Comparing English, German, Dutch, and Afrikaans

How similar are English, German, Dutch, and Afrikaans? Many of the words are pretty close, but not necessarily recognizable in conversation to those who don't speak those languages. But if you spoke one Germanic language, and were immersed in another, you'd probably pick it up pretty quick compared to languages outside the family. You'll hear strings of similar words here, and then suddenly one language will veer in another direction, because every language has been influenced by others over the centuries. (via reddit)