Case Function Singular Endings Plural Endings Example (Nom.) Example (Case) Example Sentence
Nominative Subject, predicate noun m: — ; f: -a ; n: -o/-e m: -i ; f: -e ; n: -a student student Student radi. (The student works.)
Accusative Direct object, motion towards m-animate: -a ; m-inanimate: — ; f: -u ; n: — m: -e/-ove ; f: — ; n: — Marko Marka Vidim Marka. (I see Marko.)
Dative Indirect object, recipient, direction m: -u ; f: -i ; n: -u m: -ima ; f: -ama ; n: -ima Ana Ani Pišem pismo Ani. (I write a letter to Ana.)
Genitive Possession, quantity, absence m: -a ; f: -e ; n: -a m: -a/-ata ; f: -a ; n: — Ana Ane Knjiga Ane. (Ana’s book.)
Instrumental Means, accompaniment, time m: -em ; f: -om ; n: -om m: -ima ; f: -ama ; n: -ima prijatelj prijateljem Idem s prijateljem. (I go with a friend.)
Locative Location, topic (always with preposition) m: -u ; f: -i ; n: -u m: -ima ; f: -ama ; n: -ima grad gradu Živim u gradu. (I live in the city.)
Vocative Addressing someone m: -e/-o ; f: -o ; n: — usually same as Nom. plural Marko Marke Marke, dođi! (Marko, come!)

Key Notes

  1. Animate vs Inanimate: In masculine nouns, accusative endings differ for animate and inanimate objects.
  2. Always with Prepositions: Locative is always used with prepositions; instrumental can be used without.
  3. Negative Sentences: Often use genitive for indefinite objects in negative form.
  4. Politeness: In formal speech, vocative can be replaced with nominative.
  5. Plural Patterns: Dative, instrumental, and locative often share the same plural endings (-ima / -ama).