In Czech, the object of a verb is typically in the accusative case.

For example, “číst knihu” (to read a book).

„Dnes jsem koupil knihu” -” Today, I bought a book.”

Here, “kniha” (book) is the object of the verb “koupit” (to buy) and it takes the accusative form “knihu.“

The “basic”, nominative form is “kniha”.

So, when using verbs in Czech, it’s necessary to consider the case of the object and adjust the noun accordingly to match the accusative form.

“I see the dog.” Here, “the dog” is the direct object of the verb “see.” In Czech, it would be “Vidím psa” where “pes” (dog) takes the accusative form “psa.“

The accusative case

The accusative case in the Czech language is used primarily to indicate the direct object of a verb, which is the person or thing directly affected by the action.

1. Purpose: The accusative case answers the question “whom?” or “what?” For example, in the sentence “I see a dog,” the word “dog” is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb “see.”

2. When to Use:
– Direct objects of verbs: “Vidím auto” (I see a car).
– After certain prepositions (na, pro, přes, mezi): “Jdu na hory” (I’m going to the mountains).

Forming the Accusative Case

The endings of nouns and adjectives change depending on the gender and number. Here are the basic rules:

Masculine Animate
– Singular: Add -a (if ending in a consonant), e.g., “muž” (man) becomes “muže.”
– Plural: Add -y (if ending in a consonant), e.g., “muži” (men) becomes “muže.”

Masculine Inanimate
– Singular: Usually no change, e.g., “dům” (house) remains “dům.”
– Plural: Add -y or -i, e.g., “domy” (houses) remains “domy.”

Feminine
– Singular: Change -a to -u, e.g., “žena” (woman) becomes “ženu.”
– Plural: Change -y to -y, e.g., “ženy” (women) remains “ženy.”

Neuter
– Singular: Usually no change, e.g., “město” (city) remains “město.”
– Plural: Change -a to -a, e.g., “města” (cities) remains “města.”

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the accusative case in use:

1. Masculine Animate:
– “Vidím muže” (I see a man).
– “Známe toho psa” (We know that dog).

2. Masculine Inanimate:
– “Čtu knihu” (I read a book).
– “Mám nový dům” (I have a new house).

3. Feminine:
– “Miluje svou ženu” (He loves his wife).
– “Kupuji novou knihu” (I’m buying a new book).

4. Neuter:
– “Mám auto” (I have a car).
– “Vidím město” (I see a city).

Practice Sentences

Try converting the following sentences into the accusative case:

1. “I see the boy.” – Vidím (chlapec) -> Vidím chlapce.
2. “She loves the girl.” – Miluje (dívka) -> Miluje dívku.
3. “We have a cat.” – Máme (kočka) -> Máme kočku.
4. “They know the dog.” – Znají (pes) -> Znají psa.

• Czech grammar