FluentFiction - Afrikaans

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Van der Merwe's Heirloom Mystery: Secrets Under the Karoo Sun
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-28-08-38-20-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son hang laag oor die vlakte van die Karoo, 'n goue skynsel wat die aarde en die ou plaashuis doop in warm lig.
En: The sun hangs low over the plains of the Karoo, a golden glow bathing the earth and the old farmhouse in warm light.

Af: Die Karoo, 'n uitgestrekte landskap vol misterie en geskiedenis, is die toneel vir die jaarlikse familiekonvensie van die Van der Merwe's, waar spanning altyd om die draai loer.
En: The Karoo, an expansive landscape full of mystery and history, is the setting for the annual family convention of the Van der Merwe's, where tension always lurks around the corner.

Af: Pieter sien die groot plaashuis, sy gewels wat trots uitstyg uit die dorre grond.
En: Pieter sees the large farmhouse, its gables proudly rising from the barren ground.

Af: Hy voel 'n bekende onrus in sy maag.
En: He feels a familiar unease in his stomach.

Af: Die uitleg van die huis het deur die jare min verander—die kombuis lyk steeds uit na die dorre tuin en die ou eikehout tafel in die eetkamer is dieselfde as wat sy oumagrootjie gebruik het.
En: The layout of the house has changed little over the years—the kitchen still looks out onto the barren garden and the old oak table in the dining room is the same one his great-grandmother used.

Af: Binne-in die huis is die lug dik van stemme, ruik dit na braaivleis en swem daar 'n mengsel van gelag en teëspraak.
En: Inside the house, the air is thick with voices, smelling of barbecue, and a mix of laughter and contradiction fills the space.

Af: Dit is egter nie die gewone gesellige tipe geselskap nie.
En: However, it is not the usual cozy type of conversation.

Af: Nee, in die Van der Merwe-familie is die byeenkomste altyd 'n mengsel van hartlike groete en gespanne blikke.
En: No, in the Van der Merwe family, the gatherings are always a mix of hearty greetings and tense glances.

Af: Pieter, met sy pragmatiese inslag, weet dat hierdie jaar iets anders is.
En: Pieter, with his pragmatic nature, knows that this year something is different.

Af: Die broche, 'n ouer, met 'n groot diamant in 'n fyn gesete silwer omhulsel, het verdwyn.
En: The brooch, an heirloom, with a large diamond set in a fine silver casing, has disappeared.

Af: Dit was 'n stuk van sy ouma-grootjie en 'n bron van fassinasie en trots in die familie.
En: It was a piece from his great-grandmother and a source of fascination and pride in the family.

Af: Die broche moet gevind word voor verdere onmin ontketen word.
En: The brooch must be found before further discord is unleashed.

Af: Hy staan alleen in die sitkamer, kyk na die rak met foto's van lank gelede, toe Anika langs hom verskyn.
En: He stands alone in the living room, looking at the shelf with photos from long ago, when Anika appears next to him.

Af: "Ek weet jy is hieroor bekommerd," sê sy met haar kenmerkende skerpheid.
En: "I know you're worried about this," she says with her characteristic sharpness.

Af: Haar oë is helder en speurend.
En: Her eyes are bright and probing.

Af: Sy is altyd geïnteresseerd in die geheime wat mense wegsteek.
En: She's always interested in the secrets people hide.

Af: Pieter sug.
En: Pieter sighs.

Af: "Ek wil hê hierdie familie moet ophou baklei.
En: "I want this family to stop fighting.

Af: Ek moet die broche vind.
En: I need to find the brooch.

Af: Maar waar begin ek?
En: But where do I start?"

Af: " Anika se oë blink opgewonde.
En: Anika's eyes shine excitedly.

Af: "Ek sal help.
En: "I'll help.

Af: Samel inligting in, en kyk waar mis ons iets.
En: Gather information, and see where we miss something."

Af: "Saam, maak Pieter en Anika 'n lys.
En: Together, Pieter and Anika make a list.

Af: 'n Lys van wie in die week deur die huis beweeg het.
En: A list of who moved through the house during the week.

Af: Hulle matsel hierdie mense een vir een, ingestig deur 'n vraag hier en 'n spieëlvra daar.
En: They scrutinize these people one by one, prompted by a question here and a mirror question there.

