Learning a new language can be a complex yet rewarding experience. Slovenian, a South Slavic language, offers its own unique challenges and delights for language learners. Among the many verbs you will encounter, two essential ones are delati (to work) and poklicati (to call). Though these verbs might seem straightforward, they come with their own sets of nuances and usages that can be crucial for effective communication. This article aims to delve into these verbs, providing definitions, explanations, and example sentences to help you understand their meanings and contexts.

Understanding Delati (To Work)

The verb delati is used to describe the action of working or doing something. It is one of the most frequently used verbs in Slovenian, as it covers a broad spectrum of activities, from professional work to household chores.

delati – to work
Delam v pisarni vsak dan.
I work in the office every day.

Conjugation of Delati

Like many verbs in Slovenian, delati is conjugated differently based on the subject. Here is a brief overview of its present tense conjugation:

jaz delam – I work
Jaz delam kot učitelj.
I work as a teacher.

ti delaš – you work (singular, informal)
Ti delaš preveč.
You work too much.

on/ona/ono dela – he/she/it works
Ona dela v bolnišnici.
She works in a hospital.

mi delamo – we work
Mi delamo skupaj na projektu.
We work together on the project.

vi delate – you work (plural or formal)
Vi delate v trgovini.
You work in a store.

oni/one/ona delajo – they work
Oni delajo v tovarni.
They work in a factory.

Common Phrases with Delati

delati nalogo – to do homework
Otroci delajo nalogo.
The children are doing their homework.

delati načrte – to make plans
Mi delamo načrte za vikend.
We are making plans for the weekend.

delati kot – to work as
Ona dela kot zdravnica.
She works as a doctor.

Understanding Poklicati (To Call)

The verb poklicati means to call, typically in the context of making a phone call. It is also used when calling someone by name or summoning someone.

poklicati – to call
Moram poklicati mamo.
I need to call my mom.

Conjugation of Poklicati

Just like delati, poklicati is also conjugated based on the subject. Here is the present tense conjugation:

jaz pokličem – I call
Jaz pokličem prijatelja vsak večer.
I call my friend every evening.

ti pokličeš – you call (singular, informal)
Ti pokličeš prepozno.
You call too late.

on/ona/ono pokliče – he/she/it calls
On pokliče policijo.
He calls the police.

mi pokličemo – we call
Mi pokličemo taksi.
We call a taxi.

vi pokličete – you call (plural or formal)
Vi pokličete zdravnika.
You call the doctor.

oni/one/ona pokličejo – they call
Oni pokličejo gasilce.
They call the firefighters.

Common Phrases with Poklicati

poklicati nazaj – to call back
Moram te poklicati nazaj kasneje.
I need to call you back later.

poklicati na pomoč – to call for help
Ona je poklicala na pomoč.
She called for help.

poklicati po telefonu – to call by phone
Poklicala sem ga po telefonu.
I called him by phone.

Differences Between Delati and Poklicati

While both delati and poklicati are verbs, they serve entirely different purposes. Delati relates to the act of working or doing something, whether it is your job or any other activity. On the other hand, poklicati specifically refers to the act of calling someone, usually by phone.

delati domačo nalogo vs. poklicati učitelja
Moraš delati domačo nalogo.
You need to do your homework.

Moraš poklicati učitelja.
You need to call the teacher.

delati v tovarni vs. poklicati na delo
On dela v tovarni.
He works in a factory.

Moram poklicati na delo.
I need to call work.

Contextual Usage

Understanding the context in which to use these verbs is crucial. For instance, if you are talking about your job or any task you are performing, you will use delati. Conversely, if you are referring to contacting someone by phone or calling out to someone, you will use poklicati.

delati doma – to work at home
Pogosto delam doma.
I often work at home.

poklicati prijatelja – to call a friend
Poklicala sem prijatelja včeraj.
I called a friend yesterday.

Additional Nuances and Tips

When learning these verbs, it is beneficial to practice them in various contexts to grasp their full range of meanings. Here are some additional tips to help you master delati and poklicati.

Delati: More Than Just Work

The verb delati can extend beyond the concept of professional work. It can also be used to describe the act of making or creating something.

delati torto – to make a cake
Mama dela torto za rojstni dan.
Mom is making a cake for the birthday.

delati napake – to make mistakes
Vsi delamo napake.
We all make mistakes.

Poklicati: More Than Just a Phone Call

Similarly, poklicati is not limited to phone calls. It can also mean to call out to someone or to summon them.

poklicati po imenu – to call by name
Poklical je svojega psa po imenu.
He called his dog by name.

poklicati v pisarno – to summon to the office
Šef ga je poklical v pisarno.
The boss summoned him to the office.

Conclusion

Mastering the verbs delati and poklicati is essential for anyone learning Slovenian. These verbs are fundamental to everyday communication, whether you are discussing your job, making plans, or simply calling someone on the phone. By understanding their conjugations, contextual usages, and common phrases, you will be well on your way to using these verbs accurately and confidently. Keep practicing, and soon you will find that using delati and poklicati becomes second nature.