bring life to the festival, are in distress.

Af: Liam, die toegewyde bestuurder van die Blommeplaas, staan met hande in die sye.
En: Liam, the dedicated manager of the Blommeplaas, stands with hands on his hips.

Af: Hy voel die druk van die komende fees.
En: He feels the pressure of the coming festival.

Af: Hy weet hoe belangrik hierdie blomme is - nie net vir die fees nie, maar ook vir die dorp en vir Anika se blommetjie-winkel.
En: He knows how important these flowers are—not just for the festival but also for the town and for Anika's flower shop.

Af: Anika is 'n talentvolle plaaslike bloemis, wie se winkel aan die teenwoordigheid van die plaas se blomme afhanklik is.
En: Anika is a talented local florist, whose shop depends on the presence of the farm's flowers.

Af: Daar is nog iets wat Liam pla.
En: There is something else that bothers Liam.

Af: Hy het lankal gevoelens vir Anika, en hy hoop om haar teen die einde van hierdie fees te vertel.
En: He has long had feelings for Anika, and he hopes to tell her by the end of this festival.

Af: Thabo, die ervare plaaswerker, stap stadig na Liam.
En: Thabo, the experienced farm worker, walks slowly toward Liam.

Af: Hy ken die grond soos sy eie hande en het al baie seisoene beleef.
En: He knows the land like his own hands and has experienced many seasons.

Af: “Ons moet 'n plan maak,” sê Thabo kalm.
En: “We need to make a plan,” says Thabo calmly.

Af: “As ons nie vinnig optree nie, verloor ons alles.”
En: “If we don't act quickly, we will lose everything.”

Af: Liam besluit om iets te waag.
En: Liam decides to take a risk.

Af: Hy besluit om 'n nuwe put te grawe in die hoop om water te vind.
En: He decides to dig a new well in hopes of finding water.

Af: Dit is 'n groot risiko.
En: It is a big risk.

Af: Die hulpbronne is min, en die tyd ook.
En: The resources are limited, and the time too.

Af: Maar sonder 'n nuwe watertoevoer, kan die blomme nie oorleef nie.
En: But without a new water supply, the flowers cannot survive.

Af: Vir dae grawe Liam en Thabo.
En: For days Liam and Thabo dig.

Af: Die werk is moeilik en die son is genadeloos.
En: The work is hard and the sun is relentless.

Af: Maar hulle gee nie op nie.
En: But they do not give up.

Af: Die dorp hou ook duim vas.
En: The town also keeps their fingers crossed.

Af: Almal weet hoe belangrik die blomme vir die fees is.
En: Everyone knows how important the flowers are for the festival.

Af: Onverwags, voel Thabo een dag die koel bries van 'n somerwind op sy gesig.
En: Unexpectedly, one day Thabo feels the cool breeze of a summer wind on his face.

Af: Met hoop klop hulle vinniger.
En: With hope, they dig faster.

Af: En daar!
En: And there!

Af: Die put begin water spuit.
En: The well begins to gush water.

Af: Die water loop oor en soek sy pad na die dorstige plante.
En: The water flows and finds its way to the thirsty plants.

Af: Met nuwe lewe word die blomme helderder as ooit.
En: With new life, the flowers grow brighter than ever.

Af: Die plaas kry weer sy kleure terug.
En: The farm regains its colors.

Af: Liams plan werk.
En: Liam's plan works.

Af: Die blomme sal reg wees vir die fees.
En: The flowers will be ready for the festival.

Af: Op die dag van die fees is die dorp vol vreugde.
En: On the day of the festival, the town is full of joy.

Af: Anika se winkel is vol pragtige ruikers.
En: Anika's shop is full of beautiful bouquets.

Af: Sy loop na Liam toe, haar oë glinster van geluk.
En: She walks over to Liam, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Af: “Dankie, Liam,” sê sy sag.
En: “Thank you, Liam,” she says softly.

Af: “Jy het die plaas en my winkel gered.”
En: “You saved the farm and my shop.”

Af: Liam kyk diep in haar oë.
En: Liam looks deeply into her eyes.

Af: “Ek het meer as net die plaas probeer red,” sê hy.
En: “I tried to save more than just the farm,” he says.

Af: “Ek het hierdie kans gebruik om jou te vertel dat ek om jou gee.”
En: “I used this chance to tell you that I care about you.”

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

Af: “Ek het al lank gewag dat jy dit erken,” sê sy.
En: “I have been waiting for you to admit it for a long time,” she says.

Af: Die fees gaan voort met vrolike mense, kleurvolle stalletjies en romantiese ruikers.
En: The festival continues with cheerful people, colorful stalls, and romantic bouquets.

Af: Liam het nie net die blomme gered nie, maar ook iets veel belangriker gevind.
En: Liam not only saved the flowers but also found something much more important.

Af: Hy het die waarde van risiko en openheid ontdek en besef hoe waardevol die steun van sy gemeenskap is.
En: He discovered the value of risk and openness and realized how valuable the support of his community is.

Vocabulary Words:
blazing: blakende
scorch: brand
distress: nood
dedicated: toegewyde
talented: talentvolle
experienced: ervare
plan: plan
risk: risiko
resources: hulpbronne
relentless: genadeloos
unexpectedly: onverwags
gush: spuit
thirsty: dorstige
sparkling: glinster
broadly: breed
openness: openheid
community: gemeenskap
drought: droogte
pride: trots
festival: fees
valentine: valentynsdag
florist: bloemis
breeze: bries
bouquets: ruikers
stalls: stalletjies
colorful: kleurvolle
admit: erken
support: steun
realized: besef
pressure: druk

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Love Blooms Under Kirstenbosch's Blossoming Skies
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-14-08-38-19-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Op 'n warm somermiddag, het Freek en Liesl na die Kirstenbosch Botaniese Tuin gegaan vir 'n piekniek op Valentynsdag.
En: On a warm summer afternoon, Freek and Liesl went to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for a picnic on Valentine's Day.

