Käejäljest

käejäljest is an Estonian linguistic and legal term that literally means “by hand.” It is used to distinguish documents, signatures, or records that are produced manually from those generated electronically or mechanically. The word combines the noun käe (hand) with the suffix -eljest indicating the manner or method of an action. In everyday Estonian, käejäljest may refer to handwritten notes, letters, or drawings that have been personally created. In the legal context, the term appears in statutes and regulations that establish criteria for authenticity and validity of official documents. For example, certain property deeds or wills must be signed and submitted as käejäljest to meet archival standards. The phrase also shows up in historical references to the era before digital record keeping, underscoring the importance of manual craftsmanship in administrative processes. Käejäljest has been referenced in academic discussions on the preservation of handwritten manuscripts and the transition to digital forms of recordkeeping. Although the term is chiefly encountered within Estonia, its conceptual counterpart, “by hand,” is common in many languages and reflects a universal distinction between manual and automated production. The use of käejäljest is an example of how language preserves cultural practices regarding documentation and the perceived authenticity of human-made artifacts.