zbog, radi, zahvaljujući

Because of

Level 4

Three ways to say because of, each with its own case.

How It Works

These prepositions give a reason. Pay attention to the case that follows.

WordCaseMeaningExample
zboggenitivebecause ofzbog kiše
radigenitivefor the sake ofradi djece
zahvaljujućidativethanks tozahvaljujući prijatelju

Zbog is the everyday one. It is neutral and is usually used for a problem or a plain fact: zbog gužve (because of the traffic). Zahvaljujući is for a good result, so it carries a thank-you tone.

Radi means "for the sake of" and is used for a purpose, a person or a goal: radi posla (for work). Be careful: it is the same spelling as the verb radi (he works). The case after it tells you which one it is.

In everyday speech people also use zbog for good reasons. Zahvaljujući is the clearer choice when you want to thank someone or something.

Examples (5)

  1. Zbog kiše ostajemo kod kuće.

    Because of the rain we are staying home.

    Kiše is the genitive of kiša.

  2. Zahvaljujući Selmi sam našao stan.

    Thanks to Selma I found a flat.

    Selmi is the dative.

  3. Radi djece ne idemo daleko.

    For the sake of the children we do not go far.

    Djece is the genitive.

  4. Zbog gužve kasnim.

    I am late because of the traffic.

    Zbog gives a plain reason.

  5. Zahvaljujući vama smo stigli na vrijeme.

    Thanks to you we arrived on time.

    Vama is the dative of vi.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong case after zahvaljujući.

    Zahvaljujući Selme.
    Zahvaljujući Selmi.

    Zahvaljujući takes the dative.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

zbog, radi, zahvaljujućiLevel 4Because of

Learn This First

Reason prepositions.

Words in This Pattern

zbogradizahvaljujući