Vajalikud

Vajalikud is the plural form of the Estonian adjective vajalik, meaning “necessary” or “essential”. It is used to describe items, actions, or conditions that are required or indispensable in a given context. In Estonian grammar, vajalik functions as an attributive adjective and agrees in number and case with the noun it modifies. The singular masculine form is vajalik, the singular feminine is vajalik, while the plural for all genders is vajalikud.

Etymologically, the word derives from the Old Estonian root vajad, linked to the verb vaja, meaning “to need”. The suffix -lik creates an adjectival meaning “pertaining to need”. Vajalik first appeared in written Estonian in the 19th century, coinciding with the development of modern Estonian literary language.

In contemporary usage, vajalikud is commonly found in legal, educational, and administrative texts, where it denotes requirements or mandatory elements. Examples include “vajalikud dokumendid” (necessary documents), “vajalikud sammud” (essential steps), and “vajalikud ressursid” (required resources). The term can also appear in everyday speech to emphasize the importance of particular items or actions.

The adjective can be combined with comparative and superlative forms: vajalikum (more necessary) and kõige vajalik (most necessary). It participates in phraseology such as “on vajalik” (it is necessary) and “vajalik on” (the necessary thing is). As a lexical item, vajalikud reflects the pragmatic focus on sufficiency and obligation that characterises many Estonian expressions of need.