Zato, jer, zbog

ZATO (Therefore, That's why, For that reason)

Meaning: "Zato" indicates a consequence or result. It points to the effect of a previous action or statement. It answers the question "Why did this happen?" by explaining the outcome.

Function: It connects two clauses, where the second clause (introduced by "zato") is the result of the first. It shows cause and effect, but the emphasis is on the effect.

Usage: "Zato" usually comes at the beginning of the second clause, often after a comma. It emphasizes the conclusion or the reason for something being done.

English Equivalents: therefore, that's why, for that reason, consequently.

Examples:

Umorni smo, zato idemo spavati. (We are tired, therefore we are going to sleep.) (Tiredness is the cause; going to sleep is the consequence.)

Pada kiša, zato nosim kišobran. (It's raining, that's why I'm carrying an umbrella.) (Rain is the cause; carrying an umbrella is the consequence.)

Nisam imao novca, zato nisam mogao kupiti knjigu. (I didn't have money, for that reason, I couldn't buy the book.) (Lack of money is the cause; not buying the book is the consequence.)

JER (Because)

Meaning: "Jer" explains the reason or cause for something. It answers the question "Why?".

Function: It connects two clauses, where the second clause (introduced by "jer") explains the first. It emphasizes the cause.

Usage: "Jer" usually comes at the beginning of the second clause, after a comma. It explains why something is happening or why someone is doing something.

English Equivalents: because, for, since

Examples:

Idemo spavati, jer smo umorni. (We are going to sleep, because we are tired.) (Going to sleep is the action; tiredness is the reason.)

Nosim kišobran, jer pada kiša. (I'm carrying an umbrella, because it's raining.) (Carrying the umbrella is the action; rain is the reason.)

Nisam mogao kupiti knjigu, jer nisam imao novca. (I couldn't buy the book, because I didn't have money.) (Not buying the book is the action; lack of money is the reason.)

ZBOG (Because of, Due to)

Meaning: "Zbog" means "because of" or "due to." It indicates the cause of something, but often more directly and concisely than "jer."

Function: "Zbog" is a preposition. It connects a noun or noun phrase (the cause) to the rest of the sentence (the effect). It's not used to connect two full clauses like "jer" and "zato."*

Usage: "Zbog" is always followed by a noun or noun phrase in the genitive case (usually answering the question "of what"). It's not followed by a full clause with a subject and verb.

English Equivalents: because of, due to, on account of.

Examples:

Kasnim zbog gužve. (I am late because of the traffic.) (Traffic is the cause of the lateness.) "Gužve" is in the genitive case.

Nisam mogao učiti zbog buke. (I couldn't study because of the noise.) (Noise is the cause of not being able to study.) "Buke" is in the genitive case.

Umorni smo zbog dugog puta. (We are tired due to the long journey.) (The long journey is the cause of the tiredness.) "Puta" is in the genitive case.

Fill in the blank with the appropriate word: zato, zbog, jer.

1. Umoran sam, _____ sam rano otišao spavati.

I was tired, _____ I went to bed early.

Answer: zato

Zato shows the result or consequence of being tired. "I was tired, therefore I went to bed early."

2. Nisam došao na posao _____ sam bio bolestan.

I didn't come to work _____ I was sick.

Answer: jer

Jer provides the direct reason why you didn't come to work. "I didn't come to work because I was sick."

3. Vani je hladno _____ kiše.

It's cold outside _____ the rain.

Answer: zbog

Zbog indicates the cause or reason for the cold weather. "It's cold outside because of the rain."

4.Učio sam cijeli dan, _____ sam umoran.

I was studying the whole day, _____ I am tired.

Answer: zato

Zato connects the reason (studying all day) with the consequence (being tired).

5. Ne mogu ići s tobom u kino _____ moram učiti.

I can't go with you to the cinema _____ I have to study.

Answer: jer

Jer gives the direct reason why you cannot go to the cinema. "I can't go with you to the cinema because I have to study."

6. Autobus kasni _____ gužve u prometu.

The bus is late _____ the traffic jam.

Answer: zbog

Zbog tells us what is causing the delay. "The bus is late because of the traffic jam."

7. Nisam je nazvao _____ nisam imao njezin broj.

I didn't call her _____ I didn't have her number.

Answer: jer

Jer provides the direct reason for not calling. "I didn't call her because I didn't have her number."

8. Otkazao sam putovanje _____ lošeg vremena.

I cancelled the trip _____ bad weather.

Answer: zbog

Zbog tells us what caused the cancellation. "I cancelled the trip because of the bad weather."

9. Žedan sam, _____ ću popiti čašu vode.

I am thirsty, _____ I will drink a glass of water.

Answer: zato

Zato connects thirst with the action of drinking water. "I am thirsty, therefore I will drink a glass of water."

10. Ona je tužna _____ je izgubila svoj novčanik.

She is sad _____ she lost her wallet.

Answer: jer

Jer gives the reason why she is sad. "She is sad because she lost her wallet."

11. Moram ići doktoru _____ me boli zub.

I have to go to the doctor _____ my tooth hurts.

Answer: jer

Jer gives the direct reason for going to the doctor.