pålagt

Pålagt is a term used in Norwegian and Swedish to describe something that has been imposed or mandated by an authority. It is the past participle of the verb pålegge (to impose or require) in Norwegian, and the corresponding verb pålägga in Swedish; together they function as adjectives indicating an external obligation.

In Norwegian usage, pålagt is common in formal or legal contexts. Phrases such as "Det er pålagt å levere inn rapporten innen fristen" (It is required to submit the report by the deadline) and "Det er pålagt å bruke verneutstyr" illustrate its meaning. The word signals that an obligation flows from a rule, regulation, or directive rather than from personal choice.

Legal and administrative contexts often employ pålagt to describe duties or requirements laid down by authorities, institutions, or contracts. Related terms include pålegg (an order or directive) and påbud (an instruction or guidance). The expression helps distinguish between voluntary actions and those that are mandated.

Morphology and usage notes: Pålagt functions as an adjective or predicative form and agrees with the subject in Norwegian. It is commonly used in written and formal Norwegian; in Swedish, analogous forms exist with the same sense of externally imposed obligation, for example "Det är pålagt att bära hjälm" (it is mandated to wear a helmet).

Etymology: The word derives from prefix på- (on) and legge (to lay) in Norwegian, from Old Norse legga, and parallels the Swedish development bakom pålägga.