Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Pieter's High-Stakes Night: A Gamble Against the Odds
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-30-22-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die reuk van rook en whiskey hang swaar in die lug.
En: The smell of smoke and whiskey hangs heavily in the air.

Af: Pieter sit aan die groot tafel agter in die donker hoek van 'n Kapstadse kroeg.
En: Pieter sits at the large table in the dark corner of a Cape Town pub.

Af: Die herfs briesie buite is koel, en die stampe van vroeëre kopkrap en geselsies het bedaar tot 'n gespanne stilte.
En: The autumn breeze outside is cool, and the earlier murmurs and chatters have subsided to a tense silence.

Af: Die enigste klanke is die sagte kners van die kaartjies en die klop van 'n glas wat neergesit word.
En: The only sounds are the soft shuffle of cards and the clinking of a glass being set down.

Af: Pieter vee sy klam hande aan sy broek af.
En: Pieter wipes his damp hands on his pants.

Af: Die spiere in sy kake trek styf, en sy oë flits vinnig na sy medespelers.
En: The muscles in his jaw tighten, and his eyes flick quickly to his fellow players.

Af: Elsa sit oorkant hom.
En: Elsa sits across from him.

Af: Haar oë is oplettend en skerp soos 'n arend s'n.
En: Her eyes are as attentive and sharp as an eagle's.

Af: Sy het reeds 'n paar flou glimlagte gemik na Pieter se swak pogings om sy emosies te masker.
En: She's already directed a few faint smiles at Pieter's weak attempts to mask his emotions.

Af: Aan haar linkerkant sit Kobus, 'n groot gebou van 'n man wat gerugsteun word deur 'n gedempte, maar kragtige teenwoordigheid.
En: To her left sits Kobus, a man built like a fortress, backed by a muted yet powerful presence.

Af: Sy bluffende front is berug, maar vanaand is daar iets anders in sy oog — afwagting, dalk selfs 'n sweem van vrees.
En: His bluffing facade is notorious, but tonight there is something else in his eye—anticipation, perhaps even a hint of fear.

Af: Pieter voel die gewig van sy skuld, 'n donker wolk wat hom al weke jaag.
En: Pieter feels the weight of his debt, a dark cloud that has been chasing him for weeks.

Af: Hy weet die man wat hy geld skuld, is nie bekend vir sy geduld nie.
En: He knows the man he owes money to is not known for his patience.

Af: Elke minuut in hierdie spel is 'n minuut langer wat hy moet oorleef.
En: Every minute in this game is another minute he has to survive.

Af: Elsa se stem sny deur die stilte.
En: Elsa's voice cuts through the silence.

Af: "Sal jy nog wed, Pieter?
En: "Will you bet more, Pieter?"

Af: " Haar glimlag is knap, 'n bietjie uitdagend.
En: Her smile is tight, slightly challenging.

Af: Die ander spelers kyk op, belanggestel.
En: The other players look up, interested.

Af: Almal wag vir sy besluit.
En: Everyone waits for his decision.

Af: Met 'n fermheid wat hom self verras, druk Pieter sy skyfies na die middel van die tafel.
En: With a firmness that surprises even himself, Pieter pushes his chips to the center of the table.

Af: "Alles in," sê hy.
En: "All in," he says.

Af: "Ek gaan alles in.
En: "I'm going all in."

Af: "Daar gaan 'n geskroeide asem deur die kamer.
En: A collective intake of breath sweeps through the room.

Af: Elke oog is nou op die twee teenstanders gerig.
En: Every eye is now on the two opponents.

Af: Elsa kyk af na haar kaarte, dan weer na Pieter.
En: Elsa looks down at her cards, then back at...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Love Unintended: How an Email Mishap Sparked Romance
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-29-22-34-01-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die kantoorgebou in Johannesburg was besig soos altyd.
En: The office building in Johannesburg was busy as always.

Af: Blare het van die bome geval en 'n tapyt van bruin en oranje op die sypaadjies gevorm.
En: Leaves had fallen from the trees, forming a carpet of brown and orange on the sidewalks.

