według + Genitive

Według with the Genitive

Level 3

The preposition według is used to cite sources, express opinions, or indicate standards. It always requires the genitive case.

How It Works

The preposition według is a versatile tool in Polish for attributing information.

1. Case Government
It exclusively governs the genitive case. This means any noun, adjective, or pronoun following it must be declined accordingly. For example, mapa (nominative) becomes mapy (genitive) in the phrase według mapy.

2. Common Uses

  • Sources: Citing where information came from (e.g., według radia - according to the radio).
  • Opinions: Expressing a viewpoint (e.g., według mnie - in my opinion).
  • Standards: Following a set plan or rule (e.g., według planu - according to plan).

3. Spelling and Pronunciation
Learners should be careful with the spelling: it is always według (with 'ł' and 'g'). Even though the final 'g' sounds like a 'k' when spoken, the spelling remains constant. Unlike some other prepositions, it never adds an extra 'e' (it is always według mnie, never wedługie mnie).

4. Według vs. Zgodnie z
While według is used for sources and opinions, zgodnie z (+ instrumental) is preferred for formal compliance with laws or regulations.

Examples (4)

  1. Według mapy jesteśmy już blisko.

    According to the map, we are close now.

    Word by Word: According-to map (gen.) we-are already close.

    Here, 'według' indicates the source of information (the map).

  2. Według mnie ten film był nudny.

    In my opinion, that movie was boring.

    Word by Word: According-to me (gen.) this movie was boring.

    Using 'według' with the pronoun 'mnie' is a common way to express a personal viewpoint.

  3. Wszystko idzie według planu.

    Everything is going according to plan.

    Word by Word: Everything goes according-to plan (gen.).

    In this context, 'według' indicates adherence to a specific sequence or standard.

  4. Według prognozy pogody jutro będzie padać.

    According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.

    Word by Word: According-to forecast (gen.) weather (gen.) tomorrow will-be to-rain.

    This shows 'według' used with a compound noun phrase in the genitive.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the nominative case instead of the genitive.

    według mapa
    według mapy

    Prepositions in Polish govern specific cases; 'według' always requires the genitive case.

  • Misspelling the word as 'wedłóg' or 'wedug'.

    wedłóg mnie
    według mnie

    In Polish, ó and u sound the same, so it is easy to spell this word with ó. The correct spelling has u: według. The ł is part of the word too, so 'wedug' is also wrong.

  • Adding an unnecessary 'e' before 'mnie'.

    wedługie mnie
    według mnie

    Unlike 'z' (ze) or 'od' (ode), 'według' does not have a vocalized form ending in 'e'.

How It Connects

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

według + GenitiveLevel 3Według with the Genitive

Learn This First

Learn Genitive Case before Według With The Genitive.

Words in This Pattern

według