Signification
To know something perfectly.
Contexte culturel
In Croatia, being called a 'majstor' (master) who knows their work 'u prste' is one of the highest forms of social praise, especially in trades like carpentry, masonry, or winemaking. In coastal regions, this phrase is often used by sailors and fishermen regarding the winds (Bura, Jugo) and the hidden coves of the islands. In the capital, the phrase is frequently applied to the complex tram system or the shortcuts through the 'Gornji Grad' (Upper Town). In the agricultural heartland, farmers use it to describe their knowledge of the soil and the cycles of the crops.
Use it for People
Don't forget you can use this for people you know very well. 'Znam svoju sestru u prste' sounds very natural and warm.
Case Sensitivity
Always use 'prste' (accusative). If you say 'u prstima', Croatians will think you have a physical sensation in your fingers, like a tingle!
Signification
To know something perfectly.
Use it for People
Don't forget you can use this for people you know very well. 'Znam svoju sestru u prste' sounds very natural and warm.
Case Sensitivity
Always use 'prste' (accusative). If you say 'u prstima', Croatians will think you have a physical sensation in your fingers, like a tingle!
Modesty vs. Confidence
While it's a great phrase, using it about yourself too much can sound arrogant. It's often better to use it to praise others.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Moj brat je mehaničar i on zna svaki motor ___ _______.
The correct form is 'u prste' (accusative plural).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is an expert?
Kako ćemo reći da Marko savršeno zna matematiku?
'Znati u prste' is the standard idiom for perfect mastery.
Match the situation with the correct use of the phrase.
Situation: You have lived in Zagreb for 20 years and someone asks for directions.
Spatial familiarity is a primary use of this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jesi li pročitao upute za novi posao? B: Jesam, ne brini, ________________.
'Ih' (them - referring to instructions) fits perfectly before the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMoj brat je mehaničar i on zna svaki motor ___ _______.
The correct form is 'u prste' (accusative plural).
Kako ćemo reći da Marko savršeno zna matematiku?
'Znati u prste' is the standard idiom for perfect mastery.
Situation: You have lived in Zagreb for 20 years and someone asks for directions.
Spatial familiarity is a primary use of this idiom.
A: Jesi li pročitao upute za novi posao? B: Jesam, ne brini, ________________.
'Ih' (them - referring to instructions) fits perfectly before the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt's better for an interview than a written resume. On a resume, use 'izvrsno poznavanje' or 'napredna razina'.
No, that would be very creepy! It implies deep, intimate knowledge of someone's habits.
'Napamet' is for rote memorization (like a phone number). 'U prste' is for mastery of a whole subject or skill.
No, 'u prste' is a fixed phrase. Only the verb 'znati' changes to match the subject (e.g., 'Oni znaju...').
Yes, but only if you are truly fluent. 'Znam engleski u prste' means you are near-native.
Expressions liées
Imati u malom prstu
similarTo have something in the little finger.
Znati napamet
similarTo know by heart / from memory.
Poznavati kao svoj džep
synonymTo know like one's own pocket.
Biti na 'ti' s nečim
builds onTo be on 'informal' terms with a subject.
