Using ez (this) and az (that) as pronouns and demonstrative determiners.
Point to and identify objects using ez (this) and az (that). Use demonstratives in different cases (accusative, plural).
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Ez a könyv érdekes.
This book is interesting.
Ezeket a könyveket olvasom.
I am reading these books.
Az a ház nagy.
That house is big.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
| Case | ez (this) | az (that) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ez | az |
| Accusative | ezt | azt |
| Dative | ennek | annak |
| Plural nom. | ezek | azok |
| Plural acc. | ezeket | azokat |
With a noun: ez/az + definite article + noun: Ez a ház. (This [is the] house.) Az a nagy ház. (That big house.)
Plural: Ezek a házak. (These houses.) Azok a könyvek. (Those books.)
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesForgetting the article between ez/az and the noun: 'Ez ház' is WRONG — say 'Ez a ház'. Confusing az (that/the before vowels) in its two uses — context usually makes it clear.
Omitting the definite article between ez/az and the following noun
Confusing az as demonstrative 'that' vs. az as definite article before vowels
Ez a könyv érdekes.
This book is interesting.
Ez a könyv: demonstrative + definite article + noun. The article 'a' is required between ez and the noun.
Ezeket a könyveket olvasom.
I am reading these books.
Ezeket = accusative plural of ez. The noun also takes accusative: könyveket.
Az a ház nagy.
That house is big.
Az + a + noun = that [specific] noun. Az also means 'the' before vowel-initial nouns — context clarifies.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises