Case | Function | Singular Endings | Plural Endings | Example (Nom.) | Example (Case) | Example Sentence |
Nominative | Subject, predicate noun | m: — ; f: -a ; n: -o/-e | m: -i ; f: -e ; n: -a | student | student | Student radi. (The student works.) |
Accusative | Direct object, motion towards | m-animate: -a ; m-inanimate: — ; f: -u ; n: — | m: -e/-ove ; f: — ; n: — | Marko | Marka | Vidim Marka. (I see Marko.) |
Dative | Indirect object, recipient, direction | m: -u ; f: -i ; n: -u | m: -ima ; f: -ama ; n: -ima | Ana | Ani | Pišem pismo Ani. (I write a letter to Ana.) |
Genitive | Possession, quantity, absence | m: -a ; f: -e ; n: -a | m: -a/-ata ; f: -a ; n: — | Ana | Ane | Knjiga Ane. (Ana’s book.) |
Instrumental | Means, accompaniment, time | m: -em ; f: -om ; n: -om | m: -ima ; f: -ama ; n: -ima | prijatelj | prijateljem | Idem s prijateljem. (I go with a friend.) |
Locative | Location, topic (always with preposition) | m: -u ; f: -i ; n: -u | m: -ima ; f: -ama ; n: -ima | grad | gradu | Živim u gradu. (I live in the city.) |
Vocative | Addressing someone | m: -e/-o ; f: -o ; n: — | usually same as Nom. plural | Marko | Marke | Marke, dođi! (Marko, come!) |
Key Notes
- Animate vs Inanimate: In masculine nouns, accusative endings differ for animate and inanimate objects.
- Always with Prepositions: Locative is always used with prepositions; instrumental can be used without.
- Negative Sentences: Often use genitive for indefinite objects in negative form.
- Politeness: In formal speech, vocative can be replaced with nominative.
- Plural Patterns: Dative, instrumental, and locative often share the same plural endings (-ima / -ama).