Af: Die middaghitte is sterk, en buite het die tuin geslaap onder die slapende akasias.
En: The midday heat is strong, and outside the garden sleeps under the dozing acacias.

Af: Maar binne bou die spanning in die lug op.
En: But inside, the tension in the air builds up.

Af: Wanneer die vierde varsgebakte tert bedien word, bring Pieter en Anika al hul inligting bymekaar.
En: When the fourth freshly baked pie is served, Pieter and Anika bring all their information together.

Af: Niks regop nie, asof die geheim nog wegkruip.
En: Nothing stands out, as if the secret still hides.

Af: Maar Anika sien iets anders op die fraai geskilde rakke.
En: But Anika notices something different on the finely arranged shelves.

Af: 'n Wen daarop, en sy kyk vir Pieter.
En: A clue there, and she looks at Pieter.

Af: "Lilian," fluister sy.
En: "Lilian," she whispers.

Af: "Sy is altyd by die rakke.
En: "She's always by the shelves."

Af: "Op daardie oomblik, terwyl hulle hul vermoedens uitspreek, loop Lilian self aan.
En: At that moment, as they voice their suspicions, Lilian herself walks in.

Af: 'n Aanduiding van besorgdheid oor haar gelaat, hetsy van skuld of wied, en Pieter weet dit is tyd vir die laaste strak benadering.
En: An indication of concern on her face, whether from guilt or something else, and Pieter knows it is time for the final direct approach.

Af: "Waarom die moeite om dit te versteek?
En: "Why go to the effort to hide it?"

Af: " vra Pieter sag.
En: Pieter asks softly.

Af: Hulle oorhoor hoe die ander begin fluister in die eetkamer.
En: They overhear the others beginning to whisper in the dining room.

Af: Lilian draai stil na hom toe.
En: Lilian turns quietly to him.

Af: "As ek dit gelos het, sou hulle dit verkoop het," sê sy met trane wat in haar oë opbou.
En: "If I had left it, they would have sold it," she says with tears welling in her eyes.

Af: "Dit sou nooit meer in die familie wees nie.
En: "It would never have been in the family again."

Af: "Pieter kyk na Anika.
En: Pieter looks at Anika.

Af: Die geheim van die broche is ontbloot.
En: The secret of the brooch is revealed.

Af: Dit was bekommernis oor verlies, nie altyd net begeerte vir wins, wat die spanning gedryf het.
En: It was a concern over loss, not always just a desire for profit, that drove the tension.

Af: Die familie kom nader, luister wat sy te sê het, en een vir een begin die harde blikke smelt, soos nuwe begrip prei oor die harte.
En: The family gathers closer, listening to what she has to say, and one by one, the hard looks begin to melt, as new understanding spreads across their hearts.

Af: Later, sit Pieter buite in die stil skemer.
En: Later, Pieter sits outside in the quiet twilight.

Af: Hy voel die gewig van die dag afgly terwyl die gras essens op die briesie wieg.
En: He feels the weight of the day slip away as the grass sways on the breeze.

Af: Anika sit langs hom.
En: Anika sits next to him.

Af: "Dalk het ons iets meer gevind as net 'n broche," sê sy.
En: "Perhaps we've found something more than just a brooch," she says.

Af: Ja, dink Pieter.
En: Yes, Pieter thinks.

Af: Dalk is hulle net 'n stap nader aan ware begrip.
En: Perhaps they are just a step closer to true understanding.

Af: En sekerlik is die Karoo, so onverbiddelik maar so mooi, die perfekte plek om die lesse van die verlede te vind en die bande van familie te hernu.
En: And surely, the Karoo, so relentless yet so beautiful, is the perfect place to find the lessons of the past and renew the bonds of family.

Vocabulary Words:
hangs: hang
plains: vlakte
glow: skynsel
expansive: uitgestrekte
tension: spanning
lurks: loer
gables: gewels
barren: dorre
unease: onrus
layout: uitleg
oak: eikehout
thick: dik
contradiction: teëspraak
cozy: gesellige
pragmatic: pragmatiese
heirloom: ouer
casing: omhulsel
discord: onmin
scrutinize: matsel
dozing: slapende
breeze: briesie
profound: fraai
shelves: rakke
sighs: sug
gleam: blink
clue: wen
concern: besorgdheid
approach: benadering
guilt: skuld
understanding: begrip

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Anine's Unforgettable Jellyfish Adventure at Kaapstad
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-27-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son skyn helder oor Kaapstad en die lig dans op die water by die Two Oceans Aquarium.
En: The sun shines brightly over Kaapstad and the light dances on the water at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Af: Skoolkinders van Laerskool Sandveld dartel soos visse in 'n stroom, verwonderd oor die kleurryke akwarium tenks.
En: Schoolchildren from Laerskool Sandveld dart around like fish in a stream, marveling at the colorful aquarium tanks.

