Understanding the Serbian Case System for Nouns
In Serbian, nouns change their endings depending on their role in the sentence. This is called the case system. It helps us understand who is doing what in a sentence.
Important Points
- Nominative
- Genitive
- Dative
- Accusative
- Vocative
- Instrumental
- Locative
The nominative case is used for the subject of the sentence. It tells us who or what is doing the action.
The genitive case shows possession or relationship. It often answers the question 'Whose?' or 'Of what?'
Examples
- Knjiga dečaka je na stolu.
- Pas mog prijatelja je velik.
The dative case is used to show the indirect object of a sentence, indicating to whom something is given or for whom something is done.
Examples
- Dajem loptu dečaku.
- Pišem pismo majci.
The accusative case is used for the direct object of a sentence. It shows who or what is receiving the action.
Examples
- Vidim dečaka.
- Jedem jabuku.
The vocative case is used to address or call someone directly.
Examples
- Dečače, dođi ovamo!
- Majko, gde si?
The instrumental case shows how or with what something is done. It can also indicate companionship.
Examples
- Pišem olovkom.
- Idem sa prijateljem.
The locative case indicates location or place and is used with prepositions.
Examples
- Pričam o dečaku.
- Živim u Beogradu.
Understanding the case system is like solving a puzzle. Each noun changes its form to fit its role in the sentence. With practice, you'll learn to use the right case at the right time.