When we use the word nad in Slovenian, it's like saying "above" or "over" in English. It tells us that something is in a higher position than something else.
You'll often see it used to describe where things are located, indicating that one object is physically positioned higher than another.
It's a very basic preposition that helps you explain simple spatial relationships.
For example, if a bird is flying higher than a tree, you would use nad to describe its position relative to the tree.
When you encounter 'nad', think of it as indicating something is directly above another object or location. It's often used similarly to 'above' or 'over' in English.
It's important to remember that 'nad' can also imply movement to a higher position, not just being stationary there.
Pay attention to the case that follows 'nad', as it can change depending on whether it indicates position (locative) or direction (accusative), though for A1, focusing on its core meaning is sufficient.
When we use the preposition 'nad' with the accusative case, it indicates motion or direction to a position above something. For example, 'šel je nad goro' (he went over the mountain). This implies movement towards and then over a higher point.
Conversely, when 'nad' is used with the instrumental case, it describes a stationary position above something. For instance, 'ptica je letela nad drevesom' (the bird was flying above the tree). Here, the bird is already in a position above the tree.
It's important to differentiate between these two cases as they convey distinct meanings regarding motion versus location. The case choice depends entirely on whether there's movement to a higher point or simply being positioned above something.
When we use the preposition 'nad' with the accusative case, it indicates motion or direction to a position above something. For example, 'šel je nad goro' means 'he went over the mountain.'
When 'nad' is used with the instrumental case, it describes a static position directly above something. For instance, 'ptica leti nad drevesom' means 'the bird is flying above the tree.'
In some idiomatic expressions, 'nad' can imply superiority, control, or being busy with something. For example, 'imeti nadzor nad situacijo' means 'to have control over the situation.'
Understanding the case usage with 'nad' is crucial for conveying precise spatial relationships and other nuances in Slovenian.
nad en 30 secondes
- position above
- higher than
- over
Le savais-tu ?
This root is common in many Slavic languages, and you'll find similar words in Russian (над), Croatian (nad), and Serbian (nad).
Exemples par niveau
Sonce je visoko nad gorami.
The sun is high above the mountains.
Letalo leti nad mestom.
The plane is flying over the city.
Mačka je skočila nad mišjo luknjo.
The cat jumped above the mouse hole.
Oblaki so se zbirali nad morjem.
Clouds were gathering over the sea.
Nadležno brnenje se je širilo nad poljem.
An annoying buzzing spread over the field.
Živeti nad svojimi zmožnostmi ni modro.
Living beyond your means is not wise.
Nad vsemi pričakovanji so zmagali.
They won against all expectations.
Nad glavo se mi je prikazala svetla zvezda.
A bright star appeared above my head.
Sonce je visoko nad gorami.
The sun is high above the mountains.
Letalo leti nad oblaki.
The plane flies above the clouds.
Imamo streho nad glavo.
We have a roof over our heads.
Ptice krožijo nad poljem.
Birds circle above the field.
Most se razteza nad reko.
The bridge stretches over the river.
Razmišljam nad rešitvijo problema.
I am thinking about the solution to the problem.
Postavil je spominsko ploščo nad vhodom.
He placed a memorial plaque above the entrance.
Njegovo delo je nad pričakovanji.
His work is beyond expectations.
Sonce je visoko nad gorami.
The sun is high above the mountains.
Here 'nad' is followed by the instrumental case (gorami).
Letalo leti nad oblaki.
The airplane flies above the clouds.
Here 'nad' is followed by the instrumental case (oblaki).
Ima velik vpliv nad svojimi podrejenimi.
He has great influence over his subordinates.
In this context, 'nad' expresses control or authority, followed by instrumental case.
Razmišlja o svoji prihodnosti nad skodelico kave.
He is thinking about his future over a cup of coffee.
Here 'nad' indicates 'while doing something else' or 'during', followed by instrumental case.
Prevladuje nad težavami s svojo vztrajnostjo.
He overcomes difficulties with his persistence.
Used in the sense of 'overcoming' or 'gaining supremacy over', followed by instrumental case.
Njegov glas se je razlegel nad celotno dvorano.
His voice echoed throughout the entire hall.
Here 'nad' implies 'throughout' or 'over the expanse of', followed by instrumental case.
Občutek olajšanja ga je preplavil nad zaključkom projekta.