Af: Anine, 'n introverte twaalfjarige dogtertjie, loop stadig agter die groep aan.
En: Anine, an introverted twelve-year-old girl, walks slowly behind the group.

Af: Haar oë glinster van opgewondenheid.
En: Her eyes glisten with excitement.

Af: Sy dink aan die seldsame jellievisse waaroor sy gelees het.
En: She thinks about the rare jellyfish she has read about.

Af: Vandag is die dag wat sy hulle gaan sien.
En: Today is the day she is going to see them.

Af: Johan en Elmarie, haar klasmaats, lag en gesels langs haar.
En: Johan and Elmarie, her classmates, laugh and chat beside her.

Af: "Anine, kom kyk hier!" roep Johan en wys na 'n klomp speelse seeperdjies.
En: "Anine, come look here!" calls Johan and points to a bunch of playful seahorses.

Af: Maar Anine is vasberade.
En: But Anine is determined.

Af: Sy het 'n ander missie.
En: She has a different mission.

Af: Elke volwasse vis glip verby haar op pad na hulle eie avonture, maar sy hou net die bordjies dop om die jellievis-uitstalling te vind.
En: Every adult fish slips past her on their way to their own adventures, but she is just following the signs to find the jellyfish exhibit.

Af: Toe sy uiteindelik die ingang van die jellievis-uitstalling bereik, stol haar hart.
En: When she finally reaches the entrance of the jellyfish exhibition, her heart sinks.

Af: 'Gesluit vir Renovasie' staan in groot letters op 'n bord.
En: 'Closed for Renovation' is written in large letters on a sign.

Af: Anine voel moedeloos.
En: Anine feels despondent.

Af: Dit was hoekom sy so baie uitgesien het na vandag se uitstappie.
En: This was the reason she was so looking forward to today's outing.

Af: Sy loop met verslae skouers terug na waar die ander kinders staan, maar haar gedagtes maal.
En: She walks back with slumped shoulders to where the other children stand, but her thoughts are churning.

Af: As sy maar net 'n manier kon vind om binne te kyk, net 'n vlugtige kykie...
En: If only she could find a way to peek inside, just a quick glimpse...

Af: Op 'n hoeke, sien sy 'n klein gapings tussen die skerms.
En: In a corner, she sees a small gap between the screens.

Af: Haar hart klop vinniger.
En: Her heart beats faster.

Af: Sy buk af, kyk vinnig om of niemand haar sien nie, en loer deur die gaping.
En: She crouches down, quickly looks around to see if no one is watching, and peeks through the gap.

Af: Wat sy sien, laat haar asem wegslaan.
En: What she sees takes her breath away.

Af: Glimlaggende jellievisse dwarrel in 'n hipnotiese dans van lig.
En: Smiling jellyfish swirl in a hypnotic dance of light.

Af: Dit is mooier as wat sy ooit kon dink.
En: It is more beautiful than she could ever have imagined.

Af: "Haai daar!" 'n stem laat haar skrik.
En: "Hey there!" a voice startles her.

Af: Sy draai vinnig om en sien 'n groot sekuriteitswag.
En: She quickly turns around and sees a large security guard.

Af: Hy lyk half kwaad, maar iets in sy oë verander toe hy Anine se opgewondenheid sien.
En: He looks somewhat annoyed, but something in his eyes changes when he sees Anine's excitement.

Af: "Jy lyk baie nuuskierig oor jellievisse," sê hy met 'n sagte glimlag.
En: "You seem very curious about jellyfish," he says with a soft smile.

Af: Anine knik, haar oë groot.
En: Anine nods, her eyes wide.

Af: "Ek is jammer. Ek wou net... sien."
En: "I'm sorry. I just wanted to... see."

