Temporal clauses (kad, dok)

Background Actions with "Dok"

To talk about ongoing background events, use dok (while). The clause starting with dok usually describes a continuous action.

While I was ironing, my mobile rang.
Dok sam peglao, mobitel mi je zazvonio.

The background action can be interrupted by a sudden event, or two continuous actions can happen simultaneously.

While the rain was falling, she was ironing shirts.
Dok je padala kiša, ona je peglala košulje.

Sudden Interruptions with "Kad"

To focus on the exact moment an interruption occurs, use kad (when). It is usually followed by a perfective verb—a verb describing a sudden, specific, or completed action.

When the power went out, heavy rain was falling.
Kad je nestalo struje, padala je jaka kiša.

Notice the difference: dok sits next to the ongoing background action, while kad sits next to the sudden event.

While we were talking, he interrupted our conversation.
Dok smo razgovarali, on je prekinuo naš razgovor.
When the phone rang, they finished the conversation.
Kad je telefon zazvonio, završili su razgovor.

Being in the Middle of Something

To emphasize that an event was deeply underway when an interruption happened, use the preposition usred (in the middle of). It requires the following noun to be in the genitive case.

in the middle of
usred
When she started to shout, I was in the middle of a meeting.
Kad je počela vikati, bio sam usred sastanka.
When his dog disappeared, he was in the middle of the park.
Kad je njegov pas nestao, bio je usred parka.
Practice this lesson