Home › Afrikaans proverbs › Featured
Die appel val nie ver van die boom nie.
Afrikaans proverb · Afrikaans
Literally: “The apple does not fall far from the tree.”
Meaning: Children resemble their parents in character, behaviour or ability; family traits carry through.
Background
A proverb shared across many European languages (German 'Der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm', Dutch 'De appel valt niet ver van de boom'), well established in Afrikaans through its Dutch roots. Among the most recognised family-themed sayings in the language.
How it is used
Said when a child shows a trait — good or, more often, mildly critical — that clearly comes from a parent. Frequently used wryly, e.g. seeing a child repeat a parent's habit or temperament.