Af: Die wag oorweeg kort en knik dan.
En: The guard briefly considers and then nods.

Af: "Kom ek wys jou kortliks."
En: "Let me show you briefly."

Af: Onder sy toesig, mag Anine vir 'n paar minute by die uitstalling staan en die geheimsinnige wesens bewonder.
En: Under his supervision, Anine is allowed to stand at the exhibit for a few minutes and admire the mysterious creatures.

Af: Hulle gloei in die dowwe lig en beweeg stadig soos 'n pragtige ballet.
En: They glow in the dim light and move slowly like a beautiful ballet.

Af: Sy is oorweldig deur hul skoonheid en die wonder van die lewe onder die see.
En: She is overwhelmed by their beauty and the wonder of life under the sea.

Af: Toe sy teruggaan na haar maats, voel sy 'n nuwe selfvertroue.
En: As she returns to her friends, she feels a new sense of confidence.

Af: Sy het geleer dat moed en respek baie deure kan oopmaak, en dat haar nuuskierigheid haar kan lei tot unieke en onvergeetlike ervarings.
En: She has learned that courage and respect can open many doors, and that her curiosity can lead her to unique and unforgettable experiences.

Af: Vandag het sy meer as net jellievisse gesien; sy het ook 'n bietjie meer van haarself ontdek.
En: Today she saw more than just jellyfish; she also discovered a little more about herself.

Vocabulary Words:
brightly: helder
dances: dans
aquarium: akwarium
dart: dartel
stream: stroom
marveling: verwonderd
introverted: introverte
glisten: glinster
determined: vasberade
adult: volwasse
adventures: avonture
despondent: moedeloos
churning: maal
peek: loer
gap: gaping
hypnotic: hipnotiese
startles: skrik
annoyed: kwaad
curious: nuuskierig
briefly: kortliks
supervision: toesig
admire: bewonder
mysterious: geheimsinnige
ballet: ballet
overwhelmed: oorweldig
beauty: skoonheid
confidence: selfvertroue
learned: geleer
respect: respek
unique: unieke

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Aquarium Adventures: Elsa Discovers Her Voice Among the Waves
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-27-08-38-20-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son dans helder oor Kaapstad en die somervakansie bring 'n see van opgewonde kinders na die Two Oceans Aquarium.
En: The sun dances brightly over Kaapstad and the summer holiday brings a sea of excited children to the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Af: Die akwarium se waterige blou lig, vol verskillende visse en seediere, trek almal in na sy magie.
En: The aquarium's watery blue light, filled with different fish and sea creatures, draws everyone into its magic.

Af: Onder hierdie klomp, drie kinders: Elsa, Ruben, en die verjaardagkind, Mika.
En: Among this crowd, three children: Elsa, Ruben, and the birthday child, Mika.

Af: Elsa staan by die ingang, speel met haar vingers.
En: Elsa stands at the entrance, playing with her fingers.

Af: Sy is gereeld stil in groot groepe, maar die akwarium is haar gunstelingplek.
En: She is usually quiet in large groups, but the aquarium is her favorite place.

Af: Haar hart klop vinniger van opwinding en angs terwyl sy na die ander kinders kyk wat oor die skaatsplanke hardloop.
En: Her heart beats faster with excitement and anxiety as she watches the other children run over the skateboards.

Af: “Kom, Elsa!” roep Ruben, haar lewendige neef.
En: “Come, Elsa!” calls Ruben, her lively cousin.

Af: Hy is altyd vol energie en gereed vir avontuur.
En: He is always full of energy and ready for adventure.

Af: “Ons gaan visse kyk!”
En: “We're going to look at fish!”

Af: Mika, met 'n verjaardaghoed op haar kop, lei die groep.
En: Mika, with a birthday hat on her head, leads the group.

Af: Sy wys na die reusagtige tenk vol skerwe met haaie en strale.
En: She points to the gigantic tank full of sharks and rays.

Af: “Hierdie is cool!” Mika se stem heers oor die groep, almal volg haar leiding.
En: “This is cool!” Mika's voice rules over the group, everyone follows her lead.

Af: Terwyl die ander kinders om Mika klomp, sluip Elsa na 'n kleiner tenk.
En: While the other children gather around Mika, Elsa sneaks off to a smaller tank.

