Programs & order of service
Funeral program template in Afrikaans (begrafnisprogram)
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
For Afrikaans families, this page provides a begrafnisprogram template you can fill in, along with the key Afrikaans terms used in a funeral program. The structure mirrors the English version - cover, order of service, obituary and acknowledgements - so only the language changes.
You can run the program fully in Afrikaans or mix Afrikaans headings with English details. Both are common and entirely appropriate.
Replace every [PLEKHOUER] (placeholder) below with your own details, and delete any line that does not apply.
Key Afrikaans terms
- Ter herinnering aan - In memory of
- Ter nagedagtenis aan - In loving memory of
- Orde van diens - Order of service
- Gebore - Born
- Oorlede - Passed away
- Predikant / dominee - Minister / pastor
- Gebed - Prayer
- Lied / gesang - Hymn / song
- Skriflesing - Scripture reading
- Huldeblyk - Tribute
- Lewensgeskiedenis - Life story / obituary
- Dankbetuiging - Acknowledgement / vote of thanks
- Die familie - The family
Full Afrikaans template (begrafnisprogram)
Copy the block below and replace the placeholders.
----------- VOORBLAD (COVER) -----------
Ter nagedagtenis aan
[VOLLE NAAM]
Gebore: [DATUM] - Oorlede: [DATUM]
[Foto hier]
----------- ORDE VAN DIENS -----------
Diens by [PLEK / KERK]
[DATUM] om [TYD]
Diensleier: [PREDIKANT]
1. Aanvangslied [NAAM VAN LIED]
2. Skriflesing [BOEK, HOOFSTUK:VERS] - [NAAM]
3. Gebed [NAAM]
4. Huldeblyk (familie) [NAAM]
5. Huldeblyk (vriende) [NAAM]
6. Gesang [NAAM VAN LIED]
7. Lewensgeskiedenis [NAAM]
8. Woordbediening [PREDIKANT]
9. Dankbetuiging die familie
10. Slotlied [NAAM VAN LIED]
11. Roukoets na [BEGRAAFPLAAS]
----------- LEWENSGESKIEDENIS -----------
[VOLLE NAAM] is op [DATUM] te [PLEK] gebore.
[Lewensverhaal: skool, werk, huwelik, kinders, geloof].
[Hy / Sy] is op [DATUM] te [PLEK] oorlede.
Laat agter:
Eggenoot/eggenote: [NAAM]
Kinders: [NAME]
Kleinkinders: [NAME]
en 'n groot familie en vriende.
----------- AGTERBLAD (BACK) -----------
[Gedig of Skrifvers - hou dit kort]
Die familie [VAN] bedank elkeen vir u gebede, besoeke
en ondersteuning gedurende hierdie moeilike tyd.
Mag die Here u seen.
Teraardebestelling: [BEGRAAFPLAAS], [DATUM] om [TYD]
Delete any line you do not need.
Mixing Afrikaans and English
It is common for Afrikaans families to keep the program headings in Afrikaans and write the lewensgeskiedenis (life story) in whichever language reads more naturally. A bilingual congregation often appreciates a program that uses both.
There is no wrong choice here. Use the language the person spoke at home and the one the mourners will follow most easily.
Printing an Afrikaans program
You can produce a begrafnisprogram the same way as any other:
- Word or Google Docs - use a booklet or two-column layout, then export to PDF.
- Canva - free templates you can edit in Afrikaans in your browser.
- A print shop or PostNet - bring a finished PDF and they will print and fold it, often the same day.
Proofread the name, dates and the lewensgeskiedenis twice. Spelling errors are the most common and most painful mistake, so ask a family member to check before you print.
Frequently asked questions
What is a funeral program called in Afrikaans?
A funeral program is called a "begrafnisprogram" in Afrikaans. The running order of the service within it is the "orde van diens", and the obituary or life story is the "lewensgeskiedenis".
How do you say 'in loving memory' in Afrikaans?
The usual phrase is "Ter nagedagtenis aan" (in loving memory of) or the simpler "Ter herinnering aan" (in memory of). Either works well as the heading on the cover of an Afrikaans funeral program.
What is the order of service called in Afrikaans?
The order of service is the "orde van diens". It lists each step, from the opening hymn (aanvangslied) through the tributes (huldeblyke) and the message (woordbediening) to the procession to the cemetery.
Can an Afrikaans funeral program be bilingual?
Yes. Many families keep the headings in Afrikaans and write the life story in English, or use both languages throughout. Choose whatever the family spoke at home and the mourners will follow most easily.
How do you say 'passed away' in Afrikaans?
"Oorlede" means passed away, and you will see it next to the date of death on the cover. "Gebore" means born and sits before the date of birth. "Teraardebestelling" is the burial or interment.
