Subject-Verb Agreement in Hungarian

In Hungarian, subject-verb agreement refers to the agreement between the subject (the noun or pronoun that performs the action) and the verb (the action or state of being) in a sentence. This agreement ensures that the verb is conjugated correctly based on the number and person of the subject. Here are some rules to help you understand and apply subject-verb agreement in Hungarian:

1. Singular subjects with singular verbs:

   • When the subject is singular, the verb must also be in the singular form.
   • Examples:
     • A kutya ugat. (The dog barks.)
     • Az ember eszik. (The person eats.)

2. Plural subjects with plural verbs:

   • When the subject is plural, the verb must also be in the plural form.
   • Examples:
     • A kutyák ugatnak. (The dogs bark.)
     • Az emberek esznek. (The people eat.)

3. Different verb forms for first, second, and third person:

   • Hungarian verbs have different forms for each person. The subject pronouns determine the appropriate verb form.
   • Examples:
     • Te beszélsz. (You speak.)
     • Ő beszél. (He/She speaks.)
     • Mi beszélünk. (We speak.)

4. Inversion with negative sentences:

   • In negative sentences, the subject and the verb are inverted. The verb comes before the subject pronoun.
   • Examples:
     • Nem vagyok fáradt. (I am not tired.)
     • Nem dolgozik ma. (He/She is not working today.)

5. Agreement with compound subjects:

   • When the subject consists of multiple nouns connected by "és" (and), the verb agrees with the plural form of the compound subject.
   • Example:
     • Az alma és a körte finomak. (The apple and the pear are tasty.)

Remember, subject-verb agreement is crucial for grammatically correct sentences in Hungarian. By following these rules and paying attention to the number and person of the subject, you can ensure proper syntax in your sentences. Keep practicing to improve your understanding and fluency in Hungarian.