Sakupljačko mesto prima akumulator i adapter za napajanje.

Questions & Answers about Sakupljačko mesto prima akumulator i adapter za napajanje.

Why does sakupljačko end in -o?

Because it agrees with mesto, which is a neuter singular noun.

In Serbian, adjectives must match the noun they describe in:

  • gender
  • number
  • case

Here:

  • mesto = neuter singular
  • so the adjective also has to be neuter singular: sakupljačko

Compare:

  • sakupljački centar = a collection center (masculine)
  • sakupljačka stanica = a collection station (feminine)
  • sakupljačko mesto = a collection place/point (neuter)
What does sakupljačko mesto literally mean?

Literally, it means something like collection place or gathering point.

It is made of:

  • sakupljati / sakupiti = to collect, gather
  • sakupljački / sakupljačko = collecting, collection-related
  • mesto = place, spot, site

So sakupljačko mesto is a place where items are brought for collection, such as recycling or disposal.

Why is the verb prima singular?

Because the subject is singular: sakupljačko mesto.

Even though a collection point may receive many items, the grammatical subject is still one place, so the verb must be singular.

  • mesto prima = the place receives
  • mesta primaju = the places receive

So prima is simply the correct 3rd person singular present form.

What verb is prima, and why not prihvata or something else?

Prima comes from the verb primati, which means to receive, to accept, or to take in.

In this sentence, prima means that the collection point accepts those items.

A useful distinction:

  • primati = imperfective, ongoing/general/habitual receiving
  • primiti = perfective, to receive once/to successfully receive

Because signs and notices often describe a general rule or regular function, Serbian often uses the imperfective:

  • prima akumulatore = accepts batteries
  • ne prima staklo = does not accept glass

Prihvata could also be possible in some contexts, but prima is very natural on notices and labels.

What case are akumulator and adapter in?

They are in the accusative singular, because they are the direct objects of prima.

The verb primati takes a direct object:

  • prima šta? = receives what?

So:

  • akumulator
  • adapter

are both objects.

For inanimate masculine nouns, the accusative singular is usually the same as the nominative singular, which is why the forms do not change visibly here.

So:

  • nominative: akumulator
  • accusative: akumulator

and

  • nominative: adapter
  • accusative: adapter
Why doesn’t akumulator change form in the accusative?

Because it is an inanimate masculine noun.

In Serbian:

  • masculine animate nouns usually change in the accusative
  • masculine inanimate nouns usually stay the same as the nominative

Examples:

  • Vidim čoveka = I see the man
    (čovek → čoveka, animate)
  • Vidim akumulator = I see the battery
    (akumulator stays the same, inanimate)

So even though akumulator is accusative here, its form looks unchanged.

What exactly does akumulator mean? Is it the same as baterija?

Not exactly.

Akumulator usually means a rechargeable storage battery, especially something like:

  • a car battery
  • a larger rechargeable battery unit

Baterija is broader and often means:

  • a regular household battery
  • a battery in general

So in recycling or disposal contexts, akumulator often specifically refers to the kind of battery that needs special handling, such as a lead-acid car battery.

Why is it adapter za napajanje? What does za napajanje mean grammatically?

Za napajanje means for power supply, for powering, or more naturally in English, power adapter / power supply adapter.

Grammatically:

  • za often takes the accusative
  • here it expresses purpose or intended use

So:

  • adapter = adapter
  • za napajanje = for supplying power / for power

The noun napajanje is a verbal noun meaning power supply, powering, or feeding power.

Because napajanje is neuter singular, and because nominative and accusative singular are the same here, the form stays napajanje.

Could Serbian also say adapter za struju instead?

Yes, in many everyday contexts that would sound very natural.

Compare:

  • adapter za napajanje = more technical/formal
  • adapter za struju = more everyday, literally adapter for electricity/power

Both can be understandable, but za napajanje sounds a bit more like official labeling or technical wording.

Why is there no word for a or the?

Because Serbian has no articles.

Unlike English, Serbian does not normally use words corresponding directly to a/an or the.

So:

  • mesto can mean a place or the place
  • adapter can mean an adapter or the adapter

The exact meaning depends on context.

That is why Sakupljačko mesto prima akumulator i adapter za napajanje can be translated naturally with or without articles depending on the situation.

Can the word order be changed?

Yes. Serbian word order is fairly flexible, though not completely free.

The neutral order here is:

  • Sakupljačko mesto prima akumulator i adapter za napajanje.

You could also rearrange parts for emphasis, for example:

  • Akumulator i adapter za napajanje prima sakupljačko mesto.

But that sounds more marked or stylistically different. On a sign or in neutral prose, the original order is the most natural.

So the given sentence is straightforward:

  • subject first
  • verb second
  • objects after the verb
Would it be more common to use plural objects here?

Often, yes, depending on the context.

On labels or signs, Serbian may use either singular or plural to refer to accepted item types:

  • prima akumulator i adapter za napajanje
  • prima akumulatore i adaptere za napajanje

The singular can sound like naming the category of item:

  • battery
  • power adapter

The plural can sound more like:

  • batteries
  • power adapters

Both can work, but signage often uses whichever style the writer prefers. The singular here is not strange; it can function in a generic sense.

AI Language TutorTry it ↗
Your avatar
“What's the best way to learn Serbian grammar?”
Serbian grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Serbian

Master Serbian — from Sakupljačko mesto prima akumulator i adapter za napajanje to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions