Prepositions: Apply the right case after specific prepositions

Prepositions are small words that express relationships between different elements in a sentence. In Czech, prepositions often require specific cases (declensions) to be used after them. Here, we will focus on the commonly used prepositions and the correct cases that follow them.

Accusative case after prepositions

The following prepositions require the accusative case after them:

1. Do - into, to
   Example: Jdu do obchodu. (I'm going to the store.)
   Note: When the noun begins with a vowel, use the form "do + -u" instead of "do + nominative case ending."
   Example: Jdu do úřadu. (I'm going to the office.)

2. Na - to, onto, on
   Example: Dám knihu na stůl. (I'll put the book on the table.)

3. Pod - under
   Example: Kniha je pod postelí. (The book is under the bed.)

4. Přes - across, through
   Example: Jdu přes most. (I'm going across the bridge.)

5. Pro - for, on behalf of
   Example: Děkuju ti pro radu. (Thank you for the advice.)

Genitive case after prepositions

The following prepositions require the genitive case after them:

1. Bez - without
   Example: Jsem bez peněz. (I'm without money.)

2. Od - from, since
   Example: Přijdu od práce. (I'm coming from work.)

3. Po - after, behind, for
   Example: Během týdne příjdu po peníze. (I'll get the money during the week.)

4. Proti - against, opposite
   Example: Stojím proti zdi. (I'm standing against the wall.)

5. Kromě - except for, apart from
   Example: Všichni vyšli, kromě Petra. (Everyone left, except for Peter.)

Locative case after prepositions

The following prepositions require the locative case after them:

1. V - in, at
   Example: Bydlím v Praze. (I live in Prague.)

2. Na - on, at
   Example: Stojím na zastávce. (I'm standing at the bus stop.)

3. Pod - under
   Example: Ležím pod stromem. (I'm lying under the tree.)

4. Před - in front of
   Example: Čekám před divadlem. (I'm waiting in front of the theater.)

5. Za - behind
   Example: Auto je za domem. (The car is behind the house.)

Dative case after prepositions

There are fewer prepositions that require the dative case after them. Here are the main ones:

1. K - to
   Example: Jdu k příteli. (I'm going to my friend.)

2. U - at, beside
   Example: Bydlím u rodičů. (I live with my parents.)

3. S - with
   Example: Půjdeš se mnou. (Will you come with me?)

Summary

To correctly use prepositions with the appropriate case in Czech, remember the following:

• Accusative case: do, na, pod, přes, pro
• Genitive case: bez, od, po, proti, kromě
• Locative case: v, na, pod, před, za
• Dative case: k, u, s

Keep practicing the correct use of prepositions with the corresponding cases, and you'll soon feel more confident in speaking and writing in Czech.