Szolgálatra

Szolgálatra is a form of the Hungarian noun szolgálat, created with the suffix -ra (or -re, depending on vowel harmony) to indicate direction toward or purpose of a service or duty. In use, szolgálatra can mean “to service,” “for service,” or “for the purpose of serving,” and it typically appears in contexts referring to taking up a duty, assignment, or position, especially in military, police, civil service, or organizational settings.

Etymology and shape: The base word is szolgálat, meaning service or duty, derived from the verb szolgálni, “to serve.” The -ra/-re suffix marks destination or purpose, yielding a form that answers questions like “to where?” or “for what purpose?”

Usage: Szolgálatra is common in formal or institutional language and in historical writing. It is often paired with verbs of action or assignment, such as vanul, lép, hív, or rendel. For example, "A katona szolgálatra vonult" (The soldier went on duty), "A személyzetet szolgálatra rendelték" (The personnel were assigned to service). The related adjective szolgálati describes things connected to service, as in szolgálati idő (duty time) or szolgálati hely (duty station).

See also: szolgálat, szolgálni, szolgálati, út a szolgálathoz.

Notes: In everyday speech, other constructions may be used to express similar ideas (e.g., “szolgálatban van,” “szolgálatba lép”). Szolgálatra tends to appear more in formal, administrative, or historical contexts.