Language/Polish/Grammar/Acusative-Case
The accusative case is one of the seven cases in the Polish language, used to indicate the direct object of a sentence. In this lesson, we will cover the basics of the accusative case, including its formation, usage, and examples.
With the completion of this lesson, consider investigating these related pages: Questions & Past Tense.
Formation of the Accusative Case:[edit | edit source]
The accusative case is formed by adding specific endings to the stem of the noun, depending on the gender and animacy of the noun.
Masculine animate:[edit | edit source]
The ending -a is added to the stem ending in -o, -e or -a.
Example: Kot -> kota
Masculine inanimate:[edit | edit source]
The ending -a is added to the stem.
Example: Stół -> stół
Feminine:[edit | edit source]
The ending -ę is added to the stem.
Example: Książka -> książkę
Neuter:[edit | edit source]
The ending -o is added to the stem.
Example: Dziecko -> dziecko
Usage of the Accusative Case:[edit | edit source]
Direct object:[edit | edit source]
The accusative case is used to indicate the direct object of a sentence. It answers the question "what?" or "whom?" in Polish.
Example: Kupiłam nową sukienkę. (I bought a new dress.)
Duration:[edit | edit source]
The accusative case is used to indicate the duration of an action.
Example: Pracowałam przez cały dzień. (I worked all day.)
Certain prepositions:[edit | edit source]
The accusative case is used after certain prepositions like przez (through), dla (for), bez (without), and na (on) among others.
Example: Czekam na ciebie. (I am waiting for you.)
Verbs:[edit | edit source]
Some verbs in Polish take the accusative case as their direct object.
Example: Widzę mojego przyjaciela. (I see my friend.)
Numbers:[edit | edit source]
The accusative case is used after numbers to indicate the quantity of something.
Example: Kupiłam trzy jabłka. (I bought three apples.)
Examples of Accusative Case in Context:[edit | edit source]
- Znalazłam w sklepie piękny naszyjnik. (I found a beautiful necklace in the store.)
- Przeczytałam interesującą książkę przez cały weekend. (I read an interesting book all weekend.)
- Bez ciebie nie mogę żyć. (I cannot live without you.)
- Czekam na twoją odpowiedź. (I am waiting for your answer.)
- Kupiłam pięć nowych sukienek na lato. (I bought five new dresses for summer.)
In conclusion, the accusative case is an important case in Polish grammar, used to indicate the direct object of a sentence. It is essential to learn the formation and usage of the accusative case in order to communicate effectively in Polish.