Af: Die koraalriwwe binne vang haar aandag.
En: The coral reefs within capture her attention.

Af: ’n Akwariumpersoneellid praat oor mariene beskerming daar.
En: An aquarium staff member talks about marine conservation there.

Af: Elsa luister ingedagte, heel betower deur die kennis.
En: Elsa listens thoughtfully, completely enthralled by the knowledge.

Af: Sy huiwer kortliks, maar iets in haar binne dwing haar om op te staan.
En: She hesitates briefly, but something inside her urges her to speak up.

Af: “Wat kan ons doen om die see beter te beskerm?” vra sy skugter.
En: “What can we do to better protect the ocean?” she asks shyly.

Af: Die personeellid glimlag en begin ‘n gesprek oor volhoubaarheid en klimaatbewustheid.
En: The staff member smiles and begins a conversation about sustainability and climate awareness.

Af: Die ander, Mika en Ruben inkluis, draai om.
En: The others, including Mika and Ruben, turn around.

Af: Nie lank daarna nie, skuifel die groep nader en luister aandagtig.
En: Not long after, the group shuffles closer and listens intently.

Af: Mika kyk na Elsa met nuuskierigheid.
En: Mika looks at Elsa with curiosity.

Af: Ruben, van nature nuuskierig, sluit ook aan.
En: Ruben, naturally curious, joins in as well.

Af: Meer kinders vra vrae, en in geen tyd nie, is Elsa in 'n gesprekdom.
En: More children ask questions, and in no time, Elsa is in a conversation dome.

Af: Haar liefde vir die see en kennis bring almal nader.
En: Her love for the sea and knowledge brings everyone closer.

Af: Haar passie inspireer ander om saam te praat oor wat hul gesien het en wat hul geleer het.
En: Her passion inspires others to talk about what they have seen and what they learned.

Af: Uiteindelik, as die dag by die akwarium ten einde loop, voel Elsa iets nuuts - aanvaarding.
En: Ultimately, as the day at the aquarium comes to a close, Elsa feels something new - acceptance.

Af: Sy besef die waarde van haar stem en passie.
En: She realizes the value of her voice and passion.

Af: Soos hulle wegstap, sê Mika: “Jy weet regtig baie, Elsa. Dis gaaf!”
En: As they walk away, Mika says, “You really know a lot, Elsa. That's cool!”

Af: Ruben voeg by, “Volgende keer, moet jy ons dalk alles wys!”
En: Ruben adds, “Next time, you should show us everything!”

Af: Met 'n glimlag, voel Elsa ligter.
En: With a smile, Elsa feels lighter.

Af: Haar liefde vir mariene lewe het haar nie van die groep verwyder nie; dit het haar verbind.
En: Her love for marine life didn't set her apart from the group; it connected her.

Af: Sy stap saam met hulle, meer selfversekerd en tevrede.
En: She walks with them, more confident and content.

Af: Elke kind, 'n see van potensiaal, pas in die groter oseaan van vriendskap.
En: Each child, a sea of potential, fits into the greater ocean of friendship.

Af: Deur haarself te wees, het Elsa ontdek dat sy perfek inpas waar haar hart lei.
En: By being herself, Elsa discovered that she fits perfectly where her heart leads.

Vocabulary Words:
dances: dans
brightly: helder
entrance: ingang
excitement: opwinding
anxiety: angs
gigantic: reusagtige
conservation: beskerming
hesitates: huiwer
sustainability: volhoubaarheid
intently: aandagtig
curiosity: nuuskierigheid
engaged: ingedagte
enthralled: betower
shuffle: skuifel
potential: potensiaal
acceptance: aanvaarding
content: tevrede
passion: passie
magical: magie
thrives: floreer
knowledge: kennis
looks: kyk
captivated: gevange
urges: dwing
conversation: gesprek
advisor: adviseur
confident: selfversekerd
undertake: onderneem
connects: verbind
determination: bepaling

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Brewing Reconciliation: Annelie's Journey of Home and Heart
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-26-23-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: In die hartjie van Kaapstad, in 'n klein koffiebrander, het die warm son deur die vensters in geskyn.
En: In the heart of Kaapstad, in a small coffee roastery, the warm sun shone through the windows.

Af: Die geure van vars gemaalde koffiebone het die lug gevul.
En: The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air.

