Tarvitakse

Tarvitakse is an Estonian verb form used to express that something is needed. It is the present tense passive form of tarvitama, which means to need. In sentences, the agent performing the action is typically unspecified, so the subject can be a thing or a group, and the verb remains in its neutral, impersonal form. This makes tarvitakse a common choice for indicating requirements, conditions, or necessities without naming who requires them.

In usage, tarvitakse often appears in formal or neutral contexts such as notices, instructions, and public announcements. It signals a demand or requirement without assigning responsibility to a specific actor. The object of need is usually expressed in the partitive case or as a noun phrase following the verb, for example: infot tarvitakse (information is needed), vabatahtlikke tarvitakse (volunteers are needed), lisainfot tarvitakse (additional information is needed).

Tarvitakse is commonly contrasted with phrases that express need more directly, such as vaja on or on vaja, but it tends to have a slightly more impersonal or formal tone. The form also supports impersonal constructions in which the focus is on the necessity itself rather than on who must provide or supply what is needed.

Related concepts include tarvitama (to need), tarvete (needed items), and other Estonian expressions for stating requirements. Overall, tarvitakse is a standard, neutral way to communicate that a particular resource, action, or group is required.