A feeling of relief washed over him at the completion of the project.
Used to express an emotion or feeling 'at' or 'upon' something, followed by instrumental case.
Imel je nadpovprečno inteligenco nad večino svojih vrstnikov.
He had above-average intelligence compared to most of his peers.
Here 'nad' indicates 'above' or 'exceeding' in comparison, followed by instrumental case.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Ptica leti nad drevesi.
The bird flies above the trees.
Sonce je visoko nad gorami.
The sun is high above the mountains.
Skakal je nad oviro.
He jumped over the obstacle.
Hiša je nad reko.
The house is above the river.
Ima oblast nad situacijo.
He has control over the situation.
Visi nad tlemi.
It hangs above the ground.
Letalo leti nad oblaki.
The airplane flies above the clouds.
Razmišljam nad problemom.
I am thinking about the problem.
Temperatura je nad ničlo.
The temperature is above zero.
Luna je svetila nad nami.
The moon shone above us.
Souvent confondu avec
'Nad' explicitly means 'above' or 'over' (a higher position). 'Na' means 'on' or 'at' a surface, which can sometimes imply a higher position, but 'nad' is more specific about being distinctly above.
'Nad' implies being directly above something, often with a gap. 'Čez' means 'across' or 'over', implying movement or extension from one side to another, or covering something.
'Preko' is very similar to 'čez' and also implies 'across' or 'over', often with a sense of passing or extending beyond. 'Nad' is purely about vertical position.
Modèles grammaticaux
Facile à confondre
'Na' can mean 'on', 'at', or 'to'. Its meaning changes depending on the case of the noun it precedes.
Use 'na' with the locative case for 'on' or 'at' a surface, and with the accusative case for 'to' a surface or 'onto'.
Knjiga je **na** mizi (The book is **on** the table - locative). Pojdem **na** trg (I'm going **to** the market - accusative).
'V' can mean 'in' or 'into'. Similar to 'na', its meaning depends on the case of the noun.
Use 'v' with the locative case for 'in' (inside something), and with the accusative case for 'into' (moving inside something).
Sem **v** hiši (I am **in** the house - locative). Grem **v** hišo (I'm going **into** the house - accusative).
'Pod' means 'under' or 'below'. It can be confusing because it can also take both locative and instrumental cases, subtly changing the nuance.
Use 'pod' with the instrumental case for 'under' (stationary position) and with the accusative case for 'under' (motion to a position).
Mačka je **pod** mizo (The cat is **under** the table - instrumental). Postavi knjigo **pod** mizo (Put the book **under** the table - accusative).
'Za' can mean 'behind', 'for', or 'after'. This is a very versatile and therefore confusing preposition.
Its meaning is highly context-dependent. 'Za' with instrumental usually means 'behind', with accusative it can mean 'for' or 'after'.
Avto je **za** hišo (The car is **behind** the house - instrumental). To je **za** tebe (This is **for** you - accusative).
'S' and 'z' both mean 'with' or 'from'. The choice between 's' and 'z' depends on the following letter for phonetic reasons.
'S' is used before voiceless consonants (k, p, t, f, s, h, c, č, š). 'Z' is used before voiced consonants (g, b, d, v, z, ž, j, l, m, n, r) and vowels.
Grem **s** psom (I'm going **with** the dog). Grem **z** mamo (I'm going **with** my mother).
Structures de phrases
nad + instrumental (location)
Knjiga je nad mizo. (The book is above the table.)
nad + instrumental (movement)
Letalo leti nad mestom. (The airplane flies over the city.)
nad + instrumental (figurative, emotional state)
Žalosten je bil nad svojo usodo. (He was sad about his fate.)
nad + instrumental (figurative, control)
Ima nadzor nad situacijo. (He has control over the situation.)
nad + instrumental (figurative, quantity)
Prodali smo nad sto knjig. (We sold over a hundred books.)
nad + instrumental (figurative, superiority)
Zmagal je nad vsemi. (He won over everyone.)
nad + instrumental (time, beyond)
Delali so pozno v noč, nad polnoč. (They worked late into the night, beyond midnight.)
nad + instrumental (figurative, topic)
Razpravljali so nad problemom. (They discussed the problem.)
