Present After kad and ako

Level 3

Like English, the clause after kad or ako uses the present form.

How It Works

English uses when I arrive, not when I will arrive. Bosnian works the same way. After kad (when) and ako (if), do not use ću.

ClauseExample
kad + presentKad dođem, javit ću ti.
ako + presentAko imam vremena, doći ću.

Most verbs in the kad clause are perfective (dođem, stignem, završim). A present of an imperfective verb can still follow kad when the time is repeated: Kad pada kiša, ostajem kod kuće (whenever it rains). Then it is a habit, not a single future event.

Watch the order too: the clause with kad or ako can come first or last. When it comes first, a comma follows it. When it comes last, no comma is needed.

Examples (5)

  1. Kad dođem, javit ću ti.

    When I arrive, I will let you know.

    Dođem is present.

  2. Ako imam vremena, doći ću.

    If I have time, I will come.

    Imam after ako.

  3. Kad stignemo u Tuzlu, nazvat ćemo te.

    When we get to Tuzla, we will call you.

    Perfective present.

  4. Nazvat ću te kad izađem iz škole.

    I will call you when I leave school.

    The kad clause can come last.

  5. Kad pada kiša, ostajem kod kuće.

    When it rains, I stay at home.

    A repeated habit.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the future after kad

    Kad ću doći, javit ću ti.
    Kad dođem, javit ću ti.

    After kad and ako use the present form.

How It Connects

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

Present After kad and akoLevel 3

Learn This First

A present clause can refer to the future.

Words in This Pattern

kadakoprezent