Af: Binne die moderne oopplan kantoor was Johan, die akkurate rekenmeester, besig om sy dagtaak te voltooi.
En: Inside the modern open-plan office, Johan, the meticulous accountant, was busy completing his daily tasks.

Af: Vandag was anders.
En: Today was different.

Af: Vandag moes Johan die moed bymekaar skraap om Annelize uit te vra.
En: Today, Johan had to muster the courage to ask Annelize out.

Af: Sy het oor die kantoor gelag, haar stem helder soos die herfs lug buite.
En: Her laughter echoed across the office, her voice clear like the autumn air outside.

Af: Die kantoorsketting was gevul met die gedruis van mense en die ritmiese getik van sleutelborde.
En: The office chatter was filled with the hum of people and the rhythmic clicking of keyboards.

Af: Maar Johan kon net aan Annelize dink.
En: But Johan could only think of Annelize.

Af: Hy het besluit om haar 'n e-pos te stuur.
En: He decided to send her an email.

Af: Iets persoonlik, iets spesiaal.
En: Something personal, something special.

Af: Johan het besluit om die romantiese gedig wat hy self geskryf het, aan haar te stuur.
En: Johan decided to send her the romantic poem he had written himself.

Af: Dit sou die eerste stap wees.
En: It would be the first step.

Af: Johan het diep asemgehaal, die e-pos opgestel en met 'n tik van die send-knoppie het hy sy hoop in die kuberruimte in gestuur.
En: Johan took a deep breath, composed the email, and with the click of the send button, he sent his hopes into cyberspace.

Af: Maar iets was verkeerd.
En: But something was wrong.

Af: Baie verkeerd.
En: Very wrong.

Af: Sy oë het groot geword toe hy agterkom hy het die e-pos aan die hele maatskappy gestuur!
En: His eyes widened when he realized he had sent the email to the entire company!

Af: Die gedig, waarin hy sy gevoelens vir Annelize en sy droom van 'n romantiese aandete op die spookagtig pragtige Vaal Rivier beskryf het, het nou voor almal gelê.
En: The poem, in which he described his feelings for Annelize and his dream of a romantic dinner on the eerily beautiful Vaal River, was now laid bare for everyone.

Af: Met sy gesig rooi van verleentheid en sy hart kloppen in sy keel, het Johan vir 'n plan gesoek.
En: With his face red with embarrassment and his heart pounding in his throat, Johan searched for a plan.

Af: Moes hy 'n ander e-pos stuur om sy fout te verduidelik?
En: Should he send another email to explain his mistake?

Af: Of sou dit die hele situasie net erger maak?
En: Or would that only make the whole situation worse?

Af: Voor hy kon besluit, het Annelize geantwoord.
En: Before he could decide, Annelize replied.

Af: Haar e-pos was kort, vrolik en vol humor.
En: Her email was short, cheerful, and full of humor.

Af: "Wow, Johan!
En: "Wow, Johan!

Af: Ek het nie geweet jy is so 'n poësie meester nie," het sy geskryf.
En: I didn't know you're such a poetry master," she wrote.

Af: "Ek dink ons almal moet meer gedigte begin...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Grassroots Glory: A Tale of Love, Nature, and Family Unity
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-28-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die reuk van nat gras en vars aarde vul die lug in die stil buurt aan die buitewyke van Stellenbosch.
En: The smell of fresh grass and earth fills the air in the quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.

Af: Dit is laat herfs, en die blare op die bome skitter in warm skakerings van goud en rooi.
En: It is late autumn, and the leaves on the trees shimmer in warm shades of gold and red.

Af: Hier, in hierdie rustige omgewing, berei Johan en sy gesin voor vir die jaarlikse tuinkompetisie.
En: Here, in this tranquil setting, Johan and his family are preparing for the annual garden competition.

Af: Elsa, Johan se ma, is regtig opgewonde.
En: Elsa, Johan's mother, is really excited.

Af: Haar gedagtes is propvol idees oor hoe hulle tuin die beste kan lyk.
En: Her mind is bustling with ideas on how their garden can look its best.

