Dative

Dative is a grammatical case generally used to indicate the noun to which something is given. It is one of the several grammatical cases used in various languages to show the relationship between the noun and the action or other elements in the sentence. The dative case is primarily used to mark the indirect object of a verb.

Usage in Different Languages

Latin

In Latin, the dative case is used to indicate the indirect object of a verb. For example, in the sentence "Puellae librum do" (I give the book to the girl), "puellae" is in the dative case.

German

In German, the dative case is used for the indirect object of a verb, as well as after certain prepositions. For example, in the sentence "Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch" (I give the book to the man), "dem Mann" is in the dative case.

Russian

In Russian, the dative case is used to indicate the indirect object of a verb, as well as to express age and certain other relationships. For example, in the sentence "Я даю книгу другу" (I give the book to a friend), "другу" is in the dative case.

Greek

In Ancient Greek, the dative case is used to indicate the indirect object of a verb, as well as to show possession and certain other relationships. For example, in the sentence "Δίδωμι τῷ ἀνδρί τὸ βιβλίον" (I give the book to the man), "τῷ ἀνδρί" is in the dative case.

Functions of the Dative Case

The dative case can serve several functions in a sentence:

• Indirect Object: Indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed.
• Possession: In some languages, the dative case can indicate possession.
• Beneficiary: Indicates the person or thing that benefits from the action.
• Direction: In some languages, the dative case can indicate direction or location.

Examples

• Latin: "Puellae librum do" (I give the book to the girl) - "puellae" is in the dative case.
• German: "Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch" (I give the book to the man) - "dem Mann" is in the dative case.
• Russian: "Я даю книгу другу" (I give the book to a friend) - "другу" is in the dative case.
• Ancient Greek: "Δίδωμι τῷ ἀνδρί τὸ βιβλίον" (I give the book to the man) - "τῷ ἀνδρί" is in the dative case.

Related Pages

• Grammatical case
• Indirect object
• Latin grammar
• German grammar
• Russian grammar
• Ancient Greek grammar