Lesson 12.Dative Case

Lesson Goals

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

• Understand the function of the Dative case in Serbian
• Recognize dative endings for singular and plural nouns
• Use dative for indirect objects (to/for someone)
• Combine dative with common prepositions

1. Function of the Dative

The dative case is mainly used for:

1. Indirect objects — the recipient of an action
2. Expressing purpose or benefit
3. With certain prepositions to show direction or relation

Questions: kome? (to whom?) / čemu? (to what?)

Examples:

• Pišem Ani pismo. — I am writing a letter to Ana. (recipient)
• Dajem poklon Marku. — I am giving a gift to Marko.

2. Dative Endings – Singular

3. Dative Endings – Plural

4. Common Prepositions with Dative

• ka / prema (towards) — Idem ka gradu. (I’m going towards the city.)
• zahvaljujući (thanks to) — Zahvaljujući tebi, uspeli smo. (Thanks to you, we succeeded.)
• uprkos (despite) — Uprkos njemu, pobedili smo. (Despite him, we won.)

5. Dative vs. Accusative in Direction

Some prepositions change meaning with case:

• u školu (Accusative) — into the school (motion towards)
• u školi (Locative) — in the school (location)
• ka školi (Dative) — towards the school (general direction)

6. Mini Dialogue (Grammar Focus)

Ana: Kome daješ knjigu?

(To whom are you giving the book?)

Marko: Dajem je profesoru.

(I’m giving it to the professor.)

Ana: Pišeš li Ani?

(Are you writing to Ana?)

Marko: Da, pišem joj svaki dan.

(Yes, I write to her every day.)

7. Vocabulary for This Lesson

8. Practice

A. Change to dative form:

1. Marko → ________
2. Ana → ________
3. selo (plural) → ________

B. Translate:

4. I am giving the gift to Ana.

5. I am writing to my friends.