v prípade, že
In Case: V Prípade, Že
V prípade, že (in the event that, if) works like ak: V prípade, že bude vlak meškať, zavolám ti. With a noun, use v prípade + genitive: v prípade potreby (if necessary).
How It Works
A formal if. Ak is the neutral word for if. V prípade, že (literally in the case that) means the same, but it sounds official. It is common in terms and conditions, instructions and announcements: V prípade, že nebudete spokojní, vrátime vám peniaze. You will also see v prípade, ak with the same meaning.
Tenses. As with ak, a condition about the future uses a future form: a perfective verb in the present form, or budem + an imperfective infinitive (see perfective verbs for the future): v prípade, že prídete neskoro or v prípade, že budete meškať. Never combine budem with a perfective verb.
With a noun. V prípade can also be followed directly by a noun in the genitive, which is very common in the nominal style of notices: v prípade potreby (if necessary), v prípade požiaru (in case of fire), v prípade záujmu (if you are interested).
Less likely conditions. Add by and the l-form to make the condition more tentative, as with ak by: V prípade, že by ste nemohli prísť, dajte nám vedieť. (Should you be unable to come, please let us know.)
Examples (5)
- V prípade, že nebudete spokojní, vrátime vám peniaze.
If you are not satisfied, we will refund your money.
Word by Word: In case, that you-will-not-be satisfied, we-will-return to-you money.
- V prípade, že bude vlak meškať, zavolám ti.
If the train is late, I'll call you.
Word by Word: In case, that will-be train late, I-will-call you.
- V prípade požiaru nepoužívajte výťah.
In case of fire, do not use the lift.
Word by Word: In case of-fire do-not-use lift.
Požiaru is genitive.
- V prípade potreby nás kontaktujte na tomto čísle.
If necessary, contact us at this number.
Word by Word: In case of-need us contact on this number.
- V prípade, že by ste nemohli prísť, dajte nám vedieť.
Should you be unable to come, please let us know.
Word by Word: In case, that would you could-not come, give us to-know.
Common Mistakes
Using budem with a perfective verb.
V prípade, že budete prísť neskoro, zavolajte nám.V prípade, že prídete neskoro, zavolajte nám.Prísť is perfective, so its present form prídete already refers to the future. Budem goes only with imperfective verbs.
Putting the noun in the nominative after v prípade.
V prípade potreba nás kontaktujte.V prípade potreby nás kontaktujte.A noun directly after v prípade is in the genitive: potreba → potreby.
Leaving out the comma before že.
V prípade že nebudete spokojní, vrátime vám peniaze.V prípade, že nebudete spokojní, vrátime vám peniaze.Že begins a new clause, so a comma stands between v prípade and že.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Before In Case: v prípade, že, learn If: ak. v prípade, že is a formal ak.
Related Patterns
- ak byShould It Happen: Ak by
Adding by makes the condition more tentative in both patterns.
Level 5 - Perfective Verbs for the Future
Explains why prídete, not budete prísť, refers to the future.
Level 2 - Nominal Style
V prípade + genitive noun (v prípade potreby) is typical of official texts.
Level 5 - kebyIf It Were So: Keby
Use keby for conditions that are imagined or unreal.
Level 3 - pokiaľAs Long as: Pokiaľ
In formal style, pokiaľ can also introduce a condition meaning if.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice v prípade, že in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Slovak lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
