klauza

Klauza is a term used in Polish-language contexts to refer to a clause contained in a contract, agreement, or other legal document. The standard Polish word for this concept is klauzula, and klauza is generally considered a nonstandard, informal, or shorthand variant. In formal writing, klauzula is preferred, while klauza may appear in casual notes, headlines, or legal jargon as a clipped form.

In legal and contractual drafting, a klauza (clause) denotes a specific provision that governs rights, obligations, or procedures within an agreement. Examples of common clauses include force majeure, confidentiality, liability limits, and dispute resolution provisions. The meaning and enforceability of each klauza depend on its precise wording and the governing law of the contract.

Etymology and usage: the word klauza derives from the Latin clausula, meaning a closing or a provision, through the evolution of European legal vocabulary into Polish. The longer form klauzula is the standard term in contemporary Polish, while klauza appears as a clipped form in less formal contexts.

Other uses: beyond law, klauza may occasionally be encountered as a surname or as a place name in some Slavic-speaking regions, though such uses are rare and context-dependent. In most contemporary sources, the legal sense related to a contractual clause remains the primary meaning.