Lesson 11.Accusative Case

Lesson Goals

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand the function of the Accusative case in Serbian
• Recognize accusative endings for singular and plural nouns
• Use accusative for direct objects and motion towards a destination
• Form sentences with accusative in affirmative, negative, and question forms

1. Function of the Accusative

The accusative case is used mainly for:

1. Direct objects — the person or thing receiving the action
2. Direction / motion towards — with certain prepositions

Questions: koga? (whom?) / šta? (what?)

Examples:

• Vidim Marka. — I see Marko. (direct object)
• Idem u školu. — I am going to school. (motion towards)

2. Accusative Endings – Singular

Animate masculine nouns take the -a ending in accusative.

Inanimate masculine and all neuter nouns keep the nominative form.

3. Accusative Endings – Plural

4. Prepositions Commonly Used with Accusative

• u (to, into) — Idem u školu. (I’m going to school.)
• na (to, onto) — Idem na posao. (I’m going to work.)
• za (for) — Ovaj poklon je za tebe. (This gift is for you.)
• kroz (through) — Idemo kroz park. (We’re going through the park.)

5. Accusative in Sentences

Affirmative:

• Vidim Anu. — I see Ana.

Negative: (Note: “ne” + verb → object still in accusative)

• Ne vidim Anu. — I don’t see Ana.

Questions:

• Koga vidiš? — Whom do you see?
• Šta kupuješ? — What are you buying?

6. Mini Dialogue (Grammar Focus)

Ana: Koga čekaš?

(Who are you waiting for?)

Marko: Čekam Petra.

(I am waiting for Petar.)

Ana: Ideš li na pijacu?

(Are you going to the market?)

Marko: Da, idem na pijacu.

(Yes, I’m going to the market.)

7. Vocabulary for This Lesson

8. Practice

A. Change to accusative form:

1. Marko → ________
2. škola → ________
3. student → (plural, animate) → ________

B. Translate:

4. I see Ana.

5. We are going to the park.