Af: Annelie het daar gesit, haar vingers het liggies oor die rand van haar koffiekoppie beweeg.
En: Annelie sat there, her fingers lightly moving over the rim of her coffee cup.

Af: Sy het diep asemgehaal.
En: She took a deep breath.

Af: Dit was nie net 'n koppie koffie wat sy geniet het nie.
En: It wasn't just a cup of coffee she was enjoying.

Af: Dit was 'n oomblik van introspeksie, met haar verlede en haar toekoms wat voor haar uitstrek soos die tafel waaraan sy gesit het.
En: It was a moment of introspection, with her past and her future stretching out before her like the table she sat at.

Af: Pieter, haar kinderjare vriend, het agter die toonbank besig gelyk, maar het steeds tyd gevind om na haar toe te glimlag.
En: Pieter, her childhood friend, looked busy behind the counter, but still found time to smile at her.

Af: Hy het geweet sy was nie net daar vir die koffie nie.
En: He knew she wasn't just there for the coffee.

Af: Hulle het grootgeword op dieselfde landelike dorp, waar die son altyd langer gevoel het in die somer, en die lewe was eenvoudiger.
En: They had grown up in the same rural town, where the summers always seemed to last longer, and life was simpler.

Af: Hy was 'n vertroueling, 'n lewende skakel na haar wortels.
En: He was a confidant, a living link to her roots.

Af: "Annelie!" Johan se stem het bo die gegons van die kafee geklink.
En: "Annelie!" Johan's voice rose above the hum of the café.

Af: Haar hart het 'n slag oorgeslaan.
En: Her heart skipped a beat.

Af: Daar het hy gestaan - haar broer, so bekend en tog so vreemd in hierdie konteks van die stad.
En: There he stood - her brother, so familiar and yet so strange in this city setting.

Af: Sy hande was vuil soos dié van iemand wat gewoond is aan harde werk op die land.
En: His hands were dirty like someone accustomed to hard work on the land.

Af: Hy het om die tafel geloop en by haar aangesluit, met 'n swaar sug.
En: He walked around the table and joined her with a heavy sigh.

Af: "Ek moes jou sien, Johan. Dinge aanpak." Annelie het haar kop effens eenkant toe gedraai, onseker hoe om begin.
En: "I had to see you, Johan. Face things." Annelie tilted her head slightly, uncertain how to begin.

Af: "Ek weet." Het Johan stilweg gesê, terwyl sy oë die mense en die bedrywige atmosfeer oorskat het.
En: "I know," Johan said quietly, his eyes surveying the people and the bustling atmosphere.

Af: "Ek is moeg, Annelie. Die plaas is nie dieselfde sonder jou nie."
En: "I'm tired, Annelie. The farm isn't the same without you."

Af: "Ek het nooit bedoel om julle te verlaat nie," het sy geantwoord, haar stem sag maar vasberade.
En: "I never meant to leave you," she replied, her voice soft but resolute.

Af: "Ek het net my eie pad gesoek."
En: "I was just seeking my own path."

Af: Vir 'n oomblik het stilte tussen hulle ingesak, net onderbreek deur die gedempte klanke van die roastery.
En: For a moment, silence settled between them, only broken by the muted sounds of the roastery.

Af: Maar in hierdie stilte was daar begrip, groeiend soos die plante op die plaas wat Johan nou bestuur.
En: But in this silence, there was understanding, growing like the plants on the farm that Johan now managed.

Af: "Ek verstaan waarom jy weg is," Johan het erken.
En: "I understand why you left," Johan admitted.

Af: "Maar ek wens net jy was daar.
En: "But I just wish you were there.

Af: Met die oes en alles... Dit raak soms net te veel."
En: With the harvest and everything... it sometimes becomes too much."

Af: Annelie het haar broer in die oë gekyk en gesien dat dit nie net sy werk was wat sy rusteloosheid gevoed het nie, maar die liefde vir die huis wat hulle gedeel het.
En: Annelie looked her brother in the eyes and saw that it wasn't just his work fueling his restlessness, but the love for the home they shared.

Af: "Ek wil deel wees, Johan.
En: "I want to be part of it, Johan.

Af: Ek wil help.
En: I want to help.

Af: Ek sal meer gereeld tuiskom.
En: I'll come home more often.