Af: Sy het van kleins af van tuinmaak gehou.
En: She has loved gardening since she was small.

Af: Pieter, Johan se oudste broer, het net van die universiteit af gekom vir 'n kort vakansie.
En: Pieter, Johan's eldest brother, has just returned from university for a short vacation.

Af: Hy hou erg daarvan om te wen en bring altyd sy mededingende gees saam.
En: He enjoys winning a lot and always brings along his competitive spirit.

Af: Johan staan langs sy ma onder die koelte van 'n ou eikeboom.
En: Johan stands next to his mother under the shade of an old oak tree.

Af: Hy kyk hoe sy blomme en struike blink en stryk oor die blare.
En: He watches the flowers and shrubs glisten as she runs her hands over the leaves.

Af: Hy droom al jare daarvan om iets besonders by die tuin by te dra.
En: For years, he has dreamed of contributing something special to the garden.

Af: Meer as enigiets wil hy sy familie trots maak.
En: More than anything, he wants to make his family proud.

Af: Maar daar is 'n ding wat Johan pla.
En: But there's something bothering Johan.

Af: Pieter het 'n groot plan om eksotiese blomme en plante aan te bring.
En: Pieter has a big plan to introduce exotic flowers and plants.

Af: "Kyk hoe kleurvol," sê Pieter.
En: "Look how colorful," says Pieter.

Af: Sy idees is altyd groot en indrukwekkend.
En: His ideas are always grand and impressive.

Af: Johan, egter, dink anders.
En: Johan, however, thinks differently.

Af: Hy hou van inheemse plante, die soort wat nie net mooi is nie, maar ook goed vir die omgewing.
En: He likes indigenous plants, the kind that are not only beautiful but also good for the environment.

Af: Die konflik tussen die broers se idees lê soos 'n swaar wolk oor hulle knus huisie.
En: The conflict between the brothers' ideas hangs like a heavy cloud over their cozy home.

Af: Johan voel dat Pieter nooit sy eenvoudiger aanpak verstaan nie.
En: Johan feels that Pieter never understands his simpler approach.

Af: "Ons moet die natuur in ag neem," sê Johan frustrerend.
En: "We must consider nature," says Johan, frustrated.

Af: Maar dit lyk asof sy broer nie luister nie.
En: But it seems his brother isn't listening.

Af: 'n Plan vorm in Johan se gedagtes.
En: A plan forms in Johan's mind.

Af: In die stil ure van die oggend, terwyl die res van die huis nog slaap, sluip Johan na die tuin.
En: In the still hours of the morning, while the...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Anri's Horizon: Embracing Change at 30,000 Feet
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-27-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die lug ruik na avontuur en verandering.
En: The air smells of adventure and change.

Af: Anri staan in die besige O.R. Tambo Internasionale Lughawe in Johannesburg.
En: Anri stands in the busy O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Af: Haar koffer is volgepak, en haar hart klop vinnig in haar bors.
En: Her suitcase is packed to the brim, and her heart beats quickly in her chest.

Af: Die aanwysingsbord flikker bo haar met aankondigings van vlugte wat gereed maak om te vertrek.
En: The signboard flickers above her with announcements of flights preparing to depart.

Af: Maar Anri se gedagtes is elders, vasgevang tussen opgewondenheid vir haar nuwe lewe en die verlange na haar familie wat sy agterlaat.
En: But Anri's thoughts are elsewhere, caught between excitement for her new life and the longing for her family that she leaves behind.

Af: Sy kyk om haar rond en sien haar ouers vir laaste keer waai.
En: She looks around and sees her parents waving for the last time.

Af: Haar beste vriendin, Elsa, is by haar.
En: Her best friend, Elsa, is with her.

Af: Elsa glimlag skalks.
En: Elsa smiles slyly.

Af: "Jy gaan dit regtig doen, Anri," sê sy, al skertsers.
En: "You're really going to do it, Anri," she says, teasingly.

Af: Anri sug. "Ek weet. Maar ek gaan almal mis, veral jy," antwoord sy.
En: Anri sighs. "I know. But I'm going to miss everyone, especially you," she answers.

