The 7 Czech Cases
Czech nouns, adjectives, and pronouns change their endings depending on their role in a sentence. These changes are called declension, and Czech has 7 grammatical cases. This guide explains each one with usage rules, prepositions, and example sentences.
Nominative
Kdo? Co? (Who? What?)
The subject — who or what does the action.
When it's used
- Subject of the sentence
- After "to je/jsou" (that is/those are)
- The default dictionary form of a noun
Key prepositions
None — this is the default/dictionary form.
Examples
Kniha je na stole.
The book is on the table.
Ten muž je učitel.
That man is a teacher.
Pes běží.
The dog runs.
Děti si hrají.
The children are playing.
Genitive
Koho? Čeho? (Of whom? Of what?)
Possession, absence, origin — think "of" or "from".
When it's used
- Expressing possession: "kniha studenta" (the student's book)
- After quantities and negation: "pět studentů", "nemám času"
- After certain prepositions indicating origin, absence, or proximity
Key prepositions
Examples
To je auto mého otce.
That is my father's car.
Jdu do obchodu.
I'm going to the store.
Pět studentů čeká.
Five students are waiting.
Bydlím vedle parku.
I live next to the park.
Dative
Komu? Čemu? (To whom? To what?)
The receiver — who gets something or benefits.
When it's used
- Indirect object: "Dám knihu studentovi." (I give the book to the student.)
- After certain verbs: pomáhat, věřit, rozumět, děkovat
- Expressing benefit or direction toward someone
Key prepositions
Examples
Pomáhám bratrovi.
I'm helping my brother.
Jdu k doktorovi.
I'm going to the doctor.
Díky tobě to vím.
Thanks to you, I know that.
Dám knihu studentovi.
I give the book to the student.
Accusative
Koho? Co? (Whom? What?)
The direct object — what the action is done to.
When it's used
- Direct object: "Vidím psa." (I see the dog.)
- Direction or motion toward a place
- Duration of time or expressing price
Key prepositions
Examples
Čtu knihu.
I'm reading a book.
Mám novou práci.
I have a new job.
Jdeme na koncert.
We're going to a concert.
Vidím psa.
I see the dog.
Vocative
Addressing someone directly
Calling out — "Hey, ...!"
When it's used
- Direct address: "Petře, pojď sem!" (Petr, come here!)
- Calling out to someone or getting their attention
- Formal and informal greetings with names and titles
Key prepositions
None — vocative is used only for direct address.
Examples
Mami, kde jsi?
Mom, where are you?
Dobrý den, pane Nováku!
Good day, Mr. Novak!
Jano, počkej!
Jana, wait!
Pane profesore!
Mr. Professor!
Locative
O kom? O čem? (About whom? About what?)
Location and topic — where something is or what you talk about.
When it's used
- Static location: "Jsem v Praze." (I am in Prague.)
- Topic of discussion: "Mluvíme o filmu." (We talk about the film.)
- Always requires a preposition — never stands alone
Key prepositions
Examples
Bydlím v České republice.
I live in the Czech Republic.
Sedím na židli.
I'm sitting on a chair.
Po obědě jdeme ven.
After lunch we're going out.
Mluvíme o filmu.
We're talking about the film.
Instrumental
Kým? Čím? (By whom? By/with what?)
The tool, companion, or means — "with" or "by".
When it's used
- Means or instrument: "Píšu tužkou." (I write with a pencil.)
- Accompaniment: "Jdu s kamarádem." (I go with a friend.)
- Expressing location (behind, in front of, between, etc.)
Key prepositions
Examples
Jedu autobusem.
I'm going by bus.
Stojím před domem.
I'm standing in front of the house.
Je spokojený se životem.
He is satisfied with life.
Píšu tužkou.
I write with a pencil.
Related Resources
Full tables for all 14 noun paradigms
Personal, demonstrative, and possessive pronouns
Which cases to learn first, memorization strategies, and common mistakes
Interactive drills to test your knowledge