Comment l'utiliser
The Slovenian preposition nad means 'above', 'over', or 'on top of'. It can be used with both the instrumental and accusative cases, but with different meanings. When used with the instrumental case, it indicates a static position above something. For example: Letalo leti nad mestom. (The plane flies over the city.) When used with the accusative case, it indicates movement to a position above something. For example: Skočil je nad oviro. (He jumped over the obstacle.)
A common mistake is confusing nad with na. While both can mean 'on' or 'over', na implies contact with a surface, whereas nad implies being above without necessarily touching. For instance, Knjiga je na mizi. (The book is on the table.) versus Slika visi nad kaminom. (The painting hangs above the fireplace.) Another mistake is using the wrong case. Remember, instrumental for static position, accusative for movement to a position. For example, not *Letalo leti nad mesto.* but Letalo leti nad mestom. (The plane flies over the city.)
Origine du mot
Proto-Slavic *nadъ
Sens originel : over, above
Indo-EuropeanContexte culturel
When talking about locations, 'nad' is very common. You might hear it when people describe things that are 'above' or 'over' something else, like a bridge 'nad' a river, or a picture 'nad' a fireplace. It's a fundamental spatial word.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing objects' positions relative to others (e.g., a painting above a sofa).
- Slika je nad kavčem.
- Letalo leti nad mestom.
- Sončno nebo je nad nami.
Indicating movement to a higher place (e.g., flying over a mountain).
- Ptice letijo nad gorami.
- Sprehodili smo se nad vasjo.
- Dvigalo gre nad deseto nadstropje.
Expressing superiority or control (e.g., someone is in charge).
- On je nadrejen vsem.
- Ima nadzor nad situacijo.
- Vladar je nad deželo.
Talking about an amount or quantity exceeding something (e.g., over 100 people).
- Nad sto ljudi je prišlo.
- Temperatura je nad ničlo.
- Prodali smo nad pričakovanji.
Figurative use, meaning beyond or past a certain point (e.g., beyond my comprehension).
- To je nad mojim razumevanjem.
- Nad našimi sanjami.
- Nad vsemi dvomi.
Amorces de conversation
"Kaj je nad mizo v vaši kuhinji? (What is above the table in your kitchen?)"
"Ali radi opazujete letala, ko letijo nad vami? (Do you like watching planes when they fly above you?)"
"Kdo je nad vami v službi? (Who is above you at work?)"
"Ste že kdaj videli zvezde sijati nad goro? (Have you ever seen stars shining above a mountain?)"
"Kaj je tisto, kar je 'nad' vami in vam daje navdih? (What is it that is 'above' you and inspires you?)"
Sujets d'écriture
Napiši tri stavke o stvareh, ki so 'nad' nečim v tvoji sobi. (Write three sentences about things that are 'above' something in your room.)
Opiši kraj, kjer si se počutil/a 'nad' vsakdanjimi skrbmi. (Describe a place where you felt 'above' everyday worries.)
Razmisli o nečem, kar je trenutno 'nad' tvojimi pričakovanji. Kako se počutiš ob tem? (Think about something that is currently 'above' your expectations. How do you feel about it?)
Napiši kratko zgodbo o ptici, ki leti 'nad' velikim mestom. (Write a short story about a bird flying 'above' a big city.)
Kaj pomeni biti 'nad' situacijo in zakaj je to pomembno? (What does it mean to be 'above' a situation and why is it important?)
Teste-toi 36 questions
The book is above the table.
The plane flies above the city.
The sun is high above the mountains.
Read this aloud:
Ptica leti nad drevesi.
Focus: nad drevesi
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Read this aloud:
Oblaki so nad nami.
Focus: nad nami
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Read this aloud:
Slika visi nad posteljo.
Focus: nad posteljo
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Imagine you are describing the location of a bird's nest to a friend. Use 'nad' to describe where the nest is in relation to something else. Write two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ptičje gnezdo je visoko nad tlemi. Je tik nad vejo.
You are giving directions to a friend. Use 'nad' to explain that a certain building is above a shop. Write one sentence.
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Sample answer
Moje stanovanje je nad trgovino.
Describe something that is physically located above your head. Use 'nad' in your sentence.
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Sample answer
Luster je nad mojo glavo.
Kje so sprva sijali sončni žarki?
Read this passage:
Sončni žarki so sijali nad gorami. Potem so se oblaki zbirali in kmalu je dež padal nad polja.