Af: Die herfs se koel lug streel oor haar wange, en laat haar dink aan die veranderinge wat tans in haar lewe gebeur.
En: The cool autumn air caresses her cheeks, reminding her of the changes currently happening in her life.

Af: Dit is tyd vir Anri om die vervolg van haar pad te loop, maar die pad is vol twyfel.
En: It's time for Anri to walk the next leg of her journey, but the path is full of doubts.

Af: Skielik kom 'n aankondiging oor die luidspreker.
En: Suddenly, an announcement comes over the loudspeaker.

Af: "Ons vra omverskoning, Dames en Here. Vlug NZ789 na Nieu-Seeland is vertraag met drie uur." Die woorde hang swaar in die lug.
En: "We apologize, Ladies and Gentlemen. Flight NZ789 to New Zealand is delayed by three hours." The words hang heavily in the air.

Af: Anri se gedagtes draai in spirale.
En: Anri's thoughts spiral.

Af: Miskien is hierdie haar kans om 'n bietjie langer by haar familie te bly?
En: Maybe this is her chance to stay a little longer with her family?

Af: Elsa raak aan haar skouer en sê sag, "Luister, Anri. Ek weet dit is moeilik.
En: Elsa touches her shoulder and says softly, "Listen, Anri. I know it's hard.

Af: Jy is bekommerd oor wat vorentoe lê, maar dit maak jou ook sterk.
En: You're worried about what's ahead, but it also makes you strong.

Af: Vermoë om nuwe dinge aan te durf.
En: The ability to face new things.

Af: Ons vriendskap sal altyd bly, hoe ver ons ook al is."
En: Our friendship will always remain, no matter how far apart we are."

Af: Die woorde van haar vriendin gee Anri 'n bietjie perspektief.
En: The words from her friend give Anri some perspective.

Af: Sy moet vorentoe kyk, altyd met die wete dat verandering deel van die lewe is.
En: She must look ahead, always knowing that change is part of life.

Af: Haar gesin sal hier wees wanneer sy huis toe kom, en Elsa sal altyd daar wees vir...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Forging Bonds: The Young Merchant's Revolutionary Deal
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-26-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die golwe van die Middellandse See kabbel teen die hawe van antieke Kartago.
En: The waves of the Mediterranean Sea lap against the harbor of ancient Kartago.

Af: Dit is herfs in die suidelike halfrond, en die son skyn warm oor die besige stad.
En: It is autumn in the southern hemisphere, and the sun shines warmly over the busy city.

Af: Die lug ruik na sout en speserye, en mense van regoor die wêreld kom hierheen om handel te dryf.
En: The air smells of salt and spices, and people from all over the world come here to trade.

Af: Piet, 'n jong en bekwame handelaar, loop haastig tussen die markstalletjies deur.
En: Piet, a young and skilled merchant, walks hurriedly among the market stalls.

Af: Hy is daar om 'n belangrike ooreenkoms te sluit.
En: He is there to close an important deal.

Af: Piet het 'n doel: om sy mense te voorsien van waardevolle hulpbronne en om sy status te verhoog.
En: Piet has a goal: to provide his people with valuable resources and to elevate his status.

Af: Hy weet dat hierdie onderhandeling sy kans is om op koers te kom.
En: He knows that this negotiation is his chance to get on track.

Af: Elna en Gerhard, sy metgeselle, stap langs hom.
En: Elna and Gerhard, his companions, walk alongside him.

Af: Hulle het albei vorige ondervinding in die handel, maar vandag is Piet se beurt om te glans.
En: Both have previous experience in trade, but today is Piet's turn to shine.

Af: Die ouderlinge van Kartago kyk skepties na hom.
En: The elders of Kartago look at him skeptically.

Af: Hulle dink hy is te jonk, nie ervare genoeg nie.
En: They think he is too young, not experienced enough.

Af: Piet se plan is ongewoon.
En: Piet's plan is unusual.

Af: Hy wil nie net met geld of goedere ruil nie.
En: He doesn't just want to trade with money or goods.

