Noudattamaan

Noudattamaan is the long infinitive form of the Finnish verb noudattaa, which means to follow, comply with, or adhere to. The long infinitive, indicated by the ending -maan or -mään, is used in certain grammatical constructions and is common in formal or written Finnish. It contrasts with the short infinitive noudattaa, which is more frequent in everyday speech.

In usage, noudattamaan typically appears after verbs and verbal expressions that govern or command another verb, or in phrases that express intent, obligation, or instruction. Examples include constructions with verbs such as kehottaa (to urge), käskeä (to command), vaatia (to demand), or suositella (to recommend). For instance, Laki kehottaa noudattamaan sääntöjä means “The law urges following the rules.” The long infinitive can also appear in certain purpose or directive phrases in formal prose.

In everyday Finnish, speakers more often use the short infinitive noudattaa in main clauses: Haluaisin noudattaa ohjeita (I would like to follow the instructions) is common, though variations with the long infinitive can occur in legal or administrative texts, where a more formal tone is desired. The long infinitive is part of Finnish’s set of infinitive forms and contributes to nuance in style and register.

Related terms include noudattaminen (the act of complying or adherence) and noudattava (adhering, compliant). Understanding when to employ the long infinitive often depends on tone and audience, with the long form favoring formal, written, or institutional contexts.