datívplúr

datívplúr is the plural form of the dative case in languages that have a morphologically marked dative. It marks indirect objects, recipients or beneficiaries, typically answering questions such as to whom or for whom something is done. In languages with several grammatical cases, the datívplúr interacts with determiners, adjectives and, in many languages, with the noun itself.

In languages with rich inflection, the datívplúr modifies the entire noun phrase. For example, in German the dative plural is expressed with a specific determiner (den) and noun and adjective endings that align with the dative plural. A common example is Ich gebe den Kindern Bücher, where den Kindern signals the plural recipient of the books. In other languages, the dative plural may be realized by different endings on nouns, or by using separate pronoun forms; adjectives within the noun phrase may also take dative plural endings.

Some languages have reduced or shifted the datívplúr through historical change, merging it with other cases or relying more on prepositional phrases to indicate indirect objects. In those systems, expressions like “to the children” or “for the friends” may be formed with prepositions rather than a distinct plural dative ending on the noun.

Provides a general reference point for understanding how indirect objects and beneficiaries are marked in languages with a dative system. Dative plural forms are often contrasted with the singular dative and other cases to show how agreement and syntax adapt to plurality.

See also: Dative case, grammatical case, plural.