Capitalization Rules in Slovak for English Speakers

Introduction to Capitalization in Slovak

Capitalization in Slovak differs in several ways from English. Understanding these rules is essential for English speakers learning Slovak to write correctly and respectfully in the language.

Capitalization of Proper Nouns

Like English, Slovak capitalizes proper nouns such as names of people, places, and organizations. For example, Bratislava (the capital city) and Ján (a common Slovak first name) are capitalized.

Personal Names and Surnames

All personal names and surnames begin with a capital letter. For example, Peter Novák.

Geographical Names

Names of countries, cities, rivers, and mountains are capitalized, e.g., Slovensko (Slovakia), Vysoké Tatry (High Tatras).

Capitalization of Days, Months, and Holidays

Unlike English, Slovak does not capitalize the names of days of the week or months of the year unless they start a sentence.

Note that holidays like Vianoce (Christmas) are capitalized because they are considered proper nouns.

Capitalization in Titles and Headings

In Slovak, only the first word and any proper nouns in titles and headings are capitalized. This contrasts with English title case where most words are capitalized.

For example, the title Deň otvorených dverí na univerzite (Open Day at the University) capitalizes only the first word and the proper noun univerzite if it were a proper noun (here it is not).

Capitalization of Nationalities and Languages

In Slovak, names of nationalities and languages are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. For example, slovenský jazyk (Slovak language), anglický (English).

Capitalization of Formal Titles and Honorifics

Formal titles and honorifics are capitalized when used directly before a name, e.g., Prezident Kiska (President Kiska). When used alone or after a name, they are usually lowercase.

Summary of Key Differences from English

• Days and months are lowercase in Slovak unless at the start of a sentence.
• Only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized in titles and headings.
• Nationalities and languages are lowercase unless starting a sentence.
• Proper nouns are capitalized similarly to English.