Breakdown of Tražimo da oni razvrstaju elektronički otpad.
oni
they
tražiti
to look for / to demand, request
da
that (conjunction)
otpad
waste
razvrstati
to sort out
elektronički
electronic
Questions & Answers about Tražimo da oni razvrstaju elektronički otpad.
Why does tražimo mean "we request" here? I learned it as "we look for".
The verb tražiti does mean "to search" or "to look for", but it is also the standard verb for "to demand", "to require", or "to request". When it is followed by the conjunction da (that), as in this sentence, it almost always expresses a request or demand.
Can a perfective verb like razvrstati be used in the present tense (razvrstaju)?
Yes, but only in specific structures. While you cannot use the present tense of a perfective verb to describe an action happening right now, you must use it in dependent clauses after da when expressing a desired or intended action that will be completed. This functions a bit like the subjunctive mood in other languages.
Is it necessary to include the pronoun oni (they) in this sentence?
It is not strictly necessary, because the verb ending in razvrstaju already tells us the subject is "they". However, Croatian speakers often include the pronoun when the subject changes between the first part of the sentence ("we request") and the second part ("they sort") to add clarity or emphasis.
Why doesn't the adjective elektronički have an accusative ending like -og?
It actually is in the accusative case, but otpad (waste) is an inanimate masculine noun. In Croatian, the accusative form for inanimate masculine nouns is identical to their nominative form. Therefore, the adjective elektronički keeps its base form instead of taking the animate -og ending.
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