This use of the dative case focuses, as the name suggests, on the indirect object of a verb. But, what is ‘the indirect object’?
Well, the indirect object is most simply defined as the beneficiary, or recipient, of a verb. It is almost always found with a verb of giving, showing, or telling, and it will usually take the preposition of “to” or “for.”
Some of the most commonly-used verbs that take the dative of the indirect object include:
- dare (give)
- demonstrare (show)
- narrare (tell)
- dicere (say)
- nuntiare (announce)
- respondere (reply)
- donare (present)
Let’s see it in action!
Vir cani cibum dat. (The man gives food to the dog)
The 3rd declension noun in the dative, cani (-i ending), is the indirect object in this sentence because the dog is the one receiving the direct object, food, in this case.
So, the noun cani is in the dative case, with the use of the indirect object.
Let’s see one more…
Magister veritatem discipulis narravit. (The teacher told the students the truth.)
The 2nd declension noun in the dative, discipulis (-is ending), is the indirect object here because the students are the ones receiving, or benefitting from the “telling” of the indirect object, the truth, in this case.
Discipulis is in the dative case, with the indirect object use.
Still have questions? Have recommendations for concepts to be added to the site? Email [email protected]!
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