Numbers and Cases

01

The Number One

The number jeden (1) functions exactly like an adjective. It agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case. It does not force the noun into a specific case; rather, it adapts to the noun.

• To jest jeden stół.

  This is one table.

• Mam jedną siostrę.

  I have one sister.

02

Numbers 2, 3, and 4

For the numbers dwa, trzy, and cztery (2, 3, 4), as well as compound numbers ending in these digits (22, 33, 44, 102, etc.), the noun takes the Nominative Plural. This applies to all genders except masculine personal nouns (groups containing men).

Note that the "teens" (12, 13, 14) are excluded from this rule and follow the rule for numbers 5 and above.

• Na stole leżą dwa telefony.

  Two phones are lying on the table.

• Widzę trzy duże okna.

  I see three large windows.

• To kosztuje dwadzieścia cztery złote.

  This costs twenty-four zlotys.

03

Numbers 5 and Above

For numbers 5 through 21, and any subsequent numbers ending in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, 1 (excluding the number 1 itself), the noun must be in the Genitive Plural.

This is often counter-intuitive for learners, as a subject phrase like "five cats" requires the noun "cats" to look like "of cats".

• Mam pięć pytań.

  I have five questions.

• W sali jest trzydzieści osób.

  There are thirty people in the hall.

• Kupiłem dwanaście jabłek.

  I bought twelve apples.

04

Masculine Personal Nouns

When counting men or a mixed group that includes men (Masculine Personal gender), the rules change.

For numbers 2, 3, and 4, you must use a special form of the numeral (dwóch, trzech, czterech) and the noun takes the Genitive Plural. This is different from other genders which use the Nominative Plural for these numbers.

• Dwóch mężczyzn rozmawia.

  Two men are talking.

• Mam trzech braci.

  I have three brothers.

For numbers 5 and above with masculine personal nouns, the noun remains in the Genitive Plural, just like non-personal nouns.

• Pięciu lekarzy pracuje tutaj.

  Five doctors work here.

05

Numbers in Oblique Cases

The rules above apply when the number is the Subject (Nominative) or Object (Accusative). However, if the sentence requires a different case (Genitive, Dative, Instrumental, or Locative) due to a preposition or verb, the "quantity rules" disappear.

In these instances, both the number and the noun agree in the required case.

• Idę do kina z trzema kolegami.

  I am going to the cinema with three friends. (Instrumental case)

• Mówimy o pięciu książkach.

  We are talking about five books. (Locative case)