Af: Hy het 'n visie van 'n kulturele uitwisseling wat aan albei kante voordeel sal bied.
En: He has a vision of a cultural exchange that will benefit both sides.

Af: Hy bring geskenke saam wat die geskiedenis van sy mense vertel en toon wat 'n toekomstige alliansie kan inhou.
En: He brings gifts that tell the history of his people and show what a future alliance might entail.

Af: Die ouer raadsaal is vol belangrike figure wanneer Piet sy voorstel maak.
En: The old council chamber is full of important figures when Piet presents his proposal.

Af: Elna en Gerhard staan gereed aan sy sy.
En: Elna and Gerhard stand ready by his side.

Af: Almal luister aandagtig.
En: Everyone listens attentively.

Af: Piet praat met selfvertroue oor die moontlikhede van samewerking, oor hoe hulle almal kan baat vind.
En: Piet speaks confidently about the possibilities of cooperation, about how they could all benefit.

Af: Dan bied hy sy geskenke aan.
En: Then he offers his gifts.

Af: 'n Pragtige handgemaakte pot, 'n kunswerk wat hul gedeelde geskiedenis simboliseer.
En: A beautiful handcrafted pot, an artwork that symbolizes their shared history.

Af: Die Kartago-leiers is verras.
En: The Kartago leaders are surprised.

Af: Hulle kyk met nuwe oë na die jong man voor hulle.
En: They look with new eyes at the young man before them.

Af: Daar is 'n stille verstaan tussen almal; 'n nuwe pad is voor hulle geopen.
En: There is a silent understanding among...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Nature's Canvas: A Daring Art Adventure in Autumn’s Embrace
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-25-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: In die koel skadu van die Kirstenbosch Botaniese Tuin, was die herfskleure 'n tapyt van rooi, oranje en goud.
En: In the cool shade of the Kirstenbosch Botaniese Tuin, the autumn colors were a carpet of red, orange, and gold.

Af: Karel, Elmarie en Pieter het tussen die hoë bome gestaan, elk met 'n notaboek in die hand.
En: Karel, Elmarie, and Pieter stood among the tall trees, each with a notebook in hand.

Af: Hulle het vir weke aan die gemeenskapskunsprojek gewerk.
En: They had been working on the community art project for weeks.

Af: "Kyk na die blare, hoe dit glinster in die son," sê Karel, sy oë vol bewondering.
En: "Look at the leaves, how they glisten in the sun," said Karel, his eyes full of admiration.

Af: Hy wou die essensie van herfs vasvang en regdeur mense se harte laat weerklink.
En: He wanted to capture the essence of autumn and let it resonate through people's hearts.

Af: Elmarie knik.
En: Elmarie nodded.

Af: "Ons het nie veel tyd oor nie," sê sy, altyd die georganiseerde een.
En: "We don’t have much time left," she said, always the organized one.

Af: Sy het die skedule uit haar kop geken.
En: She knew the schedule by heart.

Af: Pieter draai aan 'n stuk draad in sy hande.
En: Pieter twisted a piece of wire in his hands.

Af: "Ek hoop ons kry dit reg," mompel hy deur sy selftwyfel.
En: "I hope we get it right," he mumbled through his self-doubt.

Af: Hy was 'n begaafde beeldhouer, maar dikwels geteister deur onsekerheid.
En: He was a gifted sculptor but often plagued by insecurity.

Af: Hulle was besig om 'n kunsstuk te maak wat die prag van die seisoen sou toon, maar Karel het besluit om iets anders te probeer.
En: They were creating an artwork that would showcase the beauty of the season, but Karel decided to try something different.

Af: Onkonvensionele materiale het sy aandag getrek: ou bottels, ouerige hout en verweerde toue.
En: Unconventional materials caught his attention: old bottles, aged wood, and weathered ropes.

Af: "Dis 'n risiko," het Elmarie gewaarsku, "maar dit kan briljant wees.
En: "It's a risk," Elmarie warned, "but it could be brilliant."

