Abstract noun cases

Just like Polish verbs, abstract nouns govern specific cases and prepositions. This concept is called rekcja rzeczownika (noun government). When discussing ethics, values, and rights, you will often link an abstract noun to its target using a set preposition and case.

Relationships and Stances: wobec and dla (Genitive)

The preposition wobec (towards, in the face of) requires the Genitive case. It often pairs with nouns expressing a stance or relationship, like sprzeciw (opposition) and równość (equality).

Their opposition to violence is well known.
Ich sprzeciw wobec przemocy jest dobrze znany.
Equality before the law is our main goal.
Równość wobec prawa to nasz główny cel.

The noun tolerancja (tolerance) can be followed by either wobec or dla (for). Both prepositions take the Genitive case.

There is no tolerance for discrimination in the USA.
W USA nie ma tolerancji dla dyskryminacji.
I really like your tolerance towards foreigners.
Bardzo podoba mi się wasza tolerancja wobec cudzoziemców.

Compliance and Care

To express alignment or agreement, such as zgodność (compliance), use the preposition z (with) + Instrumental.

Compliance with the rules is mandatory here.
Zgodność z zasadami jest tutaj obowiązkowa.

To express concern, such as troska (care, concern), use the preposition o (about/for) + Accusative.

Care for the environment is our duty.
Troska o środowisko to nasz obowiązek.

Direction and Separation: do and od (Genitive)

The prepositions do (to) and od (from) both require the Genitive case. Use do for a pull, connection, or inclination, like skłonność (tendency) and przywiązanie (attachment).

He has a tendency to bad behavior.
On ma skłonność do złego zachowania.
Attachment to tradition is important in our family.
Przywiązanie do tradycji jest ważne w naszej rodzinie.

Use od to express separation, such as niezależność (independence).

Independence from parents is a normal stage.
Niezależność od rodziców to normalny etap.

Strong Emotions: dla (Genitive)

Use dla (for) + Genitive to express strong emotional attitudes directed at someone or something, such as podziw (admiration) and pogarda (contempt).

I feel huge admiration for your courage.
Czuję ogromny podziw dla waszej odwagi.
His contempt for weak people annoys me.
Jego pogarda dla słabych ludzi mnie denerwuje.