The instrumental in Russian: basic functions and typical phrases
How it works
The instrumental is a case in Russian that is often used to express means, tools, or companions. It often answers the questions ‹кем?› (with whom?) and ‹чем?› (with what?). Typical verbs with the instrumental are, for example, ‹работать› (to work as), ‹интересоваться› (to be interested in), ‹увлекаться› (to be enthusiastic about), and ‹гордиться› (to be proud of). With ‹быть›, the instrumental typically appears with professions or roles, especially in the past and future, for example ‹Он был врачом.› Also after certain prepositions such as ‹с› (with) or ‹между› (between), the instrumental is used. The endings in the instrumental differ depending on gender and number: masculine/neuter singular usually ‹-ом› or ‹-ем›, feminine singular usually ‹-ой› or ‹-ей›, plural usually ‹-ами› or ‹-ями›. Example: ‹Я пишу ручкой.›
The instrumental is used in Russian to express means, tools, or accompaniment. It also appears after certain verbs and prepositions. With professions or roles, it can also occur with ‹быть›, especially in the past and future. The ending depends on the gender and number of the noun.
An example
Which form is correct in the sentence ‹Я интересуюсь ...›, if the word ‹спорт› is to be inserted?
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Russian. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.