Af: "Toe die reën onverwags begin uitsak, het Karel se kunswerk voorberei vir 'n uitdaging.
En: When the rain began to fall unexpectedly, Karel's artwork was in for a challenge.

Af: Die drie vriende het na die weerligflitse gestaar.
En: The three friends stared at the lightning flashes.

Af: "Ons moet vinnig optree om dit te beskerm," roep Karel uit.
En: "We must act quickly to protect it," Karel shouted.

Af: Hulle het alles gebruik wat hulle kon vind om die kunsstuk te beskerm.
En: They used everything they could find to protect the artwork.

Af: Onder einste bome het hulle onverskrokke gewerk.
En: Under those very trees, they worked fearlessly.

Af: Pieter het 'n seil oor die stuk gegooi, Elmarie het die rande vasgeknyp, en Karel het seker gemaak die water kon nie deurdring nie.
En: Pieter threw a tarp over the piece, Elmarie secured the edges, and Karel ensured the water couldn't penetrate.

Af: Uiteindelik het die reën opgehou en sonskyn het weer die tuine gewen.
En: Eventually, the rain stopped, and sunshine reclaimed the gardens.

Af: Toe die uitstalling geopen het, was die kunsstuk 'n treffer.
En: When the exhibition opened, the artwork...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Storms of Creation: One Curator's Bold Exhibition Gamble
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-24-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die herfs son sak oor die Iziko Suid-Afrikaanse Museum.
En: The autumn sun sets over the Iziko Suid-Afrikaanse Museum.

Af: 'n Warm gloed skyn deur die groot vensters en gooi lig oor die binnehof.
En: A warm glow shines through the large windows, casting light over the courtyard.

Af: Karel loop haastig deur die sale.
En: Karel walks hastily through the halls.

Af: Hy kyk na die kunswerke wat netjies opgehang moet word.
En: He looks at the artworks that need to be hung neatly.

Af: Langs hom is Anika en Elsabe, twee assistente wat gereed is om hom te help.
En: Next to him are Anika and Elsabe, two assistants ready to help him.

Af: Karel, die kurator, is baie noukeurig.
En: Karel, the curator, is very meticulous.

Af: Hy maak seker elke stuk is op die regte plek.
En: He ensures each piece is in the right place.

Af: Vandag is egter spesiaal.
En: Today, however, is special.

Af: Hy berei voor vir 'n unieke kunsuitstalling.
En: He is preparing for a unique art exhibition.

Af: Dit is die eerste keer dat hy minder bekende Afrikanerkunstenaars sal uitstal.
En: It is the first time he will showcase lesser-known Afrikaner artists.

Af: Hy voel opgewonde, maar ook bang.
En: He feels excited but also afraid.

Af: Sy kollegas twyfel.
En: His colleagues have doubts.

Af: Hulle is skepties oor die projek se sukses.
En: They are skeptical about the project's success.

Af: Die museum is groot en weelderig.
En: The museum is large and luxuriant.

Af: Die mure is vol geskiedenis en kuns.
En: The walls are full of history and art.

Af: Karel se droom is om 'n uitstalling te maak wat die wêreld sal sien.
En: Karel's dream is to create an exhibition that the world will see.

Af: Hy loop langs 'n lang gang waar die geur van vars verf en lak in die lug hang.
En: He walks down a long corridor where the scent of fresh paint and varnish hangs in the air.

Af: Die kunswerke is gereed en die spanning bou op.
En: The artworks are ready, and the tension is building.

Af: Die laaste stuk wat hy kies, is 'n kontroversiële een.
En: The last piece he chooses is a controversial one.

Af: Niemand weet wie die kunstenaar is nie.
En: No one knows who the artist is.

Af: Dit is 'n risiko vir Karel, maar sy intuïsie sê vir hom om dit te doen.
En: It's a risk for Karel, but his intuition tells him to do it.

Af: Hy druk dit reg in die middel van die hoofsaal.
En: He places it right in the center of the main hall.

Af: Sy besluit is ferm.
En: His decision is firm.

Af: Hy wil iets anders doen.
En: He wants to do something different.

