Kötelezettség

Kötelezettség is a Hungarian noun meaning obligation, duty, or commitment. It can refer to a legal requirement imposed by law or contract, as well as to moral or social duties. In everyday language, it denotes a promise or a binding commitment someone has undertaken.

Etymology: The word is formed from the verb kötelez, meaning to oblige or bind, with the suffix -ség to create an abstract noun. It is related to the idea of being bound or tied to a duty.

In law: In Civil Law, kötelezettség describes a binding legal relationship in which one party (the debtor) must perform a specific act, such as paying money or delivering goods, to another party (the creditor). Obligations can arise from contracts (contractual kötelezettség) or from non-contractual sources, such as torts or other legal provisions (delictual kötelezettség). Breach of an obligation typically gives the right to remedies, including damages, performance, or termination of the contract.

Social and ethical dimension: Beyond law, kötelezettség also covers moral or social duties, such as obligations to family, workplace, or community. Commitments can be voluntary and long-term or shorter-term, influencing behavior and expectations within a society.

Examples: Paying a loan, fulfilling a contractual delivery, or keeping a promise are common illustrations of kötelezettség. In everyday use, it also refers to the obligations one assumes through agreements, norms, or ethical considerations.