Engels
/ˈɛ̃ˑŋəls/
The English language in Afrikaans is Engels.
Engels is used as the name for the English language. It can also function as an adjective to describe things pertaining to the English language.
Meaning: the English language (name)
Which one should you use?
Engels is the standard form used when referring to the language itself or acting as a general adjective. However, when you are using an adjective to specifically modify a noun, the form changes to Engelse.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify a noun, the form changes from Engels to Engelse.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛ̃ˑŋəls/
Did you know?
- In South Africa, Engels is often categorized as a 'first language' or 'home language' in schools even for people whose primary cultural identity is Afrikaans.
- Due to the influence of Engels on the local vocabulary, many modern technical terms in Afrikaans are now borrowed directly from English rather than being translated.
- In many South African contexts, using the word Engels to refer to the language can be seen as a shorthand for 'Standard English', which may differ from the English spoken by many local-language speakers.
Examples in context
- Mnr. Brown is ons engels onderwyser.Mr Brown is our English teacher.This sentence shows how to use Engels when identifying a teacher.Tatoeba #2783436 by Diablofire, translation #34240 by carlosalberto
- Tom berei homself vir die Duolingo Engelse toets voor.Tom is preparing himself for the Duolingo English Test.This sentence demonstrates the use of Engelse as an adjective modifying a noun.Tatoeba #13458408 by Pietpetoors, translation #13455299 by Ergulis
- Hy reik uit na a Engelse-Japanese woordeboek op die lessenaar.He reached for an English-Japanese dictionary on the desk.This sentence shows Engelse acting as an adjective for a dictionary.Tatoeba #6456201 by Dewald, translation #295069 by CK
- Ek is vlot in Engels.I am fluent in English.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pieter and Marelize are talking about their school subjects.
- PieterMarelize, hou jy van Engels?Marelize, do you like English?
- MarelizeJa, ek dink Engels is baie interessant.Yes, I think English is very interesting.
- PieterDit is my gunstelingvak hierdie jaar.It is my favorite subject this year.
- MarelizeEk stem saam, Pieter.I agree, Pieter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “english” translations and entries Engels, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
