Temporal kad / dok

When and While

Level 4

Kad locates an event in time; dok can describe overlap or a limit.

How It Works

Kad often identifies the time of an event: kad dođeš. Dok with an ongoing activity can describe simultaneity: dok čitam.

Do not assign one English translation to every dok-clause. Boundary constructions such as dok ne dođeš can mean until you arrive, while dok sam ovdje means while I am here.

Both main and dependent clauses contribute tense and aspect. An initial time clause is followed by a comma; an ordinary integrated following time clause usually is not.

Examples (3)

  1. Kad dođeš, pripremit ćemo večeru.

    When you arrive, we will prepare dinner.

    Kad locates the plan relative to the arrival.

  2. Dok čitam, slušam glazbu.

    While I read, I listen to music.

    Imperfective activities overlap.

  3. Ostat ću ovdje dok si na poslu.

    I will stay here while you are at work.

    Dok gives the interval during which the main situation holds.

How It Connects

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Temporal kad / dokLevel 4When and While

Learn This First

Time clauses develop the familiar future-dependent-clause frame with duration and boundaries.

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Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

kadkada