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Questions & Answers about Trebam čiste čaše.
Why is the word for glasses čaše in this sentence?
The noun čaša (glass) is the direct object here because it is the thing being needed, so it must be in the accusative case. For feminine nouns, the accusative plural ending is -e, making it čaše. Conveniently, this is the exact same ending used for the nominative plural!
Why does the adjective čiste also end in -e?
Adjectives always copy the gender, number, and case of the noun they describe. Because čaše is a feminine accusative plural noun, the adjective čist (clean) takes the feminine accusative plural ending -e, becoming čiste.
Why do we use the accusative case after the verb trebam?
When the verb trebati (to need) is followed by a noun, that noun is the direct object receiving the action of being needed. In Croatian, direct objects always take the accusative case.
How can I tell that čaše is a feminine noun so I can apply the right plural rule?
You need to look back at its singular dictionary form to be sure of its gender. The singular form is čaša. Because it ends in -a, you know it is a feminine noun, which tells you to use the feminine ending -e for the accusative plural.