Grammar Questions

Question 1

When is the accusative used?

Answer 1

For the DIRECT OBJECT of the sentence. The thing that the subject is doing something to. The brother (subject) is eating the apple (DIRECT OBJECT). “the apple” here would be in the accusative.

Question 2

When is the dative case used?

Answer 2

The dative case is used for the INDIRECT OBJECT. The thing that the direct object of the verb is related to with a preposition. Eg. The brother (subject, nominative) ate the apple (direct object, accusative) in (preposition) THE PARK (INDIRECT OBJECT, DATIVE).