Af: Maar ek kan nie my drome opgee nie."
En: But I can't give up my dreams."

Af: Johan het gesmile, 'n glimlag van ongesproke limpsis en aanvaarding.
En: Johan smiled, a smile of unspoken understanding and acceptance.

Af: "Ons kan dit regkry.
En: "We can make it work.

Af: Die plaas kan jou idees gebruik.
En: The farm could use your ideas.

Af: En ek kan skouer aan skouer staan."
En: And I can stand shoulder to shoulder."

Af: Vir die eerste keer het Annelie gevoel dat sy albei wêrelde kon hê.
En: For the first time, Annelie felt she could have both worlds.

Af: Sy kon aan haar toekoms werk en steeds haar familie bystaan.
En: She could work on her future and still support her family.

Af: Hulle het ooreengekom om 'n plan te maak, een wat hul drome en verpligtinge versoen.
En: They agreed to make a plan, one that reconciled their dreams and obligations.

Af: Toe die son agter die geboue van Kaapstad begin sak, het Annelie en Johan die koffiebrander verlaat, met nuwe hoop en 'n sterker band tussen hulle.
En: As the sun began to set behind the buildings of Kaapstad, Annelie and Johan left the coffee roastery with new hope and a stronger bond between them.

Af: Annelie het geweet sy het haar pad begin versoen - 'n pad wat beide haar stadse drome en die omhelsing van die wye, oop velde van die plaas ingesluit het.
En: Annelie knew she had begun to reconcile her path - a path that included both her city dreams and the embrace of the wide, open fields of the farm.

Vocabulary Words:
roastery: koffiebrander
aroma: geure
introspection: introspeksie
rural: landelike
confidant: vertroueling
hustle: gegons
settle: insak
resolve: aanpak
survey: oorskat
resolute: vasberade
bustling: bedrywige
harvest: oes
restlessness: rusteloosheid
embrace: omhelsing
muted: gedempte
bond: band
acknowledge: erken
familiar: bekend
strange: vreemd
accustomed: gewoond
quietly: stilweg
auspices: limpsis
proclaim: het geklink
surveying: oorskat
resolve: aanvaarding
reconciled: versoen
aspirations: drome
acknowledged: erken
encumbrance: verpligtinge
apprehension: onseker

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Brewing Dreams: The Tale of a Barista's Bold New Blend
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2026-02-26-08-38-20-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die geur van vars gebraaide koffiebone vul die lug van die koffieroostery in Stellenbosch.
En: The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans filled the air of the coffee roastery in Stellenbosch.

Af: Dit was 'n laat somersdag, en sonlig het deur die groot vensters gestroom, patrone van lig oor die industriële-styl interieur gegooi.
En: It was a late summer’s day, and sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting patterns of light across the industrial-style interior.

Af: Binne was daar 'n opgewondenheid, want Pieter het 'n nuwe koffiemengsel gereed vir sy kollegas om te probeer.
En: Inside, there was an excitement because Pieter had a new coffee blend ready for his colleagues to try.

Af: Pieter was 'n passievolle barista met 'n groot droom.
En: Pieter was a passionate barista with a big dream.

Af: Hy wou 'n unieke koffiemengsel skep wat nuwe kliënte sou lok en sy vaardighede sou demonstreer.
En: He wanted to create a unique coffee blend that would attract new clients and showcase his skills.

Af: Maar, daar was 'n hindernis.
En: But there was an obstacle.

Af: Annelie, die skeptiese bestuurder, het getwyfel of die mengsel winsgewend en aantreklik sou wees.
En: Annelie, the skeptical manager, doubted whether the blend would be profitable and appealing.

Af: Johan, 'n senior rooster, was nie oortuig van die enigmatigheid daarvan nie.
En: Johan, a senior roaster, was not convinced about its uniqueness.

Af: In die vergadering se hoek het Pieter gestaan, met 'n vasberadenheid wat in sy oë geskyn het.
En: In the corner of the meeting, Pieter stood with determination shining in his eyes.

Af: "Ek stel voor ons hou 'n proesessie," het Pieter gesê.
En: "I propose we hold a tasting session," Pieter said.

Af: Sy stem was vol entoesiasme.
En: His voice was full of enthusiasm.

Af: "Ek het die beste boontjies verkry wat hierdie geurige en ryk profiel sal wys."
En: "I have acquired the best beans that will showcase this fragrant and rich profile."

