Obavezan

Obavezan is an adjective used in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian to denote that something is required by rule, law, regulation, or customary practice. It translates into English as mandatory, obligatory, or compulsory. The term is common in legal, administrative, educational, and organizational contexts, for example obavezan potpis (a mandatory signature) or obavezna vakcina (a mandatory vaccination).

Etymology and form: Obavezan is derived from the noun obaveza, meaning obligation or duty, which in turn comes from the idea of performing or fulfilling a duty. In sentences, the adjective agrees with the noun in gender and number: obavezan (masculine singular), obavezna (feminine singular), obavezno (neuter singular). In general usage, it follows the standard Slavic pattern of adjective agreement, with plural forms adapting to the noun they modify.

Usage: The term appears in official language as well as everyday speech to mark something that must be done or complied with. Examples include "Obavezan je potpis" (A signature is mandatory) and "Obavezna registracija vozila" (Vehicle registration is mandatory). It is often paired with nouns indicating duties, requirements, or restrictions in laws, regulations, and institutional guidelines.

See also: obaveza (obligation), obligacija (obligation in some contexts), mandatory regulations.