dóbr

Dóbr is the genitive plural form of the Polish neuter noun dobro, a term that generally means goods, property, wealth, or assets. In Polish, dóbr is used to refer to sets or categories of tangible or intangible valuables, and it appears in contexts such as law, economics, and cultural heritage.

Etymology and meaning

Dobro derives from Proto-Slavic *dobro, related to words in other Slavic languages that denote something good, advantageous, or valuable. In modern Polish, dóbr retains the sense of belongings or value and is typically translated as “goods” or “assets” in English. The genitive plural dóbr is used to express “of goods/assets” and is common in formal or technical phrasing.

Usage and examples

The form dóbr is used in combinations that name categories of items or values, for example dóbr kultury (cultural property or cultural goods), dóbr naturalnych (natural resources or natural goods), dóbr konsumpcyjnych (consumer goods), and dóbr inwestycyjnych (investment goods). It also appears in phrases emphasizing protection, management, or valuation, such as ochrona dóbr kultury or zasoby dóbr natury. Because dóbr is a plural genitive, it typically accompanies numerals, adjectives, or other modifiers that align with the genitive plural form.

Relation to related terms

Dobra, the plural form used in other grammatical contexts, is related but distinct from dóbr and can refer to things broadly considered good or advantageous, as well as to plural noun phrases naming specific goods. In usage, dóbr continually interfaces with economic and legal terminology to denote the scope of property or wealth.

See also

Dobro; dobra; ochronadóbr kultury; zasoby dóbr naturalnych.