Referovat

Referovat is a verb used in Czech and Slovak to mean to present a report or give a talk on a topic, usually in academic, professional, or administrative settings. The related noun referát denotes the presentation itself or the written report prepared for it; in administrative language, referát can also refer to a department or section within an office.

Etymology and scope: The term derives from the noun referát, which in these languages denotes a short formal talk or a written summary. The noun is commonly borrowed from German Referat, and the concept is widespread in schools, universities, and government or corporate offices.

Usage: In education, students are commonly assigned a referát on a topic, expected to summarize source material and deliver an oral presentation to classmates or a panel. The verb is typically used in imperfective aspect, describing ongoing or habitual action, as in presenting or reporting on a topic. The form adapts to person and tense in everyday speech and writing, and a referát may accompany a short written document or be delivered as a stand-alone talk.

Other senses: In public administration and organizational contexts, referát also names a small unit or division within a ministry or office, akin to a department or section. The noun referát can therefore refer to either a formal report or an administrative subdivision, depending on context.

Slovak usage: In Slovak, the corresponding verb is referovať and the noun referát carries similar meanings, including both oral presentations and written summaries as well as an administrative unit in some institutions.