Verbs With Fixed Cases

Level 5

Many verbs have a fixed case, which you learn with the verb.

How It Works

VerbCaseExample
sjećati segenitiveSjećam se našeg ljeta.
bojati segenitiveBojim se pasa.
služiti seinstrumentalSlužim se bosanskim.
pomagatidativePomažem sestri.
čekatiaccusativeČekam voz.

English uses a preposition ("wait for", "afraid of"), and Bosnian uses a case. The two do not match, so a word-for-word translation gives the wrong case.

With pronouns, the case still follows the verb: Sjećam se tebe uses the genitive of ti. The short form te is the same in the genitive and the accusative, so Sjećam te se is also heard.

Look up a new verb in a dictionary that shows the case. This saves many errors later.

Some verbs allow two cases with a change in meaning, so a dictionary entry helps with those too.

Examples (5)

  1. Sjećam se našeg ljeta u Neumu.

    I remember our summer in Neum.

    Sjećati se takes the genitive: našeg ljeta.

  2. Bojim se pasa.

    I am afraid of dogs.

    Bojati se takes the genitive plural pasa.

  3. Služim se bosanskim na poslu.

    I use Bosnian at work.

    Služiti se takes the instrumental: bosanskim.

  4. Pomažem sestri s domaćom zadaćom.

    I help my sister with homework.

    Pomagati takes the dative: sestri.

  5. Čekam voz.

    I am waiting for the train.

    Čekati takes the accusative.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the accusative after bojati se.

    Bojim se pse.
    Bojim se pasa.

    Bojati se needs the genitive.

  • Copying an English preposition.

    Čekam za voz.
    Čekam voz.

    Čekati takes a direct object and no preposition.

How It Connects

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

Verbs With Fixed CasesLevel 5

Learn This First

Verbs choose cases.

Words in This Pattern

sjećatibojatislužitipomagatičekati