Af: Met herfs se seisoenale bries in die lug begin 'n storm opbou.
En: With autumn's seasonal breeze in the air, a storm begins to brew.

Af: Karel sien bekommerd hoe die wolke saampak.
En: Karel watches worriedly as the clouds gather.

Af: Die tentoonstelling is net 'n dag weg, en nou bedreig 'n storm alles.
En: The exhibition is just a day away, and now a storm threatens everything.

Af: Die reën slaan teen die vensters en die wind huil soos 'n gedoemde gees deur die gange.
En: The rain lashes against the windows, and the wind howls like a doomed spirit through the corridors.

Af: "Karel, ons moet die skilderye beskerm!
En: "Karel,...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: Pieter's High-Stakes Selfie: A Journey to Wisdom
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-23-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die son het stadig sy pad oor die horison gemaak en die Johannesburg-senier in helder kleure van herfsblare gedompel.
En: The sun slowly made its way over the horizon, bathing the Johannesburg scenery in bright colors of autumn leaves.

Af: Die glas en staal van die wolkekrabber het in die lig geblink, soos 'n juweel in die stadswoud.
En: The glass and steel of the skyscraper glittered in the light, like a jewel in the city forest.

Af: Pieter het na bo gekyk, die toring 'n simbool van sy groot droom - 'n epiese selfie wat hom 'n internet sensasie sou maak.
En: Pieter looked up, the tower a symbol of his big dream - an epic selfie that would make him an internet sensation.

Af: Pieter het al sy moed bymekaargeskraap en besluit dat vandag die dag is.
En: Pieter gathered all his courage and decided that today was the day.

Af: Hy het Elsie en Thabo, sy getroue vriende, oortuig om hom te help.
En: He convinced Elsie and Thabo, his loyal friends, to help him.

Af: "Kom ons maak dit vinnig en stil," het Pieter gefluister, sy oë blinkend van opgewondenheid en avontuur.
En: "Let's do it quickly and quietly," Pieter whispered, his eyes shining with excitement and adventure.

Af: Elsie het haar kop geskud, "Pieter, dis gevaarlik," het sy gewaarsku.
En: Elsie shook her head, "Pieter, it's dangerous," she warned.

Af: Thabo het stilweg geknik, maar Pieter het sy mouwve gegryp en voortgestap.
En: Thabo nodded quietly, but Pieter grabbed his sleeve and stepped forward.

Af: Die wolkekrabber se binnehof was vol mense wat haastig beweeg het - 'n tipiese dag in Johannesburg.
En: The skyscraper's courtyard was full of people moving hurriedly—a typical day in Johannesburg.

Af: Die sekuriteitspersoneel was waaksaam, en Pieter het geweet hy moes versigtig wees.
En: The security personnel were vigilant, and Pieter knew he had to be careful.

Af: "Maak reg vir plan B," het hy saggies gesê, na die ander kamer toe gewys waar 'n onbewaakte deur na die trappe gelei het.
En: "Get ready for plan B," he said softly, pointing to the other room where an unguarded door led to the stairs.

Af: Hulle het stil-stil opgeklim, een trap per keer, die koue staal relings teen hul hande.
En: They climbed quietly, one step at a time, the cold steel railings against their hands.

Af: Bo aan die trappe het hulle voor 'n groot deur gestop.
En: At the top of the stairs, they stopped in front of a large door.

Af: Pieter het sy ore gespits vir enige tekens van sekuriteit, en toe die pad skoon was, het hy die deur oopgemaak.
En: Pieter listened intently for any signs of security, and when the coast was clear, he opened the door.

Af: Die stad het voor hulle ontvou in al sy glorie.
En: The city unfolded before them in all its glory.

Af: "Wow," het Thabo gesê.
En: "Wow," Thabo said.

Af: "Dit was die moeite werd.
En: "It was worth it."

Af: "Pieter het sy selfoon uitgehaal en na die rand toe beweeg, 'n stralende glimlag op sy gesig.
En: Pieter took out his phone and moved toward the edge, a radiant smile on his face.

