Unit 1 · Cases
The six cases
Each lesson covers noun and adjective endings for singular and plural. Work through How it works, the Chart, Nouns, Adjectives, then Exceptions and Examples. Finish a lesson, then practice in the games.
Lessons
Кто? Что?
Nominative
Именительный
Imenitel'nyyThe dictionary form — the subject of the sentence, and the form you look up. Present «is» is often a dash (Он врач), with both sides in nominative.
Кого? Чего?
Genitive
Родительный
Roditel'nyyOwnership, absence, quantity, and “of X.” Extremely common after negation and numbers.
Кому? Чему?
Dative
Дательный
Datel'nyyThe “to/for someone” case — indirect objects, age, feelings, and several fixed constructions.
Кого? Что?
Accusative
Винительный
Vinitel'nyyDirect objects and destinations. Watch the animate/inanimate split — it is the biggest beginner trap.
Кем? Чем?
Instrumental
Творительный
Tvoritel'nyyMeans, tools, accompaniment, and “as a…” professions after быть / стать / работать.
О ком? О чём? Где?
Prepositional
Предложный
PredlozhnyyOnly used with prepositions — mainly location (в/на) and topic (о/об). Never appears alone.