Ordinal Numbers in Czech

In this guide, you will learn about the order of ordinal numbers, gender agreement, and case endings in the Czech language.

Understanding Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of an item in a series or sequence. In Czech, ordinal numbers typically end in "-ý" for masculine nouns, "-á" for feminine nouns, and "-é" for neuter nouns. Let's take a look at the basic ordinal numbers:

1. první (first)
2. druhý (second)
3. třetí (third)
4. čtvrtý (fourth)
5. pátý (fifth)
6. šestý (sixth)
7. sedmý (seventh)
8. osmý (eighth)
9. devátý (ninth)
10. desátý (tenth)

Gender Agreement

In Czech, ordinal numbers must agree in gender with the noun they modify. The gender of the noun determines the ending of the ordinal number. Here are the gender-specific endings for ordinal numbers:

• For masculine nouns: add "-ý" (e.g., první)
• For feminine nouns: add "-á" (e.g., první)
• For neuter nouns: add "-é" (e.g., první)

Remember that gender agreement applies to both singular and plural nouns.

Case Endings

When using ordinal numbers in a sentence, the case endings of the nouns they modify can change. Here, we provide a brief overview of the case endings for ordinal numbers in different cases:

• Nominative case: Use the base form of the ordinal number (e.g., první stůl - the first table).
• Accusative case: For masculine animate nouns, add "-ého" (e.g., Viděl jsem druhého kamaráda - I saw the second friend). For all other nouns, use the base form (e.g., Viděl jsem druhou knihu - I saw the second book).
• Genitive case: For masculine nouns, add "-ého" or "-ému" (e.g., Dvaadvacátého studenta - The 22nd student). For feminine nouns, add "-é" (e.g., Čtvrté zahrady - The fourth garden). For neuter nouns, use the base form (e.g., Desáté kolo - The tenth wheel).
• Locative case: For masculine nouns, add "-ém" (e.g., V osmém parku - In the eighth park). For feminine nouns, add "-é" (e.g., V druhé hospodě - In the second pub). For neuter nouns, use the base form (e.g., V pátém bytě - In the fifth apartment).

Summary

• Ordinal numbers in Czech end in "-ý" for masculine nouns, "-á" for feminine nouns, and "-é" for neuter nouns.
• Gender agreement applies to both singular and plural nouns.
• The case endings of ordinal numbers can change based on the case of the modified noun.

Congratulations! You've learned how to use ordinal numbers in Czech, including their order, gender agreement, and case endings. Practice using ordinal numbers in various sentences to reinforce your understanding.