Af: Terwyl hy die foon in die lug hou, het hy gestamp teen iets hard.
En: As he held the phone up in the air, he bumped into something hard.

Af: Met 'n luide getoeter het die brandalarm afgeskakel.
En: With a loud honk, the fire alarm went off.

Af: Paniek het deur die gebou versprei...

Fluent Fiction - Afrikaans: From Shy Photographer to Ballroom Brave: Liam's Night
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/af/episode/2025-05-22-22-34-02-af

Story Transcript:

Af: Die aandlig skyn sag oor die grandioos versierde saal van Stellenbosch Hoërskool, waar die matriekdans in volle swang is.
En: The evening light softly illuminates the grandly decorated hall of Stellenbosch Hoërskool, where the matric dance is in full swing.

Af: Die lug is oorlaai met opgewondenheid en die gedreun van musiek meng met die gelag van die leerders.
En: The air is laden with excitement, and the thrum of music mingles with the laughter of the students.

Af: Langs die mure hang herfskleurige blare, wat die warm atmosfeer komplementeer.
En: Along the walls hang autumn-colored leaves, complementing the warm atmosphere.

Af: Tussen die mense, staan Liam, 'n introverte seun met 'n kamera om sy nek, sy ogies waaksaam.
En: Among the people stands Liam, an introverted boy with a camera around his neck, his eyes observant.

Af: Liam is lief vir fotografie.
En: Liam loves photography.

Af: Dit is sy manier om die wêreld te verstaan en deel te wees.
En: It is his way of understanding and being part of the world.

Af: Nou, voel hy benoud.
En: Now, he feels anxious.

Af: Hy weet hy moet die kans waag om Elena, die meisie wat sy oog gevang het, nader te staan.
En: He knows he must take the chance to approach Elena, the girl who caught his eye.

Af: Elena, met haar stralende glimlag en aansteklike energie, dans byna altyd in die sentrum van 'n kring vriende, en dit maak Liam huiwerig.
En: Elena, with her radiant smile and infectious energy, is almost always dancing at the center of a circle of friends, making Liam hesitate.

Af: Karin, Elena se vriendin, gee haar 'n stoot.
En: Karin, Elena's friend, gives her a nudge.

Af: "Gaan dit nie tyd wees dat jy met Liam praat nie? Ek het gesien hoe hy na jou kyk," sê sy met 'n knipoog.
En: "Isn't it time you talked to Liam? I've seen him looking at you," she says with a wink.

Af: Elena glimlag terug, haar oë dwaal na waar Liam staan.
En: Elena smiles back, her eyes wandering to where Liam stands.

Af: Liam besluit om sy kamera te gebruik as 'n manier om die ys te breek.
En: Liam decides to use his camera as a way to break the ice.

Af: "Kan ek 'n foto van julle neem?" vra hy met 'n breekbare selfvertroue toe hy nader stap.
En: "Can I take a photo of you all?" he asks with fragile confidence as he steps closer.

Af: Elena draai om en haar oë blink.
En: Elena turns around, her eyes sparkling.

Af: "Ja, natuurlik! Dit sal wonderlik wees!" antwoord sy.
En: "Yes, of course! That would be wonderful!" she answers.

Af: Sy en haar vriendinne poseer saam, en Liam vang hulle vreugdevolle glimlagte vas.
En: She and her friends pose together, and Liam captures their joyful smiles.

Af: Later, terwyl die musiek sagter word en 'n stadige liedjie speel, staan Liam besluiteloos.
En: Later, as the music softens and a slow song plays, Liam stands indecisively.

Af: Hy wil Elena vra om te dans, maar die vrees vir afkeuring knaag.
En: He wants to ask Elena to dance, but the fear of rejection gnaws at him.

Af: Ten spyte van sy senuwees, stap hy nader en sê: "Elena, wil jy saam met my dans?"
En: Despite his nerves, he steps closer and says, "Elena, would you like to dance with me?"

Af: Haar oë ontmoet syne aandagtig, en sy knik met 'n vriendelike glimlag.
En: Her eyes meet his attentively, and she nods with a kind smile.Show more...