Af: Die reuk van soet blomme hang in die lug, terwyl die tafelberg majestueus in die agtergrond troon.
En: The scent of sweet flowers hung in the air, while Table Mountain majestically loomed in the background.

Af: Freek het 'n kombers onder 'n koelteboom neergesprei en gesorg vir 'n mandjie vol lekkernye.
En: Freek spread a blanket under a shady tree and prepared a basket full of treats.

Af: Hy was verheug, maar ook senuweeagtig.
En: He was delighted but also nervous.

Af: Terwyl hulle op die kombers sit, het Freek 'n sagte briesie gevoel en gehoop dit was 'n goeie voorteken.
En: As they sat on the blanket, Freek felt a gentle breeze and hoped it was a good omen.

Af: Hy het na Liesl gekyk terwyl sy die pragtige tuin om hulle bewonder.
En: He looked at Liesl as she admired the beautiful garden around them.

Af: Die sonskyn het haar gesig sag verlig, en Freek het gevoel sy hart klop vinniger.
En: The sunshine softly lit her face, and Freek felt his heart beating faster.

Af: Hy wou haar vertel hoe hy voel, maar was onseker oor haar reaksie.
En: He wanted to tell her how he felt but was unsure about her reaction.

Af: "O, Freek, kyk," het Liesl gesê en na 'n trop geel fynbos gewys.
En: "Oh, Freek, look," Liesl said, pointing to a cluster of yellow fynbos.

Af: "Dis absoluut pragtig, nie waar nie?
En: "It's absolutely beautiful, isn't it?"

Af: ""Dis beeldskoon, net soos jy," het Freek geantwoord en gewonder of sy te moeilik probeer het.
En: "It's gorgeous, just like you," Freek replied, wondering if he was trying too hard.

Af: Liesl het geglimlag, en Freek het 'n bietjie moed gekry.
En: Liesl smiled, and Freek gained a bit of courage.

Af: Maar nog steeds het daar 'n wolk van twyfel oor Hom gehang.
En: But still, a cloud of doubt hung over him.

Af: Soos die middag vorder, het die ligte briesie in 'n koel wind verander, en die wolke het saamgepak.
En: As the afternoon progressed, the light breeze turned into a cool wind, and the clouds gathered.

Af: Freek het bekommerd na die lug gekyk.
En: Freek looked at the sky worriedly.

Af: Hy het geweet hy moet iets sê voordat die weer hulle dag bederf.
En: He knew he had to say something before the weather ruined their day.

Af: "Ek wil iets sê, Liesl," het Freek huiwerig begin.
En: "I want to say something, Liesl," Freek began hesitantly.

Af: Sy het hom stip aangekyk, met 'n mengsel van nuuskierigheid en kalmte.
En: She looked at him intently, with a mix of curiosity and calmness.

Af: "Ek dink dat ek meer as vriendskap vir jou voel.
En: "I think I feel more than friendship for you."

Af: "Skielik het 'n stortreën op hulle neergedaal.
En: Suddenly, a downpour descended upon them.

Af: Hulle het na die naaste skuiling gejaag, die piekniekkombers en mandjie agtergelaat.
En: They rushed to the nearest shelter, leaving the picnic blanket and basket behind.

Af: Albei het sopnat gelag en in die reën gesoen.
En: Both were soaked, laughing and kissing in the rain.

Af: In die skuiling het Liesl hom gesoek met haar oë en sag gesê: "Ek voel dieselfde, Freek.
En: In the shelter, Liesl searched his eyes and softly said, "I feel the same, Freek.

Af: Al hierdie tyd het ek gehoop jy sou so iets sê.
En: All this time, I've been hoping you would say something like that."

Af: "Hulle het daar in die skuiling bly sit, seënbede vir die onverwagte reën.
En: They sat there in the shelter, thankful for the unexpected rain.

Af: 'n Dag wat met onsekerheid begin het, het geëindig met vreugde en wederkerige liefde.
En: A day that began with uncertainty ended with joy and mutual love.

Af: Freek het geleer dat hy met opregtheid en moed, iets regtig spesiaal kan bou met Liesl.
En: Freek learned that with sincerity and courage, he could build something truly special with Liesl.

Af: En Liesl het geweet daar is 'n diepte in haar verhouding met Freek wat meer werd is as die mooiste somerblomme in Kirstenbosch.
En: And Liesl knew there was a depth in her relationship with Freek that was worth more than the most beautiful summer flowers in Kirstenbosch.

Vocabulary Words:
afternoon: somermiddag
botanical: botaniese
majestically: majestueus
background: agtergrond
shady: koelte
basket: mandjie
treats: lekkernye
gentle: sagte
breeze: briesie
omen: voorteken
admired: bewonder
beating: klop
reaction: reaksie
cluster: trop
gorgeous: beeldskoon
cloud: wolk
doubt: twyfel
gathered: saamgepak
hesitantly: huiwerig
intently: stip
curiosity: nuuskierigheid
downpour: stortreën
shelter: skuiling
soaked: sopnat
searched: gesoek
joy: vreugde
mutual: wederkerige
sincerity: opregtheid
courage: moed
depth: diepte