Kje so sprva sijali sončni žarki?
The passage states 'Sončni žarki so sijali nad gorami.' (The sun's rays shone above the mountains.)
The passage states 'Sončni žarki so sijali nad gorami.' (The sun's rays shone above the mountains.)
Kaj je letelo visoko nad otroci?
Read this passage:
Otroci so se igrali na travniku. Zmaj je letel visoko nad njimi. Veseli so bili, ko so ga gledali.
Kaj je letelo visoko nad otroci?
The passage states 'Zmaj je letel visoko nad njimi.' (A kite flew high above them.)
The passage states 'Zmaj je letel visoko nad njimi.' (A kite flew high above them.)
Kje je ura v kuhinji?
Read this passage:
V kuhinji je polica. Nad polico je ura. Vsako jutro preverim uro, preden grem v službo.
Kje je ura v kuhinji?
The passage states 'Nad polico je ura.' (Above the shelf is a clock.)
The passage states 'Nad polico je ura.' (Above the shelf is a clock.)
Imagine you are describing your favorite Slovenian landscape painting. Write three sentences about what you see in the painting, using 'nad' at least once.
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Sample answer
Na sliki vidim visoke gore. Nad gorami so beli oblaki. Pod gorami je reka.
You are writing a short email to a friend, describing a funny incident where something was placed 'nad' something else by mistake. Write two to three sentences.
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Sample answer
Živjo! Danes sem imela smešno situacijo. Telefon sem po pomoti pustila nad ključi. Cel dan sem ga iskala!
Describe a common household item that is usually positioned 'nad' something else in your home. Write two sentences.
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Sample answer
V kuhinji je polica nad štedilnikom. Na polici so začimbe.
Kaj je bilo nad planinci?
Read this passage:
Planinci so hodili po gorski poti. Nad njimi je bil čudovit razgled na dolino. Sonce je sijalo nad vrhovi in ogrevalo zrak. Kljub utrujenosti so uživali v naravi.
Kaj je bilo nad planinci?
Stavek 'Nad njimi je bil čudovit razgled na dolino' jasno pravi, da je bil razgled nad njimi.
Stavek 'Nad njimi je bil čudovit razgled na dolino' jasno pravi, da je bil razgled nad njimi.
Kaj se dviga nad mestom Ljubljana?
Read this passage:
Mesto Ljubljana leži ob reki Ljubljanici. Nad mestom se dviga Ljubljanski grad, ki ponuja lep pogled na okolico. Skozi mesto peljejo številne kolesarske poti. Turisti radi obiščejo staro mestno jedro.
Kaj se dviga nad mestom Ljubljana?
V prvem stavku piše, da se 'Nad mestom se dviga Ljubljanski grad'.
V prvem stavku piše, da se 'Nad mestom se dviga Ljubljanski grad'.
Kaj je letelo nad otroki?
Read this passage:
Otroci so se igrali na igrišču. Nad njimi je letel zmaj, ki ga je spuščal oče. Veter je pihal in pomagal zmaju, da je ostal visoko na nebu. Vsi so se zabavali.
Kaj je letelo nad otroki?
Stavek 'Nad njimi je letel zmaj' pove, da je zmaj letel nad otroki.
Stavek 'Nad njimi je letel zmaj' pove, da je zmaj letel nad otroki.
Which sentence correctly uses 'nad' to indicate something is above and not touching?
'Nad' implies a position higher than something else, often without direct contact, as opposed to 'na' (on) or 'pod' (under).
Choose the most appropriate option to complete the sentence: 'Ptica je letela ______ gorami.'
When an object is flying or moving in a position higher than something, 'nad' is the correct preposition.
In which sentence does 'nad' express a sense of control or authority?
'Nad' can also be used figuratively to express control or authority over something, like in 'nadzor nad' (control over).
The sentence 'Sončni zahod je bil nad morjem.' correctly uses 'nad' to describe the sunset's position relative to the sea.
Yes, 'nad' is correctly used here to indicate the sunset's position in the sky, above the sea.
If someone says 'Delam nad tem projektom,' they mean they are working physically above the project.
No, 'delati nad nečim' (to work over/on something) is an idiomatic expression meaning to be engrossed in or focused on a task, not literally above it.
The phrase 'streha nad glavo' (a roof over one's head) uses 'nad' to signify a protective covering.
