How to Use the Dative Case in Czech: Usage and Examples for English Speakers

What is the Dative Case in Czech?

The dative case (3. pád in Czech) is one of the seven grammatical cases used to indicate the indirect object of a sentence. It often answers the questions "komu?" (to whom?) or "čemu?" (to what?). Understanding the dative case is essential for expressing giving, telling, or showing actions in Czech.

When to Use the Dative Case

In Czech, the dative case is primarily used for:

• Indicating the indirect object of a verb (to whom or for whom something is done)
• After certain prepositions that require the dative case
• With some verbs that govern the dative case
• Expressing age or time in some contexts

Examples of Verbs That Use the Dative Case

Some common Czech verbs that require the dative case include:

• pomáhat (to help)
• dívat se (to look at)
• věřit (to believe)
• říkat (to say/tell)

Forming the Dative Case

The endings for the dative case vary depending on the gender and number of the noun. Here are some general patterns:

• Masculine animate nouns often end with -ovi or -u
• Masculine inanimate nouns usually take -u
• Feminine nouns typically end with -ě or -i
• Neuter nouns often take -u

Examples of Dative Case Endings

• muž (man) → muži
• žena (woman) → ženě
• dítě (child) → dítěti
• hrad (castle) → hradu

Using the Dative Case in Sentences

Here are some example sentences showing the dative case in action:

• Dávám knihu muži. (I give the book to the man.)
• Pomáhám ženě. (I help the woman.)
• Říkám to dítěti. (I say it to the child.)
• Dívám se na hrad. (I look at the castle.) - Note: here, the preposition na with accusative is used, not dative.

Common Prepositions That Require the Dative Case

Some Czech prepositions always require the dative case. Here are a few:

• k (to, towards)
• proti (against)
• díky (thanks to)
• naproti (opposite)

Practice Phrases with the Dative Case