Understanding the Dative Case in Lithuanian
The Dative Case in Lithuanian is used to show the indirect object of a sentence. It often answers the questions 'to whom?' or 'for whom?'. This case is very important when you want to show that something is given, shown, or told to someone.
Important Points
- Used to indicate the indirect object of a verb
- Common with verbs like 'give', 'show', 'tell'
- Used with certain prepositions
- Indicates the recipient of an action
In Lithuanian, nouns, pronouns, and adjectives change their endings to show they are in the Dative Case. It is important to learn these endings because they help us understand who is receiving the action in the sentence.
Examples
- Aš duodu knygą draugui.
- Ji pasakoja istoriją vaikui.
- Mes rašome laišką mokytojui.
In the examples above, 'draugui', 'vaikui', and 'mokytojui' are in the Dative Case. They show who is receiving the book, the story, and the letter.
Some prepositions also require the Dative Case. For example, the preposition 'pas' (to someone's place) is used with the Dative Case. This is important to remember when forming sentences with these prepositions.
Examples
- Aš einu pas draugą.
- Ji važiuoja pas senelį.
Here, 'draugą' and 'senelį' are in the Dative Case because of the preposition 'pas'. This shows movement towards a person.