Correct, 'nad' in this common idiom denotes something being above and providing protection.
Imagine you are describing your favorite park. Write a short paragraph describing at least three things you see 'nad' (above/over) other objects in the park. Focus on using the preposition 'nad' correctly with appropriate cases.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
V mojem najljubšem parku so visoka drevesa, nad katerimi pogosto letijo ptice. Oblaki se premikajo nad modrim nebom, včasih vidim tudi letalo, ki leti visoko nad parkom. Sonce sije nad vsemi nami, kar ustvarja prijetno senco pod krošnjami dreves.
You are writing a story about a dragon. Describe its flight and where it goes. Include at least three instances of 'nad' describing its position relative to the landscape below. Remember to use the correct case after 'nad'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Zmaj je mogočno letel nad starodavnim gradom, njegove sence pa so prestrašile vaščane. Nato se je dvignil višje in poletel nad prostranim gozdom, kjer so se skrivale divje živali. Nazadnje je zmaj izginil v daljavi, ko je preletel nad ostrimi vrhovi gora.
Describe a historical event or a significant personal memory where something was 'nad' (above/over) something else, metaphorically or literally. Write a paragraph explaining the context and the use of 'nad'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ena pomembnih zgodovinskih prelomnic je bila, ko se je nova ideologija dvignila nad staro in prinesla korenite družbene spremembe. V osebnem spominu pa se mi zdi, da je bil občutek zmage nad težko nalogo resnično neprecenljiv, saj sem čutil, da sem premagal vse ovire, ki so bile pred menoj.
Kaj so planinci občutili, ko so pogledali nad oblake?
Read this passage:
Planinci so se odpravili na dolgo pot v gore. Kmalu so se znašli visoko nad gozdno mejo, kjer so se razprostirali le skalnati vrhovi. Sonce je že vzhajalo in risalo dolge sence nad prepadnimi stenami. Občutek svobode je bil nepopisen, ko so pogledali nad oblake, ki so ležali v dolini pod njimi.
Kaj so planinci občutili, ko so pogledali nad oblake?
Besedilo pravi: 'Občutek svobode je bil nepopisen, ko so pogledali nad oblake.'
Besedilo pravi: 'Občutek svobode je bil nepopisen, ko so pogledali nad oblake.'
Kaj so orli počeli nad streho hiše?
Read this passage:
Stara hiša je stala na hribu, s čudovitim razgledom. Nad streho so krožili orli, ki so iskali plen. Ponoči je luna visela nad drevesi in metala srebrno svetlobo na pokrajino. Včasih so se pojavile tudi zvezde, ki so utripale nad temnim horizontom, ustvarjaleč skrivnostno vzdušje.
Kaj so orli počeli nad streho hiše?
Besedilo navaja: 'Nad streho so krožili orli, ki so iskali plen.'
Besedilo navaja: 'Nad streho so krožili orli, ki so iskali plen.'
Kje so se odvijali pomembni dogodki v mestu?
Read this passage:
Mesto se je razprostiralo ob reki, a vsi pomembni dogodki so se odvijali nad zemljo, v visokih stolpnicah. Odločitve, ki so vplivale na življenja mnogih, so bile sprejete visoko nad vsakdanjim vrvežem. Ljudje so včasih pozabili, da so pod njimi še vedno običajna življenja in skrbi, ki so lebdeli nad njimi.
Kje so se odvijali pomembni dogodki v mestu?
Besedilo pravi: 'vsi pomembni dogodki so se odvijali nad zemljo, v visokih stolpnicah.'
Besedilo pravi: 'vsi pomembni dogodki so se odvijali nad zemljo, v visokih stolpnicah.'
The company finished the fiscal year.
The discussion about political disputes.
His artwork goes beyond conventional boundaries.
Read this aloud:
Ali menite, da je trenutna družbena klima nad povprečjem tolerantna do drugačnih mnenj in življenjskih stilov?
Focus: nad povprečjem
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Kako bi opisali vpliv digitalne transformacije nad tradicionalnimi poslovnimi modeli?
Focus: nad tradicionalnimi
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Razmislite o izzivih, ki jih prinaša globalizacija nad lokalno kulturno identiteto.
Focus: nad lokalno
Tu as dit :
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/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'nad' to say something is physically above another thing, or moving to be above it.
- position above
- higher than
- over