Af: Annelie het skepties haar wenkbroue lig.
En: Annelie skeptically raised her eyebrows.

Af: "Dit moet reeds 'n merk wees in die mark, Pieter.
En: "It must already be a brand in the market, Pieter.

Af: Ons het meer as net entoesiasme nodig," het sy gesê.
En: We need more than just enthusiasm," she said.

Af: Johan het effens geglimlag.
En: Johan smiled slightly.

Af: "Ek is bereid om dit 'n kans te gee," het hy stadig gesê, nog onseker.
En: "I am willing to give it a chance," he said slowly, still uncertain.

Af: Hulle het by die groot werktafel vergader.
En: They gathered at the large worktable.

Af: Pieter het die koffie met sorg voorberei, elke beweging noukeurig.
En: Pieter prepared the coffee with care, each movement precise.

Af: Die ryk aroma het stadig die kamer gevul.
En: The rich aroma slowly filled the room.

Af: Toe almal 'n koppie geproe het, was daar 'n oomblik van stilte.
En: After everyone tasted a cup, there was a moment of silence.

Af: "Dis anders... dis werklik opvallend," het Annelie uiteindelik gesê, iets van verrassing in haar stem.
En: "It's different... it's really striking," Annelie finally said, something of surprise in her voice.

Af: Johan het instemmend geknik.
En: Johan nodded in agreement.

Af: "Dit het iets spesiaal.
En: "It has something special.

Af: Ek kan nou die potensiaal sien," het hy bygevoeg.
En: I can now see the potential," he added.

Af: "Pieter, ek dink ons kan 'n beperkte uitgawe loods," het Annelie besluit.
En: "Pieter, I think we can launch a limited edition," Annelie decided.

Af: Maar net toe kom daar 'n kink in die kabel.
En: But just then, a hitch arose.

Af: "Wat van die volhoubare verkryging van hierdie boontjies?" het Johan gevra.
En: "What about the sustainable sourcing of these beans?" Johan asked.

Af: Die probleem het 'n stilte laat neerdaal.
En: The problem caused a silence to descend.

Af: Pieter het geswig, maar sy kop opgelig, vol nuwe begrip.
En: Pieter hesitated, but he lifted his head, full of new understanding.

Af: "Ek belowe ek sal werk aan volhoubare oplossings," het hy gesê, vastberade.
En: "I promise I will work on sustainable solutions," he said, determined.

Af: Met hierdie akkoord het hulle die vergadering afgesluit.
En: With this agreement, they closed the meeting.

Af: Pieter het 'n waardevolle les geleer oor die balans tussen kreatiwiteit en praktiese oorwegings.
En: Pieter had learned a valuable lesson about the balance between creativity and practical considerations.

Af: Hy het 'n nuwe waardering gehad vir die uitdaging van logistiek, en met nuwe vasberadenheid het hy en sy kollegas vooruitgebeur, gereed om die beperkte weergawe van die mengsel aan die wêreld vry te stel.
En: He had a new appreciation for the challenge of logistics, and with renewed determination, he and his colleagues moved forward, ready to launch the limited edition of the blend to the world.

Af: En so het die laat somerson stadig oor Stellenbosch afgely.
En: And so, the late summer sun slowly set over Stellenbosch.

Af: Die toegewydheid van 'n jong dromer het nuwe insigte gebring en die weg gebaan vir toekomstige suksesse.
En: The dedication of a young dreamer brought new insights and paved the way for future successes.

Vocabulary Words:
roastery: koffieroostery
pattern: patroon
interior: interieur
excited: opgewondenheid
passionate: passievolle
obstacle: hindernis
skeptical: skeptiese
profitable: winsgewend
appealing: aantreklik
unique: enigmatigheid
determination: vasberadenheid
tasting session: proesessie
enthusiasm: entoesiasme
acquired: verkry
fragrant: geurige
striking: opvallend
potential: potensiaal
limited edition: beperkte uitgawe
hitch: kink in die kabel
sustainable sourcing: volhoubare verkryging
silence: stilte
hesitated: geswig
understanding: begrip
determined: vastberade
logistics: logistiek
appreciation: waardering
challenge: uitdaging
dedication: toewyding
dreamer: dromer
insights: insigte