Think learning a new language is just for kids? Think again. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s never too late to start. In fact, many adults find learning a new language incredibly rewarding — not only for travel or career, but also for mental sharpness, cultural connection, and personal growth. And if Afrikaans is the language you're curious about, you’re in the right place.

Why Afrikaans?

Afrikaans is a beautiful, expressive language that’s easier to learn than you might expect — especially for English speakers. It shares many Germanic roots with English, uses a logical grammar system, and has no complicated verb conjugations. Plus, it’s spoken by millions of people in South Africa and Namibia, making it useful for travel, culture, and community. Still hesitant? Let’s bust a myth: Adults can absolutely learn new languages — and often, they’re better at it than kids in certain ways. Adults bring more discipline, life experience, and motivation to their learning journey. Here’s how to make Afrikaans part of yours.

1. Set a Clear Goal

 Before you begin, ask yourself: Why do I want to learn Afrikaans? For travel? To connect with friends or family? To understand Afrikaans culture and music? To boost your brain? When you have a goal, you’ll stay motivated and know what to focus on — whether it’s speaking, listening, reading, or writing.

2. Use an App to Build Vocabulary

Language apps make it easy to get started — even if you’ve never studied Afrikaans before. Look for apps that offer:

•  Vocabulary flashcards 
•  Pronunciation practice 
•  Short interactive lessons 

 One great option is the Lexorial - Learn Afrikaans App, which is designed specifically for adults learning Afrikaans from scratch. It covers everything from greetings and numbers to real-world situations like shopping or making small talk — all in bite-sized lessons. 

3. Practice with a Real Tutor on Preply

Apps are great, but nothing beats real conversation with a live person. That’s where platforms like Preply come in. You can find friendly, experienced Afrikaans tutors who tailor lessons to your level and needs. The best part? You can choose a tutor based on their experience, hourly rate, and schedule — and take lessons from the comfort of your home. Many learners say that even one or two lessons a week with a tutor dramatically improves their confidence and pronunciation.

4. Practice Daily — Even Just 10 Minutes

You don’t need to study for hours. In fact, short, regular sessions are more effective. Try this routine: 

• 5 minutes: review flashcards or vocabulary  
• 5 minutes: listen to Afrikaans music or radio 
• 10 minutes: write a few sentences or say them aloud 

 Consistency beats intensity. The more your brain sees, hears, and uses the language, the more it sticks.

5. Use Worksheets to Reinforce What You Learn

If you’re a pen-and-paper type of learner, download or print Afrikaans worksheets to practice at your own pace. Writing down words and phrases helps commit them to memory — especially when combined with fun exercises like matching games, fill-in-the-blanks, and mini-conversations.

6. Surround Yourself with Afrikaans

Change your phone language, watch Afrikaans TV shows, follow Afrikaans YouTubers, or label things in your home with their Afrikaans names. You’ll be surprised how quickly your brain adapts when it sees the language every day.

Final Thoughts

No matter your age, learning Afrikaans is 100% possible — and deeply rewarding. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be curious, consistent, and open to learning. Start small. Use an app like Lexorial, book a few lessons with a Preply tutor, and enjoy the process. Before long, you’ll understand and speak more than you ever thought possible. Because it’s true: you’re never too old to learn something new — especially a beautiful language like Afrikaans.