Pretensioon

Pretensioon is an Estonian noun that denotes a claim, demand, or assertion about a right, fact, or obligation. It is used in both formal and informal language, with nuance dependent on context. In everyday speech it can describe an ostentatious claim to status or ability, often carrying a pejorative sense of entitlement; in neutral usage it simply means an asserted right or position.

In legal contexts, pretensioon refers to a formal claim presented by a party in a dispute, typically directed to a court or administrative authority. The pretensioon states the facts, the legal basis, and the remedy sought, such as damages, performance, or recognition of rights. The term is common in statutes and case-law, often used alongside related terms such as nõue (claim/demand) and kahjunõue (damages claim).

Usage notes: When used positively, pretensioon can be neutral or technical; used pejoratively, it suggests unwarranted self-importance or impressive-sounding but unsupported assertions. In translation, it occasionally corresponds to “pretension” or “claim” in English, but the exact sense depends on context. Related Estonian terms include väide (assertion) and nõue (formal claim).