Understanding how Polish numbers by case function is crucial for mastering the language. Numbers in Polish take different forms depending on the case, gender, and whether the noun is singular or plural. In this guide, we’ll break down Polish numbers by case, focusing on numbers 0 to 9. Let’s dive into how numbers change depending on the grammatical structure.
If you want to learn how to form Polish numbers by case, we highly recommend reading our article about Polish numbers first. It will give you a broader understanding before diving into this topic. Click here to read that article.
1. Nominative Case (Mianownik)
The nominative case is used when numbers are the subject of the sentence. Here’s how Polish numbers by case look in the nominative for numbers 0 to 9:
- 0: zero
- 1: jeden (masculine), jedna (feminine), jedno (neuter)
- 2: dwa (masculine), dwie (feminine)
- 3: trzy
- 4: cztery
- 5: pięć
- 6: sześć
- 7: siedem
- 8: osiem
- 9: dziewięć
Examples:
- Mam jeden długopis. (I have one pen.)
- Zobaczysz trzy domy. (You will see three houses.)
2. Genitive Case (Dopełniacz)
The genitive case is often used to express quantities, ownership, or negation. Here’s how Polish numbers by case work in the genitive for numbers 0 to 9:
- 0: zera
- 1: jednego (masculine), jednej (feminine)
- 2: dwóch
- 3: trzech
- 4: czterech
- 5: pięciu
- 6: sześciu
- 7: siedmiu
- 8: ośmiu
- 9: dziewięciu
Examples:
- Nie ma jednego psa. (There is no one dog.)
- Brakuje mi dwóch książek. (I am missing two books.)
3. Dative Case (Celownik)
The dative case is used to indicate the indirect object. This case shows Polish numbers by case in forms that suggest to whom or for whom something is done:
- 0: zeru
- 1: jednemu (masculine/neuter), jednej (feminine)
- 2: dwóm
- 3: trzem
- 4: czterem
- 5: pięciu
- 6: sześciu
- 7: siedmiu
- 8: ośmiu
- 9: dziewięciu
Examples:
- Dałem dwóm uczniom książki. (I gave two students books.)
- Pomogłem jednemu sąsiadowi. (I helped one neighbor.)
4. Accusative Case (Biernik)
The accusative case is used for direct objects, showing what is being acted upon. Here’s how Polish numbers by case appear when used in the accusative:
- 0: zero
- 1: jednego (masculine animate), jeden (masculine inanimate), jedną (feminine), jedno (neuter)
- 2: dwa (masculine/neuter), dwie (feminine)
- 3: trzy
- 4: cztery
- 5: pięć
- 6: sześć
- 7: siedem
- 8: osiem
- 9: dziewięć
Examples:
- Widzę jednego chłopca. (I see one boy.)
- Mam trzy talerze. (I have three plates.)
5. Instrumental Case (Narzędnik)
In the instrumental case, numbers are used to describe the tools or means by which something is done. Here’s how Polish numbers by case change in this context:
- 0: zerem
- 1: jednym (masculine/neuter), jedną (feminine)
- 2: dwoma
- 3: trzema
- 4: czterema
- 5: pięcioma
- 6: sześcioma
- 7: siedmioma
- 8: ośmioma
- 9: dziewięcioma
Examples:
- Piszę jedną ręką. (I write with one hand.)
- Podróżuję z trzema osobami. (I travel with three people.)
6. Locative Case (Miejscownik)
The locative case is mainly used after prepositions to indicate the location of something. Let’s see how Polish numbers by case work in the locative:
- 0: zerze
- 1: jednym (masculine/neuter), jednej (feminine)
- 2: dwóch
- 3: trzech
- 4: czterech
- 5: pięciu
- 6: sześciu
- 7: siedmiu
- 8: ośmiu
- 9: dziewięciu
Examples:
- Rozmawiam o jednym koledze. (I am talking about one friend.)
- Myślę o dwóch książkach. (I am thinking about two books.)
7. Vocative Case (Wołacz)
While the vocative case is used to directly address someone or something, numbers do not significantly change in this case and often retain their nominative case forms.
Why Polish Numbers Change
The changes in Polish numbers by case are driven by the grammatical structure of the sentence. Numbers need to agree with the case, gender, and plurality of the nouns they describe, which is why they take different forms depending on context.
Conclusion
When learning Polish numbers by case, it’s essential to understand how numbers adapt depending on the grammatical role they play in the sentence. Knowing these changes can make a big difference when speaking Polish fluently.
