Learn Croatian: Integralni kruh je zdrav. - Wholewheat bread is healthy.

Integralni kruh je zdrav.

Wholewheat bread is healthy.

Breakdown of Integralni kruh je zdrav.

Questions & Answers about Integralni kruh je zdrav.

Why does the sentence use zdrav instead of zdravi?

In Croatian, when an adjective comes after the verb to be to describe the subject (as a predicate adjective), it takes the indefinite form. Since kruh is masculine, we use the shorter indefinite form zdrav. The definite form zdravi is used when the adjective comes directly before the noun, as in zdravi kruh (the healthy bread).

Could I say Integralni kruh je zdravo since we often use zdravo to mean healthy?

No, because the adjective must agree with the gender of the noun it describes. Kruh is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine adjective zdrav. You only use the neuter form zdravo for general statements without a specific noun, such as Jesti kruh je zdravo (Eating bread is healthy).

Why does integralni have the definite -i ending here?

Relational adjectives—those that classify things by material, type, or origin—almost exclusively use the definite form. Because integralni defines the specific category of bread rather than a subjective trait, it keeps the definite -i ending for masculine nouns even when it is just introducing the concept.

What is the difference between integralni kruh and crni kruh?